LGBT United
I know, blog is supposedly a day late, sorry, and all that. But yes, I was busy yesterday, very sore when I got back, which is why you’re getting this tonight, as work was a no go today, but thankfully the hours from yesterday sort of make up for that.
Yesterday’s trip out actually began, and ended with something that was not out of the ordinary, Trans Pennine Express trains running very late, to, and from Manchester. If I say the departures/arrivals, the closest to punctuality was 7 minutes, you get my drift!
As stated in the previous blog, my first ever Civil Service Conference was related to LGBT issues, so no shock there. The toilets were strictly gender neutral, but yes, the women all stuck to the ladies, and the men to the gents side. Hardly surprising given we cant use urinals, lol! But a lovely gesture, all the same.
The first talk was a pair of people from the Welsh Government Civil Service, and their thriving LGBT section, and the work they do. Very good, very impressive, and just showed how much my department has to do if we’re going to get Stonewall awards too. Got some good tips about what we might want to do, at least.
Talking of Stonewall, our next speaker was actually representing them, giving us lots of useful information on what they do, what they can do to help us improve our diversity standings, and what we could get involved in, if we wanted to, which is probably more useful for London folk, than us a long way from town, but still stuff for us.
Then into the first panel discussion of the day, which was interesting to listen to, though you can never be sure if leaders are saying what they think, or what they think we want to hear? Probably just being cynical on that front, but I’ve been there so often in my life, probably just me jaded by bosses at my previous job, who wouldnt have known what Diversity & Inclusion was, if it had bitten them on their backsides!
After lunch we broke off into selected rooms, for various sessions. Firstly I went with my own department Pride group, who were looking for suggestions on ways to improve matters, both for members, and those of us on committees, and groups as well.
My second session was in the same room (tactical health planning, lol), and was 2 Team Leaders advising us on how they dealt with someone who transitioning in their section. Now, without wishing to show bias, I would say the TL’s at my place handled it with me in a far better way. Mind, I guess its easier when someone has already transitioned, not transitioning in that role, but anyway…
Lastly, I went to a heart rending session, which was a Trans male, writing to his younger self, about what was going to happen in the rest of his life. I could relate to this so easily, because other than a reversal of genders, it was pretty much my story too.
After that, a different panel, for another panel discussion, which summed up the day, and yes, confirmed what a great success it was. We had a good split on the LGBT rainbow, and allies there, which was a good sign. What I did realise, and that Stonewall had mentioned can be an issue, was just how ‘white’ the room was. Hopefully, the next time, assuming there is one (and there should be), we can get a little more widespread representation on that front at least.
But was it a worthwhile event, absolutely, and praise goes to all who helped to arrange it, especially Rachel, who did incredible stuff, just to get this on. Who knows, maybe the next time, I’ll be one of the speakers, or presenters, we will see. But put it this way, I will, if I can!
Oh, and if any readers came out yesterday, on ‘World Coming Out Day’, I say congratulations, and wish you well for your future.
OK, video time. Showing my age, as this is 48 years old! And before anyone says this isnt Brotherhood Of Man, because they know the Eurovision group, you’re right, this is an entirely different line up, but they predate the other line up by about 6 years, but given these were all session singers… they needed replacements, lol
If I was?
Firstly let me say that I didnt see this on TV last night, only finding out about it after it had all happened. Besides which, given I tend to avoid this sort of reality TV, I probably wouldnt have watched it, even if I had known, given what I’ve since read of her views beforehand. Yes, but for Twitterverse, I might never have known about it, though given the coverage it got this morning, that might have been hard to miss!
So my views are more my own, and as much as I could gather from comments from Twitter, and various media outlets, which may not be all that reliable.
Right, disclaimer over. Thats right, for those in the UK at least, who might know about it, the C4 program last night, A Week As A Muslim, is what I’m talking about tonight. For those elsewhere in the world, well, you’ve seen as much of it as I have!
