Smiling at Magpies

Don't worry, be happy...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Hmm, so easy to say, isn't it? But not always easy to do, especially at this time of year.

Autumn is most definitely my favourite season, but even I find it difficult to get going on cold, dark, wet evenings (and soon mornings - yuck), so I think now is also a great time to work out what makes you happy. And then do it more often.

My change in lifestyle has meant I've spent quite a bit of time working out what makes me happy recently. Or, put another way, I've worked out that there were certain things I only enjoyed doing because I was having a drink - and that's no recipe for happiness is it?!

Take bar crawls for example - something I've been doing since I was 15. Girls definitely have the 'advantage' on boys on that one and thanks to a bit of make-up our drinking habits often start much younger, in pubs at least.

I remember once getting on a bus and paying 'a half' and then seeing a barmaid from one of the pubs on the local 'drag'. When I tried to get served that Saturday she politely refused and said I would have to make a choice - half fares or half pints! OK, so I made the last bit up myself, as a bit of poetic licence, y'know, but that was the gist of what she said!

Anyway, I realised recently that bar crawls - particularly in noisy, sweaty bars where you can't get a seat - are not something that makes me happy. Yes I love going out with my lovely friends, but when I go out I like to talk to people, play pub games, do pub quizzes.

And before you say it's a sign of getting older, I promise you I've always been like that. And I'm pretty sure that drinking has been something I've done to relieve boredom or social discomfort. Again, not exactly the recipe for happiness either!

Having been both comfortably off in the past and, more recently, not so comfortably off, I've also realised that money doesn't make you happy. But the lack of it can certainly make you unhappy.

And I bet there's a bunch of Scouse IT workers who would disagree with me right now (if any one of them would like to get in touch to do so, I am single!) I'm sure, but it doesn't last. Things only last and are worth having if you've worked hard for them, I find.

Sometimes things are worth waiting for that will make you happy, too. Either in the short-term or long. Even if it's something as simple as getting your lazy arse (and that's me I'm talking to there) off the sofa and heading out for a run, swim or training session at the gym. Yes it might be a bit grim in the getting there, but it's always, always worth it in the end.

I am most definitely a hedonist, not a sadist, but sometimes it can be nice to go through a bit of pain to know that the pleasure is on its way, and for me the best bits of a run are the hot shower and big feed afterwards.

Food is definitely something I get a lot of pleasure from, as is sleep. But do you know what, both are much more satisfying if you've worked hard to earn them, aren't they?

A couple of books I've been reading recently have some great advice about both. The first is from 'Never hit a jelly fish with a spade. How to survive life's smaller challenges.' By Guy Browning, and is about sleep:

"Sleep is like the M25 in that having it is vital and everyone can't wait to get off. The trouble is, the harder you try, the less likely you are to get off to sleep. The trick is to try really hard at whatever it is you do during the day. This has the double benefit of tiring you out and lessening whatever it is you worry about."

Sometimes the best advice is the most simple, ain't it?!

Another book I bought recently is 'Aunt Epp's Guide for Life. From chastity to copper kettles, musings of a Victorian Lady.' By Elspeth Marr, edited by Christopher Rush.

It's a cracking read and contains all sorts of marvellous advice about love, sex, childbirth, cracked nipples, work, cooking and how to relieve constipation, so I reckon if you buy that you may never need another self-help manual again as there's not much more to life, is there?! She has some very sage advice, and was definitely before her time. I only wish I could have met her, particularly when she shares such pearls of wisdom as:

"Work. It may be Adam's curse, but it is Eve's also and you are part of it. Why complain? An animal must hunt. If you do not work, you have no right to eat."

And without getting well and truly on my soapbox here, I reckon it's an attitude like that which is missing from today's society, don't you?

I bought the latter read as part of a review I was asked to do on the lovely Graham Liver's show on Radio Leeds a couple of months ago. It fitted in nicely with the 'Make, Bake & Grow' event back in October as I was asked to look into a raft of 'revival' self-help books, Aunt Epp's offering being just one.

I've been pretty much addicted to self-help books in the past and have an 'impressive' collection, alright, but have now realised that reading a book isn't going to make me happy, but working hard will. Graham agreed and said if there's any good to have come out of the recession it's that people have changed their ideas about what makes us happy. I said it might not have been fun at times, but being skint has done wonders for my carbon footprint.

And that's what it's all about, for me, anyway. Do things that make you feel good - and not always things for yourself as it's very easy to feel good about doing things for others - surround yourself with people who make you happy, eat food that makes you smile, tire yourself out and enjoy the sleep afterwards.

Which is where I'm heading now.

Wishing you lots of happiness,

Clancy xxxx

My favourite time of year...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:49:00 +0000

I've said it before, but I'll quite happily say it again:

I LOVE AUTUMN!

Harvest Festivals, Halloween, Bonfire Night, the crispness in the air, brown leaves to kick, Diwali, comfort food, not feeling boring for staying in, jumpers, hats, coats, scarves, gloves, boots, wellies - I could go on, but you get the idea!

I've been spending some time thinking about the significance of this time of year recently, ever since I volunteered to write something to read at the Diwali celebrations at my meditation centre (Brahma Kumaris - link to the right), so I thought I'd share this piece "what I wrote" with you lovely lot. I hope you like it...

"As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer we are naturally drawn towards bringing light into our homes. Candles are lit, lights decorate our windows, and soon we will bring trees into our homes and decorate them with lights too.

We do this to remind ourselves that things will get lighter again, and that autumn and winter is a time for renewal and revival, not decline. The world and universe, like the seasons, is on an ever-moving cycle.

Dark becomes light, brown becomes green. Like us, the world needs time to rest and revive. Time to recuperate and grow new shoots, ready to spring to life again.

Darkness is not something to be afraid of, it is a sign that things will get light again.

We are drawn towards bringing light into our homes, because lightness is one of our original qualities. It feels safe, natural and comforting. It is because lightness is something we have always known; and - no matter how hard it seems to imagine sometimes – we can trust that we will come to know it again.

Lightness is one of the qualities of a child - that eternal optimism and hope that is a joy to be around. We never lose this quality, or our inner child. This evening is a time to celebrate our inner lightness. Our lightness of being – both physical and mental – is always there. Where there is darkness, we can, as we do this evening, light a candle to remind us of this.

Om Shanti"

Om Shanti means "I am peace" or "I am a peaceful soul", by the way. I still have my moments, but I'm getting there!

Enjoy the rest of autumn - I'm always up for a kick around in some leaves, so you know where I am if you fancy the same!

Clancy xxxx

Label of love?

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Labels, labels everywhere and not a stop to think... do you like that one too?

I do, but then I've spent a bit of time being quite proud of myself recently for many reasons and it's never good to congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself too much either - perhaps the latter is more important, though.

So, down to business...

What's in a label? What's in a name? I've covered names before, but at the risk of repeating myself,I believe ones name is incredibly important - part of your personal brand, as it were - and if you don't like it, change it. Only you can decide what you want people to call you. The same, I think, goes for labels.

Of course there are those of the fashion variety and I speak as the owner of a gorgeous Mulberry handbag which cost nearly as much as my monthly mortgage payment (but nearly two years on the 'cost per use' means it's now practically free!), but also as a girl who is wearing an outfit consisting of five quid pumps from Dunnes, a dress my Mum was given for a charity car boot and a shrug I bought on Ebay.

So, labels aren't really important to me. Or so I thought...

You can choose to change labels - or, even better, not apply them in the first place - to lots of things including people, places, things and of course yourself. But the last one on that list is something I've struggled with. However, today things have changed, including a label I previously had, and now don't! Yippee!

It's now down to me to discover or uncover why I was so hung up about said label, and I needed to get rid of it to really do that. Now I can find out why.

I certainly don't have all the answers - nor would I ever want to - this is a journey, ain't it people?

So, whoo whoo, the 'Clancy Express' is leaving this station, and on to the next. What's very different is that this time I'm learning how to apply the breaks, slow down, take in the views. And do you know what, I think I'm back on track too!

