4598 - From Morocco to where?

Well here we go, the last diary before
Morocco with HH! Just got to pray
For an improvement in the weather there
Last night there was a thunderstorm on my
Phone when I checked the Marrakesh night sky!
If we don't get sun, no matter the cost
I'll see if she wants another one, fly
To Greece or Turkey in June, cos we MUST
Have a sunny trip, sunbathing in vest
Or shorts or trunks and bikini in her
Case (not mine!), as I know she hoped for a
Chance to disrobe and show off her real lust-
Provoking shape and tan built up in four
Or five tanning sessions, spas, to prepare!

4597 - Abs and absence

The penultimate workday before it -
It being Morocco! Concentrate, man!
Today, delivered a talk on Brexit
At the Midland Hotel this afternoon
Tomorrow should more laid back, with room
To tie up loose ends before my absence
Did exercises when I got home - boom!
I'll aim to do the same when Wednesday ends
Top up on my abs, deserve lying end
To end in the sun with Hell's Bells. Oh shit -
I hope we get enough sunshine, and moon-
light wandering, eating, drinking, good time spent
It could make both our happiness complete
To make it great, we'll do all that we can

4596 - Don't just lie there!

Woke at 5am, lay there for an hour
Had to get up and admit defeat, knew
I'd be tired all day and evening, would now
Not be doing my abs workout on my new
Exercise mat after work, and there's few
Chances left before Moroccan sunshine
Still, I'll get beer in now, drink one or two
And watch the game, see if England can climb
Another rung to the Euro's, align
The stars perhaps this time in our favour
It's Montenegro away tonight. Do
Us proud, it's good to pull on the Three Lions
Club teams all still in Europe too. Will our
Parliament still be in, May Twenty-Two?

4595 - I'm Mr Know It All

Bought travel insurance online, then played
A mean uke to some classic reggae tracks
Then it was time to walk some miles of road
To Ancoats, see Louis and Vee, then back
We talked politics, then played The Chase app
On TV using a remote control
I did the best of the three of us, top
In music, and joint top in sport, did all
Right in general knowledge, a right know-all!
Got some good teabags off Vee. To avoid
The rain was lucky, but I kept dry socks
Now I've eaten all the quiche, nicely full
Walking listening to music, I enjoyed
Deep Purple, Foetus, AM (the Arctics)

4594 - Bwrecksit

A nice sunny spring day, the depression
Of a weather system that's hung over
Britain for a few days has, for now, gone
Although of course, Brexit's here, as ever
But will Theresa May be PM for
Much longer? I can't see how, since she's said
She wants it finished by June, and there's no
Prospect of that. Mind you, she has misled
The House many times, multiple retread
Of the same deal, instead of a new one
Forced to try to renegotiate by the
Commons, but failed, the EU insisted
The deal cannot now be changed (once again)
That deal won't get through, so - bye, Theresa?

4593 - Sterling work

Yesterday, Friday, was Steve's leaving do
At the Wellington, a nice grilled salmon
My first do with my operational crew
Crown and Anchor after the Wellington
Stayed til about 6:30, headed home
To catch England / Czech Republic - five nil
Sterling hat-trick, Kane penalty, and an
Own goal by a defender - terrible!
Not long ago it was us with no skill
But good to see England with more young new
Faces, scaring defences as they run
Into the box, their opponents fearful
Had a few beers in the pub and home, too
A good night's sleep was had, weekend lie-in

4592 - EU and me

Waiting for Juncker and Barnier, about
To hold a press conference on, yes, Brexit
Each interview outside Parliament, shouts
From Remainers, mainly, with flags and shit
It feels like Friday, but it's Thursday. Not
Much going on tomorrow at work, just a
Leaving do for Steve, he's not staying put
He's going to work in Liverpool, nearer
His home. Soon I'll have a new manager
Meanwhile there's food and drink to go down snouts
Don't think it'll be a late one. I'll sit
There with them til teatime, then off home for
More drinks most likely. They've still not come out
To deliver their pejorative verdict

4591 - Get down and up on it

A little bit tired as I walked home, but
Still exercised, second day in a row
And second day on new exercise mat
My chosen workout to start with has now
Started to make my abs hurt when I go
Up and down with my shoulders in the air
Lying on my back on the rubber floor
But the discomfort was slight, I can bear
It, having done my own version now for
Weeks. Sadly though, my stomach is still fat
And you won't see those abs for a while, so
Although Morocco's too soon to look there
For great abs, by August when the Fringe starts
I may be looking fit then for the show!

4590 - Last night, tonight

It's been another at times difficult
Day but I feel I can cope and come through
Tomorrow's meeting I won't be at fault
I think I've done enough, they'll think that too
I hope. Some people, well one, wants me to
Fail or lose confidence, but no I won't
They're bullshitting and afraid I can do
Better than them, well yes I can. A point
I'll make of that. Justyna had a joint
Last night but not me, but gave me fags, inhaled
Them in the rain. then a comedy show
In the New Adelphi, Salford. I joined
Hands with Siouxsie, Cocteau Twins, not The Cult
Cos they're shit. Played uke well tonight, woo hoo!