It seems to be the classic TV take on something like this, take a self admitted non-fan of Muslim people, and get her to live as a Muslim for a week, and film events as they happen. I’m going to use that term, for now. She might have been worse than a non-fan, but as I wasnt witness to that, I’ll leave it there. Part of the reaction against her seems to have related to the fact that she was ‘made up’ to look like she was a Pakistani, which worked both ways, garnering complaints from those who wished to point out that there are white people who are Muslim, so she didnt need to be ‘colored’, and from those who said that it wasnt done in a flattering way to Pakistani Muslims, but as that is Twitter hearsay, I’m not sure how much credence to give to that. None would probably be close to the mark, there are some ghastly views on Twitter, on both sides of the fence!
Of course, as fate would happen, she went to live with a Muslim family in Manchester, and it coincided with the bombing at the Manchester Arena, which led to her realizing, even more, just what ordinary, innocent Muslim people have to put up with from some ‘idiots’! She only faced it for a few days, but for so many more, its a sad fact of life, at all times. So wrong, so sad that there are people like that, but anyway…
For me, I think it would be fascinating to spend a week as a woman in a Muslim family. But yes, I wouldnt make for ‘great TV’ because I’m pro ordinary Muslim people anyway. No, I dont support the terrorist branches, but neither do most Muslim people here anyway! And lets face it, there are some pretty awful right wing white supremacist types around too! Oh fine, she wore a Hijab, but I know that if I was in that role, I would have wanted to go out in a Niqab, or Burqa, just to find out the real truth. Mind, I suspect the reality in Bradford might be different to Manchester, but in truth, no idea.
I have some experience in these matters now, of course. Before September, I’d heard stories of people deliberately ignoring people in wheelchairs, trying to pretend they werent there, but I hoped it was being exaggerated. Sadly, the answer was no, it isnt. When sat in one, people just looked away, had to literally be shouted at, to stop them walking in front of the moving wheelchair, and so much more. All the same, I’m looking forward (hopefully, health permitting) to experiencing ‘Round 2’ in May, in 3 airports (I need to transit going out, direct flight back), I must say.
I guess it might be an actress thing, the challenge of a new role, either in a production, or in this case, a real life situation. So yes, a week as a Muslim would be a very different show with me, but I guess I’ll never know what its like. Unless…?
Equally, of course, if Channel 4 want to consider making a show, a week as a robot, hmm, lol? 😉
The video, massive clue in the title. Live version, a very good one, mind, as I’ve used the original before.
A Whole Woman?
Oh fine, I was going to do something lighter, and sillier tonight, but then I found this event on my Facebook thread today.
http://attitude.co.uk/trans-activists-block-manchesters-pride-parade/
Yes, fine, I knew there was a good reason why I took my own individual route as a Trans Woman, and kept away from the campaign groups! Dont get me wrong, I fully understand feelings over recent prison issues for Trans Women, but seriously, do something like this at a Pride Parade, probably annoy the LGB folk who support us, and everything? Ah well!
I could also say that if these Trans Women didnt do things that required them to be sent to prison in the first place, the issue would never arise. Or does that logic only work with good girls like me?
I equally get the logic of doing it in front of the Police float, just about, though actually, it would be the Prison Service that made the decision on which jail they went to, not the Police. And yes, annoy the police in one of the cities where LGBT is best supported, to start with.
I also suppose that if you want to ensure publicity for the event, somewhere like Manchester Pride is a good place to do it. But yes, fine, in terms of keeping good relations with the rest of the LGBT community, the Trans folk do seem to like putting their feet in it. But yes, I know, maybe we do get a raw deal within the community at times, but doing things like this doesnt help!
Fine, I know, technically I cant change things, I’m always going to be designated as a Trans Woman, I guess, but please, if anyone wants to give me honorary, natural woman status, please do! Then maybe I could focus on being Lesbian, or Bi, and pass on Trans issues lol! Mind, my passport says I’m female, so…
“Yes, I’m a natural woman, its just that I ran into some mad scientist, and he carried out an experiment to give me a penis too.” Hmm? No, I know, but…
Video. No, not OMD, though Andy McCluskey actually wrote it. But no, not Atomic Kitten either! I found this by sheer chance, I know nothing about the group, not even checked them on Google yet. But yes, I love the vintage feel, and look, so…
A pair of ‘daft’ possibilities
No, nothing to do with going to Hollywood, I’ve got to the point where that really doesnt seem that daft! Says it all really!
