Breath Of Life

Facebook can be good

2012-01-19T19:50:00.003Z

Hello - Well my ankle feels better enough to start training - Good job as the pool is damn cold!

Did 30 mins on an exercise bike - But it wasn't good for confidence that I was surrounded by the Widnes Vikings Rugby Super League squad were all around me doing 100 mph and still chatting.

In the last couple of weeks I have decided on three trips abroad. Two are to Germany - including one to see a rock festival and one to Holland - for the European Transplant Games...

The first is to see a friend who I have been promising to visit for months...

Three old friends have recently got in touch on Facebook including an ex and a former holiday romance - things are looking up in Mark ville...

Hugs and sparkles

MARK

Back in The Wood (briefly...)

2012-01-05T21:21:00.004Z

Hello - WIth the gales trying to blow my house away here in Cheshire it may be time to catch up on some blogging...

It was the first time in a few years I got the while of Christmas to New Year off I think... So I made the most of it..

I went back to Cannock Wood on Xmas Eve - (good night at the Park Gate), Christmas Day my mum had all the neighbours in (then pub) and Boxing Day was the family do in Halesowen...

I came back to Widnes for a couple of days and then went up to Newcastle for New Year (see pic!) and then to Gateshead (to see Sarah and see The Lady - brilliant film)..

Health wise I had a few sugar level issues at the end of the year so I am going to be fitted with a device to monitor then 24/7 for a few days to see when they peak and trough.

This year I have got a lot of plans - which will take energy and time.. Hope work doesn't keep me occupied 24/7...

As well as the day job I may well be doing some promotion for a well known author...

Tottle pip and happy 2010 to all my blogg-ettes....

Ups and downs and Nick Clegg

2011-12-07T15:26:00.005Z

Hello Blogettes - Well it has been an up and down few weeks. I had a great 'Dead Celebrity' party (Dead Famous) at The Stobart Stadium, Widnes... It was good to catch up with friends old and new.

The next day I saw Erasure in Wolverhampton - on my 40th itself...

Then I followed the torn ligaments in my ankle I got tendonitus - which put my recovery back a few weeks again.. I hope to go back to spin class next week..

My cold meant my lung fuction was down at Newcastle when I went for my check up. But because there is a reason they are not concerned.. It is still between the 20 and 25 per cent mark.

I have been back to Cannock Wood twice in two weeks (having not been back to my home village for months) and will be back at Xmas - strange how these thing happen.

Very tired these cold winter nights..

I was with Nick Clegg yesterday - we have generated more than 80 mentions of his trip so far in the media. In fact last month we got more than 250 media mentions for Halton Borough Council -not bad for a team of two!

A bientot xx

Ligament lament

2011-10-05T11:57:00.002+01:00

Its been a busy few weeks Blog-ettes, including a couple of visits to London (nasty, dirty place - why would ANYONE want to live there???) And a torn ligament in my ankles...

The latter has left me unable to really exercise for eight weeks - I am putting on weight and getting very frustrated...

It was done trying to stop a psycho girl at my BBQ barefoot stamping on some glass - She was out of control and not my favourite person...

In other news the cats came to stay the sun got hot and went away again (as did they!)

Strangely my hospital visit after my ankle injury showed best lung function in more than a year!

I had an appointment at St Helen's Hospital to try and solve a side effect of my anti-rejection drugs - greasy skin.. The cures all seem to have worse side effects apparently...

Time to consult! x

Knee-d dem medals

2011-08-22T15:37:00.005+01:00

Hello,

Well the UK Transplant Games in Belfast was my best ever. I picked up a gold medal and three bronzes and had a really good time with cool people...

Carmel stayed with me and I also met Michelle (an old school friend) and Pauline (who I also knew from Korea) during the fun.

I did tear a knee ligament - probably while throwing the javelin - and did the same to my ankle trying to supid barefoot girl treading on a broken glass at my BBQ...

Then this weekend I spent a lovely time in dirty north London with the lovely Sally... 400 mile round drive not good for my knee and ankle.. Oh well...

Isn't Golders Green a dump - we ended up on our hotel room with wine, X-Factor and face packs!

Oh I almost forgot, despite limited exercise in the last fortnight for obvious reasons my lung function was over 30 per cent for the first time in more than two years... x

My new single and UK Transplant Games

2011-08-02T16:13:00.001+01:00

CLICK

Its my new single - which will be out on iTunes and Spotify within days..

News: I am in the Widnes Weekly News and Widnes World this week about the Transplant Games and on BBC Radio Merseyside (7.50am today if you want to listen again)

CLICK to read article...

I am off to Belfast to compete - wish me luck x

Chester Rocks - Mark wilts

2011-07-11T13:40:00.005+01:00

Hello, Well, hello Bloggettes. Sorry if I have deserted you. I still love you... We had the annual cricket tour to Weston-Super-Mare - to mark the 20th anniversary of the club... It was exciting - great weather and the hotel opposite burnt down!

I came back with a bit of an infection - the GP gave me antibiotics. I still haven't had a referral to a dermatologist (the greasy skin is a side effect of the anti-rejection drugs) - apparently he hasn't got the info from Newcastle...

Then I have had two weekend in Chester - one with Chester Rocks.... and one at Chester Races - good company and good times...

Work is busy - my colleague is on long term sick and my other one is working for Cream three days a week so am basically on my own.. and snowed under.

The cats were messing on the beds too last week.. Still waiting for the cat flat to be fitted and they are scared to go out! I can't have cat litter around...

Well next weekend is the final of Halton's Got Talent 4 - I am a special guest, having judged the heats... should be a goods night..

Chat soon(ish)

Hyper me

2011-04-04T15:56:00.002+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Well it has been a few manic weeked again which has seen me criss cross the coutnry in my weekends - ordering a new bedroom, going down south and even the odd drink.

I have filled in my transplant games forms for Belfast - but have a dilemna. I am doing table tennis, javelin and ball throw - but fancy another event.

As regular readers will know that I have a lung capacity of 20 to 25 per cent so can't run - but am thining to try and do the 400m... I wonder if I could jog for 400m.

The problem is I have to decide asap. The forms have to be in in a couple of days.

Work is busy as usual - the cuts have made my life busier but I have a new girl here to help me which is good...

In other news - I went on a gay night out in Chester - I was the only straight there I think. Gosh those gays can drink... 4am we were still going...

Viva La Difference! x

Cadbury's World

2011-01-24T13:52:00.002Z

Hi Blogettes! Busy few weeks which has included a visit to Cadbury's World, the last day of the Bull's Head, some long car journeys and a talent showcase...

But the main news is I went for my outpatients appointment in Newcastle - My lung capacity was down, but a lot higher than it was this time last year...

And I caught up with friends up there too - win win situation.

xxx

Frankie Says Relax

2011-01-06T13:54:00.004Z

Hello and Happy New Year Bloggettes, Mine was spent in a 1980s timewarp dressed as Franie Goes To Hollywood outfit (as you do!)

Just got to lose that Xmas weight in time for my appointment for my check up in Newcastle on Tuesday (and pray its not too cold when I get up there!)

Media tarting

2010-12-31T10:57:00.002Z

I am on Real Radio in the North West and Smooth FM in the Midlands from noon on the news broadcasts chatting about organ donation and people being asked to sign the register when they get a driving licence...

Lung (mis)function

2010-12-22T15:34:00.002Z

Howdee Bloggers, Has it really been about six years since I started this blog? Glad some people are still 'clicking' on me...

I had my usual check up in Liverpool and my lung function was up - but then I was told the new machine is reading too high - so my real number is down... But this time for the last two years I have been very ill in hospital around Xmas - so its a bonus.

The real difference this time is having decent central heating. My last house didn't have it and last year mine in this house blew up!

I am still doing the daily exercise, swim or gym or table tennis which is keeping my lung at 20 to 25 per cent... Now I need to not put weight on over Christmas before my Newcastle appointment on January 10/11th...

If I don't see you in Cannock Wood or Widnes over Christmas,,,, enjoy! I'm off to the German Market in Manchester. Thank God for flexi afternoons! xx

Smash cake

2010-12-02T16:01:00.001Z

Hello Folks - Busy time here. I have been in Holland seeing people I used to live with and know a few years ago - and had a damn good time.. I had forgotten what I missed and didn't miss about the place - which is always good...

It was very cold though. And travelling on EasyJet had little room for woolies! Thank God for the powers of mulled winem cake, beer and coffee (although not all at the same time)..

Stayed with Erik (which whom I appeared on a Nick Cave single cover) and Gerbri who I had many adventures with in Australia, and met up with Marjon and Mary too...

It was great to see Utrecht again as well as Amsterdam... I got home on the Thursday, went to a wedding on a Friday, family meal on Saturday and on Sunday was back up in Widnes to help with the Broadway to The Brindley workshops...bracing -11.5c on the M6..

This week I had circuits on Monday, Gervase Phinn on Tuesday and the HEARTS panto on Wendesay (oh yes I did) and have one night in before Interpol tomorrow....

Living life to the full one could say! xx

Keeping it Real (FM)

2010-11-04T14:58:00.003Z

Hello, I have been hitting the airwives again today in connection with the latest organ donation figures... I have been on the news every hour on Real Radio (covering the whole of the North West of the UK.... Click REAL http://www.realradionorthwest.co.uk/

Ha-ha-halloween....

2010-11-01T16:32:00.003Z

Hello Folks.. Well my birthday was carnage in a good way.. It started at 3pm with chilli and mulled wine, and was still going at 3am with pizza and shots!

It involed electric shocks, Wii, bop It, music, mayhem and even some South Africans!

It followed three days of intensive training in York, courtesy of the Cabinet Office - so I deserved to go a bit mad...

It was all followed by Halloweeen - a night out in Chester dressed as a zombie/Grim Reaper....

Amsterdamning and Liiverpool

2010-10-15T16:32:00.002+01:00

Hello Bloggettes, Went for my check up at Liverpool and lung capacity increased to 25 per cent - stragnely it is always a couple of percentage lower in Liverpool than Newcastle - but it was even up here on last time... Back of the net...

They did fail to get any blood out of me for my M.O.T though... Their loss!

Ihad a trainee nurse following me around, which I didn't mind, because she was hot. Its hard to make small talk when you are being prodded, poked, blowing into machines and being pricked by needles though..

The new doctor assumed I couldn't do any kind of sport with my low capacity. It just goes to show what application can do..

A former fellow athlete at the Transplant Games has twice my lung capacity (almost) and is on oxygen 10 hours a day.....

It shows daily swims, gyms or table tennis sessions work for me....

On a lighter note - I booked a flight to Amsterdam today! Whoop whoop xx

At a social media conference in Walsall

2010-10-08T16:29:00.001+01:00

Dodgin Grinderman...

2010-10-01T11:37:00.004+01:00

Hello Bloggers, Busy time in Mark-ville.. Nightmare night out in Manchester on Friday followed by cool weekend with Sarah around Widnes (including a steam fayre) - yes we went on dodgems.

Enjoyed great Grinderman gig on Wednesday in Manchester - despite parking at the back of a maze that is the university. I think it is the tenth time I have seen Mr Cave now...

Well - back to work o clock

Infliximobbing!

2010-09-20T16:07:00.002+01:00

Hello There - Well I went up to Newcastle - but the Infliximob trial didn't happen. Basically there were too many risks involved so they are keeping it in mind for me if I go downhill...

The other drug considered would mean stopping my MMF - which may be the one keeping me stable.... and inhaled cyclosporin has no evidence of increasing function - just stopping deterioration..

But on a positive note - my lung capacity rose and is now at about 24 per cent... and I can still gym and go swimming - I just wish it was high enough for me to play cricket. football, badminton etc.... They won't stop my playing table tennis though....

Last few weekends very hectic (as my Facebook friends will know) - And I don't think I will be seeing Kay again.. She has disappeared off the radar!

New drug trial

2010-09-02T15:08:00.002+01:00

Hello There - Busy days in bloggesphere! I went to the British Transplant Games last week in Bath - I got a silver in the table tennis singles and a fifth in the javelin...

I was annoyed yet again by the same old faces getting awards for whatever - These people have not had the same problems and a lot of us and are just getting rewarded for the same stuff...

Getting medals is reward enough - why give someone who gets one gold in a swimming event a cup as well.... Rant over - Official representation is being made this year.....

Last weekend was strange..... Mark and Kay's glitter fest did not happen at the last minute due to her illness so I went to a lovely BBQ with Sarah, Justice, Jen etc in Nantwich...

When the sun went down I went to see Rob and Sarah in Handforth..... and of course we saw Gerogina at The Bull..... Happy daze...

My new drug treatment starts on Tuesday so am off to Newcastle on Monday afternoon - wish me luck.. I need it!

It is an experimental drug that I have been asking to try to try and lift my lung capacity...

Sally and strawberries

2010-08-12T17:28:00.001+01:00

Hello Blogettes, Well its the British Transplant Games in Bath next week. I am not 100 per cent at the moment so not expecting medals this time - but a few days off work will be nice!

Last weekend I had a visit from Sally - who I last saw in Melbourne 10-years-ago.. We spend most of the weekend with our memories and trying to sort each other's lives out...

I tried to surprise Kay with a parcel of picture in an album from our Chester adventure - with lots of other stuff and glitter, even a letter in Welsh - but it all got lost in post...

Never mind. I am off to Louisa's 30th in Rotherham (Motown theme) this weekens so sure I can drown my sorrows... x

How long?

2010-08-04T11:25:00.003+01:00

Hello there Bloggettes,

How goes it in cyberspace.. In the real world is has been busy as ever... There was a lot of media covergae following the European Games in Vaxjo.

Then there was out 16 year reunion of our journalism course in Sheffield and Kay and I had a weekend at Chester Races.....

Its all been happening..... Health is ok. I am STILL waiting for this new treatment at The Freeman - I STILL am waiting......

Vaxjo and Kay

2010-07-15T19:23:00.007+01:00

Hello, Gosh, gosh gosh.. What a lot to tell.... I went to Vaxjo for the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games... I loved Sweden and the while competition really..

I got a gold and two bronzes but I think the bronze in the table tennis singles was my best achievement in years.. I have such a small lung capacity and had to draw on all my experience to get through 19 games.....

There was a great friendliness about the games - which can be lacking in the British Transplant Games - perhaps becausde we were all lung or heart transplantees, or both.

The day I flew back home I had to finish my ILM5 as it all had to be presented at work the next day...

I celebrated it all with a weekend of Champagne and Pimm's with the very beautiful Kay D'arcy in my garden....

It feels I haven't stoppped.

I had a CF outpatients and everything was the same as last time - after the tiring few days I had had I was pleased with that...

There will be more info about my new treatment next time - as I am waiting for a start date for it all.... Until then,,, mucho luvo xx

The land of ABBA and Sven

2010-06-19T19:57:00.006+01:00

Hello Blog-ettes, Again I am sorry about my lack of blogging this month.

I have been working on two ILM 5 projects on management theory and a presentation to be in the day after I come back from Sweden...

Yes, I am off to Denmark, then Sweden for the European Heart and Lung Games in Vaxjo.. I am just looking forward to getting away from work and the UK for a while...

