turps

Yesterday I went to Mog on the Tyne again. I love that place so much, and really enjoy time chilling with the cats. We booked the first slot of the day and for the first half hour we were the only people there, so had undivided cat time. After that we had a wander around the main centre of Newcastle and had dinner at Smash Burger, which was very nice, and not a bad price for the meal deal -- something I always take into account because I still leave lots.

Before going we knew a dog cafe was going to open close to Mog, but getting there it seems it's actually right next door. Talking to staff they're not so happy about that, worried about barking disturbing the cats. Plus, worried about trade too, because I imagine it'll take some of their custom. I can see their points, but have to admit, once it opens I'm sure we'll be checking it out.

Today we booked theatre tickets. First to go and see Grease next week. The seats for that aren't that good as the show is so soon, but also tickets for Wicked. We've been thinking about getting those for a while, but the show isn't on until September next year and it felt really weird buying something so far in advance. But we asked about availability and they had great middle aisle stall seats about half way back, and for not a bad price for such a big production. So we got them. It'll be the first big staging I'll have seen, but people seem to like it, so fingers crossed we will too.

After that we walked -- and in James' case, got pushed -- into Sunderland town centre. We only intended to browse the shops, but somehow I walked into Yours and came out with a camouflage jacket. One minute I was looking at stuff, the next I'd seen this jacket and on a whim decided to try it on. Getting it off the hanger the material had no give, and I was sure it would be too small, but I tried it on, looked in the mirror and the assistant close-by said, that looks fantastic on you, but it's far too big. It turns out I needed a 22, which, the hell? How did that even happen?

I know I said no more buying clothes, but this is going to be perfect for the spring, it's lightweight and comfortable and should last for a good few months yet. Also, that assistant was amazing. We were talking and she was telling me how she'd lost loads of weight herself -- and still had a lot to go -- so totally understood about the body issues that come with dropping weight.

So yeah, a spendy morning, but I walked past Lush at least, I had some control. Just not a lot /o\

Tomorrow it's Guardians Day! And yes, it actually is tomorrow, my dates are right this time. It's also my FiLs birthday, so it's movie time at 12:30, then off to the in-laws.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1280378.html

It was the first early start for a while this morning. But really, I don't mind them at all, and I especially like that it's dinner time and all the stuff that needed doing has been done. Including cleaning the windows which is always a pain.

I've caught up on LJ/DW, so will head up to see mam for a while and after James finishes work at 1 we'll probably head off for a walk somewhere.

I went to the dentist on Thursday and it turns out I only needed one filling not two, so that was good. They're going to fit a temporary cap on my next visit in a fortnight, then the permanent one after that, and then no more cement tooth.

We went to the cinema to see Unforgeable, which didn't live up to its name. The reviews said it was the same genre of films like Single White Female and Basic Instinct, which it was, but it's the kind of film I'll forget going to see in a few weeks. Plus, for those who like to keep note, James fell asleep for the beginning portion of it.

I've seen the A03 meme going around, so figured why not? I used to write, right? Actually, I still do, just haven't lately which means my BBB is dead in the water, but I still have hopes for bingo.

Top 5 by hits

And the Painted Ponies -- 5553 hits
Blurring the Truth and the Lies 5431
Like a Bunk and Cramped Sleeping -- 4018
Nowhereville -- 3784
When Day is Night Alone -- 3761

Nothing surprising there at all, except Nowhereville flying up the ranks. And I remain thrilled that Blurring, the fic that was recced as someone's guilty pleasure, is so high. Do not worry people who love coma!Pete. You're not alone!

Top 5 by kudos

Like a Bunk and Cramped Sleeping -- 299 kudos
And the Painted Ponies -- 211
Blurring the Truth and the Lies -- 211
Ten Ways for Looking After Mikey Way -- 156
When Day is Night Alone -- 151

My heyday, man. Obviously years ago. And again, my soft spot for 10 Rules remains, many many years later and that short thrown -out story remains loved it seems.

Top 5 by bookmarks

And the Painted Ponies -- 58
Like a Bunk and Cramped Sleeping -- 47
When Day is Night Alone -- 45
Blurring the truth and the lies -- 41
Imitating Yesterday 23

Only change Imitating Yesterday, which has a high bookmark compared to kudos or hit. All I can think is the people who like it really like it.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1280155.html

James has gone back to work today. Only on short shifts at the moment, he'll be finished by 2, and due to an existing schedule he's actually on his rota'ed days off from tomorrow so won't be back in until Sun. But, it's a start back to normalcy.

Things have been busy but without anything that actually stands out.

