End of the holiday......

It had to happen.  Almost the end of a glorious week off.  Food, friends, way too much wine and good times - work tomorrow.  Wrong.
I am off to see Take That tonight with Madam Verte.  She is one of my oldest friends - love her to bits.  Her dad was best of friends with my dad when they were growing up - sweet, really.  We lost touch after school, but were back in touch when my mam was dying.  Something good can come out of something quite hideous.
I didn't really fancy seeing TT.  However, I was walking to see Madam Verte on Saturday, who lives near to the concert venue.  I could hear the support band and felt very nostalgic, all of a sudden.  Hearing The Pet Shop Boys reminded me of happy times growing up and being at comprehensive school.  I will always remember Christmas 1987 - not sure why.  I recall that my parents bought me the following albums (on vinyl, mind...):

• 'Introducing The Hardline According To...' by Terence Trent D'Arby
• 'Red' by The Communards
• 'Actually' by The Pet Shop Boys

Now, some may argue that these are shit.  I, however, disagree.  They seemed to capture a sublime moment in time for me.  Teenage discos at 'Rascals' in Sunderland City Centre.  I had the most humongous crush on Steven Dodds.  Christ, I lusted after him for many, many months.  But, he didn't even know I existed.  His friend, Keir Morrison had the hots for me big style (proper puppy-dog looks and valentines card in Morse code) and declared his love for me (he actually said 'I love you') over a tray of freshly-baked fairy cakes in Home Economics.  I responded in the natural adolescent way of telling him to 'drop dead'.  Keir, if (by some miracle) you read this blog, I want to say I'm so sorry.  Teenage love is awful - unrequited love even worse.  So, sorry.  After this outburst, he went around telling all his mates that I was a lesbian.  Which was really mature of him.  And also very prophetic......

I also remember beach parties at Whitburn, where lots of Merrydown cider was consumed (not by me, I was usually the one carrying my pissed mates back to the bus stop - seriously).

I really would love to try a school reunion, but fear that I am looking at things through rose-tinted bi-focals - the memories are always better than reality.

I understand from various friends that some of my cohorts are no longer alive.  Life is cruel sometimes, but can be dappled with wonderful moments.