Can I be one of your train's passengers too, please?!

Peace and love, peace and love!

Clancy xxxx

p.s. this Mulberry bag is not mine, for those who don't know, I just like it. But I won't be buying it - one Mulberry is enough for me - and I defer to the wisdom of Mary Poppins on this: "Enough is as good as a feast"!

Good luck...?

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:47:00 +0000

Hmmm, what do you think if someone says this to you? I'd love it if one of you lovely lot would like to post a comment to let me know, but for now, I'll tell you what I used to think...

"Stick your good luck, I make my own luck, thank you very much!". Now, that's not very nice, is it?! Or grateful. Or understanding. Or sensitive.

I guess it's another one of my - slightly misguided - former beliefs. A misinterpretation, if you will, of one of the greatest quotes, from one of the greatest men. It's often wrongly credited to Albert Einstein or Abraham Lincoln. But the man who actually said it was Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America.

Now, it's not for me to write here about his achievements, however much of a card-carrying plagiarist I admit to being, so if you don't know that much about him, or would like to refresh your memory, then just Google him. You'll find everything you need to know there - particularly his role in the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase. I hope that, regardless of your views on American Imperialism, you will, like me, think he was a great man. But you can, of course, decide for yourselves...

Oh yeah, nearly forgot, the quote is "I'm a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more I find I have of it."

Rather interestingly, someone, who shall remain nameless (for now), reckoned he came up with this, when I mentioned it in a meeting several years ago. But this is also the same person who said that "The greatest tragedy in the world is that Ryan Giggs wasn't born a few miles further east." Which I've written about before on here somewhere, so won't re-tell that story, although it's a good 'un!

But yes, I can definitely confirm it was Thomas Jefferson 'what said it first'. And I think I get it, now. I shall close this, seemingly rather random, post with a picture of a place I'd like to visit one day (I think it says more about the US than even Ellis Island, which is also ace, and I've been there).

And of course, by wishing you good luck! Even if it's just for learning to relax...

For now I'm off to run some errands, and then for a walk with the lovely Joanna. We're only going around Tong Village, but if I don't post within the next few days, please send out a search party, as I'm not rating our chances much!

Clancy xxxx

p.s. My dear Nana used to carry a four leaf clover in her purse. I'm not sure who got that - Jonks got the dominoes, I got the writing bureau - I suspect it's probably lost now. But I get that too, now.

"Why don't I just take off my clothes and have a nightmare?"!...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:12:00 +0000

OK, so it's a Friday. But, to be fair, it's not like my usual Fridays...

For one, I made the decision not to go to the JCI Networking event at the City Inn yesterday evening as I was properly bushed. But my Thursday featured many good things, including a brief from a client for a major new and exciting project and a fabulous meeting with Breast Cancer Haven - specifically with Jane and Julie, we got on, I like them, a lot!

Breast Cancer Haven is now Thirsty Thursday Leeds's nominated charity - watch this space for details of 'Handbags at Dusk', an event planned for the end of October to be hosted by The Woodlands Hotel...

Also new for this week... 'Team Clancy' has expanded and now includes the lovely Jam (short for Jamila, which means 'beautiful', by the way), who is my - unpaid - PR assistant. She wants to get into PR or Politics and she's been paid in some products (Urban Retreat, the gifts we give to girls who join TT. And I've picked her up near her flat and dropped her off at her afternoon, paying, job - along with a sarnie for her lunch - so I hope I'm not taking too much advantage here! I've said to shout up if she thinks I am, which I think she will!

She's ace and a proper natural, so I just hope that the few opportunities I'm introducing her to job-wise will mean she can still help me out, especially with Thirsty Thursday. Her CV listed 'Fitness' and 'Public Affairs' as her interests, so I had a sneaking suspicion we'd get on - which, I'm thrilled to say, we do! I'm a proud member of 'Team Jam' now, too!

Anyway...I may well be feeling the after-effects of this rather different Friday evening, come Saturday morning. But for very, very different reasons than the usual. My evening has consisted of a reflexology session with Rob, and then a Pilates class, and then half an hour in the spa. There was a near-miss as far as a 'sense of humour failure' goes, but then I realised I was just tired, hungry and ready for my sofa and TV. And now I'm good, again. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, you see!

The title of this post is a quote from 'Friends', which I quite like, if you didn't know! It's in 'The One With The Fake Monica', and is said, by Monica, when she doesn't get picked by Phoebe or Rachel to be their partner in the tap class, and has to go up front to dance with the teacher.

Are you sensing where I'm going with this...?!

Oh yes, despite my best intentions to tuck myself as far to the back of the room as was physically possible (it's, I reckon, four years since I last did a Pilates class and back then I only went twice, so to say I'm a novice would be an understatement!), when the time came to do 'partner work', I was left without one...I'm usually pretty good at catching a girl's eye at those moments, but was left somewhat dazed and confused from the 'warm-up', so missed the boat.

I did say "I don't have a partner" when asked by Miranda, the lovely teacher, and then as an aside to the couple I'd be chatting to, "Story of my life"! Hey, don't worry, I'm laughing, not crying!

Now, it wasn't quite as bad as having to work with the teacher, but I did have to go down the front, and, as there was no spare wall space, my Pilates partner, Melvin, and I had to work up against the mirror. A bit of a baptism of fire, wouldn't you say?!

But, I'm delighted to report, it was ace. I loved it! I like Melvin, he may well be a new friend, and I really like Miranda. She's a nice, kind soul, but has a sadistic side too - Melvin reckons she's trying to start a male ballet troupe, and thoroughly enjoys stretching the boys in the class to their limits - literally!

So there we go, something new for today, that did scare me, but I liked it. Perhaps I have a bit of sadistic side too?!

I'm off for my bed shortly - yes, the time is correct for this post, it's just coming up to 10pm - as I'm up early tomorrow and off to Tropical World with the lovely Kate, her nearly three year-old son, Joe, and Connie (her four month-old daughter, not one of my two cats!). Those 'in the know' are aware that 'Connie' isn't my female housemate's real name, anyway!

And also, one of my new rules is 'No computer after 10pm'. Of course there may be the odd exceptions - like when I'm meeting a deadline for the publishers of 'Smiling at Magpies' - but that's the general rule.

Some rules were made to be broken, but not others!

Enjoy your weekends

Clancy xxxx

Project Clancy...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:32:00 +0000

OK, I have a new role...And before my Mum starts to worry I've not decided to take on another voluntary role or community project (although I am my Mother's Daughter so there are no prizes for guessing where I get this fundamental need to be 'involved' from!).

I am self-appointed Team Leader of Project Clancy, and, before you start to think I'm getting a tad too Narcissistic or self-absorbed (me, never!), this role will enable me to be a much more active, supportive member of Team Fran, Team Jennie, Team Lou, Team Kate, Team Emma, Team Jo (you get the idea!).

I had a little wobble today, if I'm being honest, with the focus of why I'm embarking on this lifestyle change, so thought I'd share with you a fabulous postcard that I picked up at the gym on Sunday (well, I picked up four actually, and they will soon be adorning my office door - along with the 'Manager' name plate that has been there for some months!).

It says it all really, but I'll add a bit more just in case...

Project Clancy is about focus, taking control and learning to relax - but not necessarily in that order. The wobble was solved with a 20 minute session listening to a relaxation CD and a nap. A pint of apple cordial and sparkling water. Two 'Quiet Life' tablets and a Kudzu capsule. Some almonds and wasabi peas (from the launch of the Sesame deli I went to on Monday evening with Gabs). Some music from Bliss. And 20 minutes more of writing 'Smiling at Magpies' - the book.