I have actually played table tennis more than once a week recently. I got a silver in my category in the Cheshire Open last month - which was fun, but tiring..

I really think if only I had another 10 per cent lung capacity I would be more on an even keal. I just get so out of breath into the second game. I have to win in three or I'm done for.

This is why I am trying to develop a more aggressive style.

So what has been happening in the last month.. ? Health wise I have not been 100 per cent. A rash on my arm has stopped me starting the new experimental treatment - which may help my lung function....

I did go for a week or so of hating any exercise as I wasn't able to do enough to get the post-shower buzz that makes it worth it.

I seemed to have been slaving over a hot laptop on assignments recently - but did have a night out in Widnes last night and Manchester the weekend before...

One has to drown one's sorrows of England's woeful World Cup performance...On the plus side though I am currently top of Halton Borough Council's Fantasy World Cup League...

Hypno election fest

2010-05-06T11:14:00.004+01:00

Hiya Bloggettes,

Well it is election night tonight - and I will be up until about 3am probably at the county and back again tomorrow for the local count...

Looking after the media is fun on election night - but not a good earner. If you work it out its probably about minimum wage...for the extra hours!

When I tried to vote they had no recoprd of me.. I had to get my polling card to prove I exist... Democracy eh?

I had hypnotherapy last week... I have been doing some publicity for the new service - which has started at the Stobart Stadium, Halton - so I got a free session...

It will hopefully give me more energy and help me to relax - we will see...

Busy weekend with a curry in Penkridge, Manchester City v Villa in Manchester and then drinking in Handforth- The Bull's Head and The Freemason's Arms - usual hangouts!

This weekend is a Sarah weekend - so hoping to chill with wine - if I can stay awake after tonight and tomorrow's fun!

x

Election fever.......

2010-05-04T17:25:00.003+01:00

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Bagpipes and windbags

2010-04-17T15:05:00.002+01:00

Hello Blogettes,

Well its been a hectic one as uusal, which has taken in three Villa games (including the FA Cup semi at Wembley - a snow-fuelled wedding in the north of Scotland and several curries....

I won my fight against a pay cut at work - which is the least I expected..... Which at least means I am on a permanent contract now after three years (although for legal purposes I am anyway!)

It was a hard fight (with little help from the union I may add over Job Evaluation) - and means I can now get mortgage protection insurance if I want it (hmmmm)....

Mandy' s wedding on Easter Saturday was great. A traditional Scottish affair in Hopeman (30 miles north of Inverness) which started with a beach party, in snowy Scotland (I know, I know!)

The hotel was well past its sell by date where I stayed but the event itself was fantastic - traditional papers (I thought the definition of a Scottish Gentlewoman was someone who CAN play the bagpipes, but chooses not to - apparently not!)

Ten hours to get there and eleven hours to get back - and finding a parking ticket on my return to Warrington though... Bah!

With a 450 miles round trip to Wembley the next weekend and a train trip to Newcastle for my outpatients the next Monday - I have done my fair share of time on the road this month...

Professor Corris in Newcastle is putting me on either one or two trials (on either inhaled cyclosporin or infliximob. As I am desperate to improve my lung capacity..

Stil between 20 and 25 per cent means more bad days than good and the slight cold can leave me breathless just walkiing to the door (although on good days I can go to the gym, swim and play table tennis) - So am eaher to try anything - however un-tested to improve...

I made this clear and I thin they at last understand my frustation. My FEV1 and FVC were both up this time (but only by a tiny amount and I am still recovering from January's virus!)

Must get fit for European Games in Sweden and British Games in Bath - Bring them on!

Snuggles and sparkles xxxxx

Lots of stuff

2010-03-08T20:06:00.004Z

Hello Blogettes, It has been a topsy-turney few weeks in Mark Towers... My lung capacity at the hospital is the same as when I left hospital... I have had a several little colds and see to get a knock-back each time I make progress.

Then I had a mystery knee injury, had my car broken into, restructuring at work, Villa lost the cup final (but got into the FA Cup semis) and booked my flights to Sweden for the transplant games...

I also met up with a friend in Coventry who knows the people who run the Park Gate and my friend Lydia moved to Australia.... and have had a couple of manic weekends in Wilmslow (where the posh people drink!)

Oh and my house is featured in the new edition of Your Move magzine (get me!) - I went around the week before taking atmospheric pictures to decorate bare walls...

The spare room on the first floor now has an 80s theme wth lilac bedspread, sweat bands and even a signed Erasure picture on the wall... whoop whoop!

So you can forgive me (I hope) for not replying sooner.... I have my bad knee up and have a whiskey in my hand and am praying to the God of good health once more....

Huggles

Different Strokes

2010-01-27T20:31:00.005Z

Hello,

Well it was a fine old start to the new year. I went for my regular check-up at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.. And got ill, my lung capacity went down to 17 per cent and I was admitted.

Apparently it was a virius.....

I was put on IVs, nebulisers and (in theory) a high protein diet and physio and soon started to improve - after 10 boring, very boring, very very boring days I got out...

At least I missed all that snow - and was nice and warm. Especially as my radiotors were on the blink at home!

I got out in time for the Halton's Got Talent 2 Showcase on the Friday and Sarah coming up to stay. Chillaxing weekend in Widnes, Cheshire Oaks and Chester....

I found when I started back at the gym I did 2 hours (more than an hour on teh bike) and feel my lung capacity must have rised past the 22 per cent it was when I left hospital..

My blood sugar levels which has gone mad after an increase in my steroids have levelled out - and I can acutally go a whole lenght of the pool without stopping again...

Things are slowly but slowly getting back to normal...

I went to see Rob and Sarah at the weelend and we watched b-movies, drank wine and walked to the local pub - we didn't eat much, because we forgot - but it was cool..

I retuned to find the information for the European Transplant Games in Vaxjo, Sweden - something to aim for.. I will be representing the UK... in June.....

- Now sitting in front of Midsomer Murders with mulled wine.. hmmm xx

Xmas and NYE pt 1

2010-01-03T12:22:00.005Z

Hiya Blogettes,

Well its been a long time and for that you should be grateful - a while six weeks without having to read my rubbish....

Pre-Xmas was frantic - and included going to see Villa beat Man U at Man U (back of the net!)

I was working Xmas Eve and drove back to Cannock Wood for a reunion of the Holly Hill Road posse - Stew, James, Rich (+ Marta) and myself.. Windnill then Park Gate followed.

Xmas Eve is always good at The Gate as I bump into people I havem't seen for yonks - and sometimes longer...

As usual the good, bad, ungly and downright beautiful were there..

On Xmas Day the neighbours all came round Xmas Day and it was the family do in Brum on Boxing Day - the rest of the week was spent catching up with old friends....

NYE was strange - one of those nights people couldn't decide what to do so I ended up at The Gagte again - dressed as James Bond - it was a 007 theme night...

Again it was great to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones.. But it was all cut short at about 1.30am by some chavs fighting the the police sent everyone home..

We walked back, despite it being -4c (God bless beer jackets)

My cold hasn't been given the boot yet, but I have a check-up in Liverpool tomorrow so we will see what they say....

Sorry this is quick - but off back to Cheshire now... I will put some pics of my new house on later this week! x

Gordon Brown in Widnes!

2009-11-13T13:10:00.000Z

Brown days

2009-11-07T23:15:00.003Z

Hello, Busy month.. I moved house, had a birthday bash, went out in Manchester and spent an afternoon with Gordon Brown among other stuff...

After all this I was feeling a bit run down and full of cold.. But surprisingly my check up at Newcastle saw my lung cpacity up to about 24% and the following week in Liverpol at 26% - despite still feeling rubbish...

It made me think perhaps the operaiton on my nose was worthwhile afterall - even though I dont feel the benefit yet -perhaps it is allowing me to do more...

I had my job evaluation appeal - I had to argue when they should not give me apay cut. Stupidly it is not on how well or otherwise I do my job - but how vital my job is...

Well I am really tired and that is enough blogging for the night, not even got the energy to tell you about Desperate To Be Doris and Sarah's stay - sweety dreams.. xx

Polyps and parties

2009-10-02T20:49:00.003+01:00

Hiya folks - Well, well, well - everything still manic in Marks media land.. Life in the last fortnight has included Alan's surprise 30th - me going to hospital to have polyps removed and a new work camera.

The one good/bad thing about going to Warrington Hospital last weekend to have the small op on my nose -meant I can't do any physical exercise for 10 days afterwards...

So I have been getting up to do my medication and then having a 'what do I do next' moment before work.. But since Martyn's accident I have been getting in early anyway to man the office...

There has been loads to promote at the moment - there is a new Lottery grant to display artifacts, loads of 'yooof' stuff, an olympic medalist joining the Council...etc etc.. Am puttng out about three releases a day at the moment and getting more and more regional coverage...

I have my job evaluation coming up next month - where I am appealing against a proposed pay cut.. It is very annoying when you see how much some of poeple get paid - and they want to REDUCE my pay - despite the long hours and hard work I put in...

It is lucky I enjoy the job and the people I work with eh?

I have been promoting a new community choir in Halton - set up by the gorgeous Grethe and Kaya.. Check out www.myspace.com/gretavisions... They are amazing people!

(And probably a lot better with my new camera than I am!)

Well it promises t be an eventful few days with Frank's stag do AND my new home - yep, I signed my life over and exchanged contracts officially today..

I could still be in there for my bday on October 23.... Wish me luck bloggettes....

Huggles

Gym'll fix it!

2009-09-10T13:06:00.003+01:00

Up and down few days... (Still recovering from Weston-super-Mare - what happens on tour stayes on tour)

STOP PRESS: Big problem with the house!

I was gazumped, someone put in a bid after it was taken off the market - THEN I found the loft conversion had no planning permission.. Its all with the solicitors at the moment - long story!

It is very stressful and I am sure this is one of the reasons my 'indicators' were down when I went for my Liverpool check-up at the start of the week...

Ironically my trip to the gym last night was very positive... So I felt good again.. And a good sauna session after my swim/walk this morning.. also good!

So, what's new? I had a good weekend. Caroline and I went to a lovely Italian restaurant in Crewe. I was recovering from the work night out on Friday in Widnes.

Crewe is much maligned (and misunderstood, to quote 'The Shamen') - just like Widnes - but has a lot going for it... mostly food and drink related...

Saturday sees Cannock Wood and Gentleshaw Country Fayre.... I hope to see some of you there!

Whoop Whoop (as one says!)

Media whoring and puking tramps....

2009-08-20T16:03:00.004+01:00

Hello Folks,

Hope you don't mind me putting the odd review on here.. It is a side line of mine and enjoy it. It is alwasy nice to find a fantastic new band to plug where I can!

Well the big news seems to be the house I bought last week - with any luck I should be moving in within a month.... The mortgage sailed through - just waiting for the results of the survey..

It is a four bedroomed place with attic conversion near the town centre and staggering distance from a lovely park and Starbucks.. So visitors are welcome....

And more good news. The cooker the kind vendor is leaving is worth £700.. So no problem with the dinner parties!

I have been having my pic in the press again.. After last week's Widnes Weekly News, Cannock Chron and Cannock Post pics in connection with the Transplant Games and the pic with the 'yoof' debate.... I am in The Widnes/Runcorn World this week at the new Halton Lea Library..

I am in that paper next week as they took some pics of my at the table tennis club - a follow up to the games...

Well if a press officer can't get his pics in the paper, who can?

Met up with Jo, Bekah, Erik and Diana this week - friends I haven't seen for ages. But got caught in V Festival traffic....

Friday was a good night at the Park Gate with Jo etc... Saturday saw The Time Travellers Wife at Newcastle-under-Lyme and Sunday was a curry courtesy of the Pool Hayes!

Bekah and I had a good afternoon on Saturday. We went to an old fashioned sweet shop in Stone and then tapas in Newcastle - great, but a drunk bloke was puking outside...

Loebeat's dirty disco

2009-08-20T15:45:00.004+01:00

A review I did for NG Magazine... Check them out on Facebook and Myspace... CLICK

There are few times when one gets a band to review when they literally get inside your heart.

This one gets inside it and sets up camp, planting too catchy songs and images and re-programming it to fall for them, completely.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you Loebeat, oozingly sexy electro pop for the mind...and the new band rocking my ticker!

Loebeat is multi-talented vocalists and musicians Dicey, Lula & techno boffin Ramdaq.

The band is less of a pop trio and more of a self-sufficient cottage industry for the internet age.

LB write, produce, record and even photograph themselves and have recently been taken under the wing of Alan Erasmus - co-founder of Factory Records- who rarely backs losers!

With offbeat videos (you HAVE to find these on YouTube) - check out foxy Dicey being dragged behind a truck and playing acoustic guitar by a lake - they really have mastered the 'art' of noise.
This is not the throwaway camp pop one sometimes assumes of music with computers.

I guarantee they will blow your dome as their musical Prozac beats away the blues of beat based mediocrity with an epic EP dripping with attitude and chunky beats - like wot we heard in the 80s.

Dicey/Lulu's vocals are sexy and sassy, perfectly complemented with the technical boffinry helping them delivers their oral ecstasy with tunes Lady Ga Ga would...well go ga ga for.

For 30-somethings like me Loebeat transport me back to the electronic bands that used to play The Hacienda and dark student clubs in Manchester the early 90s, with their sequencers and back beats.

Opener Come and Get It - is dripping with neon attitude like Grace Jones on an 80s talk show.
I could also hear Girls Aloud doing it - hey, not a bad thing ok - Sadly I spent a few moments with a friend and an iPod trying to work out which bits the ginger one would sing

But of the tracks here Fire is my favourite as it is very much in the mould of Yazoo - it could be Alison Moyet and the tune is very Vince Clark. Soul from syths.

Dirty Disco is one of those tunes you find yourself humming through the day and thinking. 'What the f**k was that' only to remember (at 3am when it is still in your head) it was from that Loebeat demo.

I am reliably informed they have at least two songs that are even better than these but have not yet made the final demo.

I got into Loebeat through a friend - do your friend a favour and pass on the good news. You may well make their day and give their heart a new beat!

STOP PRESS: Loebeat have just been selected for the BBC6 music podcast. Check them out on Facebook to gigs and forthcoming news.

UK Transplant Games - Coventry... (I know.. COVENTRY! lol)

2009-08-03T19:31:00.003+01:00

Hello folks,

Well welcome to the another blog entry in less than a month - what is happening to me eh? Well the week was the UK Transplant Games in Coventry..

The opening ceremony got wide media coverage and you may have seen it on TV or on Youtube - or in the local press...

Chatting to people made me realsed there are people like me with really low lung function who can beat people with 'normal' hearts and lungs....

As usual it was a great time had by all - but the organisers again missed a trick. All the big awards went to the teams who got the most medals..

Surely the Transplant Games are not about that.. I (who have 25 per cent of the lung function of some of the people I competed against) got two bronze medals which I worked damn hard for...

Some people worked much harder than me for no medals...I can think of a couple of poeple on my own team who deserved a mention for their fantastic efforts..

