Coming boomeranging back again
So fine, lets catch up on news at last, as promised. I know, been a while, but believe me, you dont want to find out just how hard the aftermath of radiotherapy is, as your body, and in my case, the brain finds the change from all of that, to none of that is quite an experience. But yes, generally, things are slowly beginning to come back on line, hence this. Some of the things that are coming back on line are not for posting in blogs, mind, lol.
So, 6th December marked the last session of radiotherapy of the 6 week session, and my next planned trip to Leeds is not until 6th January, which is already booked for the afternoon for my follow up visit. Believe me, if I see Leeds again before then, it will be too soon, lol. My friend, Angie did come across for the last day of treatment bell ringing, and at some point I will save, and post the picture of that, promise. The funny thing was the fact I had to wait for her, as I was picked up early by hospital taxi transport, there was a gap, so I got treated early, but having had a lot of late ones recently, that was a nice bonus.
In fact I’ve been out twice since then, firstly a visit to be pampered at Linda’s workplace, and make me respectable for the second trip out, the following evening for the work dinner. In truth, I had no idea how easy I would find the whole event, but found it relevantly doable, so bonus there. Oh, and had a good evening too.
Yes, I have to say I was warned the first couple of weeks after I stopped treatments, I was warned about the tiredness, and I can confirm that fact, believe me. Still, hopefully it will ease off more in the next week or so, before the trip ‘down south’ for Christmas, but I’ll get through that, I’m sure.
My only comment on the Election is that I was sort of hoping it might all calm down on Social Media after Thursday, but seemingly not. One side gloating, one side refusing to accept the result, and all that. I dread to think how long this will all take to heal, if it ever does, in my lifetime at least. Ah well…
OK, video time. To think, nearly 50 years ago, I was part of a ‘tribute’ group to this act, and in truth, you’re about as likely to find film of me performing live, as of them performing live! Mind, one of those things, you should probably be grateful for
December 12th, why all the fuss?
Alright, I’ll get to the blog title in time, but in the meantime, news about today (and tomorrow), I guess?
You know all this stuff about best laid plans, and not working out, well fine, today, but no, nothing to do with my actual treatment today, I might add.
Generally, even though officially I have to be ready for transporting to the hospital 2 hours before my appointment, its generally an hour, to an hour and a quarter before the appointment that the vehicle generally turns up. So confirming an appointment with a speech therapy person (because of my weak right side of my mouth) for 2 hours, and 10 minutes before that time should be fine, right? Well…? They only turned up about 15 minutes after planned time, which I still thought wouldnt be a problem, as it would only be a 20-30 minute meeting anyway. But of course, you guessed it, 5 minutes into our chat, my transport vehicle turned up, almost at the start of the 2 hour period. Anyway, they are meant to be rearranging, so…
As to the actual treatment, it was fine. I know, might catch up on me later, but at the time I was only surprised when they said we were done! So yes, officially 1 down, 29 to go, lol. The only sad news for those wanting me to do the full silver look for a session, I’m sorry, but the wig has to come off for the actual treatment, so cant be done. Could still do the silver bodysuit, but thats as good as it will get. Machine isnt really going to turn me into a robot anyway, but besides that… wearing that mask, hearing the machine doing its thing, its easy to let the mind wander into weird ideas, lol.
Tomorrow actually is my second latest treatment of the whole 6 weeks, due to be at 2.25 in the afternoon. Whether I can then beat the early rush hour to get home, by time transport is arranged, who knows? The latest is a week on Wednesday, at 4.05, so definitely going to have rush hour fun with that one, but anyway… Mind, I’ve got a number of early ones where I’ll hit the other rush hour, anyway, so swings and roundabouts I guess? Tomorrow also holds the wig appointment before treatment, after which I will be able to go blonde again, if so desired. I have no idea what I’m going to do most regularly, as I’m still to go with the redhead bob, but maybe tomorrow?
But looking ahead…December 12th?
