March 5, 2005

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the Snow

So, today there have been several variations on the weather. Rain, sleet, hail and snow and then rain again. All this coupled with an icy wind made me seriously consider rethinking my plans. But no. After an anxiety-filled hour I decided that I would have a very dull day if I didn’t leave the flat. So I got on a bus and off I went. For some reason every time I am on a bus at the moment there is always a group of slightly noisy teenagers behind me. Luckily I had my mini-disc with me so I could drown out the effing and blinding. Oh dear, am I getting old? But surely I wasn’t like that. Was I? I remember people who were, but if I remember rightly I was quite a good girl. I certainly never swore. Yes, I had my rebellious moments, but mostly in a good and just cause. Or at least what I believed to be a good and just cause. In reality I was a bit of a goody-goody.
I swear quite a lot now. I think it comes from working in a newspaper office, it sort of dawns on you that you’ve become a stereotypical hack. Really must stop that, I’m sure it doesn’t suit me.

Talking of suiting me, I bought another skirt today while I was out – that totals three new ones in the space of as many weeks. Now this is truly adventurous. Since the age of about seven (will have to confirm that with mum) I haven’t worn skirts on a regular basis. In fact for years if anyone brandished one in my direction I would actually cry – real tears. It was a major coup when I agreed to be a bridesmaid for my aunt’s wedding when I was nine. I remember the dress and ballet shoes and itchy tights even now. I also remember changing into jeans and a lumberjack shirt as soon as the ceremony was over much to everyone’s amusement. I think I thought I was a cowboy. I was obviously persuaded against wearing the hat though.
After going into two shops (so I’m not really a dedicated shopper) I needed a rest, so I popped into the Fair Trade café I like so much. It was delightful. I drank tea (only one caffeinated cup a day) while reading the Guardian. I felt suitably left wing as I did so. Then, taken in completely by some health food ad I bought a fruit drink to boost the immune system. It cost £1.85. Even as I handed over my hard earned cash I knew it was a con. It was just fancy orange juice really. But it was nice to know that the slightly odd tasting liquid travelling down my throat was doing me good.

I am now safely at home wearing a jumper with the word Plumber written across it. Someone saw me in it once and actually believed I was one.

Tonight I’m supposed to be at a party, well, in fact two parties. One is miles away and the train drivers in this part of the country are on strike. Replacement buses for some reason only travel at 4.5 miles per hour. I’ve never worked out why. The other is closer to home, but the hostess has two cats and, on top of everything else I am allergic to them and they make me wheeze. It’s just not worth taking the chance on as I have to work next week. I think I might open a beer though. Only one mind, I’ll lose consciousness completely if I have more than one! I wish I was someone who could stay up partying all night and then be fine the next day. Never have been though.

Right, hungry now, am going to stick a potato in the microwave and open a tin of tuna. See, I cook too.

Posted by Sleepy Sal on March 5, 2005 10:30 AM