The reason I'm doing this is to get a book written - at last - but I know in order to be able to do that I have to learn to relax, take time out, chill. My sister Jennie thinks people over the age of 30 can't say 'Chillax' without sounding like a proper loser, but as I'm 18 in my head and she's 12 in hers (and mine) I'll ignore her 'wisdomous' advice and just mentally pull her ginger pig tails (she's ginger you know, not blonde - thank God for hair dye, I say, I'll be having some myself tomorrow to help disguise my 'natural highlights'!). Love you Jen - whether beautiful strawberry blonde as you once were, or stunning bottle blonde bombshell as you are now! X

So that's what Project Clancy is about. Putting me first. Not in a selfish way, but in a self-esteem way. 'Cause then I can be a much better daughter, sister, friend and housemate all round. And get a book written.

Project Clancy has team members, timelines, targets and goals. I've not gone as far as Gantt Charts just yet, but Leigh Tasker (Lou's boyfriend and Dad to Ruben and Berrie) has created the 'AWE' spreadsheet for me, which generates a graph. It's very clever and I think it will be his meal-ticket! More on that another time, perhaps. Anyway, there's a review planned for half-way too. But like people, minds and opinions, it may change. I'm learning to roll with the changes too!

Enjoy your projects.

Clancy xxxx

p.s. One of my wonderfully talented writer friends William Gallagher - he writes for the BBC, amongst others - had this as his status update on facebook earlier today. It made me laugh, so I thought I'd share...

"I've given up hoping to be a less fussy eater. I've crossed it off my Tofu list."

It's got to beeeeeeeeeee, perfect?

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:58:00 +0000

I've been mulling over the concept of perfection for a few days now - well, a bit longer, if I'm being completely honest. But perfect is a word, and perfection is a concept, that have cropped up more regularly over the last week or so, so I decided I'd give it a bit more thought...

*Mindless, meandering drivel alert - only read on if you accept this warning!*

So, let's start with the basics. It's a song that my sister Jennie and I sing regularly (when she's not quad biking on sand dunes, kayaking, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge on her birthday and other dull as ditchwater pastimes that for some reason seem to have extended her stay Down Under - I'm lost as to why!) at karaoke nights and, of course, on the fabulous SingStar at parties at my house.

Jen and I have many similarities, and an ex of mine once joked that if he lost me, he'd have a spare (he was joking though, I think, and he's a good bloke, so we'll let him off that potential landmine of a remark!), however there are some very key differences. Not least that she's a whizz with letters/numbers games, crosswords, chess - the list goes on, but I did teach her to read by the time she was three, so I can't be jealous - I'm just very proud. But she can sing. I can't. This may change when I start my 'Voice!' workshops with the wonderful Maggi Stratford in September, but for now, Jen definitely has more than the edge on me, so she always does the high bit towards the end.

So, it's a good song. It's about searching for the perfect relationship. And I'm not sure that exists. But, hey, what do I know, eh?! I joked with Jen recently that she'd obviously called me for relationship advice 'cause Elizabeth Taylor wasn't available!

I sang it last night, when round at my friend Pete and Pauline's 10th wedding anniversary party. It made me think about Jen, and I missed her. So, thank God I didn't sing '9 to 5' as I'd have probably cried!

Anyway, so that's the basic level stuff covered, and I never go too deep, but I've had a couple of conversations recently about the concept of being perfect, and the concept of perfection.

My thinking has previously been influenced by the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris (BK) World Spiritual University, where I go for meditation evenings, positive thinking courses and public talks from very wise, very calm speakers. But then I also take teachings, doctrines and any other religious dogma with a bucket load of salt, too. So let's not go too deep here, eh?!

So, the BK belief is that the only perfect being is the Supreme Soul, God, whatever you will, and that no human being can be perfect too. I got this, I liked it, and this is what I believed - until Friday...

As I've said before on facebook, I can be quite easily-led, despite my stubborn, arrogant bloody-mindedness, sometimes, so have to be very careful of who I mix with!

I was having a conversation with my friend Rob, just before he embarked on a reflexology treament on my feet (he's good BTW, find him under 'You First Relaxation' on facebook), about this and his, Buddist-led, belief is that we are all just perfect. We are all just as we are supposed to be, right now. Everything is perfect, because it's how it's supposed to be, right now.

So I guess, yet again, I've reserved the right to change my mind and opinions 'cause I prefer this concept and maybe, just maybe, I'll start going to the Buddist centre in Armley with Casey for a bit instead of BK in Headingley - hey, I could even walk there! And it's not just a woman's prerogative thing either. People change. Minds change. Opinions change. And that's just how it's supposed to be, right now.

Yours perfectly,

Clancy xxxx

p.s. I decided on this photo of me at my friend Jude's wedding on the Isle of Skye last weekend to accompany this post as, if I'm being honest, I think I look quite nice! There, I said it! I also know that my skin is a bit blotchy, my teeth need a good whitening session tonight and I tipped my very first glass of wine of the day down my lovely purple silk frock. Oh well, I guess that's how it was supposed to be, right then!

p.p.s. I'm embarking on a bit of a lifestyle change for a bit, so it may be the last pic of me with a glass of champagne for a little while. I'm hoping my friends will remain, because, let's face it, pretty much all of my close friends have had children now and I've still been their friends whilst they were pregnant, moaning, bitter, hormonal cows. And yes, love, I do mean you Tonko! X

Take another look...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:18:00 +0000

or rather, take a look from a different direction, with rested eyes, from a different perspective - whatever you like really. But sometimes being happy or content is really about how you choose to see things are.

It's the basis of the title of this blog really and I can tell you this without going into the full story just yet. It's not that I'm being secretive for the sake of it, you understand, just that I want to tell the story in the right way at the right time. But 'Smiling at Magpies' is about choosing to see something that previously scared you in a positive way. Like magpies. As usual, I'm nothing if not obvious!

Taking time to look up, look round or down can also help you to see things that you didn't see before, I find. Even on the simplest level.

Mum and I went for a walk around the beautiful Clumber Park lake again recently - something we've done many times before - but chose to walk round in a anti-clockwise, rather than our usual clockwise, direction. It was quite incredible just how many 'new' things we saw on this route.

Of course, they weren't new at all really, they had always been there, but just by walking in a different direction we had opened up a whole new aspect to the walk.

The four or so miles around the lake also seemed to take much longer - though in actual fact it didn't and I'm relieved to say it wasn't because of my fading (but soon to be regained) fitness!

It was because when we experience new things we don't go into 'auto pilot', as we are prone to doing in our daily routine - I'm sure I'm not the only one to have arrived somewhere in the car and not known how I got there. Scary, yes?

Staying with the example of car journeys to illustrate this phenomenon, it's like driving somewhere for the second time and it feeling like it took you much less time than it did the first. It didn't, but there was less new information for your brain to take in, so it drifted on to other things, or didn't have to work as hard...or something like that.

Basically, I heard once that the reason time seems to pass so much quicker as we get older is that we've experienced much of what we are doing before - not in a freaky deja vu sense, but in a slightly dull, hum-drum routine way - so our brains don't need to tune in as much. Thus the reason it seems like school holidays seem to fly by now, when they used to drag - and I say this as an appreciater of quiet non term-time roads, I realise my opinion may change when I experience the joys of parenthood!

So, the key to slowing life down and appreciating things more is to take different routes, do different things - and not necessarily things that cost much money either* - meet different people.

I very much needed to learn this lesson recently - about slowing down, that is - when I had been in a whirl, a tizz even, and managed to lose my diary and notebook (notes from the last six months of meetings, pretty valuable stuff to me).

The fact that my tizz had meant I couldn't even remember the last time that day I had them as I'd gone from event to event, and they were eventually recovered on top of a pay machine in a multistorey car park in Manchester - thank you again to the kind, mystery soul who handed them in - was a bit of a wake-up call really, and a sign that I needed to take another look about how I was organising myself.

So, being given the opportunity to see things differently is a gift. One that I am increasingly grateful for. It helps us realise that we have a choice and that things happen for a reason.

See you later

Clancy xxxx

*catch me every month for ideas of things to do across West Yorkshire as BBC Radio Leeds's Girl About Town - I'll post details here for next time!