We had a double cinema day and went to see Power Rangers and the new Fast and Furious, and I liked them both. We went to a smaller Odeon than our usual and ended up sitting in the same seats in the same screen for both. Though for the second the person behind decided to hang their coat on the back of my seat which was annoying.

I have tickets for Guardians of the Galaxy 2 for Saturday, and can't wait for that.

I went to the dentist about my missing cap, but sadly it's impossible to just scrape off the left over cement. So I'll be getting a new cap in the future, and also apparently two fillings need doing. Despite it being an NHS dentist I still need to pay the top band for the work, which is £350, which is a lot when my teeth don't actually hurt, but compared to what some have to pay, I know is a bargain. Especially as no matter what work is done they can't go above that figure, and despite the cost and faff, I know in the long run getting the new cap is the right thing to do. They also suggested some teeth bleaching, but as that would be an extra £200 on top, nope.

Easter was pretty much a non-event apart from delivering eggs and chocolate to my nieces, nephews and Corey. It didn't help that the weather was so bad. It actually hail stoned yesterday.

That LJ stat thing, behind ( here )

I have no concrete plans until I'm going to see mam in a few hours. So I'm going to potter, and do some house stuff, maybe take a walk and continue catching up online. I've also the last few eps of This Is Us to watch, but I don't want that to end so am stretching that out atm.

One small fannish thing. Bandom people, I hope you know

lady_smutterella regularly lists the fills for the bandom bingo on their journal. They're worth checking out.

Eta: sadness. Just realised Guardians is next Sat not this one :(

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1279924.html

Mam is safely home and the carers started today. Which is reassuring, as even if she doesn't actually ask them to do anything I know she's seeing someone four times a day. Obviously I'll still go up, and Kayleigh will too, but this way a carer is there first thing in the morning to check on her, and early evening, so she'll never go hours without being seen.

Then, on Friday Corey phoned saying that his wisdom tooth was hurting and cutting into his cheek what should he do? He's never registered at a dentist in Newcastle, so we phoned the one he goes to at home, and he got an appointment for today. Moving to Saturday, he phoned again saying his tooth and cheek really didn't feel right, and what should he do? So James suggested we go get him on Sunday and bring him home or if he couldn't wait until then we could try and get an emergency dentist appointment. Corey said no. A few hours later he phoned again, once more, he was in lot of pain, what should he do? James said we'd go and get him, but Corey said no. At which point I called back, said we were going through for him and he could make an appointment at the walk in centre to make sure he didn't have an infection. Yes, he's 21 and more than capable of looking after himself, but three phone calls within a day and I just couldn't leave it at that.

So we picked him up, he went to the walk in and thankfully they thought no infection. So he's been using heat, pain killing gel for gums, pain killers, and today went to the dentist where they found out yes he has an infection. He's got antibiotics and medical mouth wash and they think he'll be feeling much better soon, but if it starts again he'll need the tooth taken out.

Despite him being a full time student we found out he needs to pay for both his dentist visit and his prescription, which was an unpleasant surprise. Thankfully the receptionist was lovely, and after looking at what had been prescribed said it was cheaper to just buy the mouthwash at a chemist, then changed her mind, went to talk to the dentist, came back and gave it to him out of their own stocks.

Despite it being the holidays Corey's got load of group assignments to do, so will go back to Newcastle tomorrow. Until then, it's been lovely to have him home for a bit, even if the dish washer isn't used to being used twice a day now.

I also made an appointment for myself to see the dentist. A few years back the cap fell off my front tooth, and while it doesn't bother me, cosmetically the left behind cement doesn't look the best, often looking like I've a bad tooth. So I'm going to see how much it'll be to get that sorted, it means I'll need to pay for that first visit and any subsequent treatment, but it needs doing and I am trying to look after myself now, even if that is just cosmetic.

We also had medical issues for nanna. She's been told she's got something in her stomach, not cancer, but something. But the only way they could find out what is an op, and of course, at her age that's not going to happen. The thing is though, right now she's feeling better than she's has for a long time, so, whatever it is it's going to be left. A decision I very much agree with.

Apart from that. It's been gorgeous weather lately so the greenhouse is now full of tomato plants and seed trays. So far we've planted more tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and some flowers. Plus, Pauline dug up the gladioli bulbs from her garden. They were dad's pride and joy but Pauline can't give the garden the attention it needs, so she's cut right back, sharing those bulbs out between me and her son. I've planted mine, so fingers crossed they'll grow and be another nod to dad. Not that the garden needs it, every space and thing in it is a happy reminder of him, but hopefully those gladioli will add to that.