People don't realise always that for some people to finish a race is a greater acheivement than for another to get a gold... One lady finished last in her race - but the look of joy was amazing..

She finished.. How many people in her position would stumble around a track with people who could sprint it? She did it because she was proud fo be able to finish.. and without knowing her.. I was proud of her too...I am glad her team gave her some big hugs at the end... They rock!

Yet all the awards at the end celebrated the teams with the most medals (mostly kidney and heart teams who have perfect lung function and can run like able bodied people)..

The wheelchair race almost brought a tear to my eye - two blokes did 800 metres and were so brave as it obviously wasn't easy...

I enjoyed the javalin (although only came fifth, but didn't disgrace.. _ and came third in the ball throwing event - like a heavy cricket ball you have to throw across a field... More tiring than it sounds...

All the talk was about the World Games in Brisbane - which irritated me as I obviously can't fly that far at the moment - too big a risk for the lungs....

One bloke on our team came up to me first thing and said 'lung capacity still not up then?' - But I found out he is a bit of a prat and looks like a gerbil - so I don't mind...

And if you look at his Facebook page he has some damn dodgy hobbies!

I do also realise now that The Transplant Games are some people's lives...period...

The organisers and team captains do a fine job for no money, it is not them I mean, but it is the athletes I am talking about. A couple I speak to don't have a life outside training!

Luckily most are like me - train to keep well and the games are a bonus.. I had many interesting chats over beer - everyone has a different and no less remarkable story... Scars were compared!

I did realise though a lot of the people going to the World Games aren't actually that good.. which does mean when they are closer to home I could get into the team no problems....

The social side of Coventry was better... Curry on Thursday, Friday I went to the 70s disco (pics to follow) after an exhausting day of table tennis - ended up playing about 20 games for my bronze...and danced way too much...

Oh the table tennis was the highlight for me because I had to work so hard for each match - best out of five each time.. and chain drank water and ate about 5 bananas during the afternoon!

Saturday I went into Brum with Deano and Jamie... and in the evening we met Terry and Justine etc on campus and drank a lot, before being unable to find a taxi!

Sunday night was the ball.. We all dressed up posh and had a great meal and entertainment and some moving speeches.. and danced the night away (yep, the band played that one!)

We then ended up at a BBQ until stupid-o-clock and got back to the hotel about 3ish I think... It was struggle to make it down to breakfast in the morning..

But a smiling Hungarian receptionist is always a good incentive... xxx

I hope to be well enough to compete in the Europeans in Sweden in June.. its another incentive to train eh? (I am still training every morning before work at gym and pool, because without it I know I wouldn't be able to play table tennis and walk into town and dance at a club....life life life)

Hugs xx
PICS TO COME!

Halton's Got Talent, Ashes and GPs

2009-07-21T21:02:00.006+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

How goes it? Well, as ever, it has been busy in Mark-ville.. A couple of weeks ago I was a judge on Halton's Got Talent - see local press/Facebook/on-line media.... It was great fun..

It is strange having the power, along with four others, to make or break someone's career.. So we were unbelievably fair and the right people came in the top three...

I tried to give everyone constructive criticism... It was fun to be in the company of such talented people (and not JUST the judges!)

Last week I started with a little chest infection - with my medical history it is important to nip such things in the bud.. So I keep exercising every day and took the new tablets...

At the weekend (apart from enjoying the fantastic win in the Ashes) I spent the time back in rural Staffordshire - Our own cricket match was cancelled - so the pub called..

On Monday I was at a training course in Solihull - strangely enough (and this always happens) there were people there who knew people I knew...

I am now well versed (if you excuse the pun) in how to promote Bookstart to the media masses..And I will - when I get the time...

Today I returned to the GP - as commanded - as always when I have an infection by kidney function is slightly lower.. So they gave me more tablets and I will have more tests...yawn.

Hey, but at least there is a hot girl at the pharmacy!

Well only a week and a half til the Transplant Games in Coventry - and a place in Sweden at stake I have to perform... SO need to be top of my game again...

So I will be up at 6am as usual each day for my alternate swim or gym session.. Eeek. EEEEK.

This weekend is full as ever so had better get some stuff done... Going to be reviewing the new album by the bloke from ABBA soon.. Benny-tastic or Bjorn again?

Oh and thanks for the emails when I wrote about the German connection - will keep you informed!

Hugs x

DAY JOB

Stradbroke revisited...

2009-07-07T19:40:00.002+01:00

Hiya Bloggettes,

It has been a busy time cher Mark as par usual... There was Simon's stag weekend and wedding - a visit to outpatients.... a game of cricket... and a college reunion in Slaithwaite... oh and the Manchester International Festival...

The reunion was fun. The class of 94 hadn't seen each other since...erm about 1995! There was a nice number. (6) We could all stay at Jenny's house and get in one taxi...

I enjoyed Huudersfield and it was good to talk about nights out in the 90s in Sheffield...(and various gigs we can't remember.)

Cricket has been a theme of the last month.. At the wedding do I got asked to play again for CWCC against a team in South Derbyshire... It was bitter sweet..

It was fun. But depressing to had to stand in slips to field. I will probably never have the energy to run between the wickets or be a wicket keeper again.. But it is still an aim.. I got the bug...

When we arrived in S'waite we watched part of a village cricket game....and The Ashes starts tomorrow...

It strange having to live sport through being a bit part.

My breathing tests were up at L'pool... but the doc just treated me like a naughty schoolkid for not making an appointment earlier.. In B'ham the appointment system was different..

Well.. Halton's Got Talent final this week - via Blackpool. I will keep you posted.... x

Twilight in Durham

2009-06-18T22:03:00.003+01:00

Hello Blogettes,

Firstly-Anyone interested in a fine up-and-coming artist.I will be putting a link to my blog to her site...You can get some quality work, originals by Sarah Lawman-before she is world famous...

Just a quickie as got back from being prodded and poked by docs up in Newcastle and am drained - and it is going to thunder and I love being in bed reading when the thunder comes!

Last weekend was spent up in Durham with Sarah C.... We saw Hadrian's Wall, nightlife (chavs and hurrah Henrys in equal measure) - watching Fogetting Sarah Marshall on DVD and chilled..

Oh yes AND we saw a Roman settlement, quaint English village and drank lots of cocktails...

This week has been a bit disjointed... I was in work Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday up to Newcastle (four hours in train) - up at 6am... All my tests at The Freeman, then home...

My lung function is level at the moment... It was exactly the same as last time and I did not have a particularly good day today - so I was pleased...

It is about 1/5 of what it should be... But that's why I go to the gym and swim such a lot - the rest of my body compensates so has to be stronger than ever...

My blood pressure is normal and my blood sugars seem to have stabilised... My weight is 74kg (the same as last time too)...

Got more checks to have in Liverpool on Monday - but going to a stag do this weekend so God knows what me body will be like after that...

READING: Twilight

LISTENING: Green Day, Joy Division.

North and South (via Germany - kind of!)

2009-06-04T21:41:00.002+01:00

Hello Folks,

How goes it in the land of t'inerweb? Its been another busy one in Mark-ville... Still househunting, still no success... Not found the perfect Mark abode - yet, but I will...

I am having a look at a couple more on Saturday.... Wish me luck...

What has been happening.. I met Caroline for a Japanese/Chinese meal a couple of weeks back and we are about the only ones in the place - very surreal...

Then the next day I went to Lancaster to see Miss Fuller (the talented one!) - Involved a long traffic jam on the M6 - but it was worth it..

We wandered around campus (gosh, its a long time since I had done that!) and went to a party, which involved Wii playing and various card and non-card games..

One of which I won - more by luck than judgement... and I created an empire - so to speak...

The next day we went to the church Bekah goes to. A very charismatic affair with a Nigerial preacher... A lot of speaking in tongues... I wanted it to move me... but it didn't...

Last weekend was Kirsty's wedding down in Surrey (where the people think Watford is 'up north') - I had a complimentary Indian head massage and facial when I arrived..

Then my artist friend Sarah L met up with me and we had cider and caught up (I hadn't seen her since another wedding a couple of years before - we joke our lives are like a famous film.. Two Weddings gone - just two more and a funeral (eek) left..

The wedding do was good. Erik and I supped a lot of wine and we met a very cute German barmaid called Lydia - who was even cuter when I was sober earlier....

The journey back was a nightmare - It took me six hours by train....On one of the hottest days of the year - At least Runcorn Station car park worked this time and I wasn't stranded...

Work has been manic.. People don't seem to understand that we just publicise events for people. Any problems with the events the public seem to want to have a go at us!

With Halton's Got Talent2, Carers' Week, new drug initiatives and a range of other stuff going on - I am working very hard at the moment... Pity the big bosses at Halton never read this...

Well, healthwise I am ok at the moment.. Still doing at least 6 exercise activities a week...Normally three lots of swim/walking, table tennis and gym...and one circuit class..

I have check-ups up in Newcastle, Liverpool and Widnes in the next few weeks.. And Transplant Games in Coventry coming up.... Wish me luck...

Anyway.....Just walked down and voted... Did I vote for the right party? I hope L.W likes the book I promised her and everything in all your gardens in rosy...

A bientot..
MARK

Halton's Got Talent

2009-05-09T21:24:00.004+01:00

Hello there Bloggettes,

Sorry its been a while - I promise to do better over coming weeks....

I have been house hunting- It seems to be a battle between big 3 to 4 bedroom homes, but on busy roads with smaller gardens - or smaller properties near nice parks.... Decisions, decisions...

As long as its big enough for a BBQ and for me to have a music room I will be happy as Larry...

Also been told got to have an operation to remove polips from the back of my nose which are secreting liquid, making me vocal cords rub together and hence my gruff voice ~(that and the 30 off operations I had on my trachea... oh and the double lung transplant)..

Had cameras down my throat through my nose and got CT scan next week...

I think it depends whether the docs in Newcastle will allow me to have an anaesthetic - bit risky for someone with my lung capacity...

Talking of which - I am still gyming and swimming... Put my entry in for the Transplant Games - just waiting to see whether I am allowed to compete...

Other highlights include a night out in Frodsham and a Gomez gig in Wolverhampton....

I am a judge again this year for Halton's Got Talent - entry forms are available now from Halton Borough Council's website..... (and Direct Link Shops/Council buildings etc)

Tell your friends....

Not doing a lot this weekend - but Eurovision Party next weekend - so probably got a lot to blog about by next week...

Hugs x

Cabin fever....

2009-03-12T17:33:00.006Z

Hello Bloggettes,

Sorry for lack of blogs in last couple of months. Had a lot of work on for my ILM3 qualification and been having a hectic social life between Widnes and Barnsley...

The pics are from a work night out at The Comedy Store in Liverpool - class place!

What has been happening in Mark's world - well, we went to stay in a lovely cabin in Melton Mowbray the other week...

It has its own sauna and hot tub and a shower you could operate from the bed! I will put the pics on Facebook when I get round to it!

Health wise things are looking up - I think I am almost back to where I was before my hospitalisation in December..

I saw an ENT specialist who said the scarring round my voice box is still there.. But he said I can be trained to talk around my false chords - which should further help my voice

He also saw some pollups (??) which spray and drops may get ride of...

I am going to see a speech therapist to try and retrain my vocal chords - so one day I may be able to shout again!

I am still swimming and gym-ing and am going to enter the Transplant Games in the summer at table tennis again....

Being working on a media strategy and it is doing my head in! Back to it.. No rest for the wicked..

Hope you checked out my new tune on MYSPACE too and added my as a friend on FACEBOOK

MUSIC: Franz Ferdinand, White Lies, Cure, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The View

Click HERE to hear my new chooon....

Hugs x

New year, new tunes and new hopes!

2009-01-07T16:04:00.003Z

Hello Bloggettes,

Happy New Year! Hope Santa came in you sack and you haven't broken your resolution yet! Well things have gone slowly but surely since leaving hospital...

I started at the gym about a week after leaving and am trying to do a little more at whatever I do each day...

My check up on Monday revealed by lung function had jumped from 18 per cent to 22 per cent - so I am doing something right - lets hope it continues to improve for a while...

Christmas was hectic - too much driving, eating and drinking (but not at the same time) - It was perfect timing to recover..

I don't think I would have been too good at looking after myself the first few days out of hospital so it was nice to stay with family and have things done for me for a while..

It also gave me the opportunity to catch up with friends I hadn't seen for a while - former colleagues like Rita and former colleagues I had never actually met like Michelle and John!

I caught up with a lot of Cannock Wood folk - including NYE at the Park Gate - tacky 70s band, too much alcohol, buffet - what more could one want! lol

I started the water walking and swimming this week...slowly but surely... Its going to take a while.. Also set up my new Wii (thanks Kate for that pressie) and have a sore arm from bowling!

Back to work now...Bigging up the Halton Borough Council massive... Respect!

PS: I have also put a new tune on my Myspace - composed and produced by me... Using royalty free samples and on line beats.... CLICK

Escape!

2008-12-22T19:00:00.010Z

Hello Bloggettes, Well I am home. I got back to Widnes about an hour ago!

They couldn't pin down what the nasty virus was - just that it has a rating of 97 (??!!) when I went in and was less than 1 by the last blood test - which means the IVs did their job...

The effect of not being in the outside world and feeling institutionised was worse than I thought - I went upstairs to start to unpack and ended up just laid out on the bed exhausted.

I will be able to eat normal food and not have to ask nurses every time I want toast (a healthy evening snack apart from toast is unheard of in there)..

The cafe shuts at 4.20pm and the hospital has no bank machine...The nurses asked EVERY DAY why I wasn't taking a certain medication - which the docs had stopped two days after I arrived.

I was onkly taken for walks by physios twice in two weeks - good job I had my own motivation.

SO at least now I am not a slave to IV antibiotics and will slowly get back to normal. It is going to be a busy few days with all the people to catch up with and pressies to give out etc..

At least I won't awake to the sound of people carrying their piss pots to the loo to empty them or being stabbed for blood in the early hours....

Oh the festival joy. Whiskey o clock xx

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital

2008-12-17T10:43:00.002Z

Hello Folks,

I am writing to you from a hospital bed - hmmm. Yep. I went youth hostelling in darkest Wales and ended up with a chest infection and fever in darkest Liverpool. I am now dark.

The cottage we stayed at seemed to have just one coal fire to heat the whole place. I just couldn't get warm and suffered.

A weekend in bed and when I sturggled to get to my hospital out patients I knew I was going to be in for a while - ironic as I was only saying last week I have had no sick leave since starting my job two years ago - time to make up for it eh?

My sats have now rised from 90 to 95 per cent on air and I am starting to walk about a bit more. But hospital habits die hard (with a vengence)

The diatician orders me snacks every day, which have gone to someone else every day except one (I have been here more than a week now..)

Meds come too late. IVs too late (I am attached to IV antibiotics) - It is ALMOST as bad as Heartlands (not quite THAT bad, glad to never go back to that hell hole!)...

They come to take blood just as lunch arrives and you have to buzz for all your meds - which should be at your bed surely at the right time...

I am really hoping to be out my Christmas... A bientot x

Seedy Mark

2008-12-01T14:59:00.003Z

Hello Blogg-ettes, This is the fourth time I have tried to send this - I can't back it up because the PC keeps freezing..