I'm not cool #1 - technology

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Now, given the length of time since my last post (and the infrequency of my postings too), it may seem as though I've made a brief visit back merely to state the bleedin' obvious. Not so, and if you could, I'd like you to bear with me as I explain my 'uncoolness' and how it manifests across many different areas of my life.

Technology
I've always liked to think of myself as being quite techno-minded. I'm pretty much self-taught on lots of software, I love gadgets and gizmos, and am pretty much addicted to facebook (though I go through phases and also know it's pretty lethal at times too).

But I don't own a sat nav and I'm afraid - although I have an account and have been known to 'tweet' a few times - I just don't 'get' twitter. I suspect I'm not on my own with the latter, but the sat nav thing - which I've talked about before on here, I know - is a continued source of bemusement, frustration and sometimes a downright annoyance to those around me.

I'll concede this: everytime I get lost, cursing route finder I say, usually to myself in tears, "That's it, I'm getting a Tom Tom." (other satellite navigation systems are available), but then when I (always) find my way to where I need to be, granted with others' help on most occasions, and the frustration eases I think, "well, that wasn't so bad after all, and there are other things I can spend my money on."

But it's not really a money thing, or really a stubbornness thing either. I think it makes you lazy and stops people thinking when they are driving. I thought this even before this gentleman so kindly helped to illustrate my point - http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/gps-unit-drives-british-man-off-cliff-20090327/.

Even the heading sums it up perfectly - 'GPS unit drives British man off cliff'. Did it? Are GPS units taking over the world? Did one morph and grow arms and legs and take control of the car? Gosh, yet another reason not to buy one.

I think the real reason though, came to me yesterday - I'd got lost en route from one meeting in the thick of West Yorkshire to another. I had a rough idea of where I was and I have a reasonable sense of direction, so it was just a matter of heading the right way (following road signs, they're OK, most of the time) until I got back on to the right road. And I felt a little sense of achievement with that. Now, I do feel slightly silly admitting this, but not half as silly as the daft prick who drove his car off a hillside cos a computer told him to, I bet!

So give me ipods and iphones (perhaps not the spirit level 'app' though), and pretty much any other gadget you could think of that makes life easier or more fun, but not sat nav. I prefer to decide where I'm going, thank you!

To follow soon 'I'm not cool #2 - I like royal history' and 'I'm not cool #3 - music'

For now, I'm off to a casino for a drinks party - but will try my best to not be cool there either, just for you, of course!

Clancy xxxx

Updates to follow soon on...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Speaking at Valley Comprehensive School to a group of business students - and being asked what car I drive (I'd have done the same!)

Thirsty Thursday going from strength to strength

The Culture Vulture - Leeds's newest - and best - news-round up from the world of culture, the arts and entertainment. Visit www.theculturevulture.co.uk

Novel writing - my journal

Radio Leeds and my activities there

Please come back soon for more updates...

Clancy xxxx

Anniversaries, celebrations, culture...and roller discos

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:12:00 +0000

The fact that I've not written for a while will explain the slightly higgledy-piggledy title - and those who know me well will know that this is a significant anniversary. Without going into too much detail, the fact that I am able to write this with most of my faculties in tact is a major breakthrough on last year!

It's also a celebration of my sister's recent achievements - not least that she has had the ultimate courage to live out her dream and go away travelling (departure date 5th January - more to follow) but that she got down to the final six, yes FINAL SIX, to replace Carol Vorderman on the British institution that is Countdown.

I have always been in awe of Jennie's ability with numbers, words and all-round general knowledge (she recently pissed on my bonfire with my US States game!) but her achievements with this are incredible. Those who are closest to her know how much she put in to it, how much it mattered and how much it took. We love you Jen x

So, on to culture...I've just got back from the Northern Art Prize, which is now in its second year. It's great that a cultural event and awards programme is still going strong - over 500 people attending and sponsorship from major businesses - but the main reason for my mention is that this year's Yorkshire entrant is the fabulous Clare Charnley who is a resident of the most fabulous of Leeds suburbs...yes, you've guessed it - Armley.

Clare's photography and videography work is beautiful so please view it at Leeds City Art Gallery if you get chance and if you like it you could even vote at http://www.northernartprize.org.uk/vote - but the judges' decision is final.

Last, but definitely not least is the second in the Armley on Wheels roller disco offering - 'Rolling around the Christmas Tree' - at Interplay Theatre on Friday 5th December. We're all off for a photo shoot in our 'Renegade Skater' best on Sunday so more to follow after that, but it's going to be the Christmas event of the year...guaranteed.

Love you Wheely

Clancy xxxx

A (little) step in the right direction

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:57:00 +0000

Bloody hell, has it really been nearly two months since I last wrote something here? Well, I guess a blog never lies so it must be true.

Things have been pretty busy to say the least, which is how I like them - as I've mentioned before my procrastination skills are quite impressive and if there's an opportunity to move a deadline I will - I much prefer immoveable ones that must be met. There's nothing quite like a deadline to focus the mind I find.

The Charming Armley Cake Competition is happening again this year (Saturday 4th October) and the photo shoot is taking place tomorrow - I did hear someone say recently it's impossible to breathe in and smile at the same time but I'll be giving it my best shot!

Things are also moving along apace with Thirsty Thursday - www.thirstythursday.co.uk - and after our conference in Manchester last week with Emma at the helm and all the gals that run the other clubs in Liverpool and Lancashire I feel global domination is now within our grasp, one bar at a time! Watch this space for news of a very exciting event planned for Leeds very soon.

What I have been finding though is that it's all too easy to take things on and then beat myself up (mentally of course) about things not moving fast enough, being successful enough, working out etc. So I'm making a conscious effort to be a bit kinder to myself right now and as long as things are moving in the right direction, even just a little bit at a time, then that's OK.

Like my most recent fitness goal - to swim the Channel...well, the equivalent of in 12 weeks in the gym pool! Swimming just 44 lengths out of the 1770 I need to this week was a great start and left me with a sense of achievement - so just a little stroke in the right direction is good too!

More news soon

Clancy xxxx

Guess what book I picked up at the Book Swap Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:48:00 +0000

OK, it's an easy one to start with - Danny Wallace's 'Yes Man'. Yes, I'm pleased to report that saying Yes more led to me acquiring (through Librarian's front desk priviliges some books did only make it as far as my bag!) the book that inspired me to say Yes more - good eh?

Other books that I 'acquired' included Dave Gorman & Danny Wallace's 'Are You Dave Gorman?' - seen the TV series, never read the book - and a few other random novels for me, plus some books for friends' children, although I may keep hold of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' as it's such a classic.

We had 100s and 100s and of books donated which is fabulous, and all those left over are being sold off to help a charity that Ange's mum works for that is setting up schools in the Gambia.

I did purchase a natty little brown skirt and blouse combo from the local BHF charity shop, alas no tweed to be found, and was loaned a pair of delightful specs by Ange to fully engage with my librarian role - what a pretty picture...

This Book Swap followed a night of reliving my youth in roller boots, leg warmers and a ra-ra skirt at 'Armley on Wheels' and reminded me why I perhaps didn't have that many boyfriends at junior school - I had a similar taste in clothes and it was my 'style' to co-ordinate outfits in just one colour - one of my favourites was electric blue in theme and included a coat (with large shoulder pads I seem to recall), a beret, ankle boots and a silk blouse.

I was 11 at the time. Oh dear.

I'm sorry to say that things haven't changed much; the shoulder pads are gone but co-ordinated colourful outfits remain. I also picked up a purple wrap dress at the charity shop which will go nicely with my purple bag.

'Armley on Wheels' was a great success, not least because there were no injuries, particularly on my part. I was a bit Bambi-esque to begin with and the St John Ambulance girl was looking at me as if to say "Right, I know who my first patient is then - Polo mints at the ready."

I'm delighted to say that another one is in the planning - probably for Christmas and I won the prize for the name "Rolling around the Christmas tree", OK it's pretty lame but it did seem funnier at pub. But not quite as 'funny' as me not being arsed to get changed out of my costume and then bumping into a client at the Travellers' Rest dressed in the full get up - pink visor and whistle included. Oh dear. But, as I've said before, I don't really do shame, so here you go...

