Thursday, 24 July 2008

Guess what book I picked up at the Book Swap Day?

OK, it's an easy one to start with - Danny Wallace's 'Yes Man'. Yes, I'm pleased to report that saying Yes more led to me acquiring (through Librarian's front desk priviliges some books did only make it as far as my bag!) the book that inspired me to say Yes more - good eh?

Other books that I 'acquired' included Dave Gorman & Danny Wallace's 'Are You Dave Gorman?' - seen the TV series, never read the book - and a few other random novels for me, plus some books for friends' children, although I may keep hold of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' as it's such a classic.

We had 100s and 100s and of books donated which is fabulous, and all those left over are being sold off to help a charity that Ange's mum works for that is setting up schools in the Gambia.

I did purchase a natty little brown skirt and blouse combo from the local BHF charity shop, alas no tweed to be found, and was loaned a pair of delightful specs by Ange to fully engage with my librarian role - what a pretty picture...



This Book Swap followed a night of reliving my youth in roller boots, leg warmers and a ra-ra skirt at 'Armley on Wheels' and reminded me why I perhaps didn't have that many boyfriends at junior school - I had a similar taste in clothes and it was my 'style' to co-ordinate outfits in just one colour - one of my favourites was electric blue in theme and included a coat (with large shoulder pads I seem to recall), a beret, ankle boots and a silk blouse.

I was 11 at the time. Oh dear.

I'm sorry to say that things haven't changed much; the shoulder pads are gone but co-ordinated colourful outfits remain. I also picked up a purple wrap dress at the charity shop which will go nicely with my purple bag.

'Armley on Wheels' was a great success, not least because there were no injuries, particularly on my part. I was a bit Bambi-esque to begin with and the St John Ambulance girl was looking at me as if to say "Right, I know who my first patient is then - Polo mints at the ready."

I'm delighted to say that another one is in the planning - probably for Christmas and I won the prize for the name "Rolling around the Christmas tree", OK it's pretty lame but it did seem funnier at pub. But not quite as 'funny' as me not being arsed to get changed out of my costume and then bumping into a client at the Travellers' Rest dressed in the full get up - pink visor and whistle included. Oh dear. But, as I've said before, I don't really do shame, so here you go...



I'm sorry to report that I've not been able to do everything I've said yes to due to a small bout of illness recently, but I'm on the mend now and running again in preparation for the Leeds Half Marathon on September 7th. Another thing I said yes to was a request to run for Marie Curie Cancer Care which came in by phone to Johnny at Radio Leeds, just after I'd announced I was taking part in the race. Oops, you can forget people are listening sometimes! More on how to help me raise some cash very soon.

One last guessing game before I sign off. How many different kinds of lavender do you think there are? 10 or 20 tops right? Wrong. 130. I discovered this when visting the lovely Barbara Poisson at her fabulous lavender farm on Monday afternoon - visit www.penninelavender.co.uk for more info. Yet another I said yes to that I wouldn't normally do.

I think I need to do something a bit childish to counter-balance that grown-up afternoon, oh hang on, perhaps arsing about in roller boots and horn-rimmed specs fits the bill?!

Clancy xxxx

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Yes, let's!

That's my new favourite phrase - well, for this week anyway.

Not only is it something I find myself saying more and more frequently these days thanks to my new philosophy, it's also the second line of a short play that I completed the first draft of this week, which is the first bit of scriptwriting I've done in nearly six months.

Like most people I'm a terrible procrastinator - well, I'm actually quite a good one - but I managed to knuckle down and finish it off, so am feeling pretty chuffed with myself right now.

Thank you so much to those who have already given constructive comments, most have been taken on board and used to improve it. If I haven't asked for your opinion then it's because I want you to come along and enjoy it performed on 31st October/1st November at a new writers' evening - fingers crossed it gets picked please!

Other things I've been saying yes to include standing in last minute for this week's telly review on Graham Liver's show tomorrow (Radio Leeds between 11am and 12pm) - I wasn't booked to go in for another couple of weeks, but let's face it I'll never pass up an opportunity to air my views will I?

I discovered shortly after that the two programmes we'll be discussing are ones I hadn't watched, and wouldn't normally, but thanks to Virgin Media I can watch'em on my big telly via the 'Catch-up TV' option - very useful it is too.

One is New Tricks which I've now watched and it was 'OK' (it just makes me chuckle thinking about the Little Britain/Dennis Waterman sketches "Great, I get to write the theme toon, sing the theme toon"), and the other is Bonekickers, which hasn't had the best of reviews apparently but I'll give it a whirl later.

However, I also discovered that for the first time my fellow reviewer is the wonderful Nicky Pattinson - www.hiyaitsnicky.com - so it probably doesn't matter if I've watched them or not as I'll struggle to get a word in! I'm actually really looking forward to seeing the lovely Nicky as I haven't for ages.

It's the roller disco and book swap this weekend, so what with setting up, clearing away, dressing up and going to an event at Brahma Kumaris all day Saturday I'm pretty swamped this weekend, but that's the way I like it. Of course busy lives and getting pissed don't exactly go well together so am on a self-imposed drinking ban for the next week and a bit.

Which reminds me, I've also said yes to entering the Leeds Half Marathon (7th Sept) so training has already begun.

Before I go, I just wanted to share the highs and lows of British television that I've witnessed over the last week or two. A definitely low was the 'dull as ditch water' affair that saw Tim 'Personality Bypass' Henman interviewing Andy 'Miserable Millionaire' Murray. However, this for me was counter-balanced by a classic moment from 'Richard & Judy' last week, and yes I do admit I watch and like it (it's my guilty pleasure, judge all you like!).

At the end of an interview with Majid Ahmed - who was in the news recently for being refused entry to Imperial College medical school due to a criminal record - R&J plus guests Nick Ferrari and Vanessa Feltz (I tell you it's quality viewing, you're missing out!) were discussing whether or the decision meant that we'd become less forgiving as a society. Allow me to share the exchange which ensued:

Richard Madeley: Well, I wonder what Jesus would say if he was here?

Nick Ferrari: I don't know Richard, but if you could get him on you'd have one hell of a show!

Classic, and for me up there with Judy flashing her tits at the TV Awards and Richard's Ali G impression.

What shall I do for comic inspiration when they're gone?!

Clancy xxxx

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

Saying yes does make life interesting!

Yes, yes, yes! I'm pleased to report a positive influence on my life just a few days into my new philosophy.

Things I've said yes to include eating eel at last week's Thirsty Thursday - not sure I'd do it again mind you - and offering to help out at the 'Armley on Wheels' roller disco next Saturday and the book swap next Sunday.

I received a call from a friend on Monday morning to find out what size boob tube she should buy for me for the roller disco, and will also be wearing a ra-ra skirt, shiny tights and leg warmers. More about these events on facebook or at the I Love West Leeds website - www.ilovewestleeds.co.uk

I've done some other things I might not normally do, but I won't let it affect my health and fitness too much, so taking the car along to ensure I'm not tempted to drink might be a better way to manage this!

So far, so good. I'd definitely recommend it.

Clancy xxxx