Good old fashioned Civil Service?
Any readers old enough to have seen ‘Yes, Minister’, or ‘Yes, Prime Minister’, or more likely, have seen any number of the repeats over the years, probably have an image that every Civil Servant, even now, wears an immaculate suit, or dress to work, depending on gender, and preference of wear. How do I break this to you, it doesnt happen.
I’m not saying that some of the top echelon dont do so, but at our level, smart casual clothing is fine. Well, normally it is, but… A month today (19/9, or 9/19. depending where you reside), we’re being given free reign to dress up posh at work, for the day. It is for a good cause, it will raise money for charity, and there will be prizes for the best looks. Then yes, back to standard smart casual the next day, lol!
Who, me, dressing up, of course I will be, darlings! Though to be fair, unless First Buses are prepared to actually clean their buses, it will be work only wearing a dress! Well, I wont get changed when I go out to get lunch, but anyway… But yes, if I had faith in a clean bus turning up, I would wear it to work, believe me! Both the most suitable dresses are floor length, so pavements might be issue too, but anyway, the concept of wearing a dress to work, and back, done it before, and will do it again!
My obvious choices at present, are either the Flapper Dress I wore to my Birthday celebrations, which most at work havent seen, or a wonderful vintage style dress I bought in Kansas City many years ago, and have only worn a couple of times, as its a real special occasion dress! Which it will be, well, wait and see! Or read on here, in most cases, I guess? I must admit, it will be interesting to see what others decide to wear too.
So yes, for one day at least, Sir Humphrey Appleby would probably approve of Civil Service wear, lol.
Video time. Yes, you can tell this really is live, as there are a few ‘moments’ in this when things dont go quite to plan. I suspect this will be a new song to most, if not to me. Yes, I purchased the single of this, about 46 years ago! Was a rarity, actually, as the label was incorrectly pressed, another song, different artist, lol. B side was correctly done though, lol.
What do you go for?
Generally nowadays, most sports that I’ve seen in person in my life, I’ve seen both pre, and post transition. In fact I cant think of one that I’ve only seen post transition in truth. There are a few, that I only saw live in school years, because of being on school teams, so in those days, annual trips gave me the chance. The two I remember strongly are tennis at Wimbledon (I wasnt any good, but hardly anyone played, so others got the chance to go, to fill the coach), and athletics, because despite all my physical limitations, there was something about me, and a shot putt, that just clicked for a couple of years, so…Crystal Palace, for some competition saw me there once. The only other two that ring a bell in that sense, are football, because of course when I was young, all boys were expected to go to the game, so I had that initiation of life in my time. I cant see me ever going now, in truth, but never say never, and all that…
The other, and probably only sport that I havent been to post transition, and think that it might be fun to do so, is horse racing. Not because I have any great interest in the sport nowadays, but purely and simply because I think it would be fun, just once, to get dressed up nicely, and taken to the races. Or at least go, if nothing else. In truth, I cant remember the last time I went to the races in this country. I’m guessing it would be Newbury, at some point in 2001, as I working there at the time. In fact, I have been to 1 meeting since then, but it was in the US, at Philadelphia Park, and even that must be about 10 years ago, or more. That was fun, no entry fees! To be honest, I suspect that one of the reasons I havent yet fulfilled my ambition to go to the races in a nice dress, and shoes, is the cost of entry to meetings over here, especially the bigger ones. Yes, Yorkshire sensibilities with money, and spending it, probably play a part in that call.
There is also the factor that one of the major reasons for going to the races is the gambling side of it, and lets face it, I’m a once a year punter now, so…is it a silly thing to want to do? I guess its just one of those silly, completing the circle of life things that I feel I would love to do?
So what brought all this on, you ask? Well, most of my race going has been less than major meetings, with just one little exception, the Punchestown Festival, in Ireland. Yes, that started today. In truth, I watched one race, the fun one. Yes, the one over the cross country course, much more fun than standard racing lol! I went there a few times in the 90’s, never been back since, and now probably never will! Likewise, the only course I’ve never been to, that I would love to go to, is a quirky one. Yes, Laytown, on the beach. I know, you wouldnt wear a nice dress to go there, lol! Still would be on my dream list, but likely to go no further now, I suspect?
Will I complete that circle in life, who knows? If you asked me honestly, probably not. So many reasons its silly to want to do it, and just the one that makes me want to do it, but I’m sure unless I get free tickets somehow, will not get done, ah well. But, maybe…? All the same, dont expect me to wear heels, if I do! 😛 As for Royal Ascot, I really dont think so! Please, me, in a silly hat?