I'm sorry to report that I've not been able to do everything I've said yes to due to a small bout of illness recently, but I'm on the mend now and running again in preparation for the Leeds Half Marathon on September 7th. Another thing I said yes to was a request to run for Marie Curie Cancer Care which came in by phone to Johnny at Radio Leeds, just after I'd announced I was taking part in the race. Oops, you can forget people are listening sometimes! More on how to help me raise some cash very soon.

One last guessing game before I sign off. How many different kinds of lavender do you think there are? 10 or 20 tops right? Wrong. 130. I discovered this when visting the lovely Barbara Poisson at her fabulous lavender farm on Monday afternoon - visit www.penninelavender.co.uk for more info. Yet another I said yes to that I wouldn't normally do.

I think I need to do something a bit childish to counter-balance that grown-up afternoon, oh hang on, perhaps arsing about in roller boots and horn-rimmed specs fits the bill?!

Clancy xxxx

Yes, let's!

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:24:00 +0000

That's my new favourite phrase - well, for this week anyway.

Not only is it something I find myself saying more and more frequently these days thanks to my new philosophy, it's also the second line of a short play that I completed the first draft of this week, which is the first bit of scriptwriting I've done in nearly six months.

Like most people I'm a terrible procrastinator - well, I'm actually quite a good one - but I managed to knuckle down and finish it off, so am feeling pretty chuffed with myself right now.

Thank you so much to those who have already given constructive comments, most have been taken on board and used to improve it. If I haven't asked for your opinion then it's because I want you to come along and enjoy it performed on 31st October/1st November at a new writers' evening - fingers crossed it gets picked please!

Other things I've been saying yes to include standing in last minute for this week's telly review on Graham Liver's show tomorrow (Radio Leeds between 11am and 12pm) - I wasn't booked to go in for another couple of weeks, but let's face it I'll never pass up an opportunity to air my views will I?

I discovered shortly after that the two programmes we'll be discussing are ones I hadn't watched, and wouldn't normally, but thanks to Virgin Media I can watch'em on my big telly via the 'Catch-up TV' option - very useful it is too.

One is New Tricks which I've now watched and it was 'OK' (it just makes me chuckle thinking about the Little Britain/Dennis Waterman sketches "Great, I get to write the theme toon, sing the theme toon"), and the other is Bonekickers, which hasn't had the best of reviews apparently but I'll give it a whirl later.

However, I also discovered that for the first time my fellow reviewer is the wonderful Nicky Pattinson - www.hiyaitsnicky.com - so it probably doesn't matter if I've watched them or not as I'll struggle to get a word in! I'm actually really looking forward to seeing the lovely Nicky as I haven't for ages.

It's the roller disco and book swap this weekend, so what with setting up, clearing away, dressing up and going to an event at Brahma Kumaris all day Saturday I'm pretty swamped this weekend, but that's the way I like it. Of course busy lives and getting pissed don't exactly go well together so am on a self-imposed drinking ban for the next week and a bit.

Which reminds me, I've also said yes to entering the Leeds Half Marathon (7th Sept) so training has already begun.

Before I go, I just wanted to share the highs and lows of British television that I've witnessed over the last week or two. A definitely low was the 'dull as ditch water' affair that saw Tim 'Personality Bypass' Henman interviewing Andy 'Miserable Millionaire' Murray. However, this for me was counter-balanced by a classic moment from 'Richard & Judy' last week, and yes I do admit I watch and like it (it's my guilty pleasure, judge all you like!).

At the end of an interview with Majid Ahmed - who was in the news recently for being refused entry to Imperial College medical school due to a criminal record - R&J plus guests Nick Ferrari and Vanessa Feltz (I tell you it's quality viewing, you're missing out!) were discussing whether or the decision meant that we'd become less forgiving as a society. Allow me to share the exchange which ensued:

Richard Madeley: Well, I wonder what Jesus would say if he was here?

Nick Ferrari: I don't know Richard, but if you could get him on you'd have one hell of a show!

Classic, and for me up there with Judy flashing her tits at the TV Awards and Richard's Ali G impression.

What shall I do for comic inspiration when they're gone?!

Clancy xxxx

Saying yes does make life interesting!

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:58:00 +0000

Yes, yes, yes! I'm pleased to report a positive influence on my life just a few days into my new philosophy.

Things I've said yes to include eating eel at last week's Thirsty Thursday - not sure I'd do it again mind you - and offering to help out at the 'Armley on Wheels' roller disco next Saturday and the book swap next Sunday.

I received a call from a friend on Monday morning to find out what size boob tube she should buy for me for the roller disco, and will also be wearing a ra-ra skirt, shiny tights and leg warmers. More about these events on facebook or at the I Love West Leeds website - www.ilovewestleeds.co.uk

I've done some other things I might not normally do, but I won't let it affect my health and fitness too much, so taking the car along to ensure I'm not tempted to drink might be a better way to manage this!

So far, so good. I'd definitely recommend it.

Clancy xxxx

I'm going to be a 'yes woman' this year...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:52:00 +0000

Well, we're past the mid-point of 2008 now anyway so it's only six months to go.

I was inspired by watching Danny Wallace - whom I've long been a fan of (did you know he was Dave Gorman's flatmate who challenged him to create the original and best 'Are you Dave Gorman?') - on Jonathan Ross last night and always enjoyed his adventures.

I quite like the idea of my own country too. His is called 'Lovely', his residents are naturally called 'Lovelies' and given that his country - of which he is King Danny I - is a one-bedroom flat in Bow it may come as no surprise that it holds the record for being the only fully double-glazed one in the world!

But the thing I most like the idea of is being a 'Yes Man'.

Now, I don't mean the fawning, arse-licking, "I'll say whatever you want to keep you happy" types that Alan Sugar (ooh, I missed off the Sir) claims he doesn't like...yet strangely keeps on hiring over the slightly more challenging contestants. Allow me to refresh your memories from the past few years...

Tim Campbell v Saira Khan
Michelle Dewberry V Ruth Badger
Simon Ambrose V Kristina Grimes
and of course this year's Lee McQueen v Claire Young

I did get my opportunity to air my views about this year's decision whilst doing the telly review on the Graham Liver Show on Radio Leeds, and said that I had calmed down after looking at Sr'Alan's decision-making past. It's not a 'who's best' overall competition, it's a 'who's best' for being an Apprentice that can be moulded and guided into the role - and let's face it, I wouldn't fancy trying to mould the Badger, Shere Khan the Tiger and Claire the Rottweiler into anything - would you?!

*Tip for women in next year's show - don't lend yourself to being likened to an animal, you may stand a better chance!

Danny Wallace's definition of being a 'Yes Man' is outlined in his manifesto...

"I, Danny Wallace, being of sound mind and body, do hereby write this manifesto for my life. I swear I will be more open to opportunity. I swear I will live my life taking every available chance. I swear I will say yes to every favour, request, suggestion and invitation."

And I just thought I like the sound of that. Now, I'm not promising to say yes to everything - I'm not on the telly or getting paid for this and I want to protect my health & safety - but I do intend for the remainder of this year (at least) to make sure I say yes (and mean it) more than I say no.

It just strikes me as a much more positive way of living, and whilst I like to think of myself as a generally positive person, I think my ways have been slipping of late and could do with a boost.

Saying yes more may well be the boost I need

Let's see where it gets me shall we...

Yes, let's!

Clancy xxxx

p.s. I won a second £50 with my premium bonds this month and just found out today. I don't mind admitting that my cashflow situation has been a little tricky over the last few months so my cheque had been sitting in amongst a pile of bills for over a week. Nice things do come in the post sometimes you see. I reckon this is the tide starting to turn - bring on the abundance!

Animal instincts

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Spring is - kind of, give or take a few snow flurries - in the air so inspired by that and one of my housemate's recent animal urges (that's my cat Connie by the way, I've not taken in a randy lodger), my 'out and about' slot on Radio Leeds for this month is all animal-themed. Even if I am really stretching the theme at times...