Seems to currently be a lot of fuss about that date, according to the news. Well, yes, I know its the works Christmas dinner that night, but I didnt know it was that critical an event? Fine, its probably the last thing I will do with my work colleagues before medical retirement kicks in, but seriously?
Oh, whats that, possibly an election? No, I’m not making any comment on the politics of that, just the fact that someone wants an election on that date. Hopefully my postal vote will be sorted out by then, or I might have to try and get up the road to vote before heading to Bradford for the meal. As a good flapper, I probably should vote for a 20’s US presidential candidate, but…at least I wont need to get my hair done for the night, lol.
Its come to my notice that I have one more issue I need to get sorted out soon, after having dealt with the hair issue, but this one is a little bit more delicate. The other matter I’ve ignored with everything going on is the state of my ears. My hearing is a bit down, to put it mildly, but I cant blame the growth for that, its more they havent been cleared out in far too long, but I’m not actually in a good position to do it at present, ah well…I’m sure something can be done. At least I cant hear the politicians waffling (on all sides) clearly at present, but other conversations, not so good a position.
OK, the video. Well, going back to the non Christmas Dinner matter that might happen on December 12th?
Should have known better?
Some watchful people may have noticed I didnt actually comment on the election in the build up to it, and there was a good reason for that. Nowadays, as a civil servant, I have to be strictly neutral on all matters during that period, but thankfully, now its over…
In truth, I’m still not going to comment on my views of the political parties, simply because I feel its only a matter of time before we ‘party’ like 1974, and have a second attempt. Yes, I’m old enough to remember the last time it happened, even if I wasnt old enough to vote at that point. It was May 1979, and the first Thatcher win, before I could cast my vote in one.
I’m sure when Theresa May decided to call this snap election, she thought that winning it was going to be a case of just turning up, taking the plaudits, and that would be it. I bet she thinks differently now lol! Ironically, that may have been her main problem, she assumed she was just going to win it regardless, and really didnt make much effort to inspire the voters, because she didnt think she needed to! Meanwhile, Corbyn decided to make a bit more effort, and some appreciated that, and yes, fine, the rest is history by now!
There is actually a case for saying that despite an awful campaign, she still won the vote, got the most seats, but fine, its not what she, or the Conservatives were expecting, shall we say? In truth, my main issue with events since then, is her desperate attempt to cling to power, by coming to an agreement with the DUP of Northern Ireland, who are, shall we diplomatically put it, not fans of LGBT folk, like me! I doubt they will have enough power to influence the UK situation as a whole, but yes, its not going to help LGBT people in Northern Ireland in the slightest, not good.
So its all a mess, and I’m sure its only a matter of time before it all falls apart, and Election 2 is called, but…Polls are now showing Labour ahead! I suspect part of this is the LGBT issue, and the DUP, and another part is the arrogant way that May has continued to behave since Thursday night. Not that I’m a fan of either major party, but…Also, there is the matter of the Liberal Democrats leader showing definite homophobic tendencies (on a claimed religious basis), and where do we go?
But yes, I suspect now, if you offered Theresa May the choice of an election, or not, knowing what we know now, she might decide otherwise!
Fine, before we party like 1974…the video. What the Conservatives might be thinking, right now…
I know a place to go…
…and avoid at least 10 days of the election hype that we’re now going to have thrust on us, yet again! With luck, I can avoid a lot more than that, but that at least is guaranteed. Yes, could hardly ignore the announcement of a General Election at the beginning of June, could I? No, given my job in the Civil Service, and the fact that my readers will cover the range from Labour, to UKIP, I’m not going to give my views here on any issues, so dont ask! I will vote, and I have a good idea who I will vote for, but I’m not saying more.
The only blessing, as I say, with the timing, is that I’m going to miss 10 days of the campaign, while away in California. Note, I left out the word ‘relaxing’ because in all truth, there will definitely be a good percentage of the time when I will be trying to sell myself to people, or at least I hope there will be. Fine, I will enjoy myself as well, but yes, its probably my last big chance to make it in LA, so…
Fine, I’ll have to kick my unofficial press officer (yes, she will know who I mean!) and see if she can perform miracles at getting me noticed in LA. Yes, Madi, I am joking really, but if you can…lol!
