Hello, Goodbye

It's New Year's Eve. In some parts of the world it's already New Year's Day. And where am I? Relaxing at home with the family? Off out at a house party or getting cold and wet at a city centre New Year celebration? Nope. I'm working. And found out that I would be working less than a week before Christmas. This pretty much sums up 2012. It's been like that.

Last year, as the last whisps of 2011 melted away and 2012 arrived, I remember feeling quite melancholy. It was a feeling that clung to me for weeks. And not without good reason. When I look back now, as I'm about to close the door on 2012 forever, I can see it's been a year dogged with ongoing issues, few resolutions and lots of goals left unachieved.

The first half of the year, Granny was very poorly. We were all very concerned for her and to that I added the weight of concern for my Dad and cousins. Steve and I made two very long trips to Canterbury to visit as her health deteriorated and finally my last surviving grandparent passed away.

The second half of the year has been plagued with work issues, as my previous employer's contract came to an end and a new (incompetent) contractor came in to take over. There has been much anxiety in the build up to the transfer, which has manifested in people generally being unkind to each other. I've had to say goodbye to some great colleagues (and one very good friend who is bringing in the New Year in Australia). The final culmination of this has been mass redundancies and some really inappropriate and unfair actions by the new employer. This has been the single most stressful thing I have been through with any employer and I hope I never have to repeat anything similar in the future.

Our house is still on the market. It still hasn't sold. It's still causing a disproportionate amount of stress with dickish estate agents and a kitchen roof that continues to leak. We've missed out on a number of opportunities, the worst of which was a house with a turret. Even with the front of the house sinking, it was a bargain and it would have been a beautiful home. I fear I might always regret that as 'the one that got away'.

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However, 2012 has a few things worth remembering it for. I have waited for most of my life to see The Phantom of the Opera and I was not disappointed when Mum and I went to see it in May. It was spectacular and if I had been able to afford to see it again, I would have. I also saw Starlight Express this year. I've wanted to see it since I was about twelve so it's been a long wait.

May was a great month this year; as well as Phantom of the Opera at the Palace Theatre, Mum and I had a trip down to the Big Smoke so I could sing at the Royal Albert Hall with Sing Live and the Night of 1000 Voices. I love the choir. I love singing. And combining that with the trip and having Mum there was a real treat.

Mum, Steve and I holidayed in Cyprus in May as well. We lounged around the hotel pool and the hotel bar and the hotel restaurant and our room and didn't leave the hotel all week. It was almost perfect. But I really must stop eating milky and creamy things: My stomach can't take it!

In August Ann and I went into Manchester for one of those makeover days where they take photos. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it and came away with a bunch of photos that I'm really pleased with. They actually make me look quite normal, and not strange or hideous. Although they do show I have a dent in my forehead. Investigations into the cause of the dent are ongoing. (I suspect Dad might've dropped me on my head as a child.)

One final highlight of the year has been Pinterest. Ah, what joy. And what agony. Pinterest inspired me to make some of my Christmas presents this year. Claire got a handmade bracelet that I was quite pleased with. My Dad received an iPad case made out of a recycled suit jacket. I gave my Mum a scrapbook of our wedding photos - it wasn't quite finished but I think she was really pleased to finally have a wedding album. Ann got a Memory Jar. And my in-laws... I made them a patchwork quilt, which I finished at 2.30am on Christmas Day. It turned out really well and I have a queue of people asking for me to make them one. So Pinterest has been a success in that it has lead me to achievements myself.

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Looking forward to 2013, I'll be graduating from the Open University, achieving my Literature degree. I'll also be going to see Wicked when it tours (another one of my favourite musicals ticked off the list) and I'm hoping to get to see a few more theatre productions this year too. I would love to see Avenue Q, although I'd be surprised if that opportunity rolls around this year. I'm really looking forward to the Les Miserables movie, and Sing Live's first concert of 2013 on the 3rd of Feb at the Bridgewater Hall.