I'm not just making it up either - little and large, indoor and out, big screen and small stage there just seems to be a lot of animal-related stuff to go to at the moment.

We've had Cats and Swan Lake just for starters at the Grand in Leeds, and then at the West Yorkshire Playhouse there was Year of the Rat starring Hugo Speer. OK, so it was actually about George Orwell's later years but it did feature the very talented Paul Kemp as Boxer, Pig and Rat (characters from Animal Farm I believe). Playing a person convincingly is one thing, but a scary performance as a pig takes some skills.

It was a little odd at times, but on the whole a good production - Hugo Speer's performance was pretty good too and he's not bad to look at either, which always helps.

Some other interest was added by Neil Morrissey who I spotted is a friend of Mr Speer's and was there to support his pal. Unfortunately he was too tight to pay four quid for a programme and was heard to say "What for a normal programme, oh I'll get Hugo to get me one." La di da, eh?

I'm also off to see Cattle Call - a new Phoenix Dance production - at the Playhouse tonight, which yet again I understand is not about cows but it fits the theme nicely too.

The best of the rest includes things for kids at local farms, events for National Pet Month (what do you mean you didn't know it was that time of year again already?), and Roar of the Kalahari at the IMAX in Bradford.

The icing on the cake for me this month though has to be a roller disco. What's that I hear you cry "There's no animal theme there Clancy". And of course you'd be right, except that you'll find it on every Tuesday...at Tiger Tiger!

I won't insult you further by signing off with some suitably naff animal pun, even though the temptation is killing me!

Clancy xxxx

p.s. the next Thirsty Thursday event is at The Living Room on Thursday 24th April - check out www.thirstythursday.co.uk for more info

Piste off...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:37:00 +0000

Yes, am off to the pistes folks. Can't wait for a week of fresh air, ski school (am a little rusty to say the least), and of course lots of fun and frolics.

My companions for the week are Esme (room buddy), Sonia (has practically organised the whole thing, I'm just turning up with me case and passport, thanks Son), Hil, Jonathan, Paul, Liz, Rick, Bruce and Richard - and we have a chalet person to cook for us too, hoorah!

It's also Hil's birthday while we're away and 31cm of snow is predicted for that day on the upper and lower slopes and in the resort of Val Thorens where we are staying.

The very very minor downside to the trip is the time of travelling, hence me writing this blog entry stone cold sober at 11.30 on a Friday night - Es will be here to pick me up in less than three hours so there's no point going to bed, plus I've still got a bit of packing to finish.

Don't you just hate packing? I mean, how on Earth do I know what I'll feel like wearing next Friday evening, what mood will I be in, will I fancy jeans or trousers, green or purple? The weather people certainly don't know what the weather will really be like either.

This came from the horse's mouth so to speak whilst I was down at Radio Leeds this morning doing my second TV review on the Graham Liver show. Lovely Paul Hudson (Look North weatherman for those not from round these parts) was brought in to confirm that Graham and his producer, the lovely Johnny I'Anson, were not in fact wimping out by not doing their planned outdoor swim at Pugneys lake on Monday when gale force winds are forecast. They've rescheduled for Wednesday but the forecast for then is not that great either, and beyond that Paul admitted that his predictions would involve a degree of guess work (his actual words off air were 'realms of fantasy').

So, I've done my best with the packing predictions and I shall just have to hope that I've not gone over my weight limit.

I have managed to hire a nifty little outfit (which you see me modelling here) from the fab Severn Sports here in good old Armley. I highly recommend it as it's a lovely family-run business and it's great to support our local shops isn't it? Don't let the big boys take over!

I was feeling a bit weary this morning and yet again was glad it was radio not telly, as me, Jen, Leah, Lois, Faye and Jo headed over to Manchester last night to see the final tour of the fabulous French & Saunders. It was a great show overall and my face was aching from laughing at the first few sketches - they've brought back some of the classics and updated them:

Dawn: "You don't say 'how big is it?', you say 'how many hands is it please?'"
Jennifer: "How many hands is it please?"
Dawn: "It's 16 hands thank you for asking."

The filmed sketch of Dawn's impression of Catherine Zeta Jones was also blummin' marvellous, as was Jennifer's Madonna bit, but there were a few random bits that didn't quite have us rolling in the aisles.

Still, having grown up watching them - particularly with Faye and Jo - it was great to be able to finally see them live.

So, it's been a busy old week and I'm looking forward to a break - of course not one of the bone variety!

Sloping off now (sorry, couldn't resist!)

Clancy xxxx

The only way out is through...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:36:00 +0000

Just some idle mind meanderings of a Tuesday evening to share with you lovely lot...

"The only way out is through" has long been a motto of mine for stinkin' hangovers - you know, just keep on drinking the next day to see it off (gosh, I'm a terrible role model as Aunty Clancy to my friends' children aren't I?!) - but I also think it works well for other difficult situations too.

Things are rarely as bad as you think they are really and often facing them is significantly less scary than you think.

Like eating at Nandos tonight for example [wink] - me, Es, Son and Ju had a lovely meal - and there was me judging the restaurant closest to the gym all this time! The Portobello mushroom and Halloumi cheese pitta was lovely, as was the South African Pinotage I chose to wash it down with - just one small glass though, I was driving - it is a Tuesday after all.

Driving up to Hartlepool and back in gale force wind today was also not that bad - even in the Smarty Car - just having one's wits about one is all it requires, and being accompanied by Ken Bruce and Jeremy Vine helps too.

Another event is planned for the full opening of Park Tower in Hartlepool on March 26th but this time it won't be 'Biddies and Building Sites' as the fab building is pretty much restored (lifts and everything now) so we can at last open our doors to the great and good of the North East. It does look truly stunning now and I take a small bit of pride when I drive in on the A689 and see the Park Tower peak above the trees - Tony Collins Developments has done a wonderful job of restoring the exterior of the building to its former glory, and I'm not just saying that cos he's a client! Pics to follow soon - the Penthouse is fabulous!

Often nice things can be a lot nicer than you expect too, like my Jo Malone evening courtesy of Armstrong Watson accountants last Thursday. It was a delightful evening attended by some lovely girls, combined with delicious canapes, Kir Royales and a wonderful hand and arm massage. The icing on the cake was the goody bag though - a delightful Jo Malone candle (one of my favourite things in the world, next to really good cheese and red wine). When you're expecting a few samples and get the real deal instead it's wonderful!

Hope things come good for you soon too - just remember to keep heading through

Clancy xxxx

Belated birthday report

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:30:00 +0000

Now, you must understand it's not that my '32-ness' that means it takes me nearly a week to get over a big birthday drinking session, I have had a stinker of a cold that was brewing before I decided to go out for nine hours on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Ouch - that was my head and my throat.

It all started so well...

1. Lunch at one of my favourite lunch spots - Anthony's Patisserie in the Viccy Quarter - including a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose
2. Dinner at one of my favourite dinner spots - Sam's Chop House - where I picked up a copy of my 'lovely' caricature picture from an event last year (and also discovered that my mug now hangs in a frame on their wall, apologies to anyone who finds themselves eating next to it one day!). I was also treated to the fabulous cheese platter you see here - I'll take this over a cake anyday, thanks guys!
3. Singing at OK Karaoke - I did 'Big Spender', Jen and I did 'Simply the Best'. It's a bit chavvy and cheesy but I love it, I should expect it won't be the last time I go!

Then, inspired by a large quantity of white wine we went to join another birthday celebration at a house party in Adel, which is where this delightful picture of my little sis was taken. She took it herself, in a bathroom at about 3am. It must have seemed like a good idea at the time eh Jen?!

Thank you to everyone who sent me cards and facebook messages, I had a lovely birthday even if I paid for it afterwards. Thanks also to Nick, Alex and Chris for being so welcoming of me and my friends at their party!