OK, firstly, the serious stuff. Job appointments. Got an agency registration tomorrow afternoon for a job I applied for this morning (I see it that for the early part of this week at least, I have to keep looking seriously), and we will see where that goes from there. Given most of these sort of registrations, even related to job applications seem to go nowhere, I wont hold my breath! But yes, the group assessment thing for Kirklees Council on Wednesday, thats going ahead. At least if I get that, takes most of the commuting hassle out of the equation at least. The other 2, not a thing, which given I’m meant to be interviewed, checked and in a job by next Monday, I’m beginning to get cynical about at least one agency yet again. Ah well… I think breaking into a job in Hollywood wouldnt be much harder, and thats with all the regulations involved!
Oh, fine, the daft possibilities, nothing to do with work, or Hollywood, or…No, I cant see me doing either!
Firstly, this weekend in Manchester, there is an exhibition called Sexhibition ( http://www.sexhibitionexpo.co.uk/ ) no prizes for working out what industry that relates to! I only found out about it because one of my Twitter contacts interviewed someone who is a legend in the burlesque scene, and I discovered more from there. I know, I have no interest in sex, but seeing something like this just appeals to my crazy sense of fun. I have no plans to wiggle any bits of my body, buy anything kinky, or anything else, but looking around something like that might be interesting, all the same. Ironically, I’d be more likely to do this if I had a job starting on Monday, because I wouldnt have to concern myself about saving money for the Hollywood trip. But its a long haul (other side of Manchester from me), so I probably could do it, but wont.
The second one is a lot closer to home (Leeds), and would at least allow me to get one of my ‘dreams’ out of the way, but I feel I’m too old now, for looking good wearing it. Yes, latex clothing shoot, at Cocoture, where I had both my photo shoots done. Just remember when saying “go for it” that I’m 57, not 27! The term, mutton dressed as lamb comes seriously to mind. Plus, to get the pictures, its going to be £300. Not bad really, considering the service you get from them, and what clothing we get to wear, but even if the money wasnt a concern, my personal body image is for me. But yes, I know, just once, I’d love to know what it feels like to wear, but…
Yes, you’ve worked it out, even if I have got a job, I probably wont do either. Possibly I should do one, or the other, if I am in employ, but this is me we’re talking about lol. If I’m not, then spending additional money, on top of the Hollywood getaway, just plain daft, especially the photo shoot one. OK, I’ve got those daft ideas out of my system, lets see how this week goes, anyway.
Right, the video. What me thinking I’d look good in latex clothing would be, or the likelihood of me at an Erotica exhibition would be
smooth operator
Its funny, how when you expect to have problems, everything goes smoothly. Pretty much sums up yesterday’s journey here.
OK, fine, the roadworks on the motorway getting to the airport was a pain, but in all honesty, I got there with time to spare, and walked to the booking in counter, in about 15 seconds flat, from the queue. The challenge of security…absolute stroll!
Plane took off pretty much to time, landed much the same. Funny point, I started the journey with a double seat to myself, then a few hours in, a man excused himself, and moved in next to me. Said his viewing screen wasnt working, but anyway…Fine, it must have been that, as he went back to his original seat about 30 minutes before landing. Ah well…
Then, the only low point of the whole trip, Philadelphia Immigration. Seriously, they are the main reason I dont travel more with US Airways, they are awful. Transatlantic jet arrives, hundreds get off, and 2 Immigration officers are on! Eventually, and I do mean eventually a couple more turn up, I get through, and… you have to go back through security after clearing customs, and generally at Philadelphia, thats as much joy as going through Immigration. Yesterday, sailed through! I was actually at the other terminal waiting for the Albany plane 20 minutes before boarding, instead of dashing on at the last moment. Hey, I even went to the rest room, got a coffee, and…amazing stuff.
