My, how I do love milking a birthday for all it's worth – still going 4 weeks after the event!
Headed off to a spa in West Sussex last Thursday with Janine – only feeling slightly guilty that we'd abandoned porr Ross who was having something nasty cut off his eyelid. No, not a stray fag butt, but a weepy cysty sort of thing. Which, if he'd waited, would have taken about 6 months to get an appointment for on the NHS – despite the eye infection, oozing goo and Phantom of the Opera looky-likeyness. Not very tempting hence it was whipped off this week, so the bruising may be gone pre the Crimbo photos.
Verdict: One birthday spa voucher very nicely seen off the premises and a damn fine foot rub, head massage and Thai dinner to boot.
Thence on to Sunday when I nipped into the Kiehl's store on Northcote Road to snarf a mighty fine bag of moisturising goodies, care of the very kind Sarah K and Caroline – many thanks ladies. And a good excuse to leave the pub when the All Blacks drew equal with Ireland – I couldn't face being there for the inevitable conversion and loss of the game. Poor Paddies…
And today, I managed – like the plank even I occasionally am – to turn up an hour early for my personal trainer session in the gym. Where clearly, I am never to be seen unless I have an appointment with the lovely, and very patient, Nick. So I decided to try and trot out 5km on the treadmill, at my unique 'jog a bit, walk a bit, sweat like a buffalo, turn purple and implode'' pace. And all only because this afternoon I had another fab birthday treat all booked – the very nice Teresa, coming to set up her massage bed in my lounge and give me a jolly good rub down to get over the shock of trotting. Cheers to Clarkie and Mary Greenham for that very nice hour (albeit accompanied by a sad spaniel, sighing very loudly in her crate).
So, a thoroughly indulgent few days, although even I am now thinking I may have to take the birthday cards down as it is i) 26 days since my birthday and ii) the first Christmas card has just arrived.
Eek – means I may have to actually sit down and knock ours out – bring on the first Avocaat Snowball of the festive season…
S x