Sunday, March 17, 2024

Films of the Month - January

I watched fifteen films in January which was a fabulous amount and a really good start to the year. Of those fifteen, I hadn't seen twelve of those before which is also a high number. Also, to keep giving you statistics out of the stats I keep, I watched all fifteen of those films by myself, I didn't watch any with anyone else. 

Here's what I saw:


I've seen Everybody's Talking About Jamie before, and have seen the stage show, so it was a bit of a comfort film. I don't like the film as much as the stage show, but it is still quite fun


I've been meaning to watch House of Gucci for ages and finally got round to it. I really liked it - Lady Gaga is brilliant and I liked Adam Driver too. I could have lived without Jared Leto but that's a recurring theme in my life, so there we go


I saw Wonka too because I'd been interested by all the hype surrounding it. I liked it, but not loads. Timothee was good though! I probably won't watch it again but I'm glad I've seen it


So the next day after Wonka I watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I have seen it before, but not in like thirty years or something. I liked it, it is fun


I've never seen A Clockwork Orange, or read the book, so I thought it was time to amend that. I liked the film and am glad I've seen it, even though it is so violent. I probably won't bother reading the book now though


My friend Sam had told me all about this film and I was intrigued so watched it. It's weird when something is now historical but set in a time that you remember very clearly. It's set in 2006 and I left uni in 2005 so I could imagine that bit all too well. I did like it - it's dark and funny and a bit crackers. I'll probably watch it again


Next I watched Promising Young Woman which was made by the same woman as Saltburn (who also played the young Camilla in The Crown). I liked it - I don't generally like Carey Mulligan but I enjoyed her in both these films. I would definitely recommend this


Someone on Twitter had recommend this film, Nothing Lasts Forever, about the diamond industry and lab grown diamonds. It was really interesting and I would recommend it. I like diamonds but most of the diamonds I have are second hand, which is good/better. I also really don't have a problem with lab grown diamonds. Lee bought me a Pandora ring for my birthday actually which is a lab grown diamond!


I have a goal this year to watch ten films with Margot Robbie in as I really like her and thought it would be nice to catch up with her filmography a bit more. I'm not a huge fan of comic stuff but I like Harley Quinn and I really liked this film. I don't care about the Joker and I STILL don't care about Jared Leto, but I did like this a lot. I'll watch the sequels too


I can't remember if I've seen the older film of The Witches and if I had, it was absolutely years and years ago. I really enjoyed this remake with Octavia Spencer and Anne Hathaway and Chris Rock. I would recommend it


I was looking for something to watch on iPlayer and realised there are three early St Trinian's films on there. I really like the more modern ones but they have Russell Brand in so I shan't be bothering with them anymore. So I thought I would give these a go. I really liked this one, which has George Cole and Sid James in! I mentioned it to my stepdad too because he likes the old St Trinian's films too, and the next day he made my mother watch this over lunch, haha


Netflix thought I might want to watch Belfast, which is based on Kenneth Brannagh's early life, so I did. I've seen it before - in fact I saw it in the cinema with Sam and Jodie - and I still really like it and would recommend it


I watched another in the St Trinian's series and found it funny too. I'm sure I'll watch the other before too long, too. They're ridiculous and camp and sometimes that's the exact type of film I want to see


I have seen SO many clips of Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott doing promo for this film so I wanted to see it. I did like it but I don't think I'll watch it again. They are both great in it, though. I like Andrew Scott a lot and have for ages


Lastly I watched this documentary about the massacre of the Miami Showband in Northern Ireland in 1974, supposedly by paramilitaries. I've seen it before and it's really interesting if you are interesting in the history of The Troubles and in the British government's role in the violence. It's very sad but interesting

Friday, March 15, 2024

Lunch Out and A Gig

On the last Sunday of January Lee and I went out for lunch! We had a voucher from his brother from Christmas so thought we would use it by going to Yo Sushi for lunch. I used to love it there but since Covid it's really gone downhill and I have to say it still isn't now brilliant. We booked a table for 12.30 and we got to Meadowhall a little bit before twelve so we went in a few shops first. I had a voucher for a free box of Lindt chocolates because it had been my birthday, which was cool. We went into HMV and a couple of other places before heading up to Yo Sushi. We sat at a table not the bar. You have to order hot food and all drinks via the app, so we did that. There wasn't a lot of choice on the belt, especially veggie choices, so we ended up ordering some of that on the app too. Service was slow and a bit rubbish - we had to ask for some stuff twice, and even though you're near to staff it's nearly impossible to get hold of anyone. Annoying!

However, I will say that the vegetarian options have improved in the last few months. I had fake chicken katsu and fake steak teriyaki, both of which were delicious. Lee had fries and some Korean fried chicken, and we shared some avocado maki. We did enjoy it, but... But I will also say that Yo Sushi is moving in Meadowhall and is going to be on the outskirts of the Oasis in a much bigger place. Hopefully this will rectify a few of the problems!