Met at the airport as planned, and a smooth journey to the hotel. Hey, I suspect I even spotted the Albany hotel I stayed at in 1988, but dont quote me on that. But it was in the right area, had the right colour sign, so…
Hotel is very good, not that I expected anything else from Best Western, to be honest.
This morning I went across town, to meet up with James for a short while, then back into town, a bite of lunch, and currently, a little NFL. Oh, the lady in Dunkin Donuts loved my accent!
Tonight, I wont go too far to eat, just tossing up between the restaurant here, or a pub/restaurant about 2 doors up.
Tomorrow, off to New Hampshire overnight, to be hypnotised by an expert, and see what develops. I’m pretty sure, at some point, I will believe I’m Jean Harlow! Still, more of that on Tuesday, I suspect.
For now, a video that sums up how things have gone so far
Not a Whigfield moment
Though this blog does relate to what happened on Saturday night, and a few hours before.
As regular readers will know, last night marked that event that is becoming less rare (thats the second year running I’ve been to one, after…hmm,… a while), going to a concert. Strictly, this was modern music, in the sense that the group are a bunch, of young, talented artists, thrust to fame with the aid of You Tube, as opposed to last year, and OMD, who have been around a while lol!
But in a sense, going to a Postmodern Jukebox concert is actually more akin to a step back in time, it has to be said. No, I cant speak from experience of a concert in the 50’s, let alone one in the 30’s, but in all honesty, but for the mobile phones, it could have been a time warp. Yes, they did request no use of the new fangled gadget, to fit in with the setting, but in all honesty, that was never going to happen, but anyway…
So fine, when Scott Bradlee (the genius behind the group) first said they were going on tour, he suggested that wearing a vintage look might be fun, so I took him at his word. Alright, me finding something vintage style to wear might not be the biggest challenge in the world, and wasnt, in fact it was more a case of deciding which item to wear! I did consider flapper style tops, but hey, I’m 1930’s now, and besides, they are rather boob revealing, so…Yes, despite going by train, I really did consider a dress, but bottled out. I know, should have done it, but too late now!
Me, I do it properly, got Abbi to do my make up 30’s style, and even gained myself a beauty spot for the evening, Jean would have been proud. Hair coiffed into 30’s curls, and looking and feeling great. Oh, what, you want to see?
Oh, fine
Happy now? I know, I know, Jean never wore glasses, but hey, I’m a short sighted version of her!
The concert, yes, it was well worth the effort. The vast majority were in what would loosely be termed modern clothing, though there were a number of others who’d made the effort to look the part, though from many decades of course, all adding to the mix. The show that the band put on was brilliant too, really glad I went. Being honest, a long dress would have been a bit out of place, didnt see many (as in hardly any) that dressed up.
The other thing you always wonder, is how will they sound live, as opposed to the film versions, which maybe one take, or might not be! To be honest, I would say the comparison was pretty good, if not better. So yes, if you like music from the past, and Postmodern Jukebox hit your town, or nearby, go and see them, its well worth it. Especially as currently prices are still quite cheap, I suspect that may not last for long, they really are that good.
OK, the video, and yes, its PMJ, you wouldnt expect anything else? They performed this last night, sounded as good as this, to be honest
A Real 30’s night
As some might already know, if you read these blogs regularly, I’m off to a concert in Manchester next month. I know, I know, most go to these things quite often, but I’m not most, in more senses than one! Last year for OMD was certainly the first for about 12 years, but now I’m going wild, going to another the year after lol! But this time, being absolutely radical, its not a group from the past, its a group around now, though the sounds they produce make it sound like they’re from the past, Postmodern Jukebox.
Please, dont ask me how I found them, because now, being a good blonde, I cant remember. I suspect someone posted something of theirs on a forum, or Facebook, or something, and I was hooked, unsurprisingly. But even then, me actually going to a concert, I know…To be honest, I was assuming they would just be a You Tube phenomenon, but then they announced a concert tour, including the UK, including Manchester! So fine, at £10 a ticket, oh why not? Of course, by the time I’ve paid the rail fare, and everything else, it costs more, but what the hell, its not often I get in at the start of a group hitting fame, so…I went ahead, and bought a ticket. It seems I wasn’t the only one, because a few days later the show was moved from a small place down town, to a larger place, a bit further out from the centre!