Talking of which - my body keeps freezing. The cold weather really does take my breath away....

It has been a long couple of weeks. I have been gigging, trying to keep warm and promoting the Council.

People ask what my job entails... Here is a brief breakdown..

There are just three press officers for the whole of Halton Borough Council.

We deal with ALL media enquiries from anyone from Sky News to Wire FM... We get the correct response from the correct person for them.

We are skilled in putting out press releases to promote events - so the Council doesn't spend time and money on expensive adverts.. We do it for free.

We also write stories for Inside Halton - the magazine which goes out to all residents and news for the website.

We log all references to the Council in the news on the Newsflash system and cut our hard copies of print media and file them by category so we can pull out coverage reports for whoever wants them...

With just three of us we are among the smallest media offices in the country and about the cheapest.

Some people think we are pawns of whichever part is in power. But if these people (mostly Tories - boo hiss!) bothered to read press releases they would note how politically unbiased they are..

Most of the information comes from officers and we put a quote from the Executive Board Member (councillor) who looks after that department.

In Halton this means it is normally a Labour person who is quotes but in my last job, in Walsall, it was always a Tory.

As to being expensive - we earn in salary (despite more than 50 years experience in the media between us) less than some councillors get in allowances...

It is irritating that people always get at our department. Nobody has a go at IT or human resources!

Anyway. Rant over... Its been a big media week. We got a fake car crash to promote a road safery DVD on BBC TV, Radio Merseyside and Wire FM...

Radio Merseyside broadcasted from Widnes Market on Monday - which was great fun and we had no shortage of events we promoted through that.....

Gigging wise I went to see Carter USM/EMF/Vile Evils last week and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

I have now seen him in Melbourne, Amsterdam, Wolverhampton and Manchester... and he just gets better with age....

Music: The Killers

Book: The Crow Road

Film: Karli

Cold comforts

2008-11-06T14:28:00.004Z

Hiya Bloggettes, Its been a manic one as usual - not helped by the face I am just getting over a cold, which as always, went to my chest...

People are insistent on giving me infections before I am fully recovered from the previous one - so my lungs never get back to previous level...

I am trying to exercise through this one - but failing miserably! Anyway - just a short one - dividing my non-work time between Widnes and Barnsley.... Can almost understand the northerners now.. Almost....

The pic is from my birthday weekend, which involved lots of eating, pub crawl, lazing about and watching Villa thrash Wigan.. Happy daze

Random nights in....

2008-10-22T15:12:00.003+01:00

Hello Bloggettes, Its been a long week already... I ended up in Darton on Friday night (for obvious reasons to anyone who is my friend on Facebook) .

I had to be back in Runcorn by 10am for my photography course.... It was quite good. Even though there was a bloke there with a strange foot fetish! - very odd...

On Monday I arranged a pic to promote our James Bond-themed firework display.. (Some of which I may atttach to this entry)

I actually did the 30 lengths of swimming/walking on Monday for the first time in weeks. (Couldn't quite manage it on Wednesday though not bad for someone with a third the normal lung function for someone my ages..)

This is why I am such a gym bunny - I have to compensate by making everything else super-efficient. The body is such an amazing thing....

It is my birthday tomorrow and mum is coming over for the evening. Kate is coming over on Friday for the weekend and we are going for a meal and a pub crawl with some work colleagues.

On Sunday I am going to the Wigan v Villa game with Rob... Weekend sorted...

Talking of Facebook don't ever try the Word Challenge game tipsy.. You just get beaten a lot and keep playing and although your vocab improves your cred goes on free fall...

Halton Borough Council website CLICK

To email me CLICK

The long and winding road...the M62

2008-10-14T14:04:00.004+01:00

Hello Folks,

Mark-ville has been very busy of late (when is it not to be honest) - I have had a manic, but enjoyable time, spending a lot of time on the M62 between Widnes and Barnsley...

We also re-visited a cinema we last went to in in 1992 (then it was 'Beauty and The Beast', this time it was 'How to Lose Friend and Alienate People)

Actually seen The Simpsons film at last and drank way too much pink wine.. Also spent a morning making coffee for the staff of Swintons in Wakefield (long story!)

Am off up north tonight - So sorry this is again a short post.... Cold almost gone and now going to try and get back to regime properly... Hope to get back to 30 lengths by next week...

Went to the circuits class for the first time in ages last night - felt better for it but am suffereing today... Anyone know anyone good at massage? Luckily I do!

Hugs....

Random nights out....

2008-10-01T13:04:00.004+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Busy time in Markville - Included a 70s night, Cambridge lads' weekend, Newmarket, greyhound racing and Wakefield......

It has also included time in Leeds, random nights in Darton (Barnsley) and drunken MSM chats...And a lot of texting...

And RG has dumped CA at last - which is good news all round. Especially for Random Girl and Random Boy....

On the downside cold - which I am suffering from at the moment! This came the day I had my CF outpatients in Liverpool - sods law eh?

But it meant at least next time my lung capacity MUST be up on this time.

Seriously they are worred the cold may get onto my lungs (it already has a little bit) so they are pumping me with anti-biotics.

My ability to exercise is hampered by this. So am doing a little, often unti I can do more... The problem then it takes me a ling time to build up again...

I also had an ENT appointment (they are finally going to look at my damaged voicebox, prob with speech therapy, as long as I don't start speaking Scouse!)

ALSO had flu-jab - what a week? October is going to be great though... More to follow..... Watch this space....

CLICK (my day job)

Creamfields and the Weekly News

2008-09-10T13:55:00.004+01:00

Hello Bloggettes, How is life, the world and everything....

Mark is tired... Creamfields, an Express & Star reunion in Wolverhampton and a night out in Nantwich since I last updated this...

Cream was excellent. Marta, Rich and Pete stayed over - although we didn't get in til about 6am and slept til the afternoon...

By 3am on Sunday morning I was whacked... All the mud meant there was nowhere really to rest... So there was no choice but to take loads of drugs and stay awake (that was a joke Mr Policeman sir!)

The Wolv gig was something I arranged with people who used to work at the Express and Star in Stafford...

Tony Moran, Dave Briggs, Sue Lea, Rita Congera all came along and we hit the Cheeky Monkey club. Ended the night playing the Wii - something called Cow Racing.... hmmmm cowwwssss.

Last weekend I hit Nantwich with Caroline and spent the next day watching Frasier and eating toast - perfect Sunday eh?

I discovered the joys of drinking wine while on MSM.. This is the fault of Random Girl.. I blame her for a lot of things these days...And with good reason.....

In other news - Went to see Mamma Mia with Bekah in Stafford yesterday - Great feel-good film, great company (as always!)

What else? Still trying to get back to old fitness levels.. Failing miserably... I still aim to be able to jog by the end of the year - One has to have a goal!

CLICK - My blog for the Widnes World newspaper

CLICK - Halton Borough Councils news (the bit I write)

Mark is bronzed

2008-08-13T20:09:00.004+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Well its been another busy 'un... I was lucky enough to compete in the Transplant Games in Sheffield (which ran from Thursday to Monday)- and won a bronze in the table tennis..

I am still recovering from the sport and the finishing ball (Louisa - my former colleague from Sydney) - and I got through way too much wine - but it would have been rude not to....

The saga started on the Thursday when I hit the pool before driving across the Snake Pass to Sheffield - via JJB to buy a snooker stick! (Stick - see how common I am!)

Got to the posh Novotel and they hadn't got my booking down - so rushed off to the snooker (which I am very poor at) and then to register at the Don Valley (picking up my gear)..

I met my lovely team mates (and my other team mates!) and we went to the opening ceremony (I got to carry the flag being a debutante) then hit Cafe Rouge with some of my new friends...

The Friday saw me meeting up with Louisa and we headed for the English Institute of Sport and the table tennis... The first round was in the form of a league, then the others were knock-out.

Having a low lung function I was at a severe disadvantage - so had to do what I had been coached to do - make the other guys do the running..

Luckily every match was 2:0.... So didn't get too shattered and had plenty of rest...

That night Louisa did reiki on me and we went to a lovely Italian Restaurant in town...I think my room mate Jamie was annoyed I didn't stay out all night any night as he wanted the room to himself - I think he was going to entertain a lady...

On the Saturday I took it easy, swam in the hotel pool (well it is too small to swim) with Jamie, Susan, and Craig.... and just chilled around town with the others..

That night I was going to see Kate in Barnsley but things didn't happen as they were meant to... so I didn't... Long story.... Boring story...No scandal...

On Sunday morning Darren from Doncaster (former college matey) came over and we went to support the athletics team....

The evening was the ball. Louisa's hubbie dropped her off about 6ish and we started at the hotel bar before wandering to Ponds Forge...

It was a great night - but too much politics. The same old people got the same old awards apparently. The most-well people who got their reward with medals anyway..

Freeman (as we were mostly people with heart or lung or both transplants) didn't get a sniff in, despite some remarkable achievements by people who were very disadvantaged...

I know the sacrifices some of the people on my team had made.... But as you can see from the pics - a good time was had by all...

Back to Widnes on Monday.... tired tired tired..... Took my medal into work.. Too right I did. Who knows healthwise what will happen. It cold be my last - I will savour it...

Big thanks to Graham Marsh who did all the organising on behalf of Newcastle...

For my day job see the news at HALTON

xx

More from Natalie and the Transplant Games

2008-08-05T15:42:00.002+01:00

Hiya Bloggettes!

The last couple of weeks have been eventful – as always! My health is ok.. It was great last week but not so good since the antibiotics finished.

The previous weekend my friend got egged in St Helens (its no yolk!) and we had the worst ever curry (They can’t do curry in the Merseyside)

On Friday I met my friend Caroline with the view of going to the cinema in Crewe. We spent too long at a country pub.

My food was lovely, and the only film showing which didn’t finish before 2.30am was Love Guru!

Despite crap reviews we risked it and actually enjoyed it! Got back at ridiculous o’clock though!

We are arranging a spa day soon. Bliss!

On Saturday I started at the gym (only a week before the Transplant Games) and then drove to Cannock Wood.

I met up with Jo in the evening in Wolvo and went to a Cuban bar before hittng a balti house in Wombourne. They just can’t do curry in Merseyside!

Wine and coffee and a trip back and woke up in Cannock Wood with a lethargy which only comes after alcohol.

How come I feel crap on Sunday all the time – so may as well have a reason for it.

Met up with the usual suspects for a pint at the Park Gate – we haven’t all met up for a while.. Watched the Grand Prix – but I was on Diet Coke.

Am at a loss on Sundays since not playing cricket anymore…

After the pub, still felt tender so had massive latte at motorway services on way home – Hmmm didn’t help!

Had message from Carla Imbruglia on Facebook saying her sister actually remembered me and thought I was funny….

Can’t believe I actually made an impression on the Natster…

Thursday to Sunday I am at the Transplant Games in Sheffield – I am entering the table tennis, but also the snooker and volleyball for fun..

So its every evening in the gym before that for me!

Everything is sorted. Got a house-sitter, meeting friends up there and hoping to enjoy the city I used to live in…

Wish me luck!

H208 and nights out late

2008-07-21T15:08:00.008+01:00

Hello Folks,

ALMOST 25,000 seperate hits on the blog now! Many thanks!

Well it has been a busy time in Mark towers..

We had the H208 festival a fortnight ago (see http://www.h208.co.uk/) with a range of activities including It's A knockout, some great bands, free falling, extreme sports and displays from our twin towns...

It was two days hard work - but ended in a pub crawl, which helped ease the aching feet!

I was set to have worked 12 days in row - but we had two days of strike last week, which borke it up. I had never been on strike before.. (bless) so was looking forward to it..

On the Wednesday my friend Wendy and her little 'un Sophia came over and we went to Crosby beach to take in the air and look at the statues.... Kids love beaches don't they...

In the evening mum came up from Staffordshire and we went for an Indian meal. The waiter remembered us from the last time she came down - I was very impressed..

On the Thursday it was pouring with rain - All these UNISON members with time on our hands and stuck with daytime TV and Speke Retail Park.

This weekend I went to Walsall on Saturday to meet Sarah for lunch at The Wharf 10 - Where Akbar and I used to hang out. Then to the New Art Gallery where the lift voice is Noddy Holder.

It was the 18th of a sister of a friend and I ended up in Reef Bar covered in glitter and stars (thanks Aimee for that!) - Another 3am finish...

Good to see us oldies staying out to the bitter end eh? Now dreading seeing the pics on Facebook.

I still have The Proclaimers in my head - LET THEM OUT PLEASE!

A Bientot...

Linkin Park and Widnes wanderings

2008-07-05T20:09:00.004+01:00

Hello thee,

Well. Last weekend was a fun one.

I went to Cannock Wood on Saturday for some drinks at the Park Gate with the usual Saturday suspects... Then it was time to hit Milton Keynes...(which I did, with a hangover..)

Parked in the disabled parking, which meant it was a nice short walk to the bowl.... It was a great day. The Bravery, NERD, Pendulum, Jay-Z, Linkin Park.... What a line up eh?

I frizzled in the heat though... I went red, then brown then started peeling...

I went to a first check-up in Liverpool (I am changing the CF appointments from B'ham) - It seemed very professional there....

My breathing tests showed my lung capacity is still not back to its levels of last summer, but it does seem to be going back up again...good thing... We shall see..

I am finding the gym and swimming slightly better. But this week I have only been swimming twice, three times I didn't get up in time after a bad night and opted for the gym twice..

When I did go swimming I swallowed too much water one day and felt rotten one morning... But I am persevering...

On Friday was a leaving do from work. Sad to say I stayed out til 3am - first time I have done that in a long time.. With I had the energy to dance more though...

Well next weekend is the H208 youth festival and the final of Halton's Got Talent (on which I am a judge) so... the world comes to Widnes and Widnes awaits....

Luv'n'hugs

x

Berlin banter and k9

2008-06-21T19:31:00.003+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Thanks for all the emails from people who saw me on Sky TV and in the Lichfield Mercury, Widnes World, Widnes and Runcorn Weekly News, Wire FM etc following the awards... all appreciated..

Well it has been a busty time in Markville.. I flew out to Germany on Friday 13th (I know, I know) through the farce that is EasyJet (long walks with hand luggage at Liverpool Airport, no moving stairways!)

I found my way (more through luck than judgement) to Alexplatz.... where I met up with Katrin. Spent a great long weekend there- the first time I had been there for a while..

We had food cooked by her on the first night and wandered through the Eastern part of Berlin - It is hard these days to tell where is where...

I found an afiinity with the old GDR flashing light men on traffic signals (they had been replaced by the West German ones) - I bought a t-shirt and badge... Bring the old ones back..

We had an all day breakfast and met up with Juli, (at Houdini's All You Can Eat) and had dinner with Stefan in the evening which included sourkraute (yes they did get the joke!)

When I got back home. I had to unpack and pack again to go to Newcastle for my check-up and prodding and poking by the medics up north...

I was feeling lethargic and tired and my lung function showed a 10 per cent down turn - They think it is just the endless colds I have got since working in this office and the travelling...

