“Hmmmm it’s a shame,” the doctor says, frowning, as he looks at my new mastectomy scar. “It’s healed up well, apart from those corners.” The ends of the scar are red, raised and oozing pus. “So, I know it’s not terrible,” I say. “But I don’t see the plastic surgeon and the nurses till Wednesday, […]
Wake up drenched with sweat but freezing. “Is that sweat or wee in your bed,” Mum says, at 6.45am or so, when we get up in time for 8.15am Spin. “Sweat, this time,” I say, pulling on my padded-bottomed cycling shorts, fluoro gym top, Mum’s white snow-boots, trousers, scarf, gloves and goat . “So […]
“You’re early,” my trainer says, smiling, at nine o’clock this morning. “Yes,” I say. “The panther’s gone. Been awake since six thirty nine and…” “I’m just going to put my bag in the office,” she says, tying her long hair up. With her hair down, she could be any pretty girl. Hair up, she’s transformed […]
3.30pm. The sun is low in the sky. It’s stopped raining at last and we’re on our bikes. The Wild is full of hazards: wet leaves to slip on; branches strewn across our path; the threat of sunset. And yet it’s beautiful, this November day. The leaves that still cling to the trees are green, […]
Sitting on my bike at the gym gazing out of the window. Outside, the sky is grey and leaves blow in the wind. The ground is covered with brown and yellow leaves. Missed my training session this morning but am here now: better late than never. Have left the parentals for twenty four hours to […]
“I’m just going to find some clean gym clothes – the purple set – and then when you leave I can go to the gym,” I say to Mum. We’re at the flat. Mum is helping me to change my bed. In fact, Mum is changing my bed and I’m sitting on the floor, watching. […]
“I had such a lovely time,” I say to Seb. We’re sitting in his car outside my gym at 11.50am this morning. “Me too, my lovely,” he says, kissing my shoulder. “It’s been so nice just spending time together.” “I hate this bit,” I say: not wanting to say goodbye, not wanting to get out […]
Waking up with a start from my afternoon sleep, I realise that it’s 5.19pm. Squeezing myself out from under the panther who’s sprawled across the bed, I sit up. Argh. It’s home-and-self-care-day today, which means: 1. Put away last week’s washing that is still on the airer. 2. Hang up washing in the machine. 3. […]
“I’m exhausted from the gym, my lovely,” Seb says when he calls at 8.30pm last night. “What did you do there,” I say, sipping my hot chocolate. Apart from turning up at a time when it’s open at last, so well done for that. “Well, I started at my toes and worked up,” Seb says. […]
“I’m calling you from outside the gym,” Seb says, when he calls at 8.30pm last night. “Ah, well done for going,” I say. “What’s all that noise in the background?” “Well, I haven’t actually been in,” he says. “Have just arrived here and it’s closed. So I’m walking home and it’s windy.” “That’s a shame,” […]
Scars, Tears and Training Bras 