I'm sure most people suspect how I feel anyway, to address the LJ thing. I have no intention of leaving the site, but completely understand why some are leaving. I've cross-posted for a long time, and read and comment on both sites, and that's not going to change. I'm happy to be friended on DW, or LJ, hell, both if you want.

And some small fannish content. As always I loved Mikey bd message to Gerard, and also enjoyed yet again these old photos of Mikey, Gerard and Ray at a fan's Make a Wish meeting.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1279566.html

Hopefully mam will get out of hospital today. Medically she's been okay to come out for a few days but they want her carers to come in for four times a day now, and until that's put in place she couldn't be discharged. So, fingers crossed, that may happen today.

She actually told us not to go in yesterday as she had friends visiting, so we had a day off from visiting. We had plans for a nice day with no actual time deadlines, then remembered that we'd agreed to take the MiL to pick up her new wheelchair, so yet again the grocery shopping had to be done at speed. In the end, as it was a beautiful day, James took her and the FiL and I stayed home to start on a big garden tidy up. It's looking so much better now, and I washed inside of the greenhouse, so hopefully very soon, the seeds can actually be planted.

Since I last posted we went to see Ghost in the Shell, which was okay, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't been so tired. James missed half of the film as he fell asleep, but there's nothing unusual about that. He's also had his back to work interview and they're happy for him to go back in the next few weeks.

Yesterday we posted his PIP forms after getting letters from all the important medical people who know him. So now it's just a case of waiting for the next step of that.

Also, on Sunday it was the monthly disabled biking meet-up at Chester-Le-Street. It was another lovely day, and at first I just watched as James went on the double recumbent bike, but then the main volunteer came over to ask if everything was okay and could they do anything else to help James. So I was sitting there thinking, should I say it? and then just asked if it was possible to go on the double side by side bike as I was worried about being too heavy for the frame. Immediately the man said, don't worry about that, and did I want to have a try? And the next thing I knew I was being ushered toward another volunteer who would go out with me for the first ride so he could ensure I was okay. And I was.

After that first lap with the volunteer I went with James next time, I did all the steering and he helped pedal, and it was great. I can't remember the last time I was on a bike, and sure, it was a trike kind and not a two wheeler, but I still did it.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1279457.html

Some good news. While we were out yesterday afternoon James got a call from the lady organising the toilet to say that she'd reapplied to the council and they'd agreed to put in the last 1.7k themselves. This is such brilliant news and I suspect the fact we've been sourcing grants and applying to them ourselves and got over half the money we needed made her apply a bit pressure and get that goodwill offer.

We're still waiting to hear from a few other grant places, but if they do offer some money it'll be paid to the council, but if they don't, well, it doesn't matter because we finally have it all.

The toilet is going to make such a difference to James, and I can't believe it could be fitted within a few weeks. Almost as good, as it needs a power supply they're giving us a new fuse box too, which is much needed. We have the old fashioned wired fuse style, and it's at ceiling hight in the kitchen, which makes changing fuses very difficult. They'll be giving us the new style in an easy access position, and just, \o/

I enjoyed the show last night, though am glad my first theatre experience was a play as this felt a lot more amateurish. Plus, it wasn't very full up in the dress circle, though the people in stalls sounded like they were having a great time. I suspect tonight will be much busier, and James is really looking forward to spoiling his mam.

My mam there's no change. She couldn't have visitors last night as a pipe burst in the ward so they couldn't let anyone in. But we'll be there this afternoon and see what's been going on.

I'll catch up on comments/commenting asap. Until then, I hope you're all well ♥

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1279028.html

Mam's been back in the hospital since Monday. Another ambulance job after the doctor came out and was immediately concerned. Understandably, as she's been really confused since the weekend. She was repeating herself, not recognising anyone, talking nonsense. It was horrible to see. I've a series of texts from her that at the beginning of the week were nothing but gibberish. It was like trying to decipher some kind of code looking at them. I swear, I nearly shed a tear yesterday morning when I received one that was half coherent.

She's back in the ward she only left two weeks ago, which is good as the first two days due to a lack of beds she was left in the assessment ward. It was a horrible place for her to be, people get taken there from A&E and are supposed to be moved within a few hours, or the most overnight, to the ward appropriate for their condition. Because of that the ward is mega busy and very stripped down, no lights over the beds, no pay tvs, no trolley going around with coffee, tea etc. Mam didn't even have a pillow the first night, and of course the staff are so busy they don't have time to actually talk.

They think she has a really bad lung infection, so it's a case of waiting now. She is better than the beginning of the week, but is still confused. Yesterday when I was there she was telling me about watching the nurses deal cigarettes out of a side room and how they'd all got drunk and ran up and down the hallway the night before.