The x-rays showed no further damage (good thing) So I must just keep doing the right stuff, gyming, swimming and looking after myself...

My weight is down toi 73kg - the lowest it has been since 2002... A recent printout at the gym said I am now the perfect weight and muscle mass for my height... So I am doing everything right my end,.

It is just frustrating that all the work and my lung capacity is still a fraction of what it should be... Damn the rejection...

Busy week at work but tomorrow should be relaxing - I am going to see Frank Sidebottom on an open bus tour, then a gig, then a night in a hotel... Bring it on!

Been enjoying our MSM chats K9 by the way - Bring on our vodka fest - She always makes me feel more human...

MUSIC: Gabriella, BWO, Nick Cave, Moby

Only a week to go before Jay-Z, Pendulum and Linkin Park!

Me, Natalie Imbruglia and Phil Tufnell

2008-06-03T20:41:00.004+01:00

Hello folks! As you can see I had an amazing time mixing with the celebs in London for the Breathing Life Awards...... Sarah, Mum and I met in a cafe near Edgware Road tube station and we went to the Hilton Metropole, where we were staying...

We started with champagne in our rooms and so many gifts from the sponsors before we were shown to our tables - Sarah and I nipped out to see the celebs arrive..

Gail Porter, mountaineer Alan Kinkes OBE and Tiffany (a gorgeous showbiz reporter) were on our table... Natalie Imbruglia was on the next one. Phil Tufnell, Biggins, JK and Joel, Janet Ellis, Carol Smilie, Ben Shephard etc were all nearby...

The event was films by Sky and was very glitzy - The wine flowed and flowed...

I came runner-up but who cared? My film was shown live and Gail Porter gave me a mention on stage (bless her, and how lovely?)

Natalie Imruglia came over to chat - I know her big sister - and we were comparing pics on our phones and laughing in no time...

Phil Tufnell was a star and had a word with me. Actually called ME and inspiration! How strange does that feel? Very strange!

I went over to talk to Bill Bryson because I am a fan and have read most of his books....

After the show there was chance to mingle further at a cocktail reception thing afterwards - the wine kept flowing....

By the next day I was glad Sarah and I ordered breakfast in our rooms... Walking around Oxford Street and Regent Street the next day was a bit of a blur..and hot.

It was a couple of days I wouldn't forgot.... In fact a week not to forget as on the Tuesday before I went I was a judge on Halton's Got Talent and the Saturday after I came back was Julia's b'day BBQ..... Mark is not drinking for a few days...honest

I will love you and leave you now......detox time! xxx

Aussie reunion and Simon Growl!

2008-05-26T19:13:00.004+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

How's it going in cyberspace - Well by the time you read this the article on me will have probably been in the Daily Mail - so wish me luck!

Its been a busy one. Sorted the open top Frank Sidebottom tour, insurance for Berlin (its a nightmare when you've had a transplant you know) and London arrangements..

Work night out on Friday - balti - can't go wrong with one of those and Saturday I planned to do nothing - but you know me, I can't do NOTHING...so went to Formby (I seem to go to places which share their name with people, Crosby, Morcambe etc!) - to see the sand dunes..

It cost £3.70 to get onto the car park and then I was so knackered walking against the wind and the sand to get to the beach - I just sat down for a while and came back to the car... Didn't even do the squirrel sanctuary!

But in Formby itself I found a signed copy of a Mel C album for £1.99- which I hope will sell on eBay and pay for my day! (Which included another £1 town parking, an expensive latte and a lost £1 coin in the coffee shop!) - never mind at least I got some sun!

Sunday I drove across the moors to see Louisa, Helen and Niels - the reunion! We all worked together for the same marketing firm in Sydney, Australia...

Louisa - being a Yorkshire lass - cooks a lovely Sunday roast - and we had these funny ice-creams that have space dust in them (popping candy to you Yanks!)

This morning was a rush. Went to Speke to buy a suit, took longer than imagined and by the time got home - via the Polish car wash place - Kate was waiting for me!

We chewed the cud over too much coffee (or not enough!) - It was great to see her. She doesn't really change...good thing..

After she left I went to the gym - wasn't in mood for massive session (when am I?) But beat my record on the arim treadmill thing (like a set of peddles you operate with the arms) so I was happy..... An evening of sorting and putting the Ipod through the speakers on shuffle methinks!

Tomorrow I am judging a talent competition - Halton's got Talent - with my voice at the moment it will be less Simon Cowell, more Growl! I dread having to tell the little ones they haven't made it to the final and risk the wrath of their parents!

Then on Wednesday it is off to London for the Breathing Life Awards (with my new suit, mum and Sarah!) Wish me luck! Full report to follow!

Take a look at our Halton Borough Council website CLICK
And of course for info on the Breathing Life Awards CLICK

And look out for me on Sky Real Lives on Sunday (June 1) x

A bientot! xxx

Decayed seaside glamour

2008-05-16T12:40:00.002+01:00

Hello Blogettes,

How is it going in the real world? Cyber Mark has been full of cold and stayed in last weekend - but by Sunday I had cabin fever and needed to get out...

(As well as the fact I had been eating so much garlic, onions and fruit and needed to escape the kitchen!)

I hit Crosby and saw all those statues on the beach - the place is only about 30 minutes away from me and is gorgeous - lots of clean sand and cool water...

The sun was shining and despite feeling grotty I enjoyed wandering along the beach..

By Wednesday I was feeling better and met Rebecca for out dose of decayed seaside glamour - We like hitting these places...

We posed by the Eric Morcambe statue and explained to some Canadians who he was (and got them to pose in front of it too!)

It was nice to get away from the football (one can O.D on it) and we found a pub of lesbians - who didn't seem to mind us being there...

Chish and fips by the sea is compulsory while one scans the horizon for drowning cockle pickers...

Urban splash is developing the Midland Hotel there - very art deco - But it overlooks a real shabby fairground..... Not even tacky, just drab....

Had my first session of reflexology this week..... Very relaxing... I need it with the busy weeks ahead - just a few days now til the award ceremony...

MUSIC: BWO, Vampire Weekend, Army of Lovers.

Goodison lark!

2008-05-01T15:50:00.011+01:00

Hello People,

Busy week in Mark-ville...Although a lot of it escaped me probably.

Last weekend went back to Staffs for a friend's birthday and it took me four hours to get 80 miles.... Utter nightmare....

Of course by the time I got there I was playing catch-up - hence the two days of feeling crap afterwards!

On Sunday I went to the Everton v Villa game at Goodison - Amazing to hear so many Villa fans chanting 'we pay your benefits' to the Scousers - always amusing.

We were so wet and cold the away fans let me and my friend Rob into the Everton Supporters Club for a drink beforehand.

I was parked SO FAR away from the ground - I was knackered as well by the time I got back to the car - which was still there!

Been in the Widnes Weekly News CLICK and The World CLICK ON ME this week. Media whoring eh?

Been starting to feel a little bit better after my blip - But got to re-start my new nebs this week - so thing may go downhill...

Been swimming/walking a couple of times but back to my old times - very depressing. But am going ot the gym tonight again before the election count...

L8r shakers - much pixie love to one and all! xx

I did it Otttt----way!

2008-04-15T12:41:00.011+01:00

Hello,

Well well well...busy couple of weeks (as ever!)

Sky3 came to film me last week fo the awards and a show to be broadcast in June - very tiring. I interviewed in the office AND at the gym - did whole morning of stuff - plenty of stuff for the programme methinks.

They did some unusual camera angles and even filmed me on EVERY spin bike - which they will spice together to make it look as if I am on all at once.

Thanks for the emails about the transplant games - I have decided to compete (I wasn't sure - especially after the rejection episodes...My body just doesn't seem to like my new lungs) And the new meds are making me tired...

Oooh- I had a good night out near Northwich with my friend Sherrie and a snail called Brian (long story) and saw a great John Ottway gig in Lichfield... (He did it Ottttt-waaaay) with Ian and Dave (although I was driving so was sober - bah!)

Since then work has been busy - everyone seems to be finishing off their Job Evaluation appeals...and of course the Superlambananas...(How cute?!)

We have been busy promoting the National Year of Reading stuff as well as the normal pieces - so its has been both hands to the deck for me...

Health wise hasn't been too good this week.... Felt a bit shite on the way back from Northwich and I have been needing a lay in instead of swimming before work...

But I did manage to go to circuits on Monday and am hoping to get back into the swing of things tonight....

It is depressing though when things are not 100 per cent...

I went to an appointment at Heartlands in Brum last week and my lung capacity is down on my Newcastle level, so annoying with the hard work I have put in...

They are going to try and change my hospital so I can go to Manchester instead - much closer and more convenient...

What is in the air at the moment - about three friends have split with their long-term boyfriends already this month - Spring clear-out? All good news for us single people! lol

Well.....I had better get back to work... No rest for the wicked!

(PS: Superlambanana - I want one!)

MUSIC: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Killers, My Chemical Romance

Transplant games

2008-03-26T15:37:00.008Z

Hello folks,

First news - I have been nominated and shortlisted for a Breathing Life award - posh televised do - night for me and two friends at a top London hotel, food, travel the lot!

There are always loadsa celebs there - They want to do a film of me to show at the event! Bring it on... Now who take along - You had better all be nice to me now!

On the social front Easter was busy and fun. I met Jo.H for a balti in Wolverhampton and we spent three-and-a-half h0urs in there - and weren't even drinking

On Saturday after gym and standing in goals for the 5-a-siders (ciders) I met up with Caroline in Stoke and we ate and then saw 'The Other Boleyn Girl' - great film...

Sunday was spend chilling and drinking in the Park Gate while on Monday I went to the gym in Cannock before heading back to Widnes...

I hadn't really unpacked since my holiday so was up til late just sorting stuff out..

Health-wise I am doing ok at the moment - I am going to the gym or swimming daily now and today played table tennis as well..

I am considering entering the Transplant Games in the summer - in table tennis and may be volleyball (if Newcastle has a team)

Gig news - Booked Carter USM, Linkin Park and Jay-Z

Music listened to: Nick Cave, Mika, Sylvester, Nomi

Rock-Kay-Roll in Anglesey

2008-03-18T10:34:00.007Z

Hello there,

Lots been going on and many apologies for not being in touch! Kay and I did our week-long big adventure - a week in a cottage in Anglesey...

We chose the worst possible week weather-wise but we found plenty to do...drinking mostly! We had a goth night, a posh night, treat days and an afternoon at a health spa - v.relaxing..

5am was vodka o'clock and Mika and the soundtrack to Juno was never far from the stereo

The cottage has its own hot tub and sauna - but we only used it once. Too much other stuff to do!

Betws-y-Coed was enjoyed, Snowdon seen and Bangor Tesco raided! We acted like 'big rock stars' drinking Champagne and falling over doing silly dance moves...

But now its all over.... :(

Got back and drowned my sorrows at the We Will Rock You 'after show do' at Eddie's.... Walked home at 4am - There went that weekend!

Hot Toddy

2008-02-12T14:45:00.003Z

Hello folks,

How is life? Been eventful... Scared myself silly watching Sweeney Todd - almost got stranded in Liverpool after a do at Radio Merseyside and went to play in goal for a five-a-side team but only arrived 20 minutes before the end!

Also did some more cricket nets - but hadn't the energy to bat - But still managed a bit more energy - I think this was because I had gone to the gym the day before...

Work has been pretty busy - I dressed councillors up in X-factor garb, got one to pose as a runner and almost got a couple ice skating - Who would have thought elections are coming up!

So what's coming up? Day in Llandudno on Friday Kay day)- weekend of being healthy and trying not to drink too much as I am off to Newcastle for tests....Eek - wish me luck on all!

A Bientot x

Mark and Kay v Chester

2008-02-01T08:37:00.000Z

Hello,

Well it has been an eventful week - when hasn't it been? Saturday was the cricket do at the Park Gate followed by too many drinks in a chavvy nighttclub - woe is me!

Monday rocked - My friend and I met in Chester and had a fantastic afternoon of Champagne in Hawkers(?). We turned up wearing the same colour clothes and with the same phone - spooky!

A man at the bar even bought us some M&S chocs - obviously thought we were celebrating. But there again we were - we hadn't seen each other for years...

One of those evenings you don't want to end...

Anyway - found out I can get train straight to Llandudno from Runcorn East (and of course she can get the reverse).....

Ak's dinner party was cancelled and Nathalie had gone home so on Tuesday, Eve and I, went to see The Kite Runner at the B'ham MAC - for £5! Result...

Been using a guest pass at Cannon's gym in Cannock - so been trying to keep fitness levels up.

But had a bombshell on Thursday night that my champagne friend is moving to Spain - Sods law - just when I was getting to know her again!

Well I got recognised a couple of times in the street this week from the article in last week's Mercury....It will pass...

Time for coffee and kittens...

CLICK (the day job!)

Regime change!

2008-01-26T17:11:00.000Z

Hello,

Firstly, my 'marksucks' msn site with all my pics on etc has been deleted by Microsoft because I didn't use it enough... So if anyone has any old pictures please email them to me....MAIL

More media whoring this time in the Lichfield Mercury CLICK and the Widnes World CLICK. Dontcha just luvvit when everyone wants a piece of one? (ooer!)

Well this is just a short 'un as off to the CWCC do tonight....Just thought I would tell epople a little bit about my exercise regime...

Since I lost all that lung capapcity last year I have a gruelling schedule, just to maintain my L.C and enable me to have enough energy to do the normal things in life...

I go swimming three mornings a week before work, doing 30 lengths, walk 1/2, swim 1/2, swim 1/2 walk half etc....

On Wednesdays I play table tennis at lunchtimes.. The other lunchtimes in the winter I stay in the canteen at work, too damn cold...

I go to the gym foud evenings straight from work. Doing about 15 mins on treadmill, 15 mins on bikes and most of the rest on weights etc....

I go to simple circuits on a Monday night at Stobart Stadium, Halton....But only manage to get to about one in three....

I get a feel-good feeling for about an hour and a half after exercise which enabled me to have theenergy to go shopping, go to the pub or do other stuff...

It is depressing that just over a year ago I was able to run, cycle and play badminton...

My aim by the sumer is to be able to jog - even if its only for a minute.... Wish me luck....

Well I will love you and leave you.... A bientot and thanks for the positivity....

BMI Blues and in the news

2008-01-22T12:00:00.000Z

Hello Blogettes,

Sorry it has been a few weeks. My health is improving and I have joined a new gym...(JJB in Widnes) I even got interviewed on Radio Merseyside on a treadmill....

It was all to do with the 'opt out' rather than 'opt in' method of going on the transplant register.

For those of you who have been living on the moon for the last few days - the law may change so everyone is an organ donor unless they opt out....

I am also writing an article on it for the Lichfield Mercury and a similar piece will go in the Widnes World...

My lung capacity was about 25 per cent of what it should be last time I went to Newcastle - but I am hoping it will have improved now...

I did some cricket nets in Stourbridge last weekend and realised how far I still have to go before I can play seriously again...If I ever will be able to...

Got my health M.O.T at Heartlands in Bimringham on Friday - oh the joy eh?