Fine, what would I go to the races for, but to be one of those beautiful dames, of course! So, 30’s musical time…
Give A Little Bit
No, dont panic, I’m not expecting you to pay me any money or anything to read this, or even look at the pictures. However, I was sort of collecting at work yesterday for breast cancer charity for doing this, and did consider setting something up for people to donate from here, but seriously, by the time Go Fund Me (or whoever) took their share out of what is likely to be a tiny sum, I cant see any point! However, if the amusement of this leaves you so inclined to do so, then feel free to do so directly to the relevant charity in your Country, they’ll probably get more money that way. If you dont want to do it for your own charity, for whatever reason, then send it to a UK one. If you want to say Harlean sent you lol…?
So yes, yesterday it happened, and I must admit, it was great fun dressing up again, this time as an elf. Oh, photo? Fine…Behave, girl!
Before you ask, 2 donations already, plus 1 more tomorrow, so…if you wish to add? 😉
There were 2 other wonderful people who also got dressed up for the day, so I didnt just have the idea to my(s)elf about this. I’m sure they wont mind me posting this, but if they do, and in years to come, this blog doesnt make sense, you know why!
Will I do it again, given the chance? You bet I will! Seeing theaters, and other media people arent rushing for my services nowadays, it will probably be the only way I do!
As for today, back as a human all day…
In recent months I got a couple of vouchers for various rewards, one for being a clever golf tipster (not mentioned before), and one for the transgender presentation I did for work (mentioned before). But being a practical Yorkshire lass, I hadnt got around to spending them, until today…
Given the old creaking bones nowadays find going out to work hard enough, the thought of going into town looking for things, especially at this time of year holds no appeal for me. So, I was limited to sites I could shop from online, that I could use through my ‘One4All’ reward card. So I looked at a few sites, suitably unimpressed, and then saw TK Maxx was available. So, checking it out, I found this https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/womens-mod-box/coral-floral-lace-bardot-dress/p/15098674 and bought it! Put it this way, I certainly wouldnt buy it at the so called normal price, but at that price, of course I did!
I then went for the work voucher, which I put on Amazon to spend, and had a look around. After much looking, and trying to decide what to do, I ended up taking a different course to plan. I was hoping to find a ‘long’ flapper style dress for about the £25, but no joy. Then again, lets face it, young flappers were looking to show their legs, not hide them! But fine, I’m not young, so…I did find a nice, maxi length one, but it was about £40, so no… In truth, I do own 2 flapper style dresses, both above the knee, and never likely to be worn by me outside of home!
So what did I do, you ask? Well, of course I now know of a second movie that Clara Johnson appeared in, so I’ve added that to my collection. ‘Strike Me Pink’, supposedly starring Eddie Cantor, but for me, featuring a certain Miss Johnson will shortly be winging its way to me. I also went on a silver color clothing hunt, and found a silk skirt, with elasticated waistband, so got that instead. Both wont arrive until New Year, movie from US, skirt from China, but at least I’ve now finally spent the vouchers!
Oh, and the blog title, nothing to do with the charity campaign, and everything to do with some ghastly Amazon adverts! Guess what, the video is that song, only sung decently by original Supertramp member, Roger Hodgson
Christmas Time (Dont let the Elves loose)
Well, if that title has got you totally confused, its a play on what, in my opinion at least, was the last decent Christmas record made. Oh fine, its totally over the top, reminds me of the glam rock era, so thats probably why I love it, but anyway…
So fine, given I havent got a lot of material to work with tonight (suggestions would be wonderful), lets run with the entertainment of the weekend. Yes, this does include serious work, but a lot of other things as well.
As I’ve mentioned before, the office is a serious (well, relatively), hard working place for 5 days of the week. Then, along comes Saturday! Now, because a good percentage of our work involves dealing with Solicitors, and other legal people, who dont work on Saturday’s, the last day of the week tends to be relatively quiet. It means we get more admin work done, as even with less of us in, the phone call numbers are definitely less. And while work is still done with dutiful care, the atmosphere of the office tends to be lighter, especially if Madi is in.
It also means that meetings can be held, tests can be taken, and lots of other useful things. Yes, I did both yesterday. What also happened yesterday, was preparations for the Christmas Display checks, which will be done tomorrow. One item in our teams display, is one of those singing animal things (reindeer), singing Jingle Bell Rock. Yes, it might have got played yesterday at some point, when all was quiet lol! And it was singing away again as I left the office yesterday too.