Two of her friends unexpectedly turned up to visit too, and she didn't recognise one of them. Because of the friends being there, along with Kayleigh and Shauna, too many people were around the bed, so me and James left. It made sense as we were going back for night visiting anyway.

We decided to go see Chips at the Empire cinema which is only a five minute drive from the hospital. It felt a little like we were cheating on Odeon, but I enjoyed the film, and the seats were comfy, and tickets cheap. Though I suspect a lot of the laughs were fuelled by tiredness. Plus, their nachos really aren't up to scratch.

Tonight we're off to the theatre. Which isn't good timing but the tickets are non-refundable. So we'll do the afternoon visiting and Kayleigh and Shauna tonight. We're going to see Iconic, a show featuring famous songs from movies, I'm looking forward to it. Then tomorrow, we'll be doing the same again as for my MiL's mother's day gift, we're taking her and FiL to another show, Beyond the Barricades, which is all the famous songs from musicals. Neither of the in-laws have been to the theatre before, so MiL has told FiL he has to wear his suit, so I guess we're going dressy. As she can't walk well at all we have a wheelchair spot in the stalls, which apparently is limited view, but the assistant helping us buy tickets said that doesn't matter for song based shows as they tend to happen middle stage anyway. I hope so, because I want her to enjoy the night. We may even show off some of our new theatre half prices drinks knowledge, too. Because we're such theatre experts now *g*

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1278743.html

As Mother's Days go, today has been a nice one. We went to see mam, and she liked her presents, then to see the MiL, and she liked her gifts too. Then off to visit Corey and he'd bought me some beautiful flowers and card. As always on Mother's Day I wanted a photo, and got one even though he'd pretty much just rolled out of bed. Not that I care, he wore that dressing gown to death when he was at home, and seeing the kidlet in that thing with bed hair will always make me smile.

As it was a gorgeous sunny day, we went to the quayside after, and had a look around the food market. A lot of the stalls were already closing up, but we had a good mooch around and admired the river and just enjoyed the sun for a while. Then it was back home and a quick tidy up.

To end the day I've just had a good read in a hot bath and now we'll be getting back to our Walking Dead marathon. Somehow we'd ended up 9 episodes behind, so have been changing that over the last few nights. Negan remains the character I love to hate, and I keep being surprised every time I see Rick smile. I'd thought he'd forgotten how to do so.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1278691.html

It was a day of two halves yesterday.

The morning was spent at an advice centre getting James' PIP forms filled in. They're a disability benefit he has to change to, going from DLA to PIP, even though not a few months ago he got a letter saying he'd be on DLA for life. PIP is the benefit mam lost so much money, and her car, on, which is why we decided to go for professional help getting the forms filled in from the start.

It was a pretty sober meeting, having to go through in detail everything he can and can't do, which seems a lot when it's all written down. I'm confident he'll get enough points to get the care side of the award, but worry about the mobility as if he loses the car it would be a disaster, especially now he's in his wheelchair every time that he's out.

We're waiting for a letter from his consultant at the hospital to arrive, and then it's just a case of sending them in and hoping for the best, I guess.

But, then on the night we went to see The Full Monty at the Empire theatre and it was fantastic! It was the first stage show I'd been to, and before we went I wasn't sure about the view as we were sitting towards the back of the dress circle, but we could see everything and I really enjoyed myself. It was a little strange at first not to see close up expressions, but I soon forgot that and got caught in the action. I really liked how they used the same set throughout, just changing a few props to show different places, and of course the dancing was funny and really great to see. The last scene was a riot in the theatre, especially when skin and backsides were revealed, ending in that finally full monty. Gary Lucy really seemed to enjoy showing off his arse, including flashing the audience at the end when they'd come on in dressing gowns for the final bows. Not that the audience, which was at least 80% women, were complaining.

We were such noobs at the theatre, we got there far too early, even a few minutes before doors opened, because we weren't sure about parking availability. But that meant we got to go in early, get a good table in the bar and have a nice chat with one of the staff who discussed shows, and times to arrive etc. Plus, we found out if you get there an hour before the show you could buy your drinks for half price, including the ones you could pre order for the interval. So we got drinks for then, and got ones for the interval which were left on ledges on a number, just because we could. I don't think we'd do that again, mainly because there was no issue in taking your own drinks and snacks in from outside, but for the first time it added to the experience.

The only negatives were the people who came to sit behind us in the second half and just wouldn't stop talking. It was about the show, but even so was annoying. They got told to shut up, first by an audience member, then someone from the staff who had to come over and tell them to be quiet and put away their phone.

