Random Shopping Trips, Sleep, Conversations and Colds

I caught up with Miss Lolly Lil for a quick beverage last night. She was in need of a bit of moral support and a reminder of how utterly fabulous she is, so we went to Costa for random iced drinks (which we discovered that neither of us really liked) and a toasted meatball and cheese Panini each (which we discovered that both of us really did like). We had popped into Whittard earlier on and bought a random mug each: hers, covered with different coloured hearts (really cute, suits her); mine, bone china, inscribed with the words ‘The Daddy’ (not really sure how it relates to me, but whatever). We had a giggle about a random man who we saw in there last time (who kept lamenting, while clearing tables, about having to work there, even though we have it on good authority that he does in fact not work there), had a nice chat and a big hug and then left for our respective destinations: hers was home, mine was The Tanning Shop (shhh, don’t tell anyone) and Sainsbury’s for some essential food shopping (yes, Weetos included), before heading home. Before we parted, Lolly tried to help me with my mental shopping list, which went a little bit like this:

Me: “Bread, milk, sugar…”
Her: “Eggs…”
Me: “Eggs…no wait, I don’t want to get eggs.”
Her: “Oh, ok, sorry.”
Me: “Bread, milk, eggs…”
Her: “I thought you didn’t need eggs?”
Me: “Oh, I don’t! You’re confusing me!”
Her: “Sorry.”
Me: “Right. Bread, milk, sugar, eggs…I mean, not eggs! Oh, forget it.”

I went for a quick tanning session (don’t judge me), because I find that if I go a few times a year (especially if I haven’t been on a beach holiday and got some sun otherwise) it really helps my skin. Considering the state of it lately, I thought it needed a bit of all-over vitamin D (yes, yes I know it doesn’t also need cancer, but I’m a responsible user). I then went to get some food shopping and even though I was only getting the essentials (bread, milk, brown sugar, cereal, olive oil spread, no eggs! etc.) and had come prepared with lots of bags, I still got a little over-ambitious with my carrying abilities. As I tried to pay, my card got declined again. This time, I knew it couldn’t be a lack of fundage because I got paid that day! My bank have done this before. There is no activity on my account for a week or two (because there are no funds in it, which they should be able to see, seeing as they are the bank and all) and then when payday comes, loads of money leaves my account as I pay all my bills, get out cash and stock up on essentials. They ignore the fact that my regular monthly salary has gone in, and instead attribute this sudden surge of activity to fraudulent use of my card, so decide to block it. By the time I realised my card was declined and I had no cash on me, I had already packed all my shopping into my bags, so had to suffer the shame of them hauling all my goods over to Customer Services to hold it there, while I tried to get out cash. Which I did. From the same account, using the same card and the same pin number that had just been declined at the checkout. OK, thanks bank, thanks for shaming me unnecessarily in front of loads of people at the checkout, even though there is money in my account which I have proved by just getting out cash using the exact same method I tried to use at the till. Punks!

Anyway, I hauled my two litres of milk, two kilos of sugar, one kilo of spread, two litres of Lucozade (ok, not quite an essential, but I need it for my upcoming gym revival), loaf of bread, box of Fab ice lollies (again not an essential, but way cheaper than buying them individually from the corner shop), two boxes of cereal and the other shopping I had done that day (bubble bath, toothpaste, body lotion, plums, and various other bits and pieces) to the bus stop. I realised The Mrs had called me while I was taking the shame in the supermarket, so I called her back while waiting for my bus. We had a chat about some of the things she is worrying about and had a laugh as usual, aside from the serious stuff. She also needed some moral support and a reminder of how utterly gorgeous she is, so we talked until she got home. I was only halfway to mine, so I listened to my tunes the rest of the way.

I got home to an empty house, as Big Sis and Bro-in-Law were out for an evening of delayed anniversary celebrations, so I put the shopping away and went upstairs, after sending Lolly a pic of a clementine (or satsuma, tack your pick) with the caption: Me = orange and shiny! My throat was starting to hurt even more and although I knew I had stuff I needed to do, I ended up falling asleep with the light, TV and laptop on, not waking up until ages later, when a quick check of my phone told me it was 1.45am. After turning everything off and going back to sleep, I woke again just after 7.30am realising my (now even more) sore throat had now been joined by its friend the runny nose, and was therefore definitely the onset of a cold. I blew my nose and did some stretches to try and ease the knots I have been feeling in my muscles. My Mum called and told me she would pick up my stuff as she’d be stopping by our house later, which was great news as it meant I could bring my laptop and not have to haul it around with me on the train (thereby creating more knots in my muscles). I got up, cleaned my teeth and then gargled with some salt water to try and ease my sore throat. I had a shower and got dressed while talking to Big Sis and gave her the belated anniversary card that I had only been able to get on payday. She told me about their evening (at a classical concert) and played me some little video clips she had recorded on her camera, that included a crescendo of fireworks (indoors!) on the last song.

I made tea, but the kettle took ages to boil, so I had to run to the station, but got there just in time. I had to make a couple of quick stops before I got to work, picking up throat sweets and a menthol inhaler and a card and little gift I’ve been meaning to get for my Mum for doing my hair. The bus driver of the bus I ran for pretended he hadn’t seen me as he closed the doors, and I mentally scowled at him (lol) until the next bus came (which was about 8 minutes later). At work, I breakfasted on nectarines and plums, along with a blueberry, pomegranate and acai berry smoothie, so I am hoping the vitamin C and general fruity goodness will help sort out this cold.

I am realising the reason for (or at least the benefit of) my inexplicably good (and borderline hysterical, if I’m honest) mood yesterday. Both Lolly and the Mrs were having tough days and I think my cheering-up and reassuring abilities would not have been quite as effective (if indeed they actually were) otherwise. It’s easier to lift people up when you’re not having so much trouble standing tall yourself. I’m still in a good mood, but this cold has taken the edge off, slightly. I am so thankful it is Friday. It has actually been quite a good week. I have felt a little more positive, a little more motivated, have made a bit more of an effort to actually put the motivation into action and have loved both the amount of sunshine this week has brought and how quickly the week has gone. I might review it in more detail later, if there’s actually anything to write and if I can stay awake later than about 9pm, considering I am already feeling in need of a lie-down.