So what's new? Well.... Got lots of holiday to take before April and am having next week off - Just going to enjoy doing as little as possible and catching up with friends.

Got a couple of baltis and a lot of coffees organised. I expect a bit of drinking may be involved too.

Decided my resoltion for the year is to have the lung capacity to jog, even if it is only for a minute...I can walk briskly for 15 mins on the treadmill, but cannot run.

How far I still have to go was banged into me when I tried to do cricket nets with some friends in Stourbridge last weekend....Lasted about 10 minutes batting..

My arms still feel like they are made of lead!

Work has been busy with the Capital Of Culture stuff coming off...And trying to get my head round the job evaluation and other worky stuff.

I have changed gym and have got a new appetite for destruction. I have found a strange machine which just seems to shake you about..

I am slowly building up the minutes and at least I have MTV Dance to watch..

At least I now know my BMI (Body Mass Index) is 25.9 and my fat index is 20.6 per cent (which is between good and excellent)...

I digress...I was disappointed I couldn't watch the Villa game there - but went to the Eight Towers pub and was the only Villa fan with a load of Scousers....

But they were friendly!

To sign on to the organ donor register call: 0845 60 60 400
(Open 24 hours)

CLICK to get on the organ donor register

BOOK: MY BOOKIE WOOKY - RUSSELL BRAND
MUSIC: MARK RONSON - VERSION

Cannock Wooding

2008-01-02T10:16:00.000Z

Hiya Folks,

Hope Christmas was good and everyone had a great New Year - My health is improving thanks and hope to be on form soon...fingers crossed...

Christmas was busy - highlights included Wigan v Villa, several nights at the Park Gate - bumping into someone I hadn't seen for 20 years, long saunas in Cannons...

It was good to catch up with the old village mob and I actually saw my Brummie cousins for the first time in two years!

Widnes was cold and wet when I got back. The house needs to be lived in for it to warm up I think......

Spent NYE in Chester at a party near the centre. It was good, enough people to make it interesting but not too many so you didn't get to speak to some people...

Petals in the 'Pool

2007-12-19T11:36:00.000Z

Hello Folks,

Pics from the Liverpool night out....

It has been a bit of a rollercoaster of a fortnight - since the Human League gig, which has included seeing The Pogues in Brum, our works night out in Liverpool and trying to get my body over this infection...

The night out started in St Petersburg, a Russian restaurant. We then went over to Alma Da Cuba (a converted church complete with petals!) and then Revolution. It all ended in beers! lol

I think I am over my infection - But still feel drained and without energy. Have started swimming agai before work - but it is very slow and painful - like listening to me talking when I'm drunk!

Tally ho

Gar-licking

2007-12-12T13:53:00.000Z

Hello Folks,

Just a short one this time... Went to Brum at weekend to meet up with Jo and family and went to the German market - But felt like shit warmed up and have been full of cold ever since.

I can't just sit around doing nothing like normal people and wait for it to get better as lung capacity would fall further - So just going to work and spending the evenings in hot baths.

I have also been munching garlic and OD-ing on Vitamin C....Doc gave me some antibiotics and I have been taking them. Last night I tried the sauna.

It is the work Xmas do on Friday so am praying I am better by then... Wish me luck!

Well done to Chasetown - into the FA Cup third round for the first time in their history!

Glitter Worm and African Relations

2007-11-27T20:24:00.000Z

Hello Blogettes,

PIC IS BILL BAILEY

It has been a while and there is so much to tell - but I will cut to the chase and give you the bare bones...

The last couple of weeks have been busy. Last weekend I went to see Bill Bailey at the NIA...He was great. - from Half Troll to Glitter Worm.

He took the piss out of the German obsession for the trouder press (in the style of Kraftwerk) and we liked that....

Bumped into a former Express and Star colleague - always good to catch up....

Saturday was mum's boday do. We went to the Power Station Club in Rugeley and saw a comedian and 60s band (Ivy League) as well as a sax jazzy bloke and other variety acts... Most of it was dire, but the comedian (Martin Gold?) was excellent..

And our waitress had a pink tongue stud - Perhaps 'Pink Tongue Std' would be good to have on the front of a t-shirt. Sunday was went for Sunday lunch at the Park Gate.

On Monday I took the train(s) to Newcastle and went to the Piano and Pitcher on the Quayside with Sarah and then Malmaison for coffee...

Today saw all my tests with the docs. My lung function was down a little - which is annoying with all the swimming and exercise I have been doing...

But I knew it would be as since the cold weather started I have been breathless - It takes my obdy a while to adjust....I am confident it will be back up next time.

It is a shame as it has risen for three times on the run before today...

Dr Lourdon said I should try and stop my nebulisers as that may be having an effect - coming to think about it he could be right as I started those about 3 weeks ago too.

I won't be going into Liverpool to see my Zimbabwian friend any more - She is too strange (even for me!)...very hard to make conversation with...

Busy week with the Villa game tomorrow and Human League on Friday and Tuesday.... Think will need weekend to just veg. Will go to the gym and start to build up again.

Oh...I have lost 5 KG in 3 MONTHS... Just 1kg off by target weight (79kg)...

Tottle pip....

Zambia, Zimbabwe and Albania

2007-11-09T12:17:00.000Z

Hello Bloggettes,

Well what is new.... It has been a busy one. Last weekend I went to Sarah's mum's for Sunday lunch (Leeds) - nice to get out of Widnes (as it always is!)

Then on Monday we had the 'excitement' of Halton's fireworks - and crap X Factor losers Eton Road - The display was excellent, the band less so.

I met up with Precious (my Zimbabwian friend) and her Zambian friend Mandy in Liverpool on Wednesday night which was interesting... We went to Lloyd Bar in Bold Street..

What is it about Scousers and dressing up? We saw nuns, dalmations and smurfs - on a Wednesday night...

I got in early and went to a pub called the Old Rope Walk for a drink and got talking to some of the cast from a panto - oh yes I did!

The big news is I have got back in contact with Era my gorgeous Albanian friend who I knew when we were both students in Holland back in 1992...

Her dad is a film maker and I found his website and got in contact throuh him... She sent me a pic and she is just as lovely as when I remember her..

She works for the International Organisation for Migration..

The last time I saw her was in Amsterdam, briefly, about 10 years ago.... Anyway.... is if wasn't for the internet these sort of contacts wouldn't be possible...

Well...kettle on

Monster Mashed

2007-10-30T13:16:00.000Z

Hello folks,

Well we did the obligatory Widnes night out on Friday and was good fun....from what I remember. Drank and danced and then taxi's the night away....

Felt a but worse for wear on the Saturday but Dave called and told me about a Halloween party in Chester - what could I say? I don't refuse nights out!

I raced to 'theee Asda' and purchased the tackiest monster mask, false fingernails and a staff/broom thing... and drove to Hoole....

It was a good do at someone's house from the Chonicle. There were a good selection of journos and press officers there - a Villa supporter and a girl from Stafford...

But two bottles of wine wearing a monster mask is a bottle too much....

Again.... By the time we were in Telford's Warehouse the next day, I felt/looked like death warmed up...

Anyway. Busy week at work with the aftershock from the M56 deaths, a huge £1.3 million Big Lottery grant for a local library in Halton and the opening of the Wigg Island centre.

Off to B'ham tomorrow to pick up the nebuliser they didn't have last time. I think I need it as although my swimming times are faster I am feeling some kind of obstruction at back of throat......

Gigs coming up: Human League, Seasick Steve and Pogues.....

Feel free to email me on mark_allen71@tiscali.co.uk xxxx

Reunion and Rufus

2007-10-24T09:43:00.000+01:00

Hello Folks,

Short boring one this time I'm afraid...

It has been a busy couple of weeks - hence no blogging!

I went to a posh house-warming in Salford Quays the other Saturday - followed by meeting my long, lost cousins near Chester.

The do was good - great food and hosts and interesting people.... Lovely place they have - Gosh how the other half live - I need to

The following weekend was the Express & Star reunion in Wolverhampton - stayed over in Great Barr...

We all had little labels with our names and years we worked there written on - It was good to catch up with old colleagues...Pity about the rugby though.

Medics have been annoying me as usual. I went for a blood test (which I needed to physically send to Newcastle) and the nurse in Widnes had no needles left!

I had to queue with all the old sick people outside a former cinema on a freezing Monday morning.

I went to Heartlands Hospital (180 mile round trip) to start on a nebuliser which they hadn't got in - I have to be back there for 8am another day!

Docs were pessimistic as usual - but that's their job.

Caroline and I went to see Rufus Wainwright in Warrington on my birthday yesterday - It was an amazing gig - he played for two-and-a-half hours - And we had a support act.

Halton Borough Council has been in the news for all the right reasons with our GCSE results being the best improved in the country and the opening of a brand new eco visitors centre.

Still working hard and playing harder. Not been feeling too good of late - but I have been doing too much, sleeping too little....

After this week is over - normality may return!

PS: Thanks for all the pressies - especially the mini bar and those HMV tokens....

Frankie and Foxy

2007-10-08T10:53:00.000+01:00

Hello People-ettes,

Recovering after a great weekend of sport (execpt for Widnes of course) England won the rugby, England won the cricket, Villa beat West Ham! Result..

Left work dead on 4pm on Friday to get back to Staffordshire for the cricket club do - We went to hear Graeme 'Foxy' Fowler speak at St Matthews in B'wood...then into Lichfield.

Graeme "Foxy" Fowler became the first Englishman to score a double century in India but now prefers to play the drums for kicks.

It must have been a good night because I came home with a picture of Frankie Howerd in my pocket - but can't remember why or how..

I was chatting to someone I hadn't seen since our GCSEs and she filled me in as to what had happened to loads of people we used to go to school with....

On Saturday I went into Stafford, met Bekkkkkah for latte and then went to see Victoria and Colin's new baby - Honor Elise...

Still recovering from Friday I did very litte on Saturday night..

On Sunday I went for a drink with the usual suspects at the PG - Took the CF collection bottle home to count and send off.... and drove back.

I thought I would catch some of the Widnes v Castleford match on TV - but the put I went into did't have Sky - so sat there texting people for latest scores.... Ho hum.

Got a timer on my storage heater so will have a warm house from tonight.....Result...

Bhangra beats and a Singh song!

2007-09-26T10:06:00.000+01:00

Hello folks,

Last Friday saw the 16 brave men and true (and Simon!) embark on the annual lads weekend away. It was a cricket tour - but this year with no cricket (go figure!)

What goes on tour stays on tour of course - but Weston-super-Mare certainly knew we arrived....

Afer going to bed at about 3.30am on Sunday morning I had to be up before 6am to drive to Wolverhampton for Ak's wedding...

I had to stop at every service station for a toilet break. lol. But I enjoyed sunrise on the M5 - It almost looked beautiful...(Steady on!)

It was a traditional Sikh ceremony (pictures of me in my garb to follow) - plenty of temple food and sitting crossed legged for a long time..

I got told off for pointing my feet at the holy book....

Ak married Marta (a Spanish Catholic) and the costumes were amazing. I hadn't realised how good looking Sikh girls are...lol....

I saw a lot of people I hadn't seen for years (Marta's friends) - We all used to knock around Walsall together in about 1996/7...Most hadn't changed.

Fermin is still the most energetic Spanish bloke I will ever meet!

We had the drummers and the Bhangra beats and the whole event was fabulous. But by 5.30pm I was so tired and drove back to mum's in Staffordshire and fell asleep...

The next day I went on a mission to find a valet for my car - unsuccessful and met up with Vickie and Grace for lunch and B+J for tea - Then went back to Halton - unpacked and slept some more....

Tonight Kay (who I haven't seen in years) is coming to dinner... So must get home early and tidy the house...

Oh yes....I have put some more pics on Facebook...And yes that was me trying to play a banjo in the Mercury newspaper - like the hat?

'Fete' accompli!

2007-09-17T11:32:00.000+01:00

Hello folks,

(Some of those holiday pics as some of you can't seem to get the link to work!)

It's been a busy one. I seem to lurching from one busy weekend to another...On Saturday was Cannock Wood and Gentleshaw' 'Country Fayre' - It was a tremendous success.

Stalls and events included morris dancers, jazz band, tombola, Mr Blobby and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

It was sunny and the bar was open at midday...cider flowed and yours truly and the cricket crew got a bit wasted....

So much so I got roped into some morris dancing and had my photo taken by the local paper - trying to play a banjo! In the evening there was barn dance - nuff said!

On Sunday I tried to have an alcohol free day - but ended up in the pub watching the Grand Prix with the usual suspects...

Then in the evening Caroline and I went to see Erasure and the Wolverhampton Civic. Fantastic (as they always are!) but it meant I didn't get back to Widnes til well past midnight....

Well done to The Brindley our little theatre which was honoured live on TV - winning Best Arts Project in the UK at The National Lottery Awards 2007...Hurray!

It just goes to prove if we give something enough PR it catches on...It is a relief after all the plugging we gave it....

This week got back in touch with a couple of old (well not THAT old lol) friends, including the lovely Kay - a fellow nomad who now lives in Llandudno....xx

I have also arranged to meet my long lost cousins in Chester....

Well folks I will see some of you in Weston-super-Mare and others of you at Akbal's wedding...

Holiday pics and vote for the kitts!

2007-09-15T07:16:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Before we start here is a link to my holiday pics - take a look... CLICK

Also my kittens Perdita and Portia need your vote. The winning kittens get a holiday for SIX for their owner - help me vote and I will take you with me!

The kittens are up for for cutest kittens in Cheshire award! It couldn't be easier to vote. All you have to do is call 0901 159 2257 (Perdita) and 0901 159 2258 (Portia)

And you can text your vote too! To send your vote by text, start the message by entering the keyword chTOPCAT, leave a space and then key in the four digits of your selection and send it to 80360.

See the pics... CLICK

Remember: 0901 159 2257 and 2258
Or chTOPCAT 2257 and chTOPCAT 2268.

A bit of a punt!

2007-09-09T15:33:00.000+01:00

Hello folks,

Returned from my holiday - knackered and in need of a holiday!

Got to Staffs from Widnes on Thursday night - Picked Sarah up on the Friday and we hit the Park Gate on Friday night with some friends - to start the holiday....

Woke on Saturday with a bit of a hangover and (eventually) hit the road and headed to Suffolk - to Ann and Barry's chalet in Kessingland...

It was a busy week - we did relax but at various towns - Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds (where St Edmund is buried!), Lowestoft, Southwold, Gt Yarmouth (chav-ville!) etc...

Higlights included the pier at Southwold which had a groping machine, zimmer frame frogger and various other weird and wonderful equipment.

We had a posh meal in Southwold, coffees in Gt Yarmouth and paella in Kessingland. We went to a crap museum, went on kiddies fairground rides and generally enjoyed living it down...

We met my friend Hannah in Cambridge (after going punting with the hurrah Henrys and Henriettas and Jen and Al in Dennington as well as lots of chavs on a night out in Lowestoft....

But the highlight had to be our spa day on the Wenesday in Bury St Edmunds - although we were late (not my fault!) and I giggled through my massage....