The guy we were talking to said he was sure he'd see us again, and he will. Both because we've tickets for Hairspray for later in the year, but also because there's a show next week we fancy seeing. We're going to check ticket availability later, and if there's some left, we'll be there.

I was going to wear my red dress last night, but couldn't as the top was far too big. James messed with the straps a bit to pull up the bodice, but when that was done I was left with gaping material at the front and back. I loved that dress, too. I'm going to check out prices to get it altered, but again have the issues at to when. It's pointless doing it when I'm still dropping sizes, especially as I don't know how much it'll cost. I'm going to be god mother to my youngest niece and nephew in July, maybe I'll alter it for then. Until then, the red dress will remain in my wardrobe :(

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1278410.html

It's the 25th anniversary of the day I met James today. We've been through a hell of a lot during that time, lots of downs, but also, many many ups. We met at a dodgy nightclub in Sunderland where the carpets were sticky and I had a thing for drinking pints of pink kangaroo. Never would I have guessed back then that we'd still be together so many years later.

Because we met in the stone age we don't have many photos of us together at that time, but this one was taken at James' 18th birthday on the year that we met.

We would have gone out to celebrate, but it's my 6 month check up at the hospital tomorrow, and while I know going out to eat won't make any difference, it's a hard habit to break after all those months of hoops and having to be extra careful. Which also means, yes, tomorrow will probably bring yet another naval gazing post from me. So feel free to ignore at will.

dine has shown she's a star yet again by sending me an Amazon gift voucher as part of the pay kindness forward meme. It was such a lovely surprise and I've enjoyed deciding what to buy. Not that I've made a decision yet, because there's just too many cool things out there. Though I wouldn't be surprised at all if books came into play somehow.

We've got rid of three bin bags of old clothes today. It's good to start de-cluttering a little, and the bedroom looks better without them shoved in the corner.

After realising Riverdale is on Netflix I've started to watch the show. I've only seen one ep so far, but it seems okay. Though I have no personal context at all in terms of what it's based on.

I've burned through all the Musketeer fic from authors I've been enjoying, and after reading all the new stuff on A03 that interested me, I went back to the last page of search results and have started reading the results back over. Sadly that's led to some stories I've really enjoyed, and then realised they were abandoned many years ago. And then last night I was reading something good when my Fire ran out of charge. WOE!

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1277838.html

Mam got out of hospital two days ago. It's been a busy two weeks, on top of the daily visits they wouldn't let her out until a care package was put in place. Which meant a lot of things to organise, and spending time at hers waiting for more equipment was delivered.

She's much better now, and her having carers two times a day is reassuring. Now I just wish she'd ask them for things. She said the first carer of the day was bossy, making her something to eat despite protests -- which is exactly what she needs. While the second was lovely, coming up to see her in bed, but despite mam wanting a glass for her water, she never asked for one.

James had a meeting with his immediate boss and occupational health, and again, I'm so relived they're so understanding about his needs. It'll be a while before he's back, but his job is safe, and they're making every effort that he'll be comfortable when he does go back.

My brother put the new oven in and as it has a light that actually works it remains a novelty to see inside it as the food cooks. Now I just have to arrange to get the old one taken away, as it's sitting in the garden wrapped in cling film at the moment.

We went to see Beauty and the Beast yesterday and I enjoyed it so much. We only went to the 2d screening, but nearly every seat was full, from little girls dressed in Belle's yellow dress to much older people. Some of the cinema staff were dressed up too, my favourite being the man in the full Beast get up. But yeah, the film was so great, and I welled up often, especially during the ballroom scenes.

Writing wise, my word count is at zero, but hopefully that will change soon.

I'll be attempting to catch up on online stuff and my in-box soon -- apologies to those who post often and will be flooded by comments. But not yet as I've an Asda click and collect to pick up just after 12.

Finally, thank you so much

dine for the awesome postcard. It really made me smile when it arrived and was a highlight of these last weeks. ♥

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1277645.html

I'm sure everyone that wants to will have read it already, but I'll be taking my bandom picfor1000 story down very soon due to reworking and extending reasons. If it wasn't for mam being admitted to hospital it would have been down already, but as I've been busy, today it is.

Mam is doing okay, better than I expected tbh. Really, I think it's been a relief to her that the doctors are working together to sort out her various issues. It also helps she's got a side room, so has her own toilet and can sleep without being disturbed by other patients. She still needs to see various departments before they're willing to let her come home, so it's probably going to be the end of the week. Though she is starting to get bored as buying tv is ridiculously expensive -- you get three hours of five channels free in the mornings, but of course that's when all the doctors etc rounds are happening -- and the hospital doesn't have WIFI.