Of course one thing appealed to me on the invite, the advice to
Come visit the Postmodern Jukebox universe (preferably, while wearing your best vintage clothes)!
appealed to me no end. No, unless I have struck very lucky in my charity shop buys, I dont own any actual vintage clothes, but I have a number of items that are definitely vintage in style, both blouses/tops, and dresses. So they would qualify, I guess? I doubt most would notice the difference anyway!
No, in all honesty, given that as things stand, I’m going, and returning by train, the chances of me wearing a vintage style dress are slim, to say the least, given its the night that England play Italy in the World Cup, and I’m sure there will be some idiots about, over imbibing on alcohol, and however much I pass, a Trans woman, in a dress late on Saturday, when drunk, might be seen in a bad way? I know, maybe not, but I dont think I want to take the chance, not solo at least. But I can always take the lead of my favourite 30’s lady, Jean Harlow, and go with the blouse (vintage style) and slacks look. Yes, I know she was seen in gowns, but generally, of her own choice, she preferred the casual look, so I could do the same?
However, if any of my readers are going to this concert, or know of anyone in the Huddersfield area going to the concert, with a spare car seat, then I could really doll up! My rail fare would be just over £12, so I’m more than happy to match that in petrol/parking money. Hey, maybe even a little more, as it gives me dress flexibility, and also I wont need a taxi home from town when I get back.
And before anyone wonders, yes, I’m making an effort for the big day (more expense lol) having booked up for a make up session for that day, and to get my hair styled, both in a 30’s fashion. So I might still be trans, but I should be quite glam! So if anyone wants to make my day, by allowing me to safely wear a dress, oh please do! Email at stephmajor8@hotmail.com, if you want to contact me. I will be buying a rail ticket in advance (to reserve a seat going), but not for about a fortnight yet. So…
Yes, Abby will be doing my make up, though I’ve already told her that I dont need ‘those’ Harlow eyebrows that could scare anyone! The rest of the look though, yes please. I suspect she will be googling the look in the interim somehow. Sophie will be doing my hair, as is the norm, though normally when she sees me, its not just for styling, but that will be, plenty of blonde curls, I hope.
Right, the video, one of the comments claims this is Harlow singing, but I’m treating that with a massive pinch of salt, as far as I know, Jean’s voice was always dubbed for singing, lets just say it wasnt her strong point! Not sure if she played the piano either, but…
So, if anyone knows someone who can aid this damsel in distress, or can do so themselves…let me know!
Have to say something
Right, before we get to the pertinent part of tonight’s blog, a couple of things
Fine, I now own a ticket for the Postmodern Jukebox concert in Manchester, so feel free to go out and buy your own, I’ll love you for doing so. Though to mention, this concert has proved so popular, that the venue has been moved to somewhere larger! Unfortunately for me, not so central, and standing room only, and I know how my knees complained the last time I went to one of those! Ah well…Walking back to the station could be fun!
So seriously, if you, or anyone you know from the Huddersfield area is going over for this, I would love a lift, and prepared to pay the rail fare amount (about £12?) in petrol money if you do so. I know, I know, but no harm in asking? Could even wear a dress if going by car. Modern cars are fine btw, lol!
Secondly, Keighley didn’t get Bradford in the quarter finals, despite my attempt to fix it. Away to Widnes is our fate, that will probably be it. I’ve heard all 4 matches will be on TV somewhere, so with luck I will see it at least.
OK, nice bit over, lets get to the grim realities of modern life.