The other related piece of Christmas craziness, is that well known office tradition, the Secret Santa presents. Yes, I’m involved, though I have no idea why I do it, given I never know what to buy for people I know, let alone those I dont! But anyway, Wednesday week (20th), at the last team meetings before Christmas, said presents will be given out. Given diversity, we have a Miss Claus this year, yes, Madi. She will also be having an assistant elf, yes, me! Much to the disappointment of someone (who shall remain nameless), my outfit at least is relatively tame, material wise at least, but as I was buying, I cant afford leather lol!
Still, its quite cute, I think…? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360685383755
So, if anyone has roles for an elf in the near future, just let me know, OK? 😉
Right, the video. I think its fair to say that The Darkness felt like Glam Rock revived, and their Christmas hit most definitely has that feel. Enjoy, folks. And I promise, if anyone wants to risk their camera/phone, by taking a picture of me in that elf outfit, and sends me a copy, I will post it as a Christmas, err, treat for you!
Stepping Into Christmas Outfits
(Major tongue in cheek warning here)
Did you know there are some people that think all Civil Servants are pompous, presumptuous, and controlling, a bit like Humphrey Appleby in Yes, Minister, and Yes, Prime Minister TV series? Maybe they were back in the 70’s, and 80’s, but now, seriously…we’re almost as human as the rest of you! 😛
Dont get me wrong, we take our jobs very seriously (quite rightly), but anyone who thinks every man comes into the office dressed in suit, and tie, and women dressed in business dress, and high heels, well, you’re going to be disappointed, all the same!
For those of you keeping an eye on the calendar, you might have noticed that December, and Christmas is just around the corner? So yes, that means that ‘annual delight’, the buying of gifts for a work colleague, better known to some as ‘Secret Santa’. Yes, even Civil Servants do these things. I know, shocking! Well, our office does, anyway.
So fine, we all buy one present, hand it to one of the team leaders, and then all presents are handed out dutifully, right? Wrong, seems there is a demand for a Miss, or Mrs Claus to hand out the gifts. Which might seem a little ott, except that we have a team leader, and an actress who quite fancy that idea! Now whether this is a dull, practical outfit, or something slightly more fun, well…lets wait and see! But, if you fancy a few pennies on the latter, you might be on a winner! Given I’m nearly 60, I suspect not too wild (plus it is a working office), but something a little fun, absolutely.
I do believe that many years ago, and I do mean many years ago, I dressed up as a helper for Santa. No, I cant remember why, it would be around 40 years ago, and my memory isnt that good! So it wont be a first, but definitely will be fun if it happens.
Yes, as I say, we Civil Servants really are a dull, boring bunch! Honest! Well, maybe…?
Right, 2 videos for the price of 1 tonight, you are honored. Firstly, a harking back to my teens, a tribute band. No, most would never have heard of the bands we covered, so lets leave it there. This is decent, and the guy is clearly a Dodgers fan (Excellent taste), so lets run with this. No, I know nothing more about him, before you ask.
Secondly, some very suitable female outfits for Christmas. Also, its from Boston, a wonderful city in New England. I suspect what I might be wearing might not be a million miles from this, just warning you.
You cant shock an actress with less than a few hundred volts!
One of the amusing things that happens at work, is that some people think I can be easily shocked, because I seem such a quiet old lady at times. No idea where they get that idea from, but anyway…
So when the talk arose about a new seat for myself, designed to at least aid me with my back issues, someone in the office came up with some interesting designs, shall we say? No, I’m not going to describe them, but some of the items involved were definitely, err, adult, shall we say? It fair to say he wasnt expecting my reaction to be just how much I liked the look of them! Yes, lets say that one of them would make moving your chair an arousing experience, and leave it at that.
The snag with that, of course, is that in my acting life, its fair to say that I’ve seen my share of weird things used as props, and I’ve certainly worn some outfits that you wouldnt normally walk down the street wearing. Fairies, gnomes, and all variety of fae folk, yes, been there, acted that, probably!
I’ve also worn leather in my time, though I’m not sure if that was for a role, or for a shoot, as it was a long time ago now. I’ve also worn a silver zentai suit for more personal fun reasons as well. Now, a role that required me to wear something like that, oh yum!
Mind, nowadays my body is probably in a state (with the need for a wheelchair at times) where the Davros (of Dalek fame) look would be more apt, and more suitable. And fine, I wouldnt mind the wired up stuff either!