I forgot to say, we saw Logan, and then last week went to see Kong Skull Island, which was entertaining enough in a Kong-like way. We actually went to a different branch of Odeon that time. It's a much smaller place, only six screens, but much newer than Metrocentre. I liked it, but for some reason James wasn't keen. Though the maze like car-park didn't help, we drove around the whole park three times before we worked out how to actually get to the cinema. Then I had to laugh going inside, as one of the first people we saw was one of the former Metrocentre staff that we talked to. So much for expecting to know no one there.

Rather randomly, our oven door shattered. I was cooking tea, there was a big cracking sound, I went into the kitchen and the door glass was all crazed pieces. The oven was old, getting onto 20, so it's had a good life, but even so I could have done without the expense of buying a new one. We got one yesterday and my brother is going to fit it sometime today.

We went to Durham for a few hours last week, and I'd forgotten how wheelchair unfriendly the place is. The combination of cobbles and lots of steep banks is a killer. At one point a lovely man came over and asked if I needed help to get James up the last part of a hill we were struggling up. If we'd have been further down I'd have considered it, but as we were approaching the top I just thanked him and kept going.

Finally, I meant to do this in my last post but forgot. Thank you to

pensnest for the card and verse inside. It really made me smile when it arrived, even more so for being so unexpected. You're a star.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1277192.html

Sunday morning I was Googling wheelchair friendly walks, and ended up link surfing to a disabled cycling club that brings all kinds of adapted bikes to a local sports centre. To make it even better, their monthly meeting was that day. So we went and it was fantastic.

They had all kinds of bikes, different styles of recumbent ones, ones you could put a wheel chair on the front, double bikes, hand bikes, so many kinds, it was amazing. James went on a double recumbent which suited him perfectly for the seat and peddling, but as he couldn't reach the handles to steer he had to go on the double, and he enjoyed himself a lot. Plus, it was fantastic exercise. They did say I could ride too, but I was worried I'd flatten the frames. Which I know is unlikely to happen, but I need time to ease myself into these things. Maybe the meeting next month, which we'll be going to as we've joined the club.

It's BBB time and I joined up. I've had a streak of completing two challenges so hopefully I'll complete this one, too. It's been nice to see some BBB chatter on my flists and I'm looking forward to the resulting stories. Also, the mods are as awesome as always dealing with me being awkward only a day after signings opened. &them;

We went to the Washington Wetlands yesterday. They hire out electric scooters so James had one of those while I walked. It was great to stretch my legs and get a bit sunshine. All seven of the otters were out and it was brilliant to see them running around and having fun in the water.

Plus, this happened. I'd gone to explore the kids playpark, no one was there, and I ended up at the top of the slide and couldn't resist. Kayleigh thinks I'm having a mid life crisis, but I enjoyed it.

Then when we were leaving the wetlands I got a phone call to say mam was being admitted to hospital. The doctor had been out to see her and was really worried, so I ended up going in the ambulance with her, and then sitting for hours while she was waiting to be seen before being taken to a ward. She'll be fine, just they need to get more rehab people involved to get her strength up, but I could have done without more daily hospital visits at the moment.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1277106.html

We had good news today. James union at work has agreed to add £1000 to the toilet fund, so that means with the other £500 grant he's got from elsewhere we're getting close to half way there. We're waiting for responses from two other places, so fingers crossed it won't be long.

My bingo card. Excuse the lack of formatting but for ease, my prompts are

Meeting the parents/family -- Wingfic -- Confessions

Cuddling -- Your choice/free space -- Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Bodyguard scenarios/AUs -- Rescue from Danger -- Handcuffed/bound together

I like it, and think my half done Way bros fic will fit in with confessions, so I'll get one square at least. The wing fic made me laugh, though. I think the universe is trying to tell me something.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1276895.html

Yesterday was filled with medical stuff.

James had three different appointments. First his counselling phone appointment to see what help he could be given. Apparently that went well, and he said it was good to talk things out.

After that was down to the doctors, where he's been given a note that means he's off work for another month. He's also been given new meds that hopefully will get a handle on his pain issues.

Then on the afternoon he saw his hand consultant, the one that just keeps him on the books in case of any issues and therefore sees him every six months. His hand is fine, but when James told him about the problems with his back he went to find out what back specialist had the shortest waiting list, and ensured James was added to it.

It's why I'm always pleased when James sees someone who knows him and his condition. Like the consultant said, it just takes one thing to go wrong, and then everything could go badly wrong, so while James is in a mild AMC flair at the moment, it could easily get much worse, so it's better to try and get a handle on issues asap.