4589 - Good day at the box office

What an incredibly long and hard day
And I feel tired now and not at my best
Think I'm fighting something off. But today
I worked at full capacity and smashed
My way through the online manager's test
Setting it all up, now at last it's done
My managerial duties all published
My comments, appraisals, what said and when
And my comments on my performance on
The system in time for my 'chat' Thursday.
Ordered nine t-shirts at T-Shirt Express
Nine colours, each with my logo upon
Them. How good is that? They'll match my hair. They
Along with the music, must impress!

4588 - Inter the net

Better weather than yesterday, some sun
Still fairly chilly though, a bit of rain
Like yesterday, for my show, got things done
So much to sort out, but it's not in vain
Artwork, t-shirts, photo shoots, websites, plan
It all, not just the music side, but when
That show starts, that music will be my friend
And give me reassurance, confident
That it's a good show, work has been put in
Time and thought given to it, and the sum
Total will be a great show and acclaim
(Maybe) but the main thing is audience
Enjoyment, that's the aim for dads and mums
And kids of all ages going insane!

4587 - Project Cheer

A potentially big day frustrated
The show music rehearsal at Helen's
Cancelled, but still an OK day. I did
Manage to improve the songs. I listened
To my song recordings and recorded
Worm Disco again, with more of a tune
Worked out the chords and then bullet-pointed
The structure of each piece, putting it down
On paper, in order. Agenda done
Hopefully, I've planted and grown the seed
For next Sunday's success. We'll reconvene
And record six pieces - her place or mine?
Shopped for DVDs, got what I wanted
Hip Hop Abs, and Vocal Technique - amen!

4586 - Fixing a Pinhole

It's Friday evening, bottle of red wine
A nice-looking bargain Spanish vintage
Waiting for me to drink it in good time
And transport me halfway to drunk wreckage
I've lined up some appropriate tuneage
Hope I sleep well, tomorrow's plan, to go
And rehearse show music with Hell's Bells, stage
Preparations for next month's studio
Maybe it's best captured on video
Then that could be sent to Pinhole, align
Our understandings, a big advantage
When we go in with just one day, they'll know
What needs to be done to make a sublime
Musical backing for me at the Fringe

4585 - Brexship

The cold snap goes on, with more rain to come
Brexit votes multiply in the Commons
It's crazy now, it's making our brains swim
A divided House as the deadline looms
Europe, and Trump, and all, think we are loons
Well we aren't, the politicians are, won't
Accept the 'people's vote' - referendums
Aren't supposed to be re-run if the vote
Was the wrong one, are they? The government hoped
The first one would resolve the conundrum
But 'Leave' won, oh dear, the country is doomed
How to reverse that error and refloat
The ship of state is the difficult aim
The drunken captains fight as the wheel spins

4584 - The one show

Still in this cold windy snap that's known as
Storm Gareth, wearing my warm winter coat
Although spring has sprung. It's often the case
That early spring is cold and wet, the throat
The bones, aching, but our hopes are afloat
By this time of year for quick improvement
Bad news for my joint show with Tom - it's not
Happening. Laughing Horse didn't relent
And find us a venue, except for when
I was tied up with my solo show. Was
Disappointing, but though income now won't
Be as much, I can concentrate and spend
All my time and money so I amaze
As a solo act, win the heart and vote

4583 - Learning and earning

More rain, but not as cold, busy morning
Barely time for lunch, then with Tracey G
Went to Trinity Bridge House, were learning
Coaching techniques and methodology
To use on our staff. She has two, and me
I've one. Luckily he's been great so far
Back home, exercised, made a quick coffee
Ready for the EdFringe podcast on the
YouTube site at six, along with other
Fringe show-people from the world, all watching
But it fell victim to technology
Fund-raising techniques the subject matter
Maybe they'll try again. Useful learning
That would have been, cos I'm short of money

4582 - Watching the defectives

This is one day late, tales of yesterday
I came home somewhat late, went straight to bed
Following a busy office-bound day
It was cold and windy, hood on my head
As I went out after tea and headed
For town to meet Justyna - she was late
So I had plum porter while I waited
In The Castle pub, there on Oldham Street
A few doors down from The Frog and Bucket
Comedy club, to watch wannabes play
At stand-up. Most were okay. James Heath did
A paid spot, he's really doing good (the git!)
She's married, it turns out, agreed we'll stay
Friends and no more. I think that's what we said

Mon 11 March

4581 - New Musical Expression

A freezing day with bursts of hail and rain
Popped out only to recycle some waste
Two nights of drinking, dehydrated. Chan
Left just after lunchtime for many days
(A month) in Malaga studying ways
Of speaking Spanish. After she left I
Recorded by phone musical ideas
And sent by Messenger to Helen, prep
For when we rehearse together this next
Weekend, hopefully. My next task is plain -
Set up a website where stuff can be placed
As Edinburgh nears. Need funny pics
Could also post my musical refrains
Momentum gathers at a steady pace