But in truth, probably the weirdest (though both for charity reasons) were outfits where if I didnt remove the head, you wouldnt have known I was in there. One Children in Need day, while working in Newbury, I wore a Teletubbies suit at work, all day. Tinky Winky, if I remember rightly, for those who want to know. But as I was working, between photos being taken, and taking donations, that head didnt stay on all day. Might have been fun, but hot if I had, but anyway…
Much further into the past, I actually wore a similar design, and didnt get to take my head off, for a few hours at least. Yes, for some charity event (I have no idea, its about 40 years ago!), I was a Womble! No, I have no idea which one now, but it was great fun to do.
But yes, like most people who have spent any reasonable amount of time in the acting world, when it comes to clothing, or other outfits, we’re pretty hard to shock. Electric shock might just work, but unless its a decent voltage, with me, well… 😉 And yes, those ECT scenes you see in movies, or on TV (or on You Tube), then yes, I’d love to act one of those, believe me!
So sorry folks, trying to shock me with talk of strange chairs, or strange outfits, you need to try pretty hard lol!
The video, well, it relates to one of those outfits. Some of it is clearly live (the Intro), though I’m not sure how live the singing actually is. And no, sadly, none of said Wombles was me!
Night or Day?
Well yes, we are now into December, and indeed 3 weeks today, as Slade said, and you will probably hear again this year, ‘It’s Christmas!’.
Last year, I missed out on the works Christmas Dinner for the first time in 7 years, because I wasnt working! Yes, those William Hill dinners were fun, even if someone I knew got far too drunk every year, and that was before the meal even got started. His choice of outfits were, err, interesting too! Love you Andy, really I do! No, not in that sense, heaven forbid!
What I used to do, because these were midweek, and I’d be working the next day, was stay in a (relatively cheap) hotel in Leeds overnight, and then go to work direct from there the next morning. No, I’m not a big drinker, so it never bothered me covering for those who wanted to celebrate a little more! Mind, even if it had been a Saturday night, I could well have been working the next day, anyway! The other advantage of staying at a hotel was that I could get dressed up after work, once I got there, not have to be dressed up all day.
So anyway, next Saturday is my new job’s Christmas Dinner, though this is a departmental thing, not a building one, as far as I know. Yes, a working day, but no point in booking a hotel, as Sunday is most definitely not a working day at our place. But yes, it means I’ve got a choice to make. Do I just wear a nice top, slacks, as I would do anyway, or do I get dressed up for a working day? No, definitely not wearing high heels lol! 😛
Probably going to go with the dress, though unless it warms up considerably, it wont be a thin, short one, or one that reveals any glimpse of leg! So probably the black lacy one, but we will see. Yes, this one
Not the greatest shot of it, but the only one I’ve got, so… Yes, I’ll definitely wear a coat over the top when I go over the road to buy lunch! Mind, this time of the year, I need to, anyway!
Oh, and for those of you who might complain about government spending, we pay for ourselves!
Dont worry, I’m sure I will bore you with Christmas songs over the next few weeks, but I’ll let you off tonight. Now, if I only had a dress like Ginger’s…and a fraction of her dancing skills!
Dress you up?
Alright, fine, given that I didnt want to do another passport office, or weather related blog, I thought I’d give this a whirl. Neither situation is great at the moment, but thats beside the point. Though in a sense, this came about because of the weather in the US, but anyway…
It seems this video has pretty much gone viral, so you’ve probably seen it before, so I’ve pinched one of the shorter sections
Yes, absolutely adorable, but people do forget that parts of China do get well below freezing in winter (Harbin has an ice festival), so this may not have been as much of a shock for this panda, as some might have thought. He had probably never seen anything quite like it in Washington, mind.
So fine, someone decided to play along with it, and this morning, I saw this,
Yes, great fun, and probably not a bad way to stay warm in some parts of the US at present, safely inside of that outfit, even when rolling in the snow. And yes, most definitely I would, given the chance. Which leads me on to…
I’m actually putting up tips for a site, on Facebook. No, not anything I dont like, like football, or stuff I dont think I know enough about, like horse racing, but on the sports I think I do, like American Football, and Golf. And fine, I’m doing a decent job on it, even more so after posting a number of winning selections for the Carolina game on Sunday. Not getting paid, but at least its keeping the mind ticking over, if not assisting the ever decreasing bank balance! There is a very good subscription service there too, I might add. Any gamblers who want details, ask at any of my many routes of contact (Here, Facebook, Twitter), and I’ll provide you with them.
But at the moment at least, I’m just posting on the non subscription board, along with a few others. What happened last week was that someone posted suggestions for one of the all weather meetings, and they didnt do very well. Someone else took note of them, backed them, and lost money, and then proceeded to call the whole thing a group of muppets, or something like that. At which point silliness abounded, and the Miss Piggy jokes started to flow, and developing into a few other muppet characters for other regulars. The trouble is, both us ladies fancied being Miss Piggy, but anyway…a few photos went up about it, great fun.