So that's something that will happen in the future. James has said he won't ever consider another op, but seeing a specialist could result in other options.

Apart from that. In the break between doctors and hospital we called in at one of my favourite eating places. It looks like nothing from outside, but serves the most delicious food. We both got something, went to drive to the beach to eat it, and then going around a roundabout, the bag tipped over and my food was spilled all over the foot-well. No way could it be eaten, so I ended with a salad from Subway.

Today it was mam's PIP tribunal. I really hoped I'd be able to come back and post that everything had gone well and she'd been given her money back. Sadly, after sitting for a long while the panel decided it needed more evidence, so it's been adjourned and she'll get another date in one/two months. She was a nervous wreck going in, not helped by seeing someone also there for their tribunal come out sobbing when we first arrived. But, what can you do? All we can do is wait yet again.

I got my bingo card, and will happily talk about it tomorrow. Tonight though, a long bath and catching up on 'This Is Us' is in my future. I love that show so much, it's very much my favourite atm, which considering how much I loved Thirtysomething and Brothers and Sisters is no surprise.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1276606.html

lady_smutterella is hosting a Bandom/Bandom-adjacent (includes 1Ders) Trope Bingo which I've just joined.

You all know I'm a sucker for a bingo, and also suck at completing them, but I live in hope. Plus, while it may be cheating I have half a Way bros centric fic I started for picfor1000 and then abandoned for the wingfic idea, so I may be able to work that into a bingo somehow.

So yes, go check it out, it's for all fanworks and has some nifty prompts.

We did go and see Moonlight, and I enjoyed it. Though, Hidden Figures is still up there as my favourite of the Award Season movies. After only having one late showing a day, Lion is on multiple times now, and I want to see that next. But James has the next few choices. He's been happy enough to go to the Award Season films, but is very much more of a big blockbuster fan.

We've also had a quote to have our fence repaired. It's still standing at the moment, but doubt it'll last the year. That was nearly £700, and that was with mates rates for labour costs. Which isn't doable at the moment, so the fence will have to wait.

Plus, I asked how much it'll cost to get my rings resized. My engagement ring has always been loose, but now is ridiculously so, while my eternity ring is at least 3 sizes too big. Thankfully my wedding ring is okay for now. I liked the lady in the shop I talked to. She advised it was pointless resizing them now as it takes nearly 7 weeks to send them away, and by the time they came back it's likely my ring size would have changed again. So she recommended putting my engagement ring on a chain, and my wedding ring should keep on the eternity ring, and then get them all done at the end of the year. Which I agree with, especially so as it would be £150 for each resize D:

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1276335.html

Thank you to

dine and

romantical for the cards that arrived this morning, and for the messages inside ♥

We've been to see The Space Between Us today. It was okay, nothing that outstanding but entertaining enough.

Two days ago we went to see The Great Wall, which again was entertaining, visually stunning in parts, but nothing I'd class as one of my top films.

Tomorrow we've tickets to see Moonlight, and depending on how James feels may go to an earlier showing of either John Wick or Patriot's Day. Obviously we've been to the cinema a lot, but it's suits us right now when James is still feeling so off. It's easy to park there and push him in, and of course having a limitless ticket means the cost is kept down. Well, if you discount my skinny, sugar free caramel latte over ice habit.

Lately I've been trying to do new things. Included in this has been buying and wearing jeans, a few weeks ago I got my eyebrows threaded for the first time, and then the day we went to see the Great Wall, I had my lashes and brows tinted. Now, I've always had light eyebrows and lashes, so in theory it would be a good thing. The actual process was fine, though a little unnerving to sit in a reclining chair at the back of Superdrug with my eyes closed and having stuff done around them. Then came the reveal.

I really liked my eye lashes, but my brows. Well, all I can say is I looked a little Angry Birdish. Seriously, I had ferocious dark brows, even though the lady said they were medium brown. So, I thank her, toodle off and I'm sure people back away when I strolled by with my dark scowl. Then what was worse, we went to the cinema and one of the people who works there and who we like and talk to was working the desk. We hadn't seen him for a while so stopped for a chat, but as James was in his wheelchair the man had to direct his attention to both of us on different levels, so his attention was solely on me when he looked up, and I'm sure he was thinking, wtf?!

Thankfully a bath as soon as I got home and much washing with some head and shoulders has toned down the shade and I think they look okay now. I suspect that a combo of never having dark defined brows before and some of the dye being left behind on my skin led to the angry bird look. But even so, first and last time I think!

