Let me introduce you to my lovely shop boy, George...

There is a shop on the end of my street, yes, a actual corner store, where I can grab the newspaper and a pint of milk on the weekend.  But the best thing about it is the sunny smile (and occasional cuddle) I get from the shop boy, George.

So, for my latest BookCrossing, I let him into my secret as he was uploading my monthly tube pass, and he happily posed for a photo.  Here he is...

Cheers, KangaRue

Do I need a 12-step programme?!

I once heard that girls fall into one of four categories: shoes, handbags, underwear or bathroom products...  WHAT, you mean I have to choose?!!!

But yes, I do have a thing for shoes.  I've always loved my heels, and have built up a sizeable collection.  Amongst the current house renovations, will be shoe shelves, so I will - eventually - be posting photos of those...  However, for over four months now I've been suffering with a bad back, so I decided to assist the weekly physio & acupuncture by not wearing my beloved heels.  Not as easy as it sounds, other than trainers and flip-flops I didn't own flat shoes.

So I have bought myself a few pairs... OK, seven pairs, yes: 7!  I didn't think this was excessive, but my fellow Twitterer @chickenruby thinks I have a problem... what do you think, do I need a 12-step programme?

Cheers, KangaRue

Fingers crossed...

A friend dropped around a stack of books last night, so I went through to sort out the ones I've not yet read, and the ones ready for BookCrossing.


So off I went today to do the lastest two "wild releases", the first in a bathroom at work and the second was at my physio therapist... fingers crossed they get logged on my "bookshelf".  I'll keep you posted!

Cheers, KangaRue

Does anyone out there NOT know I'm a Fag-Hag?!

Today is International Coming Out Day.  An inspirational way to support equality, raise awareness of the difficulties and celebrate the courage of LGBT people.  It was a simple effort to change my Facebook status, join the Facebook event and post a couple of updates on Twitter to show I was an ally (others chose gay/bisexual/lesbian/transgender as appropriate).

There couldn't have been better timing to see the cabaret group of the London Gay Men's Chorus perform "Far From Kansas - Oklahomo".  It sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, and I understand why.  The story of 18 lonely, gay cowboys looking for love at "Dick's Halfway Inn" was brilliantly entertaining, with some deliciously wicked rewriting of some classic show-tunes.  Laugh-out-loud funny, I'd recommend checking out the video of "Brokeback meets Broadway in the heart of London".

Oh, and there was "Karaoke" in the bar afterwards - but with a lot of the LGMC who were in the audience taking part, there was no way I'd be embarrassing myself, with my distinct lack of tune.  However, my lovely friend Mikey got up to sing "Fame".  The party went on without me - well, I did want to get this blog out ;)

Can't wait to see Singderella this Christmas!

Cheers, KangaRue

Behind the - Dark Knight - times

OK, I'll admit I'm at least a year behind everyone raving about how great Heath Ledger is in "Dark Knight".  I've been a fan of Ledger's since "10 Things I Hate About You" (I'd obviously stopped watching Neighbours before he was in it).  And yes, it almost goes without saying that he blew my mind in "Brokeback Mountain".

But I had little expectation about his portrayal of the cartoon-esque Joker character in "Dark Knight".  I'm also a fan of Jack Nicholson, and I'll be the first to say that Nicholson absolutely rocked the role of The Joker ten years earlier. However, Ledger freakin' kicked arse in "Dark Knight", his presence completely blew me away.

Morgan Freeman is absolutely gorgeous as Lucius as is Michael Caine.  But it is Lucius' quote that sums up the movie for me:

"Let me get this straight:  you think that your client – one of the wealthiest most powerful men in the world – is secretly a vigilante who spends his nights beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands… and your plan is to blackmail this person.  Good luck."

Heath Ledger's untimely death is a loss, as is the demise of too many people who come to an untimely end due to mental health issues.  His ability and charisma should be an inspiration to others.  Rest In Peace Heath.

KangaRue