Oh, and me, I love the whole dress up idea, whether you call it cosplay, or just dressing up, take your pick. So yes, fine, I commented that I’d happily dress up in any of those type of suits, given the outfit, and given the chance. But fine, especially at the moment, I’m in no position to buy any for myself! But if anyone wants to get me something, I’ll definitely provide photos, though I cant guarantee playing in the snow, around here!
I know, not going to happen, but it would be fun! Oh, and one last photo before I sign off, this got posted on one of the many vintage type boards I inhabit on Facebook today, a couple at the races, about a century ago.
Not quite what I’d normally wear to go to Doncaster races on Saturday (if invited), but I would if the outfit was provided, you bet I would!
Lastly, the video. Well, as so often, the clue is in the title, though its not one of Madonna’s greatest musical moments, I must say
The high heels issue
Yes, I know, its a day late, but to be honest, last night I couldnt think of anything inspiring to write about, given I havent actually been out the last few days, and all. But thankfully, today, along came the Cannes Film Festival to inspire me.
Under normal circumstances I avoid high heels, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, when you’re the best part of 6 foot tall, you dont need them. Well, OK, if I want to intimidate most men from about 6′ 4″, then fine, wear them. If I’m meant to be the demure little lady, well, maybe not?
Equally, there are times when I will wear them, as a must. Job interviews (though the last couple, due to knee issues have been low heels) are pretty seen as a must, even if it does leave me taller than the person who might employ me, but anyway…Also, any nice event, like dinner out with the others here, or the Film Noir party, absolutely!
But otherwise, flats, or the low heels are my norm to wear.
Now, I’m not ever likely to walk down the red carpet at Cannes, or anywhere else. I guess one of my books could be adapted into a movie, but even then…rolls eyes! Last night, at Cannes, women were being turned away from the cinema, unless they were wearing high heels! Yes, fine, if you can, but some of these people had good, medical reasons for not wearing high heels! Yes, my knees are a pain, but medically unable to wear heels, of course not!
Thankfully, this seems to have caused quite a furore, and has left people at the Festival trying to rescue themselves by not saying that high heels are a must, but seemingly it is. I suspect it will come down to the organisers trying to protect themselves, but as people would say, that ship has probably sailed by now, full of bad publicity!
Whatever next? All women must wear corsets, maybe? Hey, I might, but can you imagine any man thinking that bringing that rule in wouldnt bring the wrath of everyone down on them? Yes, high heels, for ‘posh’ events are seen as a done thing, but for those who cant wear them, for good reasons, sense should prevail.
OK, rant over.
The video? Well, you could say that if a sexy young woman was wearing high heels, she might be up for this? Sorry!
A day at the races?
Well, I had a couple of options lined up for tonight, but given the seeming popularity of the last post, maybe I should follow up in the same style? I may come back to the other matter, if I lack for ideas on Saturday, but for now… more of the joys of womanhood.
When I was a guy, a very, very long time ago, I used to go horse racing. No, I never gambled great sums of money, it was more of a fun day out, though if I could win a few pennies into the bargain, then great. But otherwise…
Most of the meetings I went to, back then, were humble affairs. The like of Taunton, Wincanton, Newton Abbot and Exeter in the 80’s never had dozens of women dressing up in style. Some would dress nicely, but a good percentage, well, they were just there for the racing.
But even back then, when the big meetings came along, the men would be nicely dressed, the women dressed up even more so, but to be honest, those werent generally the meetings I went to. Besides which, most of those were on a Saturday, and in the betting industry, even more so back then, you never got the day off.
Now to be fair, I havent been racing in this country since 2001, when I left Newbury. I dont know, even when I worked at Blue Square, and William Hill again, I didnt show interest in going, no idea why? But yes, many a time, at Huddersfield station, on race day, principally at York, I would see the ladies dressed up, in dress, and heels, heading off to the races. Maybe its a flat racing thing, thinking about it? And yes, just maybe, I have wondered what fun it would be, to square that circle, and go racing as a woman?
No, I dont think I’m ever likely to do it on my own. It either seems a couple thing, or a group of girls thing, if its not just men heading to the races. But yes, maybe one day, I will have to get to the races, in a dress, and high heels (eek), and see what its like, to see it from the ‘other side’ of life. But given I’m unlikely to get such an invite…ah well…
As for Royal Ascot, I dont think so! But I suppose nowadays, with the right hat…just maybe…?
The video, a slight connection. One of those Monkees songs that doesnt get remembered as much as others
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