Took Sarah back to Burton station to get the train back to Newcastle and I got back to Staffordshire and just felt totally drained. It is now Sunday and I still do!

Meeting the cricket lot tonight. My attempts to actually play this season were scuppered by us not having a game today....

Anyway. Thanks for the text pokes - they really kept me going this week!

CLICK to email me
CLICK to see my pics
CLICK for my Myspace

I will put the holiday pics up here asap....

Spa Wars

2007-08-31T11:04:00.000+01:00

Hello!

Well it has been another busy one (am I sounding like a stuck record, or is there really a stuck record in the background - or it is a scracth DJ - for yes, I went to see one (of the latter!)

But first I went to Newcastle on Monday - I took the train and wished I did it like this all the time - two changes and I still got up there quicker than car - and cheaper!

Not that the latter matters because I can clam the costs back....

I met Sarah by the Earl Grey (Gray?) monument in 'The Toon' and we went back to hers where her mum and brother arrived to help her move house.....

Then we had pizza and chatted about our forthcoming holiday in Suffolk ! The cottage is sorted and the spa day almost so - Did you know a 'lovers' deal is cheaper than two seperates - so pretend people and you will save!

But there seems to be a confusion at the venue about what we actually booked....Hmmmmm. I may have to play the jounro card when I arrive....

On Tuesday I had the usual tests and my lung capacity had risen again (only slightly this time - but it is still going in the right direction!) They may start me on nebulisers soon though...

The transplant outpatients waiting room was full of people with sniffled and I think I may be coming down with something....If I do I will complain to the hospital and their stupid waiting policy.

I got back to Widnes on an earlier train which I shared with an orthodox jew, a muslim family (we used to call them moslems and muslims were only the black ones at college) and a drunk squaddie (who was from Rugeley!) - who kept taling about his wars!

Well it could have been worse, the last time I was on the train I got a man chatting for hours about his warts and ailments.....

FORCED to go to dinner at The Unicorn the recover ! lol

Busy day taking pictures as getting stuff out of the way. I went to a gig by MC Rory O and DJ Rasp at.....Ditton Library...

The camera was playing up and so I only managed to get one picture....It was annoying as my pictures are getting in more and more of the papers....

Well Sarah comes over tonight and we aim to get very drunk - may see some of you at t'pub!

Donny Kebab!

2007-08-26T21:09:00.001+01:00

Hello,

It is Sunday night and I am NEVER drinking again.....well at least for a week!

On Saturday I went up to Doncaster to see my old college friend Darren. We went to see Doncaster Rovers lose to AFC Bournmouth (inc Darren Anderton) at the Keepmoat Stadium, before hitting the town...REALLY hitting it!

We decided after some food to do a pub crawl taking in the sights and sounds of Donny - vowing to do a different drink in each place...

We danced at Flares (to 70s) and Reflex (to 80s music) met some bizarre people and did more than 16,000 steps on the pedometer...

I was disappointed there was no food shop called the 'Donny Kebab' in the town!

Got to bed about 4am....

Sunday we went for a roast at the local Toby Inn and wandered around trying to shake off the lethargy.... Now home.....tired....need bath......

Heron back

2007-08-20T16:13:00.000+01:00

Hello Folkettes,

Busy week as usual. Hope you liked the owls - I was entranced!

I am doing gig avoidance at the moment, avoiding Stafford last weekend to avoid V - the latest of my plan to avoid as many festivals as possible this year...

On Saturday I went to the stadium for my physio and then to Willenhall for a curry with Erik, Diana and Mark (althought he was obviously asleep!)

I was meant to play cricket (again!) on the Sunday - but it was rained off. It did man I was able to go to Derek's 81st b'day - At Rugeley Power Station Club...

I seem to go from power station to power station - with Rugeley and Fiddlers Ferry don't I?

We saw a pair of herons at Rugeley - which was lovely. The whole area reminds me of a long-forgotten Eastern European factory site....

I left in plenty of time to avoid the V traffic on M6 and M62... I was thinking about leaving first thing Monday instead - but that would have meant missing my Monday morning swim...

CLICK HBC website
CLICK My blog on the Widnes World website

Owlin' mad PR officer

2007-08-17T11:44:00.000+01:00

Bloggettes,

How be ye? Well I thought if I put my job title on the top of this blog I would more likely to get more hits - and I bet it works.

I have just got back from 'thee Asda' - Friday night shopping is strange. I thought the supermarket would be empty - but it seems to be quite a social occasion - very bizarre. Hmmmm. I suppose it is safer than the nightlife..

I am now drinking Guiness, watching Midsomer Murders with the sound off, listening to the Grinderman album and chatting on MSM - how middle aged I have suddenly become!

Press officer life is busy this week (as ever) - with the usual press enquiries to deal with, statements to put out and the usual of getting as much free publicity for events coming up and things the council is doing, without having to pay for advertising....

It has been a hard week to get much stuff out this week as so many people are off - holiday central. And not long til I go to the Suffolk cottage with Sarah.

We are going to book ourselves into a spa day and get pampered for the day down there.....

Anyway, Fridays are odd as the papers are winding down for the weekend so there are fewer enquiries and its just really spent getting background to stuff I want to push next week.

I suppose in the the days before councils had PR departments officers would be tied up for hours on press enquiries and not get their normal jobs done...

It is hard to imagine a council not having a website now isn't it?

Inside Halton - our magazine which goes to all residents is also about to go to the printers.

One of the more pleasant things I had to do this week was take some pictures of some birds of prey at a Runcorn school....Fantastic creatures... (the birds, not the kids!)

I have been continuing with the exercise - despite feeling a bit run down this week. I feel much better if I do go swimming or play table tennis.....

But by the end of the week (ie now) feel like death warmed up...Tell me a solution...

Talking of medical matters I had to have blood taken this week - I had to not eat or drink for 12 hours beforehand...

Then had blood taken and had to walk to the post office and post it to Newcastle myself...

I got some strange looks when I went in and asked for an envelope to post off some blood.... Shocked some poor pensioners in the queue!

Well no rest for the wicked - Time for more coffee - Fridays drag! Busy weekend ahead which I will fill you all in on next week.

Pixie Luv!

Boo!

Whiskey in the Jar

2007-08-12T18:58:00.001+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Unusual pic eh? It was one of Katrin taken a couple of weeks ago - on the cricket pitch in Cannock Wood (but don't worry lads, we weren't on the square)..

I almost played cricket today. Since the rejection I haven't been able to run so I would just be standing in slips or something - but it would have been a psychological steop forward - But Gaz got the dates wrong and had me in the team for NEXT week... Well it's another excuse fo coming back to Staffs and drinking I suppose!

I must work out how NOT to be totally whacked by Sunday though - I need to dins NRG from somewhere- Can one bid for it on eBay??

How is it going? Another Sunday evening and doing anything to avoid unpacking after a long weekend away - so am even updating the blog...Gosh I must be bored eh?

Thanks for the emails - glad some of you listened in to hear me on Radio Merseyside - I have yet to hear it as it was live and I didn't get to the ISDN line in time to record it as well...

On Thursday I thought I had a doctors' appointment to discuss my latest blood tests - I know they will be odd results as instead of taking my insulin and not taking my cyclosporin - I did it the wrong way round.....But I arrived and they were shut...Bah!

Thursday after work I packed and set off back to sunny Staffordshire- spent some quality time with Perdy (well one has to doesn't one) and ate real food...

On the Friday I met up with Dan in Walsall (Dan is a press officer (like what I do!) at Walsall Council (like where I used to work) and we 'did lunch'...

When we were journalists we met for drinks at lunchtimes but PR officers 'do lunch'..lol

I wandered around Walsall and asked a loads of places about new mobile phone contracts - bizarrely '3' - who I am with now - wouldn't let me keep the same number...So they are OUT!

In the evening Ian came round and we drank whiskey and talked cricket and music.....

On Saturday I 'did' Stafford - I had some investments that were maturing so went to the Britannia but they couldn't see me til 1.30pm - so had two hours shopping first....

It's that new mortgage time and if I want to 'expand my portfolio' ie but a house in this area - I need to find a good deal....

In the evening was former neighbours' diamond wedding anniversary (60 years!) at the Park Gate...Walked there and back and in the last two days clocked up 10,000 and 9,000 steps on my pedometer.

But, as usual, I felt it on Sunday - not event a triple-CD Goth anthology could keep me from feeling wasted....

MUSIC: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Damned, Laibach, Front 242
BOOK: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now - Andrew Collins

PS: The Pogues have cancelled their Lichfield gig...Bah
PPS: Those cheating Scousers won...Bah Bah

Pictures from Dave and Sue's Do!!!

2007-08-08T20:54:00.000+01:00

Good time had by all!

Pixie Love

2007-08-08T11:26:00.000+01:00

Hey,

Just a quickie. 'Pixie Love' is an in-joke with some friends back home and just started hearing it being used in Widnes - in our office - How bizarre.

Well it is Wednesday and I am on a flexi-morning - which doesn't mean I am more flexible than usual and am doing gymnastics but a morning off because I have done too many hours this month..

Flexitime eh? That is something hard-wroking and under-paid journos (like what I was!) just dream about!

I was going to get up late but was awake the usual time so went swimming, did 'Theeee ASDA' and had a bit of a sort out - the problem is I won't have time to finish the sort out so the place looks like a tip!

I AM going to upload some of the masses of pics from the camera onto my laptop later tonight. Well almost time to hear off to the stadium for table-tennis.

Oh yes. I am on Radio Merseyside at 7.35am tomorrow CLICK

And apologies to the mates who have added me on that Facebook thing and I haven't sent them a message yet. I am but a male who cannot multi-task and once Eastenders comes on I am stuck!

Boo!

Blists Hill posse

2007-08-05T18:15:00.000+01:00

Hi Bloggettes,

Firstly -I will put the pics from my weekend on the site during the week - patience!

Well it has all been very busy in Mark mansions this week - Workwise if it wasn't gypsies it was the proposed incinerator and if it wasn't that it was Halton's teenage hero.. Publicity is go go.

See - it is ALL happening in Halton...(plug, plug)

It is interesting watching how stories we initiate break, develop and take on a new life of their own.....Very 'organic' - like famers selling dirt-ridden potatoes to townies for twice as much as usual.... There are similarities here!

The public meeting over the plans for INEOS was interesting - more interesting was the view of some of the media that WE control the outcome - despite my statements and releases. Ho hum.

Talking of PR - just finished Max Clifford's book - what an arrogant man...

I had a drink with Steve Kelly from the World on Friday - which was good... Hope he survived the festival in Manchester this weekend.

On Saturday - after my physio at the stadium - I picked up Caroline and we headed for a weekend in rural Shropshire.

Of course I got half was to hers in Sandbach and realised I hadn't got my bank card - M6, M62, M62, M6 and I was back on track...

We got to Holiday Inn in Telford at about 2.30pm and got changed for Dave and Sue's wedding. They live in Ironbridge and got married on their lawn..

It was a 'humanist' ceremony - very interesting and in a lovely setting.... Saw people I knew like Tony and Sarah Moran and Diane Davies..... and met new people too...

Our taxi didn't come so we walked over the bridge and eventually got one from outside a hotel.

Ho hum... The air con in the room didn't work so we had to have the window open and a dog seemed to bark all night...

Was going to go the hotel gym in the morning - but I didn't . Bed was too comfy! We did have a big breakfast - we could have eaten for hours....

The sun was scorching so it seemed a shame to go home so we went to the Victorian Village at Blists Mill... Traditional shops and people in the same vein as the Black Country Museum..

But of course although both Midlands attractions beat the hell off anything they have up north or down south, the Black Country Museum is better in my opinion...

Well. off to steam some fish (and that is not euthanism!)

A bientot...

Read my review of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs EP CLICK

Contact me on the interweb thingy! CLICK

Mark (hard) at work

2007-07-31T13:19:00.000+01:00

Ok..Ok...I know it is an improvement!

Tax is taxing

2007-07-30T20:24:00.000+01:00

Bloggettes,

It is amazing how many distractions one can find when one has a tax return to do. That WAS my weekend. Found time to nip ouT for my physio and the pub though...

It's been one of those weeks where I've come home from work, cooked dinner and just felt like vegging!

Been doing the reviews for NG-magazine as well as the day job - always fun. AND started to plan my holidays.

I am going to a cottage by the sea with Sarah and going over to France to see Berangere later in the year. They will be very different breaks, but both will be fun.

Well since its been a non week as far as excitement goes I won't bore you too much and let you read something more interesting instead....

Keep the faith pop-sters!

More media whoring....

2007-07-26T20:25:00.000+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

I know the blog is now syndicated in the Widnes World paper (website) but here is a post all to youselves precious bloggers/bloggettes...

An article on presumed consent (whereby when you die it is presumes you want to be an ogan donor unless you express otherwise) is in the Widnes and Runcorn Weekly News today...

I am sorry I look like such a dork in the picture - bad hair day after swimming before work is my excuse.....and I'm sticking to it.

Do you remember the days when all you had to check was your email? Well now its the Myspace and Facebook accounts too.... Damn addictive interwebby stuff...

Well I will love you and leave you now EMAIL ME

My Pics and My Myspace

Luv ya and leave you.... Busy day tomorrow xxx

Tate pics and Harvey Nics!

2007-07-23T21:10:00.000+01:00

Hiya,

Another hectic one. In fact all I had to do tonight was write this blog and I have only just stoppped vegetating and starting to write...

I took J and K to the station on Monday on the way to work and they spent three days in Wales - while I went back to normality - or as normal as one can be working for Halton Council.

They came back on Thursday and we just ate fish pie (I thought I had defrosted a cottage pie - doh!) and chilled and talked.

On Friday I gave them a lift to Widnes Station again on the way to work while they went shopping in Liverpool and picked them up on the way back - in the pouring rain.

Although, by some Terry and June-esque mix-up they were waiting about a minutes walk from where I was parked...More 'doh'...

Dave came round and the girls cooked us a lovely German meal and we went to watch the new Harry Potter film (not as good as the last ones - they just look too old now!) in Runcorn.

Why do people eat in cinemas? It is one of my pet hates? It really puts one off the film..

On Saturday I went for my physio at Halton Stadium and then the three of us went (via Istanbul Cafe, where we met a woman who had lived in Iran) to Liverpool.

We explored The Albert Docks (I tried to explain Fred's weather map in the context of Richard and Judy and the fact neither are there any more) and we 'did' the Tate.

I am no art buff - but I thought the stuff on the ground floor wasn't up to much and things got better the higher up in the buiding you got. The modern art was excellent as the exhibits were so varied. Emin to Picasso!

I did more steps that day on my pedometer than I had done any day since I first started to wear it in Feburary time - almost 13,000... And I felt it.

In the evening I made a korma (not instant!) Too much, but we ate it!

Sunday morning we went to the airport to the background of Adagio from Stings, my favourite music at the momemt.

I was sorry to see K and J go - but came home and slept for an hour or so.... Then I drove to Sarah's mum's in Leeds to meet her family - I had never met them. They seem cool.

