Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 2 September 2010
In the middle of brushing my teeth the telephone rang. 7.40a.m. and my personal trainer had arrived early. Dripping with blue toothpaste I let her in, finished my ablutions then set about learning how to use a dumbell. I'll end up looking Madonna if i'm not careful.
Nina left at 9.00 I changed into real clothes and set about my day.
Posted by Jeni in | 1 September 2010
Walked through Battersea Park this morning, the air was as crisp as a newly baked roll. The sky peeked through the sycamore trees and I felt energised. It was like walking through Prospect Park West in Brooklyn.
Got to work in time for a chat and a cuppa, did the show then set off to North London for a healing from Seka Nikolic.
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 28 August 2010
So just when I thought B and I were going to Arundel to see Jim in his last performance of 'As You Like It' and 'Merry Wives' reality kicked in.
It is not possible to put a young woman, who has just had two discs removed, in the back of a car for 90 minutes and then expect her to sit in the gardens of Arundel Castle listening to the Bards words. It is not possible to lounge around on a Saturday when the weather is more condusive to whittling and collecting cob nuts, when there is no where to put your crutch.
It is not possible to remain summery and lithe when autumn has kicked in and the daughter, though very much better, is still exhibitng the signs of a six hour operation that happened but three weeks ago.
The result is that I have two lines in my forehead and bags under my eyes that are worthy of an excess baggage claim.
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 23 August 2010
Better late than never.
I have just watched 'Roger and Val' with Fred Molina and Dawn French. I think it is wonderfully funny, poignant, well written, tastefully acted and a must see. I even bothered to watch it on BBC iPlayer.
I am warming to 'Grandma's House'. Simon Anstells piece. The programme is easing into itself.
So now my Mondays are completely ruined with two lots of 'Corrie', 'University Challenge', 'Grandma's House' and BBC iPLayer.
I cannot believe I have just told you my viewing habits, but it's 23.15 and I was meant to be writing.
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 18 August 2010
I interviewed a writer who gets up at 5.00 every morning, writes for three hours, takes a walk on the Heath, then writes a bit here and there throughout the day.
I need to follow in her footsteps, but I am bushed. I am also lazy and frayed.
This evening I have homework to do, loads of books to read.
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 15 August 2010
The flat is awful quiet after three weeks away.
You would have thought that nearly a month in the country would have been peaceful and full of nightingales and cream teas
As it is I had thee weeks of hospitals, travelling to them and back again. Doctors, travelling from them to hospitals. Chemists travelling to them from the doctors before the hospitals.
Having to relax my rigidity has not been easy. Pre-back-op on August 7th, would have had me shouting the loudest about MRI scans, x-rays and rectal examinations. Post-back-op and I have nothing but admiration for the Kent and Sussex Hospital, Mr. Yo, Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre and their team of surgeons, not to mention the army of extrodinary men and women who nurse, clean, manage, help, laugh, comfort, calm, feed and mend hundreds of patients - including my daughter - who are ill, in pain, demanding and often old.
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 11 August 2010
From osteopath to MRI. From MRI to hospital. From the fracture ward to the neurological centre. From the single room to the operating theatre. From 10.59 to 5.21 on the operating table. From Sunday without Morphine to Tuesday without Wolferine to Wednesday with a splint for the foot. If I hold my breath long enough my daughter will be out and lounging around the cottage.
When she's here I can let my breath out and begin being normal.
Your support, your comments, your prayers, have been incredible.
Am I shredded? Sort of I am more relieved that it's all over with.
From the surgeons to the care assistants the NHS have performed miracles with a piece of string and tuppence.
Enough I have to make up a bed in the spare room now for the homecoming chicklet.
talk soon.
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 4 August 2010
I did my work out after midnight. Groaning into the burn was a blessed release.
The cottage was sleeping. Bee, fitfully, Jim cautiously. I couldn't rest. I set the alarm for 5.30.
Watching my daughter hobble, her dropped foot dragging along beside her, is heart breaking. Trying to imagine that everything is ok is a mission. Hearing the old git trying to stifle his pain is a double whammy. I am caught between my rock and her hard space.
Dealing with ones own pain is easy, dealing with somebody elses pain is draining, frustrating and exhausting.
I thank you all for your messages of support.
Copyright 2007, Jeni Barnett and Chopstix Media Limited.