After lunch we went into a few more shops. We both had Christmas money to spend so bought a few things. I got a new t shirt in one of the alternative shops in The Lanes, some wax melts in Yankee Candle, some stickers, and some birthday presents for Sarah from an indie shop selling things made in Sheffield. I love that type of stuff and I'm really glad that shop is there and hope it does really well! 

We got home around 3pm and chilled out for a bit before I headed out again at 5.45. I had a ticket to see Rowan Rheingans at Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds. I've seen her before as one of Lady Maisery and she's incredibly talented so I thought I would go along. I've never been to that venue before but it's really nice and the menu was great so I would like to go back and eat there. I bought a cup of coffee and headed downstairs to where the folk club is. The doors were at 6.30 but a little bit before that someone from the venue spotted my walking stick so told me I could go in and get a seat. This is brilliant for me and so accessible and I'm really appreciative of it! I sat on the second row and watched the support act, Rosie Brownhill, do her sound check, which was nice. She and I had a nice conversation too!

Rosie was really good and I would definitely see her again. She was instrumental and had a great thing called a chord organ which made a great deep noise while she played something else. I liked her tin whistle stuff! She was an excellent support act.

Rowan came on just after 8pm and played until about 9.20pm. I've seen her a few times with Lady Maisery and always enjoyed myself and this time was no different. She sounded so good and she is so talented. The whole vibe was really relaxed and I had a good view. I would definitely go back to the folk night! 

Because it finished so early I was home and eating toast in bed by 10.25! I bought a vinyl from Rowan too which I'm looking forward to listening to. I was also able to park right on a nearby road which is ideal for me too.

I was wearing a new jumper from Snag! I put it on my wishlist for my birthday and my aunt and uncle bought it for me! It's covered in strawberries and cherries and it's so warm and cuddly. It is meant to be oversized but I could probably have sized down. But no matter, like this it's enough to be worn as a cxoat, which I did indeed do. Underneath I had my 'Cheers Queers' t shirt and this skirt that used to be a dress that my friend gave me. I love it, it's quite thick and wintry so perfect for January. It was cold in the venue so I kept my jumper on. 

It was a lovely day!


This cute Sheffield mural is in Meadowhall and I liked it


Lee and I in Yo Sushi. This end of Meadowhall is being renovated as it's been pretty crap since Debenhams left a few years ago, and it really needs it


Fake chicken katsu, it was nice


Fake steak teriyaki, it was really nicely flavoured!


Veggie sushi - it was only okay - I would just have the inari pockets in the future


Me in my ridiculous strawberry and cherry jumper and alpine skirt


Rosie Brownhill in her support set


Rowan playing her banjo


And here she is playing two fiddles at the same time which is quite an achievement!


Here's the vinyl I bought

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Trip to the Theatre

On the 26th of January I went to Doncaster to see a play with my mum, stepcousin, and my mum's friend Julie. My stepcousin's mum was supposed to be coming, but she was in Sri Lanka with family, so couldn't. So Julie came instead! We went to the Cast theatre, which is a really lovely modern building. We ordered drinks to half at the interval and made our way upstairs to the circle. The seats are really roomy which is nice to know!

The play we were going to see was by John Godber. I have seen quite a few of his things over the years and he's always funny and satirical. When I saw this advertised I suggested we go. I think Godber was quite an influence on my own writing, honestly! He's always excellent, and so northern. This play was set in 2023 and about three young people who don't have a lot going on in life. They have graduated from uni in Hull but aren't doing anything with their degrees. They get jobs in a fried chicken restaurant (cue lots of repetition of 'Do you want fries with that?') and one of them is looking after her elderly grandma, who was really into Northern Soul back in the day. 

Little by little, the three get into Northern Soul too, picking up the dancing and attending the club nights. They meet some fun characters along the way and have a lot of fun even in 2023 Britain. I liked it a lot, I'm glad we bothered to go! 


The flyer I picked up in the foyer


And the stage before it started. There were only three people in the whole play (often the case with John Godber) and the staging was very spartan too. The costumes were great! 


Monday, March 11, 2024

Birthday Party #2

In the evening on the Saturday after my birthday we had a party at a rugby club near my mum's house. It was cheap to hire and they got in plenty of drinks that I like, so I really couldn't complain at all. The only problem was it was a bit cold in there, even with the heating on! We got there about 7pm and put up some decorations that we had had at church too. I had another playlist going and a bubble machine and it was all great! Lee sorted out the PA so the music sounded great. People started arriving - some were the same as the afternoon, obviously, but some were different too which was lovely! 

I had got Frank at my work to make pie, mushy peas, and mash for the evening. My uncle and cousins got involved in sorting it out for the evening, which I'm so grateful for. There was chicken and leek pie for the meat eaters, and vegetable curry pie for the vegetarians and vegans. There was plenty of food and it was so delicious, Frank did really well! Everyone enjoyed it! The only thing was it was served a bit later than we would have liked - it was no one's fault, to be clear - and once it was done we cut up cakes and took pieces around for everyone. I thought there might be dancing but we just didn't really get round to it! It was nice to have conversations with everyone, though. I am so glad I saw everyone!