I'm renewing my 2012 New Year's Resolution to read 12 books (I only managed 6, with 2 still on the go) but I think I might have to aim for 13 books as it's 2013.2013 will also see the first draft of the novel that I've started at least three times, and I'm determined to keep a diary. Writing has to be a focus of the year, if for no other reason than it's necessary for my degree, so I'm relaunching my writing blog tomorrow. I'm not setting a goal of blogging every day, but I want to make sure there is regular content, and if I'm writing everyday that should be easy... Should... Be... Easy. Famous last words.

I really want to spend a bit more time with friends this year; I feel like I've hardly seen Ann or Claire and I'd really like to meet up with some old friends that I haven't seen for a while. I'm already dreaming up a visit to Ally and Rich in Londonium, and maybe lunch or dinner out with Jo Jo from First Choice. And who knows what else I might manage to do.

So I'm making 2013 a year of friendship and achievement! 13 might be unlucky for some, but it's never steered me wrong. Hello 2013. Goodbye 2012.

NaBloPoMo Day 29 - Another day, another chance to sing

This will probably be a fairly quick one, mainly because I need to get out with the dog and I want to finish watching X-Factor but I really wanted to mention a cool (in more ways than one) thing that I did today.

Today, England played Wales in the Rugby League Four Nations competition at the Leigh Sports Village. I, along with a bunch of my fellow Sing Live members were fortunate and honoured to have the chance to sing the national anthems on the pitch before the start of the match.

It was an early start, to get up, dog walked, both of us fed and watered, showered (that's me, not the dog), dressed and out the door to get to Pennington Flash before 9.30am. Arrival at the car park set the pattern for the day: standing around in the cold. We had a very successful rehearsal in the stadium - although the groundsman gave strict orders to stay off the pitch - and considering that it was the first chance we had to try the two anthems with the band and with each other, I think that on its own was an achievement. After some car moving and lunch, we had a blessedly warm practice in the dressing room and then lined up to go out on the pitch for the performance. Unfortunately the lining up was outside and it hadn't warmed up much since the morning, and then even when we got out on the pitch we were waiting for around twenty minutes before the actual singing. By the time we'd finished, I had cramp in one foot and in my hand but it was a great experience and I would do it again a million times... in fact I am doing it again in November in Hull for Wales v Australia.

Sure, there were a few issues surrounding car parking and I had to move my car a total of three times, and there really was a lot of standing around in the cold, but that can hardly be helped. Overall, it was a generally well organised day and we were provided with a really nice lunch and the people who looked after us we great and made sure we had everything we needed.The Welsh National Anthem is a beautiful melody and I thoroughly enjoyed learning and singing it. Although I think I'm going to have to find a harmony for the next time we do it because it's ridiculously high. And despite what people say, I think God Save the Queen is a stirring anthem and it's a pleasure to sing. The soloist was a lovely young singer named Megan Armstrong, who (I'm told) is the brother of a young rugby star. She was fantastic and has a stunning and powerful soprano voice and she looked amazing in a black sparkly number for the performance. And all of this was possible with Sing Live.

I know I've beaten this drum before, but I really do think that Sing Live is the best opportunity for ordinary people like me, who can hit a note, but have a thoroughly ordinary voice, to sing in brilliant venues and at big events like this. As my husband said earlier, this is the second time I have been on TV in just over a year. Short of getting on one of the talent contests (not going to happen!) how else would I get that chance?

NaBloPoMo Day 27 - Sing Live

I had two options for tonight's blog post. The only thing that prevented me from writing about Manchester City Council's proposals to close facilities at Heaton Park was the fact that I did a political post last night and I am trying hard to keep my blog more lighthearted during NaBloPoMo. Instead, I want to tell you all about one of my passions...