Anyway, I must rest some more because I need to get better for a number of reasons, not least to take advantage of an invitation to a Jo Malone corporate party from Armstrong Watson accountants (very kindly invited by Simon Palmer who I know through the networking 'scene' in Leeds!), in this state I won't be able to take in the delightful aromas on offer. Of course there's work to be doing too and a bit of planning for next week's Thirsty Thursday event (that's not work really!).

I've decided I like being 32, it's a nice round number!

Clancy xxxx

Sing-a-long...de de de de de de de de de de de de

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:02:00 +0000

OK, you can choose the tune to sing along - the above 'words' go with at least two tunes that relate to some of the things I've been up to recently:

1) 'Eye of the Tiger' - oh yes, have punchbag, will punch (it's a 'Rocky' branded one that was significantly reduced at JJB Sports and will shortly be hanging in my cellar). There's no need to be scared, after all if I'm punching bags I'm not going to have the energy to punch people am I?

2) The theme tune to 'Strictly Come Dancing' - my sis Jen bought me and Fran tickets for Christmas and we went last Saturday. It was marvellous but my favourite bit was the Dirty Dancing medley at the end. Ah, 1987. I remember it well. I was 11. We danced round friends' living rooms to it after school.

So, a frightening 21 years later, this is my last post as a 31 year old. Yes, tomorrow sees me turn 32, which of course isn't old in the slightest (note the lack of a question, even a rhetorical one - it's a solid, factual statement. 32 is young and wild and free) but it does sound quite grown up. I wonder if I will wake up feeling any different?

I suspect, that - just as I didn't wake up on the morning of my 30th feeling I finally knew exactly who I was and what I was doing - that tomorrow I will feel no different than any other Saturday morning (slightly woozy from wine, or just a bit lazy and managing to fill my day with shopping and eating, rather than running or going to the gym).

This week has also seen me down at Radio Leeds for another of my now regular 'Out and About' slots, for which I was asked to research and report on things to do with a romantic feel.

I managed to do this with some enthusiasm and pride in tact until I happened to mention (off air) to the lovely Georgey Spanswick that I was woken up not by breakfast in bed and little love notes around the house, but by the crazy cats two hours earlier than I wanted to be up (5am, not 7).

Now, you would think that after nearly 13 years in the PR game and given that I now - frighteningly - make part of my living training others in dealing with the media that one of the golden rules would be etched on my brain permanently. I shall take this opportunity to share and remind myself again...

NEVER SAY ANYTHING TO A JOURNALIST THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO BE REPEATED - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OFF AIR OR OFF THE RECORD!

My rather weak defence is that it was still quite early and it was also quite funny. Yes, let's all be smug and mock the single girl [wink].

More after I turn 32

Clancy xxxx

p.s. the pic is of me, Sonia (left) and Steph at the 1st birthday party for Croma last Thursday, I gave them a bit of a plug again this week and they are now hosting the next Thirsty Thursday event on Feb 28th - www.thirstythursday.co.uk for more info

p.p.s the sing-a-long in the title also relates to tomorrow evening's birthday activities including a trip to the recently opened OK Karaoke in Leeds!

From one extreme...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Whilst others seem to have done their indulging during December and then spending January without alcohol and rich food, mine seems to be at polar opposites.

I've often said that I never worry too much about putting on weight during the Christmas festivities as I'd find it hard to eat much more than I do normally anyway, but the last few weeks have seen me shovelling it down quite a bit more than usual it has to be said.

Whether at the launch of the yummy new pizza, pasta and salad dishes with black truffles at the lovely Croma in town (Hi to Mark Imeson and the rest of the directors - they are supporters of Thirsty Thursday), tucking in to a fabulous organic feast of locally reared beef with all the trimmings at the still wonderful The Mill Race in Kirkstall, enjoying the fruits of the labours of my friend Ismail at a curry night round at his (plus his Mum's homemade chipatis) or scoffing some of the best Cumberland sausage I've had in a good while at The Three Acres out at Emley.

Like I said, just don't make the New Year's Resolutions and then you can't feel guilty for not sticking to them!

Not to be one to advocate too much gluttony and sloth, I have been out in the fresh air too - including a jaunt round Roundhay Park. My Nana who was born in Leeds in 1911 used to tell me stories about the 'Roundhay Walk' on a Sunday afternoon when local folk would take the trams out there (something I don't think we'll see in Leeds again for a good while yet, if ever - that's another story though!) then the boys would walk up and down one side of the park and girls the other. The pretty girls would get invited to join the boys and walk in the middle and go 'a-courting'. Kinda like the 1920s version of speed dating I guess, only with a bit more decorum, and these days the girls are a bit more proactive!

She also told me about being swung round the Majestic dance and bingo hall by a small Italian man, but I'm not going back to Majestyk in the name of family history - or in the name of anything for that matter. My days there are well and truly over!

Back indoors I'm afraid I have a bit of shoulder strain by taking boxing on the Wii round at Ish's a bit too seriously (competitive, me?), but I felt very relieved of stress and tension afterwards which has made me more determined to buy a punchbag and gloves and get pounding away Rocky-style in the cellar - I even have the soundtrack as an accompaniment!

Another example of my life of extremes is that in addition to my regular 'out and about' slot on the Radio Leeds breakfast show (the next one is February 14th and will have a romance theme - what fun for a single girl eh?!)I am now also on the rota to be a regular TV reviewer and did my first slot on the lovely Graham Liver's show on Friday along with Mario Thomas from Chapter Eight. I had a great time and am thrilled to be asked to do it again on March 7th.

The shows we reviewed included the 'Scams, Fiddles and Honest Claims' about those unscrupulous sorts that try to pull a fast one on insurance companies - and the investigators hired to sniff them out - and the very bizarre and quite disturbing 'Virtual Adultery', which was all about the strange world of Second Life and people who leave their real life partners for an online 'avatar' lover and then spend time perusing their virtual wedding album in real life together.

Get a life, never mind Second Life, I say.

Anyway, it's Monday night and EastEnders is about to start, I'm off [wink].

Back soon

Clancy xxxx

Licence to swill

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:08:00 +0000

OK, first up my apologies for the ropey rhyming attempt in the subject, but for those of you who, like me, were having a much treasured Saturday night on the sofa last night you may well understand my need to mention what was aired.

Ooer, I feel like I should be on Points of View. "Dear Terry, Why oh why...Yours, Annoyed of Armley". I've never written in to POV but have had letters published in Cosmo and Radio Times - one was about an article entitled 'In Praise of Bossy Mothers' and the other was about a wonderful edition of Parky which featured the fabulous Mr Stephen Fry and Robin Williams and highlighted the wide spectrum that we call comedy.

I think this is the one weekend in the year when no-one wants to go out and therefore a struggle for a few of my friends whose birthdays are around this time, so most plan for something another time now. I also struggle as mine is two days after Valentine's Day so I have to get in early so that people can plan their romance for another night. Saturday 16th Feb, don't forget people!

Anyway, back to last night...

Goodness me, what on Earth was that all about?!

Something like the worst ever auditions for 'Stars in their Eyes' packaged up into a programme, that is now going to be dragged out over seven weeks for our 'entertainment'. Golly. And then the overall winner (who is the best at copying someone else's style) gets to perform in a live nightly show in Las Vegas. Gosh. I made it to the choosing of the Rod Stewart but could bear no more after that.

All I can say is I'm very grateful for recent gems such as 'Cranford', 'Fanny Hill', 'Oliver Twist' and 'Sense & Sensibility' (no, I didn't think we were ready for new adaptations of the latter two either but I was very wrong - wonderful stuff. Cranford - delightful. Nuff said.) and that I never make sweeping generalisations based on a few misjudgements. We're only human after all. Someone somewhere thought that 'The One And Only' was a great idea for a post-Christmas show and sometimes the oddest ideas pay off. Look at 'Dancing on Ice' or even Strictly.

I do happen to love the BBC and most of what it produces (and not just because I have a regular slot on Radio Leeds!), so this is a minor blot on a usually otherwise lovely landscape for me.

