h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Had a busy couple of days in London. Mostly business but did fit in some socialising with ex and current colleagues. Strange to think I have known some of these people for 30 years, although our paths probably only crossed once or twice a year, and a number will be retiring within the next 12 months so I'll probably never see them again.

London always makes me feel so dirty and I always end up with bruised shins and arms from the number of people who bump into me in the street or simply run into me with luggage on wheels. I suppose that if you actually live down there you develop a sort of sixth sense that enables you to dodge most of these collisions.

Nasty incident happened when someone jumped to their death from a building round the corner from the hotel in the middle of the day. We found out about this as the road was still cordoned off early in the evening. What torment a person must be going through to end their life in this way (at all) is beyond my comprehension. I'm not even sure whether it is a brave or a cowardly act. At my lowest I have not considered this option ending my life that is not jumping.

Had a very busy day yesterday as I was only home for a couple of hours before going up to Doncaster to watch the Premier League Darts. It was OK but spoiled by the fact that most people seemed more interested in trying to get onto Sky's coverage than watch the darts so there always seemed to be someone in my line of sight and I ended up watching most of the action on the giant TV screen. Two of the girls I was with had a monumental row ( I have no idea what about ) which made the journey home somewaht uncomfortable. Not the best evening of my life.

Early night tonight I think - although it's already 11.30 so it won't be that early.

NOMS : I have to admit that I did have a cigarette in the pub on Wednesday night but only the one and nothing since.Even so I have to start the count again so I'm NOMS +2 now. Mild slap on the wrist already self-administered.

Never mind, you'll get to two-digit figures soon. Love, Martine.

Welcome back home, Polly! I'm about to embark on a bit of a marathon of visiting myself, going up to Edinburgh, Kent and Aberdeen in the next three weeks. I'm packing in as much social and family visiting as I can before I head off South.

Horrifying story about the suicide. And don't worry about the cigarette. As Martine says, in no time you'll be in double figures again.

< London always makes me feel so dirty >

Doesn't it just? I've also just had two days in London and am horrified at the grimy state of my shirt necklines!

Also managed to wear unsuitable shoes and had forgotten how everywhere is much further than you expect from everywhere else, so am now exhausted with aching feet!

Had a nice time though - more in my journal about it later, or perhaps tomorrow.