I joined Sing Live in 2009 to perform a concert of Big Band music. It actually seems like it's been much longer than two and a half years because I feel like it has been a long (although incredibly fun) journey between then and now. After that first concert I was privileged to join the company for the 10th Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall, followed by Movie Musicals in February last year, the Beatles Story in June the same year, and then Magical Musicals in June this year. Last summer I also performed with Sing Live on the channel 5 TV show, Don't Stop Believing. Looking back, it's no wonder that it feels like more than a couple of years!

In case you haven't come across Sing Live before now, it is a company aimed at sharing the joy of singing with everyone. The founding principle is 'ordinary people doing extraordinary things in exciting places' and when I think, not just about the venues that I've performed in, but also the ones I haven't been able to join for (Disney World in Florida, Venice, Cruises and even The Vatican) that guiding idea is certainly coming true. Almost everyone I know within Sing Live is an amateur. We are literally ordinary people - very few are exceptionally talented, including me - but we get to sing in amazing places. And it isn't as if we're bad - we are skilled, disciplined and Sing Live concerts are always of the highest possible standard. There are no auditions to join, which means that whether you sing in public or just in the shower, you can participate, and the group environment is a great place to sing while feeling supported and safe.

When I think about my journey with Sing Live, that's exactly what I needed, especially at the beginning. I used to sing when I was in school, but hadn't done any singing (other than along with the car stereo) for well over 10 years. I have no illusions about my ability but I really felt, despite getting a lot out of singing, that I couldn't sing. I felt very out of practice and very unsure of myself. Over the course of the past couple of years, I have got back into the groove and grown in confidence. I've even tried out for solos, and recently started personal singing tuition to help me improve further. And all of that is down to the friendly, nurturing environment that Sing Live provides.

Our next concert starts rehearsing in early November and we will continue through until early February, when we perform at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. If you are a frustrated (or not so frustrated) singer, come along to one of our preview nights next Wednesday or Thursday. If you don't want to sing, why not come to our concert. Even if you don't live in the Manchester area, Sing Live operates across the UK and also in Florida. More details available from the Sing Live website.

NaBloPoMo Day 16 - Open Mic Night

Tonight I had the privilege to watch and here some of Greater Manchester's (and some from further afield) best performers.

I was there supporting my friend, Kirsty, who is a superb performer with a belting voice (you can see another of her competition-winning performances here). Tonight she gave a flawless rendition of "On My Own" from Les Miserables, which is one of my favourite songs. She looked fabulous too, in a stunning electric blue dress.

Most of the performers tonight were very impressive but two (apart from Kirsty, of course) stood out from the rest. Eli Cripps, a young woman with a lovely tone in her voice, gave a great performance that struck a fine balance between attitude and cocky. It was lively and fun and very enjoyable. The other notable performance of the night was from a group of three young lads; Hip Hop Disciples. They were by far the best performers of that particular genre and really deserve some recognition.

Sadly, Kirsty didn't quite make the cut tonight, but it is certainly not a negative reflection on her talent or skill as a performer. Well done to her on a great performance and to those who were successful.

This is my first encounter with the Open Mic UK competition and it is worthy of support, offering help and exposure to performers across the UK. For more information, visit the website: www.openmicuk.co.uk

NaBloPoMo Day 9 - Singing

Regular readers may have picked up on the fact that not much actually happens in my life. It's mostly the same sort of thing every day, which leads me to comment on the weather or the news. But today I actually have something to blog about. Today I had my first singing lesson.

I have mentioned before that I've been performing with Sing Live for a couple of years now. This does cost a fair bit but I love it and can't imagine ever wanting to give it up. I have met so many lovely people through Sing Live; every one is very friendly and supportive and I always look forward to rehearsals as much as the actual performances, which are always thrilling. There are plenty of choirs and singing groups out there but Sing Live is the only way (for an ordinary person anyway) to get to sing in some of the best venues. I have performed at the Royal Albert Hall and others have sung all over the world, from Disneyland in Florida, to The Vatican.