I had a different dress for the evening. It was also from Maya Deluxe, but it was full length and a dark purple colour. I loved it and everyone said it looked nice. It was actually a bit too long but my mum cut it off for me and resewed it. She also resewed a button on the back which had come off. I am hoping to wear this dress again at some kind of event in the future!

On Sunday morning my mum invited anyone who was around to her house for pastries and stuff for breakfast. Quite a few people dropped in. Lee and I left around 1pm and then I went home and slept for a bit because I was absolutely knackered! I had been wearing my red leopard print dress and black cardigan, as well as some new blood red sparkly tights from Snag that my aunt bought me for Christmas. 

I am very blessed to have such lovely friends and family! 


Si took this photo of Lou, Bettie, me and Jen just inside the rugby club. The sign behind us says 'this is not the Super League' at the bottom which is funny


Ceri from my book club took this of me when I was sitting talking to her


Si took this of Lou and Bettie, I think


Nirosha had decorate this cake, too, with artful placement of more ribbons


Jac took this of me, Lucinda, and Sam


And this of me and Lucinda. The lights were a bit of a faff because if we turned more off it was too dark!


Jac took this of us, too!


Si made us go outside into the howling wind to take this photo of me, Lou, Bettie and Jen...


Because he was trying to recreate this photo (above) of us from mine and Lee's vow renewal in 2019! It was totally unrehearsed, the first photo, but we all looked so cute that we thought we would recreate it! I think we did a good job at it


The birthday girl gets a keeeyissss from Lucinda


I took this of us


And si took this I think


Me and Lianne later in the evening


Me and Paul - Paul is one of Lee's oldest friends and we love him


Me and Peter late on in the evening


And me and Rob. My best cousins!


Here's baby T with Lee's mam on the Sunday morning, he was very interested in my new bear


Here's my outfit when we got home


And a close up of the tights. They're cute!


And finally, there was a lot of mashed potato left so Lee and I had it for tea on Sunday - I had it fried with fake bacon!

Friday, March 8, 2024

Birthday Party #1

On the 20th of January I had two birthday parties! This is because several of my friends have small children still so wouldn't be able to come out in the evening, but I still wanted to celebrate with them. So I organised two parties! And it was brilliant! Although exhausting!

For the afternoon we had cream tea at the church where I work in Wakefield. The chef there, Frank, did a fabulous array of sandwiches, salads, scones and jam, cakes, tea and coffee. There was also a great spread for the vegans I had coming too! We got there about 11.45 after having picked up one of my cakes, and started setting things up. Nirosha and Jacqui did loads of setting up, which was great, and Lee and I went to pick up my friend Rachael, who also helped to set things up too. 

People started arriving from about 1pm I think. My aunt had done a slideshow of photos throughout my life which we had on the big screens, and I had made a playlist which we had playing through the speakers too. Stacey brought some kids toys and I had bought some of those hypothermia blankets because all the kids seem to absolutely love them and they're cheap! 

So many people came! I think I got photos with lots of them, my uncle took a bunch! I may upload some of those at a later date once I get them from him. I was wearing the same dress that I had worn the night before and people really liked it. 

I cut the Hello Kitty cake that my mum had got for me, and gave people pieces of it as they were leaving. I guess we left about 4.30! It was so nice to see so many people! 


My friend Michelle took this of me and her 2.5 week old baby, who was very well behaved and who was wearing her first party dress especially for me! 


This is Michelle on the left and she took this selfie of me, her, Amy, and Gillian. The four of us went to 6th form together over twenty years ago and are still friends. I count therse three among my very favourite people and I am always glad to see them. They brought their six children between them!


And here's a photo of that as proof! It is so nice to see the friendships building between these girls too, they are all so cute!


This was the crochet themed cake I bought from Cakes By Michelle in Agbrigg. It's chocolate inside and it looked STUNNING. She did so well on the decorations and I was honestly sad to cut this cake up! It was the one left over at the end and we ended up freezing some of it


Here it is with the rainbow cake topper I bought for it. You know me, I love rainbows, so I bought a ton of rainbow themed things off eBay. This was so cute!


Here's a better view of my dress. It came from Maya Deluxe via Simply Be and as I said, we sewed a modesty panel into it but I don't think you could tell! 


Rachael decorated this plain cake that I had got from Sainsburys with more rainbows. She was pleased with her handiwork


Here's the food, wasn't it lush?! I bought the rainbow napkins too, but Frank already had the cake stands and the other napkins


Look at all the cakes! So lovely! I could have bought a bit less but you can never tell I don't think


This is the Hello Kitty cake my mum got for me. It was vanilla with jam inside, my fave!


Here's me and Jodie just as we were starting


And me and Sam, and you can see our beautiful nave too. Everyone who had never been before liked the church


Peter and I, in front of the balloon arch he helped to construct


Here's Nirosha with baby T, he is such a cutie


Here's me and Stacey, one of my oldest friends, and her baby E


At about 5pm a lot of people ended up at my mum's house to get changed and ready for the evening and stuff. I had to laugh that Rob had T and my mum's cat Millie on his knee while everyone else was unencumbered!