This weekend has been both action packed and relaxing. As all the best weekends should be. Granted, it might be stretching the definition of ‘action’ somewhat to include shopping, eating, reading and sleeping in that category, but I’m pretty sure they are all actions of sorts. In any case, I’ve certainly packed them all in. I’ve also (in the true spirit of Austerity January) managed only to buy the most necessary of items during all four shopping expeditions. Food and copious amounts of caffeine are necessary fuel for any serious shopping activity. Hats are, due to the side effects of chemo, practically a medical requirement. And a new pair of running trainers when you only have six pairs already and can’t really run much at the moment – well, that was clearly a no-brainer.

So all in all, an enjoyable weekend, and one that has proved a welcome distraction from the gathering gloom of next week’s chemo on the New Scary Drug Regime. Scary only because it’s new, and new only because, as scheduled, I have completed Phase 1 and am therefore due to start Phase 2. None of which can really be described as unexpected. And all of which signals that I am one step closer to the end of Phase 2, which is something else for the list of Good Things.

Conclusions: weekends are good. Weekends away are good. Distraction is easily achieved and much aided by friends. Friends bearing coffee and suggesting shopping trips are the best kind. Gathering gloom and bitterness are best avoided, in favour of anything sweet-smelling or shiny. If you spot three blokes who look a bit knackered and are lugging some heavy packages and staring at the sky with a load of camels trailing behind them, avoid the one with the myrrh and go for gold or frankincense every time. Better still, pop into town for a cheering purchase of jewellery or perfume. Same result, and without the need to navigate that tricky social situation where a king’s camel spits on your new hat or trainers.