Today I've mostly bin...

[MBH]

I don't usually do much with this thead, but I've had a couple of days where I should have done.

Saturday - 1st Jan - enjoyed the Northern Sinfonia for the New Year's Viennese Gala. There was Strauss.. Strauss... a bit of Strauss... Oh - and a couple of Lehar thrown into the mix The soprano Stephanie Corley had a lovely voice and had two songs in each half of the show.

Since I normally work behind the bar on Saturday, I swapped with the girl who does Sunday night and managed to avoide a VERY busy day (although Sunday night was quite hectic as well).

Monday 3rd - had a visit to the open air ice rink in the centre of Newcastle and had my first skate in 2 or 3 years. For some reason I never got round to it the past couple of years, but it's amazing how even with hired skates I can still get around the ice comfortably and confidently. I really should get back to this (or at least SOME SORT of) exercise. Time and Money - as usual - not enough of either

Today - after dropping a family friend at her house in Cullercoats, we went for a walk along the beach to Tynemouth and then back along the tops of the cliffs. A bit of sadness with the missing of Jennie, who loved the beach and everything that went with it (usually it's like Crufts down there) - but a pleasant afternoon. Stiff breeze blowing the cobwebs away.

[Bunnylump]

I like the sound of your concert! Glad you had a nice day. But all I can say about ice skating is - YOU obviously got the balance / ice skating genes. I've only been ice skating once in my life and it terrified me!! I have enough trouble standing on my own two feet without falling over... (LOVE sledging though... )

[MBH]

You can't even START to get the feel for this by going ONCE It's an amazingly 'free' feeling being able to zoom around the ice with almost no effort - but it takes time (and a few falls) to get comfortable with it.

I was at least 16 when I learned - so no 'child lessons' here - and I probably only did it for 4-5 years - but it seems the muscles had the skills embedded and I can now hop onto a rink regardless of how long has passed without skating.

So along with dancing, I've got to take you skating as well??? Sounds like a plan for a PuzzleBrains meet [NO I can't combine the two - Ice Dance was never an option ]

[Bunnylump]

Did you see that dreadful dancing programme (what is it? Strictly come Dancing I think) when Ann Widdecombe was sort of being hauled about the floor? That'd be me. So you'd better get your muscles built up beforehand...

[MBH]

I never get to watch this, but hear the commentry on the radio talk programmes. It's a pity when the 'comedy popular vote' keeps people like her in at the expense of others. In the 'older lady' age group I'd much prefer to watch the elegant Felicity Kendal - Surprisingly enough, she's a year older than Ms W.

I always love watching dance performances, so would enjoy this 'dreadful' show ( ) For some strange reason I once caught most of the American series "Dancing with the Stars" one year - and Mel B from the Spice Girls was amazing.

[Bunnylump]

I didn't see the actual programme (not my thing at all) but I did see this on a follow up programme...it defies belief... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9m3ZaVLnyg

[gill216]

Check out Todd carty spectacular stumble on you tube. I cant post the link.

[Bunnylump]

THAT would be me.

[MBH]

I'd heard about this but never seen it. Absoloutly awful
EDIT: The Ann Widdecombe routine.

I've seen some in the past where the male celeb is less than great - but since the female (professional) has the tricky bits the routine looks OK. This shows just how NOT POSSIBLE it is to reverse the genders.

Since I've seen none of this year I had no idea what I would find when I clicked this link - but bearing in mind the age thing I mentioned before, THIS was a treat to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqSY3kK9 ... re=related

I know who I'd rather dance with

[Bunnylump]

Cripes, doesn't she make you SICK? Look at that figure!! I last looked like that when I was about 20...

[pebbles]

Check out Todd carty spectacular stumble on you tube. I cant post the link.

Is it this one Gill?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXF1S-7wfm0

[katsmom]

Sucking down the suds at East End in the hopes of getting inspiration for a puzzle. Got nothing but a hangover and a few gents slightly interested in at least one page from the calendar

[giraffe]

I learnt to skate as a child, but gave up when our local rink closed for a year or more for refurbishment. (Before the refurb the ice wasn't entirely level!) It was an option for PE when I was in the sixth form and most of the rest of the group were beginners, but as I could already skate the instructor started to teach me to dance, which was great fun. I haven't been for years though, except once with Lally and she was terrified, so wouldn't let go of my hands.

[dramaticat]

I think this discussion of ice it totally inappropriate considering my current condition

I got taken ice skating when I was in the lower sixth at school - it seemed a much better option than hockey or athletics at the time. I was hopeless - and I mean hopeless.

However, my friends and I sometimes went during school holidays for something to do. One time we went they had just got new boots in. The old ones didn't come above your ankles - these new ones were like proper ice skating boots and the blades hadn't had time to get dull. All of a sudden I could stand up and skate. And enjoy myself.

Some years later I met a girl who was a keen ice skater, so we used to go ice skating every Thursday evening (ice dance evening and hockey skates were banned which kept the oiks who were only interested in how fast they could get round the ice out). I then bought my own skates, which was even more of a revelation. I ended up being confident in skating round on my own, although I could only do crossovers hanging onto my friend's arm. I even managed to stop in an emergency once to avoid falling over some kid sprawling in front of me.

Last time I went skating it was at the Natural History Museum open air ice rink a couple of years ago. The boots were crippling - I've never worn anything so uncomfortable. I just about crawled round the edge of the rink and came off.

I keep thinking I should have been wearing my skates when I went out on that fateful day before Christmas ...

[Bunnylump]

Like I say, I have enough trouble not falling off my feet. Why anyone would want to either teeter around on blades on slippery stuff or attach STICKS to the end of their feet (skiing) is totally beyond me...

I went back to work today.

[LAT]

.....oscillating between being excited and somewhat scared. I've just been told I have to go to Japan on business at the end of the month!
It's a great opportunity for me to boost my profile within the company, but I do need to achieve what is expected of me. I am trying to get my head round it - if I can get it to stop spinning that is.

[MBH]

That sounds fantastic news LAT Lucky you getting to explore the world through work. Grab the chance with both hands (I know you'll make a good job of it).

[pebbles]

.....oscillating between being excited and somewhat scared. I've just been told I have to go to Japan on business at the end of the month!
It's a great opportunity for me to boost my profile within the company, but I do need to achieve what is expected of me. I am trying to get my head round it - if I can get it to stop spinning that is.

That's really exciting for you!

[Bunnylump]

I think that sounds brilliant, LAT. Knock 'em dead!

[clvrlad]

ooh Good Luck LAT
and dont forget if you can get your head round scurra's puzzles you can solve anything