4580 - Talking and not talking

A windy Saturday, the odd downpour
Met Jo in town, walking around, and ate
At an extremely rowdy place. We were
Surrounded by noisy parties, and it
Was hard to talk in Las Iguanas but
We enjoyed it and stayed there for a while
Nachos, then chilli con carne, mine hot
Jo's mild, but still hot for her. I said I'll
Look in the football shirt shop, but I failed
To find a 70s Ajax top. More
Wandering, met Felix again on the street
Handed us Gouranga stickers. Trouble
Between Jo and Tania, an atmosphere
I was the go-between during their spat

4579 - Drinking with the rude boys

Finished (for now) the EU exit stuff
At work, and then a welcome early end
Met Helen (and Alan) and headed off
To Sinclair's Oyster Bar, where fun is banned
Suni was barred entry, racistly shunned
He had shoes on, his clothes were suitable
So we went next door to the Wellington
And before long found a nice round table
A few pints downed, with my old Oils people
Including Steve K, a guy who is naff
But harmless, except for his harassment
Of Helen, who's nice and incapable
Of giving him the logical brush-off
I told him straight, butt out, you're not a friend

Fri 8 March

4578 - Cool Hand Uke

A high energy day - always the best
Got in quite early, worked hard, important
Work too, EU exit, could have got stressed
Trying to lead a focus group, distant
Strangers by Skype link, can't be hesitant
When results needed that day, come what may
Produced a short paper, just what they want
Hopefully my reputation will stay
Good, or get better. Steve is on his way
Lives in Liverpool, becoming distressed
At the long commute, and disenchanted
With the workload, my manager's away
Meanwhile, I exercised tonight, and blessed
Was my uke session, were my flaming hands

4577 - Friday on my mind

Unlike yesterday I'm knackered, just can't
Face exercises or doing much at all
Woke at 5:30, things that seemed to haunt
My mind, while I'm not worried, couldn't fall
Asleep again, so got up in a while
At least I'm now getting in quite early
And have more chance to get things done. The trial
Of two days in London managed to be
Ducked, freeing me to go out on Friday
With Helen, something that I always want
Now can I manage to play some more Fall
Radio on Spotify like last night? We
Have a week to register, the discount
Runs out for our joint show, no time to stall

4576 - A tale of two capital cities

At last, a day when I felt energised
There was a lot to do so just as well
Lots going on at work, also surprised
By being told I need to get a rail
Ticket to London THIS WEEK, what the hell?
Thursday and Friday, Tanya might come too
Left early, tried to get tickets on sale
For Edinburgh from this month. Had to
Sign the Fringe registration off, and phew
Managed it before they closed at 5. Whizzed
The signed off show info to Surgeons Hall
Hope Charles approved it in time. Tomorrow
I'll find out. No venue yet organised
For mine and Tom's show. Fingers crossed we will...

4575 - Too alarmed for an alarm

Went to bed early, as the last day neared
My deadline for my Fringe registration
Or pay a hundred pounds more. As I geared
Myself up to get up early next morn
To register, the time went by, toss, turn
I turned off the alarm, I couldn't rise
That early now, I'd be too tired to form
Thoughts, register, or work. Strange how the eyes
Don't close when you're exhausted, and worries
Are playing on your mind. Though it seemed weird
All I could do was get out of bed, worn
Out as I was, and do the Fringe form. Prize?
Saving a hundred. My logo appeared
And wrote my copy. So relieved it's done!

4574 - Pub it, grub it, dub it

After my late night and awake til three
I couldn't lie in. It was Carla's do
So I had to get up fairly early
Even so, missed the first bus to Leeds. To
Pass an hour til the next one, ordered two
Items from Greggs, sat down, listened to tunes
Got to the Lamb and Flag early, but too
Dehydrated to drink pints. We were loons
At that lunch table. We weren't quite buffoons
But we were loud, a fun cacophony
Carla's living with a guy in a new-
Looking house outside Huddersfield, and runs
A lovely rust red car. She's so happy
Met Justyna, Emma, Hilaria too

Sun 3 March

4573 - Locked out, shopped, and barrel of beer

Not going out, or so I thought, but I
Did get a new second-hand jumper and
A pair of pale denim jeans. What a buy
At three quid each! I regret I didn't
Apply to the Fringe brochure that day. Went
Out in the evening instead. That was fun
Down the Salford Arms with Dermot, hell-bent
On getting pissed. We stayed out until one
No, make that two. While out, messaged by Chan
She even rang me. I ignored her cry
For help - she was locked out! Her name had changed
On Facebook to HJ. I carried on
Boozing with D. Got home, she was stood by
The door. Been there for hours. Guilt filled my mind

Sat 2 March

4572 - Black Sabbath Friday

Whew, one of my best uke sessions ever
Playing rock standards on a Friday night
Played Queen, Boston, Rush, The Doors, Jimi, a
Mix of old stuff, The Kinks, stuff I've not tried
To play before, but it all went just right
My uke started to vibrate, seems the strings
Were becoming loose or becoming tired
My fingers meanwhile were still full of zing
Though tired most of the day, exercising
Was the first thing I did once through the door
Got the vest on, then on the floor, did quite
Well. Kippers, my late evening meal, has ringed
My stomach, left its taste and aroma
Around the flat. Done well, just as I ought