However, when Leah and I went to see Pinocchio a few weeks ago I got to thinking what a desperately sad job it must be to be a full-time critic (TV, art, food, anything really). We were sat next to a chap who was making notes so I shall assume for argument's sake was a theatre critic (it was the World Premiere after all). Now, apart from the fact that he well and truly nodded off for a bit so his review of the first act will have been - shall we say - patchy, it struck me that it must not be a very nice way to make a living. Constantly looking for the bad, rather than the good, in things.

I like to think that my glass is half full, and I know not all critics are the same, but most reviews I read seem to highlight the flaws, mistakes and imperfections in things.

Again, we're only human.

Speaking of TV critics - very tenuous link I know - did I tell you about the time I saw Richard Arnold (of GMTV-fame) in Amsterdam? It was quite early on a Saturday morning and because me and my fellow run clubbers were taking part in the marathon or half marathon (I was doing the half, which was followed by the full marathon a month or so later in New York) the day after, I hadn't had my usual two G&Ts before boarding the plane. I was also a little delirious from lack of sleep as I had to get up very early for the flight.

So, picture the scene, Rich "cool as a cucumber" Ribeiro leans in to me and quietly says "is that bloke on TV?". I, now face to face with the lovely Mr Arnold, shout "Oh my God" at him. Then (oh yes it gets worse) shout after him "I love you Richard". To which Mr Arnold very kindly waved. Poor fella, he looked a little shocked to say the least.

As my dear little sister said it was one of those defining moments. The one when she realised her big sister would never be cool. Hey, it's not like I've ever pretended to be is it?!

The point I'm making - very loosely I grant you - is that it is possible to see the good in things, people and places, wherever you look.

I don't for a minute think that being a critic is the worst job in the world - my career history includes some ropey jobs such as working in a call centre and a frozen food shop, being a waitress and bar maid and selling advertising in a local newspaper, and they are like holidays in Disneyland compared to what some people do for a living - just that it's not my cup of tea or my natural way to look for the bad.

We all mess up and make mistakes. After all, wouldn't life be totally boring if we were perfect.

Yours imperfectly

Clancy xxxx

p.s. Anyone know 'owt about antiques - or someone that does - it's for this play I'm writing and I just need someone to answer a couple of questions related to pottery (oh dear, is that even the correct term - back to Google for a bit I think). Anyway, if you do please let me know.

Resolution revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:02:00 +0000

I've got the best idea ever for New Year's resolutions - make them when slightly tipsy on New Year's Eve and then you can't even remember them come January 1st!

I do remember mine was slightly profound, naturally [wink], but will have to check with my NYE companions tomorrow as to what it was before I decide whether or not I shall stick to it.

So, I've now got my first two radio slots under my belt - so far so good I think.

Funnily enough talking isn't a problem for me, and neither is finding new and interesting or just downright random events to talk about - Friday's slot included discussions about the 'Secrets of the Saucy Seaside Postcard' exhibition at Dewsbury Museum, good old naughty British humour at its best eh?! Apparently Bamforth & Co who produced the best-known postcard art were based in lovely Holmfirth, you may have known this, but I didn't. Every day is a school day.

We also chatted about ice skating (not a natural talent of mine) and skiing (I'm not bad but haven't been for many years) and the fact that I am having lessons in both very soon - I'm nothing if not a tryer (or trying) - so can promise some laughs to be had at the Ice Cube in Millenium Square and at Xscape at Castleford. Again, shame is not something I have a problem with (as my NYE companions can also testify after my very ropey rendition of Patsy Cline's 'Crazy' in the pub last night too - I blame the acoustics, I usually sound so good!).

Other winter wonderland offerings on at the moment include yet another opportunity to relive my childhood at the theatre, thanks to a brand new production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the West Yorkshire Playhouse - just fabulous. I read a while back that someone actually phoned them to see if they would be having a real lion, AND then sounded slightly miffed to be told they weren't. The Playhouse team do push boundaries and take risks with their productions, which pay off, but I think they have limits.

I'll have a regular day and time sorted for my slot soon hopefully so will let you all know when to tune in - you can listen online for those out of the area, just visit www.bbc.co.uk/leeds.

I will need lots more info on what's on in West Yorkshire so please do keep me posted.

So, what will your year bring? Everything you wish for and more I hope, but one step at a time. I'm talking to myself as much as anyone else here of course, gently does it.

Wrap up warm, keep safe and I'll be back very soon.

Clancy xxxx

Ah, it's just like Christmases of yore...

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy Walker) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:54:00 +0000

Remember that feeling of anticipation for the magical day, the excitement whilst getting ready for bed, snuggled up waiting to hear Santa on the roof, waking up early and jumping on your parents' bed begging them to let you downstairs to eagerly run to the tree and unwrap your presents...

Cut forward twenty or more years...

The feeling of anticipation on Christmas Eve (will your jeans still fit after weeks of pre-Christmas paryting and eating?), the excitement of finding a seat in the pub, snuggled up in a strange bed (at your parents' house of course - get your minds out of the gutter folks please!), being woken up at 11am by your Mum to help with last minute mad preparations for the arrival of the masses and begging her to let you have one more hour in bed to let the Alka Seltzer kick in...

Don't you just love Christmas traditions! I certainly do and tomorrow evening shall see me, as usual but still treated with the same fondest regard, with my very very good friends Faye and Jo (plus Jo's husband Haydn, he's a slightly newer tradition but still a very welcome one) in the Newcastle Arms. Hurrah! They are fellow Worksopians like me, and, also like me, are making the annual pilgrimage to the strange land that is Bassetlaw in North Nottinghamshire for a 'reet' good old Christmas Eve celebration. It's also the only time I get to see other fellow Worksopians who have moved on to other places too - it's a bit of a meeting spot for former Valley School pupils really!

Faye and Jo are my oldest friends and I can't wait to see them. Again not in age terms, but in the length of time I've known them - they were both at my Christening.

Incidentally the title of my actual 'oldest' friend goes to a certain Mr Edmund Ankrah, I shan't share his age to save our friendship, but he's a lovely Scouser who is a very talented illustrator who has worked for some of London's top ad agencies and is how I came to embarrass myself with Mr Trevor Beattie (see my facebook pages under 'Judge all you like I take pics of me with people off the telly' album for photographic evidence). His experiences over his 64 years (oops) make him a very very interesting and funny person to have a beer or four with. I'm sure he'll be really chuffed with me now, but he still calls me 'angel' even after several middle of the night calls when I fancied a chat so I hope he won't mind his mention too much. Why do you always think you are at your most interesting and funny at that point? Ah, the joys of drinking...

Which leads me nicely back to Christmas...

So, after Christingle at the Worksop Priory (it's a lovely tradition and goes down well with our Mums!), G&Ts at 'Aunty' Pam Wild's Gin Palace, Christmas Eve night at the Newc, Christmas Day at Fran's (including a big bash with friends and neighbours at night), and a Boxing Day night out with Jen and Julia (amongst others), the Christmas period will find me starting to write up the draft of a new play 'China Dreams' for which I'm learning a bit of Chinese (all will become clear I hope!) and researching material for my second radio slot for next Friday (28th) on Radio Leeds between 7.30 and 8am. Please tune in if you can.

Also if you can please let me know of any interesting sounding bashes or events on around West Yorkshire over the next couple of weeks.

Last week's slot seemed to go well I think - I don't have a copy yet - and I did go to Pinocchio with Leah on Friday which was marvellous. It was the World Premiere, which is a first for me I think, so huge thanks to Rosie at Opera North. I highly recommend it as it's an incredible production, but have to say that Pinocchio deserved everything he got (harsh, me?!). He would do well to remember a favourite saying of mine "I'm a great believer in luck, the harder I work the more I have of it". But of course he does learn this in the end. He's a bit of a brat until then though!

But, for the next few days work is most definitely not on the agenda. I wish you all a happy time with your friends and families or even just a bit of peace and quiet.

Festive love

Clancy xxxx