We did loads of shopping and latte'd (to latte MUST be a verb) in Harvey Nics. I 'Primark'ed and Sarah 'All-Saint'ed - I suppose that is the difference between us really...

It was a chilled day and I think we will get on fine when we go on holiday together (eek!) in September...

The journey back from Leeds to Widnes took exacly the lenght of my Communards/Bronskie Beat/Jimmy Somerville Greatest Hits album - within five seconds...Spooky.

Back at work today I had the Cannock Wood stuff to do for the Mercury while I was signed out at luncthime and loads of stuff to keep me busy. Never a dull moment...

The PR team is back up to the full strength of three this week!

The Weekly News are doing a spread on 'presumed consent' and took my pic for it. I am just a media whore still..But there again - you all knew that, right? A bientot!

MUSIC: The new Yeah Yeah Yeahs EP - brilliant!

A good roasting and a corpse bride

2007-07-16T21:05:00.000+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Almost 20,000 hits on this blog! Well done all of you!

Well I have been doing my bit for international relations - by entertaining two German girls. Well they have been entertaining me more like!

I picked Katrin and Juliane up from from Liverpool Airport on Friday and cooked some food. We spent an evening in the company of Johhny Depp and Tim Burton (Corpse Bride on DVD)

On Saturday we went to Staffordshire, met up with Nathalie and my mum - then went for a walk, ending up at the PG.

In the evening we met up with Erik, Diana and Vicky and did a proper Midlands balti - I found Germans and Korma are a match made in heaven...

On Sunday we defied the rain and met up with Dave H in Chester, after a traditional roast (that is lunch, not some kinky action!) we got rained on around town - even taking in a gladiator fight (with remarkably bad fake blood!)

We were all v.disappointed with the new Rufus Wainwright album by the way...

As I write this the girls are in Wales for a couple of days.... It is probably just as well because work is very busy at the moment and I am getting home later and later each night...

Well, sorry this is a bit boring this week. But I am too tired to write much (well at least I am honest. I am sure Samuel Pepys had bad weeks too!)

Hope you are seeing my reviews in NG Magazine and my village news in the Mercury too.. I will love you (some more than others) and leave you..... ta ra a bit!

The Virgin Man (and Dave)

2007-07-09T20:47:00.000+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Firstly it is National Transplant Week. CLICK

Well, what's new in your lives? Mark mansions has been busy as usual..

Next weekend I have Katrin and her friend coming from Germany for a few days. Oh what to do with two German girls on a wet weekend in Widnes?!!!

My doctors will be pleased I actually managed to do some physical actitivty every day last week. There is now £1 swimming at lunchtimes for Council employees.

That with my early morning swims, the table tennis and the Saturday physio - I had a good week and could tell this by still having energy left on Sunday.

The more I do, the more energy I have left - and the reverse if I have a bad week. Its an upwards/downwards spiral...

On Saturday I stayed in all afternoon til the man came to fit my Virgin internet/cable stuff. He didn't come til 5.45pm and then there were problems...

So eventually I got on line - so I enjoyed the luxury and stayed up chatting on MSM til the early hours... I am connected to the information superhighway (and not, that is not pigeon post!)

Sunday Dave came round so we went to the Unicorn in Cronton for Sunday lunch. sunday lunch there is not as good as a normal evenings' food, but the waitresses are cute!

As well as doing the village news round-up for the Burntwood Mercury I have another little sideline - reviewing CDs for NG Magazine.....the BEST listings rag in the country... just working through Nick Drake CD as I write this...CLICK Always a pleasure, never a chore!

Thanks for the emails about my GP - STILL having problems - will keep you posted! Thanks also to Mr F for his comments - Must do beers soon!

Complicated weekend ahead of entertaining, so will try and be physical every day to gear me up for it and give me the NRG.... Am also seeing the very pregnant Victoria this week too.

Big congratulations on the birth of my new little cousin Emma, on 4th July. I think they should have called her Geogrina Washington!!!

Feel free to leave a message and email me on CLICK or take a look at my pics at CLICK or tune into my Myspace site on CLICK

Wilmslow Boyz (and girl)

2007-07-02T11:13:00.001+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

Well I have had my first real night out in Widnes....It involved tapas, bad dancing, too much (not enough??) wine, cider...and that was just before I left the house! lol

It was our first work social occasion since I joined. And it was good fun (what I remember of it) Although I don't remember talkimg about David Dickinson..

The started and ended up at Fagin's (formerly The View Bar) in Victoria Square.

By a strange turn of fate the taxi driver who took us home was my neighbour. I now have his card and hope to get 'mates rates'!

On Saturday I went to my physio at the gym at the rugby stadium, but was on auto-pilot and didn't really do a lot to be honest.

But I had done something physical every day during the week so didn't feel too guilty!

On Saturday afternoon (when I fianlly worked out I was below the limit enough to drive) I went to Rob (BBC cameraman) and Sarah's (cooking guru), in Hanforth, Wilmslow way.

We re-created a night in 1993 when we did a runner from our student house in Manchester after the landlord went bananas (big Scouse oaf!)..

We ate cheeseburges and watched a surreal Jodie Foster film about a girl who keeps bodies in a cellar with paedaphile undertones and in fact blatant overtones!

So we ate cheeseburgers and watched the same film. This time though we had been to two pubs in the afternoon (and shivered outside, because Sarah wanted to smoke lol

But at least with the new smoking ban there are outside heaters, its just a pity they are surrounded by smokers.

I always seem to have a great time at Rob and Sarah's but can never remember much about it.

I do know we played music until about 4am, drank too much pear cider and watched 6 hours of Frasier on Sunday afternoon, before and after a roast dinner....

It didn't stop raining much the whole weekend, except for a sunny break on Sunday morning , where we sat outside and caught the sun (although I dropped it later!)

Monday morning started as usual. I went swimming at 7.30am. Felt shite, got to work and the computer system I use to send press releases and log enquiries is down....hence doing my blog...

Oh the joy!

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Viles of Blood and Tony Morley

2007-06-26T16:02:00.000+01:00

Hiya Bloggettes,

Well thank for you all clicking on my link in The World newspaper - my blog was the most read item on last week's site.

(The pic is a rainbow in Widnes, courtesy of my camera phone!)

My problems with Widnes doctors continues - my GP still won't prescribe salt tablets (needed by ALL people with Cystic Fibrosis) and only gave me five days of MMF (an anti-rejection drug)

I finally cracked and complained to the PCT and my consultant in Birmingham has also spoken to the practice manager. Watch this space....and maybe the newspapers.

They also wouldn't give me a vile of blood to send off to Newcastle without a proper blood container, which is fair enough, so I am awaiting one from up north.

Am almost up to where I was before the shingles with the swimming and the Wednesday lunchtime table tennis is good fun - if hard work.

I met up with Claire on Friday night and went to the 8 Towers Pub - names after the power station pillars opposite. It is also v.close to the site of the proposed mental unit..... ho hum...

Anyway. There was a lovely rainbow as I walked down and lots of rain as I walked back. It was good to catch up with CM....She was the first person I ever met in Widnes!

On Saturday I went back to Staffordshire after my physio session and met Erik and Diana for a balti in Walsall

On Sunday I went to see a team of Aston Villa Old Boys play Burntwood Dragons at B'Wood Rugby Club.

There were loads of former players, even from the European Cup winning team of 1992. It was great to see the likes of Gordon Cowans , Kevin Poole and Tony Morley at such close quarters...

I am slowly sorting out my holidays. Sarah and I are off to Norfork in August and Katrin is coming over from Germany in July.....

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Book: Pies and Prejudice - Stuart Maconie

Music: Close - Joy Division

Its a Hard Knott life

2007-06-18T18:03:00.000+01:00

Hello Bloggettes,

I hope by now you have checked out my weekly blog on the Widnes World newspaper website - if not then shame on you and all who sail in you...

I played table tennis on Wednesday lunchtime for the first time since the lungs started rejecting - it was only for 40 minutes, but I felt good for having done it.

The next day was an open evening at the local TT club at Halton Stadium - so I gave it a go. I was paired with a 12-year-old, they didn't tell me he was also an England youth player. Doh!

An hour later I sat in the changing room, and sat....and sat.....and then the same in the sauna. About an hour later I was recovered enough to drive home.

I had Friday off because Sarah was coming over - in the end her train didn't get in til about 7pm. I cooked my favourite steamed fish and veg stuff and we just vegged. I tried to persuade her to go for last orders somewhere...But the Friday Night Project was on TV!

We were off to Cumbria (no don't ask why she came all the way down from Newcastle for a night, before we went back up the country to Cumbria, it's a long story!)

The place was near Scafell Pike, Boot, and was a well dodgy trek across country down 'unsuitable for cars' tracks and the steepest road in England. (The Hard Knott pass)

I was very tense when I arrived. The pic above is of Eskdale, near where we were staying. (Yes it IS high with very steep drops each side of the road)

We drove to the hotel CLICK FOR LINK and were picked up with the other guests about 2pm to be drive to the church in the middle of nowhere for the wedding. It was an Anglo/Sri Lankan affair....

Then the do was in Ravenglass a cute fishing village and Sarah and I were part of just one table of 'friends' - the others were relatives. I don't think Cumbria has seen so many Sri Lankans!

I am really a friend of a friend of the bride and was S's (plus one) and had only met her once!

It was nice to meet some new lively people and get some fresh air. I didn't feel much like taking it though after a night of Magners, Champagne Pimms and red wine (together at last!)

I had to drop Sarah off at Manchester so we went through Windermere. had lunch and looked at some swans - before heading back to reality. (Ouch!)

The photographer is putting the pics from the do on-line as are several other people, so I should get some pics on the site soon...

When I went swimming this morning I think I was still sweating Champagne - well that's MY excuse why the water went all bubbly when I got it!

A bientot

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PS: People have asked why the tunes I created haven't been updated for while. Well I have been without my laptop for a few weeks. But I have ordered a new one now...Patience!

Six Nation State

2007-06-11T10:52:00.000+01:00

Hello Peoples,

I went to a posh dinner party at Rebecca's in Manchester on Thuesday - one of the guests was a doctor who knew my consultants in Brum and worked with CF patients in Manchester - small world (but I wouldn't want to paint it!)

It was the third anniversay of dad's death so it was good to get out!

Well I had planned to do nothing at the weekend - to try and continue my recovery from the shingles....which has left me a bit drained...

I went to the gym on Saturday at the stadium for my physio - it has been revamped and is lovely sparkly and new.... Everything smells like a new car.

I certainly knew I hadn't been doing exercise for a couple of weeks. Never mind. No I am not infectious I will try and swim this week.

Five months after moving to Cheshire I actually met my neighbours - who invited me for a beer at the front of the house - very sociable...

I then went to town in my eternal quest to find a rug for my lounge - no luck. I always get cold feet at the last moment before shelling out...

In the evening I went to Chester Racecourse to see a showcase of bands including Hot Club De Paris (rubbish) Vincent Vincent & The Villans (ok) Six Nation State (excellent) and Landaus (good)..

It made me realise the band order was all wrong with the best bands seemingly supporting the mediocre ones...

I am at thay difficult age where I would feel uncomfortable moshing with the kids, but am not old enough to just stand at the bar and feel cool...

I was there with Dave (an old college chum) and the Chester massive (!) - ooh look at me talking like a yooof.

There was Rebeccah, John, Rachel, Kempes and Amy (who is a lovely PR for the Oswestry Food and Drink Festival)

There was also a v.drunk Liza there - who is always very funny after a few drinks.

We ended up in an private members club called 'Politic' ran by someone called Neville Sidebottom - who is younger thatn his age suggests.

The problem is that I am feeling my age. My pedometer reading shows that I did virtually nothing on Sunday. A night drinking punished me for days!

After driving back to Wides I just lay down on my bed, too hot and hungover to sleep and too tired to do anything....

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Shingles, Bekakakah and Frank.

2007-06-03T13:52:00.000+01:00

Hiya,

As you may have guessed from the title of this entry - I have shingles! I had a smell rash after coming back from Newcastle and I thought it was bed bugs or something from sleeping on a strange bed up north.... But no.... bah! It is now confirmed.....

Anyway. Back to work on Wednesday but I had an eye test in the morning. It was strange, they put drops in your eye to make it look as though one is on 'e'..

Huge pupils (and we are not talking obese school kids here!) So spent rest of day squinting at computer screen...

Then on Friday I had my outpatients appointment in Heartlands..But typical they tried to use the wrong machine to test my lung capacity.... I seem to be travelling all over the country for the pleasure of being prodded and poked!

It was slightly down on my Newcastle level of Tuesday - but it was still up on my last visit to Heartlands..Hope that makes sense....

And the pain of the shingles (although I didn't know what's what it was at the time) was resticting my breathing....

Friday night Ian and I went to see Frank Sidebottom in Wolverhampton - and met the great man. It was the only gig I have been to where you get food at half-time and the act raffles off the props.

On Saturday I had all good intentions of going into Stafford. But the kittens were demanding attention and who was I not to give it to them?

In the afternoon I went to visit the lovely Bekkkkkkkah at 'Fleur' in Stone, her last day working at the place and went back to see her boat.

They live in a lovely spot by the canal and even have a signal box in the garden.. WoW! V.cool.

In the evening I went to the Griff boys' dad's 50th - it was funny. They gave speeches and the only thing they could find their dad had done funny in 50 years was kick a ball against a fence... Andy Griff is meant to be a law peronsage - I hope he sums up the cases better than this!

Then headed back to wonderful Widnes - Gosh I itch and its not just the chemicals!

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Sarah, Newcastle and FEV1

2007-05-30T09:14:00.000+01:00

Blogettes!!

How is it hanging, people?

On Sunday the lovely Clare (as in Clare-a-manjaro!) came round with her friend Rachel and we hit the Park Gate for Sunday lunch.

The roast was good…It’s a Sunday thing! A roast is something I never make for myself so it is a real treat to have one cooked for me...

I felt still full from the previous night's balti - but variety eh? Two national dishes in two days!

On Sunday night I went back to the pub with lads from the cricket club. Although I didn’t drink too much as had to be out the house on way to Newcastle by 8am!

I got to Sarah's place at lunchtime and then we used our free two-day pass at David Lloyd's place in Newcastle - we just chilled (as much as one can in the sauna!)

After that I went back to Sarah's and we ate food and watched some of Oceans 11 - but it wasn't too impressive....

I had to park near the nurses flats at the hospital, walk to the ward to pick up my keys and walk back to the flats....I slept well!

Up at 6am as my first tests at the hospital were 7.30am - but 8.40am I had less blood, was shattered abfter lung function tests and was slumped over egg and beans at the canteen!

The professor was amazed. My lung function FEV1 and FVC were both up. This apparently can't happen. It just goes to show what one can achieve through hard work.

He had two students from Hong Kong with him. He told them I was unusual as was 'a lot more muscular' as one would expect from someone with CF. Hmmmm.

Went to David Lloyd for the second part of my pass. The facilites are nice but not as good as you would expect for the high joining fees.

I went back to Sarahs to start planning out holiday and our weekend away in Cumbria and set off about 4.30pm. Got back to Widnes about 8pm after loads of traffic...bah!