The Roses

 I spent Saturday early afternoon and evening with one of the most wonderful people. We saw The Roses, which had some good laugh out loud bits and some, oh man bits. I feel though that there was a running joke of a woman being inappropriate with a man, overly sexual and I just don't find any kind of non-consensual stuff funny. I think it is a cheap laugh at best, and just abuse at worst. I have heard a few interviewers referring to it as 'so funny'. I bet in a few years we will see it for what it is. Anyway - overall it was good. 

On Sunday we had Edgar over for brunch and BigA made a really lush shakshuka, we ate in the garden, the sun making it just warm enough with jumpers on. Then we sat at the back of the garden and I fell asleep, relaxed and feeling content. I did the ironing and watched a bit of TV, and read more of my book. I looked over the school week ahead, happy that it seemed to be a week I could handle. 

We had booked the car in for service and MOT the Friday before and it needed a fair amount to get it through, so I had to find alternative transport to school. Not so bad. I intended to get the two buses required to get home. It was a lovely afternoon and I ended up walking to the next bus stop, then the next and managed to walk home. Bit tired but pleased to have been out and about.  

I thought I'd manage to stay for Open Evening, an evening where prospective year 6 primary school children and their parents come and look around the school. I almost did but at 6:30 I was very aware I needed to go and rest my neck. It's definitely getting better and I'm not in constant pain but still not better. 

I enjoyed the teaching I did this week and only had one class pushing their luck, but all in all very nice. 

I went out with another pal on Thursday, it felt like we hadn't seen each other for months. And then home to BogA and a bit of TV - I fell asleep on the sofa. 

A and I have video called a few times and that's helped me feel connected. She got freshers flu - she says everybody she knows in the first year is sick. But she's still gone to all the things she has to do and is doing her research into the first project which is a costume and prop design and construction. I remember that our first performance was in freshers week, we were left for the weekend to do a piece based on the myth of Theseus and the Minator (The name of the student drama company was Minator) and as we didn't have phones or the Internet - one person had to go and quickly register at the library to get a book so we could check what it was. I loved the library at uni. It might even be the place I really fell for BigA, as he helped me with my research into Melodrama for a project - I of course now know that it was him being distracted from his work and deadline. I felt very special at the time. 

I've barely seen M this week, with her work shifts meaning we're almost never in the house at the same time - while awake. 

I had another Art therapy session yesterday - I was originally booked in for VHL clinic too but as I hadn't had any scans I asked for it to be moved and so it will be in January - which also just feels more sensible. It was good to reflect on the uncertainty the disease creates in a range of areas of my life and I know that is true for those in my life too. This isn't based on scientific data but I am now expecting a 6 - 8 year gap before I need more surgery. Fingers crossed it's that or even longer. 

Once home I mainly chilled out, a bit of TV, bit of reading and a bit of looking with a mix of horror and gratitude at the wall in the dining room that BigA has begun to strip in preparation of re-painting. I went out with friends from Southgate school last night, they kindly came to my neck of the woods. 

I am feeling lots better, less pain and tiredness.