catching up!

I've been disgracefully tardy with my blog since I came back from holiday -dreadful! So rather than write a whole lot of posts, here's what I've been up to

Went to see the fantastic Muse in concert at Wembley. Their new album 'Black Holes and Revelations' is indeed a revelation - I'd been a fan at the beginning, but had got a bit bored, as they'd seemed to become a lot heavier and hystrionic. But their new material is stunning. It's still quite over the top but has got much more of a groove and a funkier sound. Lots more space travel and alien themes too. Matt Bellamy's dad used to be in The Tornados, who had a hit in the 60s with the sci-fi sounding Telstar, and his son really seems to have picked up on this. The show at Wembley was also overblown and over the top and highly enjoyable. They played all of the new album at the start so it was wierd to hear the older stuff which I don't like so much at the end of the show. Great lights and atmosphere. We've got tickets to go see Muse again at Wembley Stadium next June.

Later that week we went to see Scissor Sisters, also at Wembley. We were stood downstairs this time and so had lots of room for dancing and playing around. Highly enjoyable! Most of the new material is a bit dull to be honest, but it 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing' went down a storm!

Party week (there's always one work week a year with lots of events and evening events) went well. First up was the CIG (City Information Group) party at the Science Museum. I won a hamper of wine in the raffle so that was brilliant! Quite a group from work went and we enjoyed ourselves. Then a couple of nights later, it was off to Just St James for dinner with a group of global collegues. Lovely venue and great to meet people from around the world. On the Friday night was our work Christmas party at Old Billingsgate which was actually a great night -now we've joined a larger department along with IT, HR, Facilities etc., it means larger venues and better quality entertainment. We had a nice dinner and then hit the dancefloor with a vengence! Got to wear my new Monsoon skirt so I felt very glamorous!

All that partying meant that I missed Karen's housewarming, but apparently it was a good night there as well.

Went to see Pan's Labyrinth at the Rio Cinema on the corner - a real adult fairy tale - quite disturbing but fantastical.

Went to see 'Bent' at the Trafalgar Theatre starring the gorgeous Alan Cumming. He was brilliant, the play was emotional and touching. Great reception from the audience too.

Kt's Christmas drinks and housewarming were last weekend. She's now living in leafy Baron's Court so it was lovely to see her new flat, drink mulled wine and eat Christmas biscuits. Cameron was down from Scotland so great to catch up with him and Mike who came to the party as well.

Had a lovely lunch at the Notting Grill on Sunday - its an Anthony Worrall Thompson restaurant in Notting Hill. The suckling pig was sadly off the menu so I settled for the rack of lamb. Nice comfortable atmosphere and good quality food. Didn't get a discount being a fellow Thompson sadly!

Also went to see 'The Holiday' at the movies - good Sunday afternoon entertainment! Picture perfect English cottages etc.

One of our suppliers at work, Owen, is leaving to move to New York, so we farewelled him at a party at Planet of the Grapes, the wine shop. Sampled some lovely wines, including McCrae Wood from Clare Valley - lovely!

My colleague Steve is in 'A Christmas Carol' down in West Norwood (South London) at present, so a group of us went to see the show this week. It's very good for an amateur production with a huge cast and a great set. Steve was brilliant - good stage presence!

Rest of the evenings have been sent catching up with friends, mainly at the pub. It's a busy but fun time! So I've been a bit slow on the present and Christmas card sending, but it's all gradually getting done...