Phantomas Studio

Back in London, no more fan girls by my side. I caught the train back to London along with seemingly half the con. It didn't occur to me that it would be so crowded and most of the seats would be reserved, and I was very lucky to find a seat next to a young guy who told some of the carriages were totally booked . It pissed me off that the woman across the aisle spread her stuff out on an available seat so no one could sit there. What a bitch -- there were people sitting in the, what do you call it, the entry area where the toilets are that couple trains together.

Anyways, I was really sad to say goodbye to everyone. Cons make me so sappy. And with my health, I never know if I'll get back somewhere or not. But now I'm safely ensconced in my luxury hotel, having just had room service bring me a meal that cost an arm and a leg but was really good --I was so effing hungry that I can't remember ever tucking into anything that fast. They have a pool here but it closes early Sunday nights, so I took a bath and indulged in the super soft towels and robe and slippers.

I decided to splash out for the last couple days here, and I'm actually really glad I did because I'm so fucking tired and sore. I'm covered in bruises, some of them pretty dire like the egg-sized bruise and bump I gave to my knee today. This hotel's actually pretty cool so far, but some of the the tech stuff is baffling me. When I sat down to eat, though, I think everyone else must have heard my piercing squeal -- I discovered Case Histories was on BBC1, and I didn't recognize it, so I looked it up and sure enough there's a new series of Jackson Brodie movies!! Three 90-minute ones. I'd missed most of it but I'm thrilled I can get them when I get home. Oh Jackson , I love you so.

Tomorrow I'm meeting a colleague from the copyediting-L list for lunch, and then I'll mosey over to the Eye and go for a ride. Beyond that I have no plans. Except to swim.

Is it weird that I feel guilty because everywhere I go, I leave pinky purple stains from my hair? I feel like I should apologize.

Yay Vidukon premieres show! It had a lot of wonderful vids, I must say. It was fun seeing my Awake vid with such a small audience, it's kind of a cool, very different experience than at cons like vividcon or Escapade. The sound mix was pretty off, so the lyrics, which drive the vid quite a bit, were completely lost. But it sounds like enough people got the gist.

I've missed a bit of programming today because my back hurts so bad . All those hard wooden seats at every fucking place in London , and then the train over, plus the hotel chairs, have really done a number on me. I'll probably miss some tomorrow, but I'm taking the return train to London with isagel. This afternoon I walked over to the Millennium Center and saw that, the bay, and of course Torchwood tower. It was pretty freaking awesome, I must say.

But I think I've hit a wall. I'm so tired I can't see straight. I miss the kitties so bad I'm talking to their pictures. I'm having a great time, but am also in deep pain and raggedy. I don't think it would feel this way if I was younger. If I could get another good nights sleep it might help, but I think I might have also bit off more than my decrepit old body can chew. Still lots of good experiences in the next four days though! Wish me luck.

I'm here in Cardiff by the Sea! The train over was VERY interesting as I accidentally found mysel in a car filled with drunk guys -- excuse me, LADS -- getting progressively drunker, on their way to a stag party. They completely surrounded me. But they actually were pretty nice to me, and when they realized I was not super bothered by them and moved my stuff so they could add a fifth to their table poker game, they acted very friendly to me, the really astonishingly handsome one talking to me and apologizing for everyone.

Speaking of loud stag parties, I'm in the Vidukon hotel bar eating a sandwich and listening to an even louder group of guys who are clearly here for stag night. I guess this hotel is overrun with stag and hen parties on weekends.

I hope I can find a shop somewhere that I can pick up some snacks. It's kind of out of any real city space. Saw the edge of the Millennium Center on the cab ride over, but I want to see the whole thing.

ETA: good Christ, I love Welsh accents. I'm home.