Sometimes, you just need to take a break, even if it's in a cemetery

Not the results you necessarily expect

I did NOT expect Results to make me laugh quite as much as it did.

Nor did I anticipate the pizza-eating, guitar-playing Kevin Corrigan trying to get in shape. Or trying to try. He perfectly embodies the expression 'more money than sense'. A bored rich guy who knows all about Monty Python.

Guy Pearce is so much more than Neighbours and Cobie Smulders definitely more than How I Met Your Mother. Written by Andrew Bujalski, Results combines a witty script with great physical humour.

The relationships between the three main characters are a comedy gift that keeps on giving. It almost feels unscripted and disjointed the way scenes in real life aren't all connected. Only these are connected. Loosely. As Kat leaves her gym kit behind, she becomes a real woman.

The film is out this weekend and you should see it for Smulders acting with a red kettle ball. I have a feeling this could be a great cult movie.

Especially for those who really wanted Ted to end up with Robin.

Oh, and watch to the end, just for some more from the Ministry of Silly Walks.

Inspiration in Soho

Soho has been an inspirational place for longer than I can remember. It always felt creative, even to a naive sax player, gigging around and hanging out backstage with friends in various West End shows.

Nights out in London used to always finish at Ronnie Scott's and they often started at one of the cafes where you could get great food cheap, away from the more touristy Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus.

I was never nervous of walking through the streets, although I did sometimes wonder who the girls were, standing around looking bored.

Soho was my first experience of bohemian in 1981 and I liked it, despite living in leafy Roehampton. Happy memories.

I have a feeling I'll be adding to those happy times as I've been checking out the schedule for SohoCreate.

SohoCreate CEO is Tom Harvey CBE, producer and entertainment guru. Chairman is advertising legend Sir John Hegarty. Between them, they've set up a series of performances, discussions, speeches, talks and informal events in offices, theatres, churches, art galleries and restaurants around the creative heartland of Soho.

The list of contributors is extraordinary. No other word for it.

If you didn't know how much creativity is buzzing around the streets of Soho, now's your chance to check it out. There are a couple of sessions on my list and this is a festival I definitely want to experience next week.

Something about the pigs' faces is endearing. Great soup, too.

Soon to be my parents' back garden. Needs a few plants.

Time to hit the woodshed

Woodshedding is a great expression - it's all about shutting yourself away in a shed and practising what you do best.

There are so many statistics about the 10,000 hours or so it takes to make you good at something. It helps if you start with talent or, at least, an interest in something.

I've barely played my saxes in the two and a half years since the whole car crash, broken/frozen shoulder, stomach tumour things hit in.

It's time to pick them up again and get into that metaphorical wood shed. I'm a long way down the 10,000 hours road so I'll just pick up where I left off. If not in November 2012, then certainly in June 1992 when I got married, then pregnant (twice).

It's probably that long since I properly put the hours in.

A Bank Holiday weekend is as good a time as any to start again.

Sometimes, it's what's missing that matters

See that square in front of my wall? It's a tiny demonstration of my power.

I asked - several times - for a redundant sign to be removed from outside my house. It told traffic to go one way but the junction it related to was shut nearly four years ago.

On Tuesday, the Highways team finally removed the post and replaced it with a tiny square of tarmac. Which made me very, very happy.

I've Never Seen Star Wars (well, actually, I have)

I listened to an episode of 'I've Never Seen Star Wars' last night and it turns out that not only has Jenny Eclair never seen that film, but she's never listened to Charlie Parker.

Thankfully, Marcus Brigstocke has. Sounds like he's quite a fan but comedian Jenny really didn't enjoy sampling the best of Charlie Parker.

It made me realise what an acquired taste music is. Whatever style of music you listen to. I've started getting into Country music for the first time in my life thanks to The Shires, who are lovely people, great on stage and produce some great tunes.

Jazz FM is on pretty constantly when I'm home or driving and I miss it when sitting in others' offices. I'm not quite ready to put earphones in for the day. Nearly.

The bluest skies and greenest plants follow grey skies

More reasons to shop locally

It's been announced today that car parking charges in Milton Keynes are rising by more than 25%,

If you live here in Hitchin, Milton Keynes is about the best shopping centre within driving distance. Well, not any more. If parking is going up that amount, then it really does make more sense to stay in Hitchin and support our local independents all the time.

If you're wise, you'll combine shopping locally with a trip to Sainsbury's and Waitrose, with two of the most central car parks. In any case, Hitchin shops offer good value for money and the service is really, really good. We're proud of our local department store Hawkins of Hitchin and if you visit around noon on Saturday 30 May, you can watch the Hitchin Fashion Show featuring all the local independent fashionistas. Great offers on the day, too!

Friday on Bermondsey Street

Learning and exploring

A very enjoyable day spent with Dawn-Louise Kerr of SM2Communicate and HertsHour at the Business Show. Lots to find out more about and potential for some great developments.

Working to a deadline

My day has got crazy. What began with very little to do soon became deluged with deadlines.

So, why the picture of the digger?

Well, I know the deadline these guys are working to. On Wednesday 27 May, residents will start to move into these homes. My parents will have this as their back garden two days later. And if it's not ready, I can promise that someone will get an ear-bashing. I can also promise that it'll be finished by then. I've seen the standards these guys work to and they'll just get more people in if that's what they need.

Their deadline will be met.

So will mine today, although a couple of things had to fall by the wayside to free up some time. Back to it now.

I hate watching myself on video, but here goes

The first 71 Words video!

All I need - green tea, pen and a Moleskine

Proving a point

This is my attempt to prove to myself that the purchase of my iPhone 6 was a good idea.

I use it for calls (natch!), texts, Internet searches, emails and so much more.

Unable to return to my desk between meetings, I'm enjoying free Wi-Fi and (not free) green tea in a delightful cafe.





Now ticking 'Write a blog' off my To Do list.


Posted via iPhone

Make the most of every moment

Sitting on a stationary train on the day I forgot to pack my iPad just serves to remind me to make the most of what I've got.

Delays because of a train line going down are unavoidable. It's how you deal with these things that matters - no point in getting cross.

At least the sun is shining and I have a seat.

PS: the irony of this post is that I made the most of my time and then had no service so I couldn't actually post on board the train! So, perhaps the lesson is to make the most of every moment, but to roll with the punches when technology lets you down!


Posted via iPhone

Yesterday's office was aboard Queen Victoria

Bang on time. Two performances by the Household Cavalry as part of Cunard's 175the birthday celebrations. Hard work but immensely rewarding.

Road trip tradition

For once, my green tea was not the largest drink. A road trip always has to include a beverage stop. A good start to what is destined to be a busy day.

Gorgeous flowers from a fab friend