Yesterday, at a school in Leeds, a teacher died at a school. Stabbed to death by a pupil, too horrible for words. She had been at that school for about 40 years, was due to retire in September, but now…aargh! No, I didnt go to school in Leeds, I went to school in Kent, of course. Even if I’d stayed in Yorkshire, I would have schooled in Haworth, then Keighley, so…
The thing is, a lot of the people I work with, did go to school in Leeds. Seemingly a good number of them went to, or knew of this school, and this teacher, so yes, it reached out to me. I know, I went to school a long time ago (and I do mean long, I left school 40 years ago!), but back then, we were taught to respect the teachers. Alright, fine, one or two of them werent worthy of the respect we had to pay to them, but anyway…At no point could I ever imagine anyone carrying a knife as destructive as this one must have been to school. From what I remember, the knives we had at school dinner couldnt have damaged a fluffy toy, let alone a flesh and blood person.
But yesterday, in a school, a 15 year old had a knife that could end the life of someone, terrifying stuff. I know, all the gang warfare and things, but seriously? This world is crazy! if you want more details, and dont know them, google it, must be dozens of reports on it by now.
All I will say is, its scary, and depressing for me. And they say life is better nowadays?
The video, yes, its PMJ for short As I said, I had to say something…
Is vintage the new thing?
One thing I’ve noticed in recent times, is the revival, in a big way of vintage. Mainly clothing, I grant you, but in other matters too. No, there arent too many 1930’s Ford’s coming back on to the road, or anything like that, but…in a practical way, the new look on the scene seems to be vintage. Unfortunately this seems to include the 70’s, when some of the clothes were shocking, and I should know, I was there! Sadly, fate means I missed out on the garish catsuits that the ladies from Abba wore, or the short mini skirts, a la Sally Carr, of Middle of the Road fame, but they might have been fun back then. As for those boots, oh yes please! No, a Bay City Roller fan, I could never have been!
But yes, you’re right, the eras that interest me more, are a lot further back than that, the 20’s and 30’s. Though finding actual clothes from that era might be a challenge too far, I suspect there might be a few around, though probably at horrendous prices! But the blessing for me, is that clothes producers seem to have caught on to this phenomenon, and produce clothing with the look of that era, but in modern materials, at practical prices. Even more practical if you can get cast off’s in charity shops lol!
Put it this way, as someone who loves living 20’s, and 30’s style, at a reasonable price, I love it. Even if at my age, true flapper dresses are way too short for me! Thankfully 30’s dresses seem to be longer, an absolute boon.
But now it seems to have gone a step further, from the occasional clothing item, it seems to have slipped into many other things, and now we seem to be getting an ever expanding number of vintage fairs. This one is on in Leeds, on Sunday, for anyone local, and interested. I might need my arm twisted to make me go, but I am tempted.
http://www.thevintagefair.com/
They seem to cover other parts of the country, so I suggest clicking on your local link as relevant. There is another, at York this weekend as well, but that must be a different company, as its not mentioned here. Yes, they sell clothing, what a surprise, but also seemingly comics, toys, and other stuff from the past as well. No, I didnt get to the previous one, I was working that day, but this Sunday I’m off, and thinking about it. I know, travelling to Leeds, on my day off, ghastly thought! But yes, its tempting, just to see what they have, as much as anything, as I suspect the clothing there will be far more expensive than my charity shop pick ups somehow!
But on top of all this, they have a hairdressing salon there too! No, as far as I know, they dont use those ‘wonderful’ old fashioned style hair dryers, but anyway…I suspect they charge a fortune for the privilege, but…
No, I dont suspect we are all going to give up on our computers, mobile phones and the like. That might even be a step too far for me now, I must say! But, the revival of some of the beauty of the past, has to be a lovely thing.
Oh, and while we are on vintage, this is an interesting vintage sound
Yes, this is the guy from Postmodern Jukebox, who I raved about recently. And seemingly they are coming on tour, and whats more, to the UK, performing in Manchester at The Ruby Lounge (wherever that may be?) on June 14th. Other dates, including some in the US, are
We’re going on tour! Come visit the Postmodern Jukebox universe (preferably, while wearing your best vintage clothes)!