When I was last in LA 18 months ago, I registered with a Transgender Talent Agency, and dropped an email to them, knowing I was only in town for a short period of time, to get myself known with them at least. Yes, she picked it up only after I’d come back, but said to give her notice when I’m going across again, so today, I have! Even if it doesnt provide instant offers, at least she’ll know me, I’ll know her, and who knows where it might lead from there? Movie fame, I doubt it? A decent run in lesser roles in theaters, well who knows, just maybe? I know, it might lead to more, but I’d settle for that chance for now.
Should anyone want to stun her, by asking about my services, before she meets me, the agency can be found here http://www.transgendertalent.com/ Mind, you need to ask for Harlean, not the name suggested by the blog lol!
Sadly, I’ve heard no more about possibly working on a documentary over there, down in San Diego, so I’m assuming thats not now going to happen, but I will drop a line at some point, just to make sure, but fine, that was maybe hoping for a little too much? But if you dont try?
Fine, I might hope that one of the chat show hosts might have been, by chance looking at the Civil Service Blog, and seen my piece, but I would say that ranks somewhere between no chance, and less, but hey, until I come back, you never know? Lol! I must also contact that lovely lady who interviewed me 18 months ago, and see if she wants to do a follow up, or not?
In truth, I only wish I had the time, money, and holiday allowance to extend the holiday by another fortnight or so, and miss the whole ghastly General Election experience, but not to be. Yes, I would still vote, I’d get a postal vote, if that miracle happened! I’ll start one of these funding campaigns if someone wants to provide for the extended stay, mind. No, thought not!
But yes, I know a place where about 650 people will be seeking a job at that time, and 1 person who will hopefully be doing the same in La La Land! I know who I suspect will be more successful, but…?
And that last comment, and the blog title leads to tonights video. Two Petula Clark classics for the price of one, and before you think that its a long video, the last 2 minutes can be cut off easily, and not miss anything.
Dress to impress?
OK, fine, I know, a bit of catching up to do, thats what life, and a pile of various interviews will do for you! So lets get started
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I was always told that you ‘dress to impress’ when you go for a job interview. Be it just with a job agency, or a potential employer, you look smart, and well dressed, to make them think you’re the right person for the job, yes? OK, clown in the circus might be different, but otherwise…
So you can imagine my amusement earlier this week when I went for a receptionist role, in a ‘posh’ vintage tea room company, and saw the 2 young ladies being interviewed in front of me. To the credit of one, at least she wore a top, and trousers, but they certainly werent what I would call of the ‘quality’ type. The other, oh please, leggings, and boots!
The lady being interviewed with me was in a dress at least, which made me feel better, but even so…The irony is, the 2 younger, prettier, but under dressed girls will have more chance of getting the job than me, because he was also after a PA, and they would look better as eye candy than me! But we will see…
Yes, I’ve never been sure whether you need to dress up for an appointment at an employment agency, but I tend to do so. Maybe its just an older lady thing, maybe its just that I enjoy wearing a dress, but anyway…I do! Well, fine, the second one was a follow on visit from a job interview, so I needed to be dressed up, but I would have done anyway.
The other job interview this week was yesterday morning, in Batley. In fact, thats why I had to register at an agency on Thursday! So yes, amusing moment, a job, working close to the Hollywood sign, what more could I ask for? Alright, its not THE Hollywood sign, just one belonging to a local club, named Hollywood Legends, but even so…
Given my recent record with competency questions, I decided it was time to try something different, so I did. For those who have been reading a while, you know this, but for the newer folk…last November, I was hypnotised (not for the first time), and Jean-Bot was created in my sub concious. Yes, Jean Harlow, though strictly she was created as a bot, so she could cope with modern life situations. But bubbly, confident, and everything else Harlow was, absolutely. So basically, I let her loose in my mind for about 5 minutes before I went in for the interview, and told her to see what she could do. The only reason I couldnt let her do the interview is because she talks with Jean’s Kansas accent!
