Post-ball blues
Well, that was a busy weekend!
Helping to organise the Oxford Dark Masquerade ball turned out to be even harder work than I thought - although very enjoyable. I couldn't believe the PAIN this morning though - bruised knees from crawling around on the floor cutting fabric and pinning things, back strain from lugging my giant Rucksack-of-stuff to and from Oxford, and the most unbelievable agony of feet. MUST_LOSE_SOME_WEIGHT!
All in all, the ball seems to have been a success, although I'm very sad that one of my friends didn't enjoy it. I was very pleased with, and proud of, the decorations, and had a fantastic time working with the other organisers and helpers - it's so cool sharing ideas and plans, and seeing them all come together with extra magic from other people thrown in as well. Everyone was incredibly good-natured and professional as well, despite being exhausted and having very tight time scales to work with.
The ball itself was amazing. There were so many fabulous costumes, and brilliant ideas, and everyone was friendly and excited. I didn't see much of the entertainments, because of being on the door most of the night - definitely something that I would like to change if we do it again - but had a lovely time anyway. Mark looked amazing, and had a wonderful time - he didn't have any of his usual discomfort in large groups - evidently masks work in many ways...
The next day was harsh - Mark and I managed to get the stopping train back from Oxford by accident (I was in a hurry to go and meet Mira and Raija in London), and I had to say goodbye to him at Paddington because he was off to New York for a week for work!! I'm so proud of him - he's gone off to a big legal technologies conference, and he's speaking at it too!!
Got back to London, to find that the pub I'd agreed to meet the girls in was full of 'orrible footie louts - I don't often get heckled in London, but they had a good go at making up for the usual dearth of comments..). Found Mira and Raija in Pontis - they had the good sense to dodge the pub - and once I'd been to the left luggage we had a fun afternoon walking through London, mostly looking for photo opportunities!! I found myself actually feeling proud of "my" city, even though in the past I've always wished to be back in York. They seemed to have a good time. We walked our feet off, from St Paul's down to the millennium bridge, then along the south bank past the globe to Tower Bridge. We walked up past the Tower of London (having just come back from York they were unimpressed!!) and then got the train back to Liverpool St from Aldgate (feet toooo tired by then). I saw them off on a train to Colchester and then came home and died in a heap.
Much much sleep later, and fortified with cherry pie and cream, here I am, flat tidy, stuff put away, dreading work tomorrow, but feeling relatively rested. I really miss Mark though.
Helping to organise the Oxford Dark Masquerade ball turned out to be even harder work than I thought - although very enjoyable. I couldn't believe the PAIN this morning though - bruised knees from crawling around on the floor cutting fabric and pinning things, back strain from lugging my giant Rucksack-of-stuff to and from Oxford, and the most unbelievable agony of feet. MUST_LOSE_SOME_WEIGHT!
All in all, the ball seems to have been a success, although I'm very sad that one of my friends didn't enjoy it. I was very pleased with, and proud of, the decorations, and had a fantastic time working with the other organisers and helpers - it's so cool sharing ideas and plans, and seeing them all come together with extra magic from other people thrown in as well. Everyone was incredibly good-natured and professional as well, despite being exhausted and having very tight time scales to work with.
The ball itself was amazing. There were so many fabulous costumes, and brilliant ideas, and everyone was friendly and excited. I didn't see much of the entertainments, because of being on the door most of the night - definitely something that I would like to change if we do it again - but had a lovely time anyway. Mark looked amazing, and had a wonderful time - he didn't have any of his usual discomfort in large groups - evidently masks work in many ways...
The next day was harsh - Mark and I managed to get the stopping train back from Oxford by accident (I was in a hurry to go and meet Mira and Raija in London), and I had to say goodbye to him at Paddington because he was off to New York for a week for work!! I'm so proud of him - he's gone off to a big legal technologies conference, and he's speaking at it too!!
Got back to London, to find that the pub I'd agreed to meet the girls in was full of 'orrible footie louts - I don't often get heckled in London, but they had a good go at making up for the usual dearth of comments..). Found Mira and Raija in Pontis - they had the good sense to dodge the pub - and once I'd been to the left luggage we had a fun afternoon walking through London, mostly looking for photo opportunities!! I found myself actually feeling proud of "my" city, even though in the past I've always wished to be back in York. They seemed to have a good time. We walked our feet off, from St Paul's down to the millennium bridge, then along the south bank past the globe to Tower Bridge. We walked up past the Tower of London (having just come back from York they were unimpressed!!) and then got the train back to Liverpool St from Aldgate (feet toooo tired by then). I saw them off on a train to Colchester and then came home and died in a heap.
Much much sleep later, and fortified with cherry pie and cream, here I am, flat tidy, stuff put away, dreading work tomorrow, but feeling relatively rested. I really miss Mark though.