However, as much as I love singing with the choir I think I've developed as far as I can in the group environment. I have loads of confidence when I'm singing with others, but when you're solo there's nowhere to hide and I'm my own worst critic. I'm a complete sod for always pushing and striving to be better; some people might say that's a good thing but it can be a failing... perfectionist might be a good word to describe me. So, when my birthday rolled around, I decided to ask for money towards some private lessons.

It's taken me the best part of 3 months to find someone that I got a good enough vibe from to actually take the leap and go for an initial session and I was not disappointed. I'm not going to go into too much detail because my iPad battery is dying, but the tutor, Jamie, reassured me and made me feel comfortable and relaxed, even though singing on my own usually terrifies me. We did some warm-ups then some vocal exercises and finished with some Adele (one of my favourite artists).

As well as doing the private lessons, Jamie also works with a couple of other performing arts coaches to form the Rhapsody Academy, which offers singing, dancing and acting classes for kids and teenagers. They are based at Rivington Park School near Horwich, Bolton and offer a range of courses. You can get more info here.

Despite my crippling nerves, I love singing and performing. It's is a great confidence builder (especially choral singing - safety in numbers and all that) and it's good for you too. Not only can singing (done properly) be quite physical, it can help you expand your lung capacity and boosts seratonin levels, which combats depression. In other words, it's good for your health and it makes you happy. I am a firm believer in the ethos that everyone can sing, it's just a case of some people finding it easier than others to pitch a note. So if you like to sing in the shower or you sing along with the radio in the car, maybe it's time to try something like Sing Live. Or if your kids are into the music, maybe give something like Rhapsody a try. There really isn't much to lose but so much to gain and so far, I haven't regretted getting involved.

Time Flies...

Boy and how... September and October seem to have passed by at light-speed. Already it is a week into November, Christmas is on it's way and I have barely even started the shopping. (Normally at this point, all but a handful of pressies have been bought.) I am not very organised!

So why have two months been and gone without me even noticing? I have been busy busy busy!

September:
The month started off with a well deserved holiday. It's been the best part of twenty years since I last visited the Costa Brava. It was cheap and cheerful so off we trotted. I have to admit that I had hoped to rekindle something of my childhood wonder on this trip but I was initially disappointed. Short of gouging out my adult eyes and reinserting my eyes from twenty years ago, I don't think I could ever have overlooked the tired and tawdry surroundings, the graffiti scrawl and the general sense of decay. The hotel was very nice, but not without its problems - mainly location and some very thin walls that meant the light switch next door would woke us up a few times. Also, due to the crap exchange rate between the pound and the euro, it was expensive to eat and drink - both in the hotel and beyond - but we did manage to do a brilliant bargain day trip to Barcelona. We got a return ticket on the train that included a ticket for one of the open-top bus tours around the city at half the cost of any of the organised trips and the best thing was that we got to do what we wanted, when we wanted and for as long as we wanted. My impressions of the region didn't much change over the course of the week, but fortunately we still had a fantastic time. It was definitely worth it.

A few days after we got back from Spain, it was Last Night of the Proms time again - already so soon! We went up to Buille Hill Park at the top of our road for one of the Proms in the Park performances. We were treated to some fabulous musical fayre from the BBC Philharmonic, Juliette Pochin, Jon Christos and headliner, Chris de Burgh. As well as Last Night classics like Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance, the show included a bit of Gershwin, Pirates of the Caribbean and a stunning performance of Habanera.

The following weekend was busy in the extreme. The last big rehearsal for our concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday followed a singing workshop in Huddersfield on Saturday. The workshop covered a number of subjects and was led by Kevin Miles and Dirk Donahue, both of whom work for Disney in Florida. Kevin is the current captain of barbershop group, the Dapper Dans, and Dirk is the current captain of Disney's Voices of Liberty. Both fellas were really fun and fascinated by the fact that us brits pronounce all the lyrics correctly. :o) To finish off the day, the group had the chance to sing with an original Disney recording of God Help the Outcasts.