That same cinema visit we'd gone to the gallery. I pushed James to a table and left him there to go get some pop and popcorn out of the cooler/heater, and noticed that the gallery staff person on duty was hovering close by and only stepped close when I got back, and then asked if we wanted nachos. Sadly the 'do they take sugar' mindset is still there it seems.

It's been interesting seeing the stats due to posting three different stories at once. Musketeers has taken the lead hugely in terms of hits and has okay kudos, though proportionally against hits not that good. Popslash has a terrible hit rate, but of those who have read, nearly half have left kudos or comments. While bandom is set in the middle, with the least comments. Though themoononastick's prediction that every comment I'd get would be a demand for a sequel seems to be coming true.

Conclusions to that? I've no idea, but I did enjoy writing them all, and think I'll attempt to actually finish my Musketeers space story I've been poking at for months.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1276088.html

I'm sure most of you will know I love the picfor1000 challenge.

I'm sure most of you will also know my Way bros centric 'why I do the challenge set around them' story. But only a few will remember I also did two years of popslash stories before that first bandom challenge.

Thinking of that made an idea start to grown in my head, and I wondered if I could write challenge responses for my important past fandom, popslash, my sort of current fandom, bandom, and my new shiny fandom, The Musketeers. So I did.

It would have made more sense to do this last year when it was my 10th year of the challenge, but I can't turn back time so the 11th it is.

So, three stories for three fandoms of exactly one thousand words and loosely themed around transformation.

As always thanks go to

themoononastick who encouraged the idea and then beta read them all. She really is a superstar.

And with that ---

Eternity in an Hour (1000 words) by turps
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Musketeers (2014)
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Porthos (Trois Mousquetaires), Athos, Aramis, d'Artagnan
Additional Tags: Age Regression
Summary:

d'artagnan comes back to the garrison and finds someone unexpected.

All We Are Is Burning Stars (1000 words) by turps
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Popslash, NSYNC
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: JC Chasez/Chris Kirkpatrick
Characters: JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick
Additional Tags: mentions of Joey, Mentions of Justin, Mention of Lance - Freeform
Summary:

Chris and JC watch Justin.

Burn Up And Fly (1000 words) by turps
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Bandom, My Chemical Romance
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Frank Iero, Ray Toro
Summary:

Gerard is caught by hunters.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1275723.html

Today my day started with having my mind blown by

themoononastick

She's one of the ones that prompted me to watch Killjoys, and then I'd mentioned to her I'd been watching Conviction and the actor who played Johnny was also in it. And then this morning she told me they're not actually the same person but identical twin brothers.

Mind. Blown.

I'm sure this is something loads of people already know, but at the moment I'm still at the stage of looking at photos of them together and thinking, wow.

I also have picfor1000 edits back, and depending on how fast I get them done and the word count down to exactly 1000 words I should be able to post later. Or it may have to be tomorrow as I'm going out this afternoon.

Now I'm off to look at more photos of the Ashmore twins.

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1275647.html

I had a good birthday yesterday.

Corey came home from uni for a night and we went out to eat on Friday night, then yesterday was just a nice, relaxed day. First I could finally open the presents

sperrywink sent me, and look at them! Musketeer kitties! and badges and poster and such a lovely card. I was thrilled. And I also got an excellent gift of knitted headbands and excellent card from

turlough and Lancecat which are also shown in that photo.

Mostly I got money, but when I got home late last night my brother had dropped me a gift bag off at my neighbours, and opening it I saw he'd given me a Boots giftcard from him and a box of chocolates from my niece and nephew, which was a lovely surprise. Since he and his partner completely split up he's been much more thoughtful with gifts and cards. I think he's turning over a new leaf.

After taking Corey grocery shopping we dropped him home at Newcastle and went to Metro Centre. The plan was a movie, shopping and to eat, but we got there so late that had to be rushed and I could only go to one shop. But, I bought a new outfit, and the assistant helped me find trousers that actually fit. It turns out I need ones with extra short legs, which surprised me. I mean, I'm 5 foot 6, I didn't think that was particularly short. But I guess my legs must be short considering the fit I needed.

After that we went to see Hidden Figures, and it was so good! Though because of 50 Shades being on most of the screens it was shown in one of the smaller screens, and as a result was packed. Still, I enjoyed every moment.

And of course, I got messages on here and via email, DMs, twitter and insta. So thank you all for those. You helped make my day feel special ♥

I also got my appointment for my 6 month check up yesterday, so let me indulge in some birthday naval gazing ( behind here, cut for weight loss talk and yet another photo of my stupid face. )

Crossposts: http://turps33.livejournal.com/1275386.html

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