Anyway, end result, the best interview I’ve had this time around, by far. As long as ‘she’ doesnt think that she’s got the job, all will be fine! Mind, if I have, she probably got it for me, so…The other amusing thing, and the first time I’ve seen this was some sort of Personality Profiling test. Most of it was fairly standard stuff, but the 3 questions where the options included, obedient, controlled, and submissive amused me no end! I will have to be careful with the training methods used, clearly lol! Kidding, I think?
After that, another agency yesterday afternoon, something different job wise. I did do some call checking at Hills, and this job would be doing more of that, for an insurance company in Wakefield. Well, I wanted to do something new, so…
Oh, I’d better mention the General Election, I guess? Well, I sort of expected the Conservatives might have been the largest party, but getting an overall majority, yes, you got me there! I’m not surprised the Lib Dems almost got wiped out, seat wise, though I would have preferred less votes for UKIP, but anyway…though ironically I ended up feeling rather sorry for Farage in the end, with his vote on Friday.
Tomorrow, I’m torn whether to head into Leeds, or not. There is a vintage fair there, at the Town Hall, but its also the Leeds Half Marathon in town, so how easy it will be to get to, no idea. Also, should I be spending money on luxuries, when I havent yet got a job? I will see how I feel in the morning, but I’m tempted.
Right, lastly, the video. Relates to the General Election. One of my favourite Madonna songs, and the video has such an old fashioned feel to it too.
Meet with the people
Yes, make the most of this, or the least of it, as you wish, as there wont be much general election coverage after this, I promise you. But today seemed an apt day, given an event locally, so…
Thats right, 5 weeks tomorrow, we get to vote for the next government. I’ll sum it up succinctly by saying that I’m glad I’m away from all that fuss for the best part of a fortnight, and leave it at that. So why today? Well, because I discovered on the news tonight that the Labour leader, Ed Milliband was in Huddersfield today. No, I didnt get to see him, but dont feel as if I missed much in that case.
And before anyone accuses me of political bias, I would have thought the same way about David Cameron, the Conservative leader. Or pretty much any of the others, to be honest.
Though to be fair, in Huddersfield, what I think, and who I vote for wont matter too much, Labour will win the seat. Yes, one of those seats where the ‘monkey’ with the right rosette would win regardless, ah well…I know there is the UKIP wild card this year, but I cant see them really changing things around here, even if I wanted them to.
To be honest, 5 weeks before the election, I havent a definite take on who will get my vote. Up to now, I’ve pretty much supported the Lib Dems (or whichever title they were at the time), but convincing myself to vote for them, this time around, is tough. Yes, maybe the Conservatives would have been worse, on their own, but I cant say I’ve seen too much Liberal influence to be honest.
As to Labour, well Milliband has all the looks of a rabbit in headlights to me, well out of his depth, and few policies I could support. Snag is, I dont have a great deal of faith in Cameron either, so yes, I’m running out of choices fast!
No, dont go down the UKIP road. Apart from the fact that (generally) I’m pro Europe, their homophobic stance makes them pretty much a big no no for me anyway.
So, unless I decide not to vote (not my thing, I feel I have to vote, if I want to moan), that leaves 1 party around here, the Green Party. Well yes, as a non driver, who needs a decent public transport service, they should be the party for me, but…even they try to put their foot in it, on an LGBT front, seemingly. At the same time, they are probably the party I’m closest too, and they give me the chance to complain about whoever is in power (as it wont be them), they would probably get my vote at present.
But overall, I dont have that much faith in any of them! No, this hasnt always been the case, but its how I feel after the last 5 years. If you twist my arm, then yes, I’d rather have a Conservative led government, than a Labour one, just because I get some good feelings about Cameron, and none about Milliband, aargh!
And of course, after all this, they wont take any interest in ordinary folk for another 5 years, any of them!
The video, probably what all the politicians think of most of us, for all but 6 weeks, in the run up to a general election
stevielounicks 
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