Confirmed shows (with more dates on the way):
June 2 – The Great Hall; Toronto, ON
June 3 – Cabaret Mile End; Montreal, QC
June 4 – Brighton Music Hall; Boston, MA
June 5 – Toad’s Place; New Haven, CT
June 6 – The Met; Providence, RI
June 9 – Highline Ballroom; New York, NY
June 10 – The Hamilton; Washington, DC
June 13 – Whelans; Dublin, Ireland
June 14 – The Ruby Lounge; Manchester, UK
June 15 – O2 ABC; Glasgow, UK
June 16 – The Institute; Birmingham, UK
June 17 – Dingwall’s; London, UK
June 18 – De Roma; Borgerhout, Belgium
June 19 – Divan du Monde; Paris, France
June 20 – Sugar Factory; Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 21 – DR Concert Hall; Copenhagen, Denmark
June 25 – Lucerna Music Bar; Prague, Czech Republic
June 26 – Magazzini Generali; Milan, Italy
June 29 – Bikini; Barcelona, Spain
I must admit, going in vintage clothes would be wonderful, if a mite fun for me, given I’d have to get the train over there and back. But again, I’m sure, with a little persuasion… 😉 Mind, if someone wants to drive me over, in an old fashioned car, well that would be fun. Might even be rumble seat possible by June lol!
Yes, I love the whole vintage mindset, but please dont take away my internet!
Start of the holiday, and all that
Yes, that week has come, when I dont have to go to work, started today. I need the break to recharge the batteries, and hopefully I will. Not literally, well, unless you’re offering lol, but…a few days of sanity will be nice. I promise, not all the blogs this week will be as ‘quiet’ as this one.
Judging by the weather forecasts, I could have picked a better week, but as the choice is influenced by a birthday on Sunday, its not truly my call. Hopefully they will be proved wrong, or at least, not quite so bad around here, at least.
The week started in traditional fashion, the Christmas shopping trip to Manchester. Well, that’s Dave, and Eric sorted at least, and no, I’m not telling you what, as its possible that at least one of them might read this blog, so…Oh, and given that Eric has his birthday on Sunday, I got that present too, but a similar lack of details on that, for the same reason. Normally I would have got Nicole’s too, but due to a lack of guidance as to what I should be buying, it will be done later in the week…I hope!
Me, mixed results. Unlike last year, I wasnt heading to Manchester looking for a dress for the Christmas dinner at work, as you know, that was sorted out a couple of months ago. But there is still one item that I’d love to get for the big night, just so I can complete the Brooks, flapper look. Yes, the black bob wig, with that ‘helmet’ fringe, because even if I coloured my hair accordingly, I still couldnt do the fringe, without help! I know, I’m awkward. I have no desire to spend a fortune on a good quality, human hair wig, as I’m not convinced it will get worn more than the once. Maybe it will, maybe it wont, but…Equally, I want something decent enough that it wont look too awful at the Dinner. Ooh, lets see, just like the ones the ‘display models’ in BHS in Leeds are wearing, funnily enough! No, I havent plucked up the courage to go and ask if I can borrow one yet. I might have to, if I cant find anything suitable, but for now, I’m hoping to find my own.
Found a few places doing hair extensions in Manchester, but beyond a pretty cheap (and therefore I expect, not great quality one) wig, I found nothing there today. I do know of one place in Wakefield, that I will try later in the week, but in the meantime, any Leeds reader, who knows someone working at BHS, feel free to ask on my behalf, and get my eternal gratitude.
Oh, a couple of silly buys for me, from Primark. I’ve always been a sucker for leather, and leather look, even if perhaps I shouldn’t at my age! They must have known I was coming! There were a number of dresses reduced, with pleather sleeves. Some short, some long, some with short sleeves (barely anything), and some with much longer ones. All reduced to £5! Yes, I got one of the longer ones, with longer arms, in green, no way could I resist that! They also had bra/bustier things, in a black leather look, reduced to the same silly price. Yes, I got one of them too, though I have no idea when I might wear it? Ah well…
The video, well, its a band from Manchester, one of my favourite videos of all time. Yes, I know the song is about drugs, something I’ve never taken, nor am I likely to, as I really cant see the point. But the video, its truly something special, though I do wonder if it was dreamt up by someone influenced by drugs!
stevielounicks 
Recent Comments