The last weekend in September was the big show - a Sing Live performance at the Royal Albert Hall! This concert was special for several reasons. First, the venue. The Royal Albert Hall opened in 1871 and has hosted the world's most notable performers. Every major soloist and orchestra has performed at the Hall, including modern greats like Pavarotti, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra, the Hall also welcomed classical greats like Rachmaninov and Verdi to the stage. Secondly, this concert was the crowning glory to a year long celebration of a decade of Sing Live. It was clear that this was an emotional experience for Sing Live founders, John Morris and Linda Metcalfe. Our Musical Director, Steven Roberts, was also thrilled to be conducting over 600 voices at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a long, tough weekend, starting on Saturday morning with drive down to London followed immediately by a full afternoon rehearsing - with all 630 performers for the very first time! Sunday was just as hard work, with a second full afternoon rehearsing, this time at the Hall itself. We barely had an hour to break before we lined up for the performance. But all the hard work was entirely worth it. I still can't express how amazing the whole experience was and I would do it all again in heartbeat!

This week we have just started rehearsing for the next major performance at the Bridgewater Hall. The programme will include lots of amazing Disney music, plus musical classics like 'Anything You Can Do' from Annie Get Your Gun. I can't wait!

Fun Stuff

OK, so serious stuff is over and done with now it's time for the lighter side.

First, I am now inhumanly excited about the new Star Trek movie. I remained so sceptical for so long but now I simply can't wait. Simon Pegg was on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross last night, which only served to inflame my quiet hysteria. I think I might have to book us some tickets for the premiere - preferrably on IMAX! Oddly, after watching Friday Night... I also have a strange compulsion to go and see the Hannah Montana movie. I think Miley Cyrus has been exercising so sort of new hypnosis technique on me: The clue was probably the repeated shouts of "See my movie!" in hilarious fashion throughout Ross' show.

I recently found (or rather, was alerted to) a 'new' TV channel which I have been enjoying recently. Rocks & Co (Sky Channel 642) are modelled on the long running Gems TV (broadcasting on Sky, V irgin and Freesat) in that they offer a range of gemset jewellery in 'Reverse Auctions'. Basically they start at a ridiculous price and 'crash' to a lower, more realistic price and generally keep dropping until they hit the lowest price that they want to sell that item for. It's essentially a game of chicken: which viewer will 'blink' first and buy? If interested in something, the longer you wait the lower the price, but also the greater the chance that someone else will get there first. You can almost hear the masses reaching for the phone with one hand and the 'plastic' with the other! Whether you buy anything at any given time is up to you - I rarely purchase this sort of thing for myself, but tend to buy jewellery for my Mum - but what I'm loving at the moment is the 'window shopping'experience. Rocks & Co have some fabulous gemstones in sizes, quality and varieties that most people will rarely get the chance to see. I highly recommend it but make sure you lock the credit card away first. They have a ring resizing service, but much to my dismay have thus far been unable to resize my credit card! That 27ct Rubellite will have to wait.

Finally, Thursday nights is now music night for me. I have my piano lesson straight after work and then from there I head straight out to Bolton for choir practice! After careful consideration I decided to join SingLiveUK, who recruit amatuer singers for events that they organise all over the UK, and sometimes overseas too. (There is a group at the Vatican this weekend!) I'll be taking part in the performance of Sing The Music of the Big Bands at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on June 28th. Tickets are available online from https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk or direct from SingLiveUK. Personally, I am very excited and can't wait to get back into singing after 12 years of musical silence! We'll be performing some of my personal favourites made famous by the likes of the Rat Pack and, more recently for the younger generation, Michael Buble and Robbie Williams. Incidentally, I will also be the third person in my immediate family to give a musical performance to a public audience: My Granny was a violinist for the Halle Orchestra many years ago and my Dad performed a few years ago at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.