Today was technically a working day in my office, but I took a day’s leave.  And I’m glad I did.

I had a nice lazy start to the day, then went to the climbing centre.  Did some top roping and then some lead roping.  I love top roping because I can do silly things (like jump to grab a hold) knowing that if I miss, nothing bad will happen.  I love lead roping because it scares me and I know I need to be scared every now and again.

Then I got a haircut.  There’s something nice about shiny coiffed hair, and something about the way they dry it which is irrepeatable,  so for one day only I get that “just stepped out of a salon” look.

Then I met my brother and his wife for dinner.  Its always fun to catch up with them, and they were on good form.

Then I went to the church ceilidh.  There were a lot of people there that I knew, and a lot of international students that I’d never met before.  And I was REALLY impressed with the international students for their willingness to give it a go and learn new dances.

And then there was a strange game which gave me the opportunity to do a handstand.  And starting the year upside down is probably exactly right somehow.

Bring on 2009!

I like live music

I like live music in a small venue

I like live music with friends

I like the idea of running away with the gypsies

I think there is something cool about Eastern Europe

I like unusual combinations of instruments

I like watching a band knowing that they’re not just loud but also very talented

I like watching a band who seem to be enjoying the experience

I like watching a band and being intrigued by the personalities behind the music

So I liked Devotchka.

They were playing at King Tut’s in Glasgow on Sunday night.  Small venue and packed.  Small enough that you could see the faces of the band members even when standing near the back.  I like that.  I reckon half the point of live music is what you can SEE.  If you only care about the sound you should buy a CD and a good pair of headphones.  But I like the live music experience and somehow imagining that the band have turned up in my living room to play just for me and my mates.

And I learnt a new word: Sousaphone.  Its like a tuba that you wear.  Its huge.  I reckon the girl who plays it has a policy of only playing instruments that are bigger than her – her other instrument was a double bass.  And it does a good line in Oompahpah and it looks amazing, not least because she had a cover over the bell that had a huge black cat painted on.

PS also just learned that at one of their other gigs they had an aerial artiste with them, so they are definitely people of great taste and creativity!

So, how do Britain’s up-and-coming trapeze artists relax?

Well, the answer is simple when you think about it – a night out at Renfrew Ferry’s “Vegas” themed club night. The perfect combination of music, dance and dressing up! Its a great place. Nobody takes themselves too seriously and its a lot of fun.

It all takes place in a ferry on the Clyde. There is gambling, but all you can win is a free drink. If you want to fit in, wear a feather boa, or stick a feather in your hair. Guys, just add a 1940s style hat. Easy peasy, glamorous and fun.

Good things:

- got a lift there and back

- happened to have a feather boa and long black gloves already, so the outfit was easy

- good company

- lovely moonlit night with great view over the Clyde as we came out

My cousin V came to visit last weekend with 2 of her 4 kids.

On Friday we just chilled out. On Saturday we spent over 4 hours at the Science Centre. The Science Centre is amazing. There is loads to do, and you don’t even need to have kids with you to enjoy it. It really is fun for all the family. My only regret is that I didn’t bring my camera.

I tried to book a taxi to take us home again, but for some reason they weren’t taking bookings. So I phoned when we were ready to go.

And we stood.

And stood.

And waited.

And watched as the rain turned into the first snow of the winter.

And got bored of waiting.

And phoned the taxi company who couldn’t tell us how long it would be, because they hadn’t found a taxi for us yet.

So we decided to walk.

In the snow and the icy cold wind.

The wind was whipping my face, it was really miserable weather for walking.

WHAT was I thinking of taking a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old out in weather like this?

WHY didn’t I own a car like any sensible grown-up?

I thought I’d made a really bad decision and that in a few minutes the 2 girls would be crying that their feet were sore and they hated being wet. But they didn’t. They chatted and walked and danced around the lamp posts, and were generally a delight to be with.

And we got home and went out for a meal, and Day One of Entertaining-The-Cousins was a resounding success. Total respect to V and her husband for bringing up such excellent children!

Glasgow is going to host the 2014 Commonwealth games!

I’m looking forward to seeing how this pans out, and pleased that Glasgow will have the chance to show off to the wider world.

I love Glasgow, but I think the world in general sees it as grimy and industrial, and it’ll be good to have a chance to prove the world wrong on that one.