1. 1970's/1980's sit-coms
I absolutely adore this era for sit-coms. They just don't make 'em like this any more. The thing is, I'm not entirely sure where this passion stems from. My parents weren't (as far as I can recall) big TV watchers when I was growing up. I suppose it's because the shows remind me of a more innocent time in the world. Even though this was probably far from the truth. My favourite was definitely 'Man About The House', closely followed by 'George & Mildred'. I would rather remember the cast through my rose-tinted 'Olive off On The Buses' glasses - rather than the truth....Richard O'Sullivan (Robin in Man About The House) is now in a nursing home for retired actors, Yootha Joyce (Mildred) was ravaged by alcoholism.......
2. Music/iPod/B & W Zeppelin
Anyone who knows me will tell you how much I love music. It has been such a huge part of my life. A bold statement, but aside from my parents and friends, perhaps the biggest influence on my life. In some way, I feel as if my life is a film, and the music I love is the soundtrack. God, that sounds really camp, doesn't it? I could live without television and books, but deprive me of music and there would simply be no point in life for me. Shit, can you imagine if I became deaf?
3. Flirting
I think that I enjoy flirting and the 'thrill of the chase' more than the actual 'end result' of a relationship. I consider that I am pretty good at flirting. Particularly with my physio. Actually, with everyone...who the fuck am I kidding??
4. 'Violator' by Depeche Mode
I could have picked any of Depeche Mode's albums, to be honest. It feels so wrong to just select one. However, this one is from a pivotal time in my life. 1990. I was in the final year of comprehensive school, just about to take my GCSE's and decide what I wanted to do with my life (funnily enough, working in my current shit-hole wasn't on the wish-list...). I remember the day I bought this album so clearly. It was purchased from Volume Records on Crowtree Road in Sunderland. It was a wonderfully sunny March day (think it was a Saturday), and I was shopping with a school pal, Rachel Anderson. I haven't seen her now for almost 20 years.
5. My boudoir
This is my haven. I love my bed. Not in a sexual sense. Christ, I spend more energy on dusting than sex these days. I commented today to Miss Underscore that I had dusted the top of my wardrobe earlier this morning. Think she was a bit scared, to be honest. But, my bedroom is a wonderful, safe place for me. I dare say, if I had a kettle and a bit of food by my bedside, there would be little reason to ever have to get vertical again.....
6. Wine
Preferably red, then white, followed by rose. Preferably shiraz, merlot or cabernet sauvignon. Most nights, to be absolutely frank. With my evening meal. Never really 'got into' wine until I was in my mid-20's, and even then, it was just Marksies Lambrusco. I used to love to share a bottle of red with my wonderful dad (RIP). I still miss that now.
7. Jo Malone Nutmeg & Ginger cologne/body creme
I have fannied around with that much stuff from Jo Malone, but I always, always come back to this fragrance. And I will remain faithful to it. It reminds me of a very special, life-altering holiday to New York City with my good friend, Miss Underscore. We had a jaunt to London (I think it was to see Amy Winehouse perform at Somerset House...Miss Underscore, can you confirm?) and I sprayed some of this in the Sloane Square branch of Jo Malone. We left the shop, and I had to turn back and buy some...I fell in love with it right there. And I took this to New York with me. Now, when I spray it, I smile inside and think of such a happy time. Then I think about how fucking expensive it is.
8. Spaghetti Bolognese
My all-time favourite dish. I could live off this. Each time I make it, I just chuck in different herbs/spices to experiment with the flavour. Perfect with fresh (not dried) pasta and a generous helping of hip-expanding parmesan cheese (grated from a block).
9. Friends
My friends are a key part of my life. They are now my family. They have seen me through some really tough time, and for that..I salute them. So, hats off to you, Elizabeth, Claire, Rachel, Amy, Jill, Nat, Alison, Michelle, David and John.
10. Gigs
Admittedly, I don't attend as many of these as I used to. Predominantly because I feel that I have now seen the acts that I want to see. Standout gigs for me are:
- Depeche Mode's 'Violator' show at Wembley Arena in 1990 - fucking life-altering!!!
- Madonna's 'Confessions' show at Wembley Arena in 2005 - legend
- Erasure's 'Wild' show at Whitley Bay Ice Rink in 1990 - with Claire
- Interpol at Manchester Apollo in 2008 - supported by Ladytron (who were amazing)
- Gossip at Kentish Town Forum in 2007
- Muse at Newcastle Arena in 2006
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