now for the real fun ...

Where the hell did March go? Things are happening fast and furious at the moment but everything has been positive and good. To begin, Dark and I are in good shape. Yes, we hit a bump but hey, what relationship doesn’t? He’s finishing post production on Alien vs Predator: AVP2 and The Invasion simultaneously and is meeting me in Rome on Thursday so we can head to Portofino for Easter holiday. Oy! Can you imagine Rome the day before Good Friday? We just spend the night and take the train the next day to Portofino. Next week he flies off to New Zealand where The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is filming. My guy is in big demand. I know what it’s like to juggle a career and a relationship when you both are working on different continents so I know we can make this work. The ultimate goal is to get him based here in London.

So while he’s busy making movie magic it’s hi ho hi ho... it’s back to work I go. OK, 5 years of retirement is enough. I thought I would get into the property development business but events have taken a different turn. I’m going back to what I know best – the oil industry. I’m starting a company here in London with straight Scott. He and I talked for years about doing something together after he left Exxon. Paula’s death was a tragedy for both of us but we’ve managed to work our way through the grief. He retires from Exxon this summer and since he has remarried he wants to stay in Europe so his new wife can be closer to her family. He finally convinced me to get back into the oil business – and after all the oil bidness been bery bery good to me. He was my house guest last week while he and I had marathon meetings with several oil companies and 2 investment banks. The results were more than I ever expected. We have a signed contract with BP and Exxon and start-up financing from a City investment bank. I’m looking for office space now. I can’t wait to get this up and running; I have missed the action.

Speaking of action ... I just got the necessary planning consents to add a swimming pool to the house here. It’s only taken 2 years of back and forth proposals and changes. The lower ground floor will be gutted and extended under the back garden. Dare I hope for some hot sweaty shirtless construction blokes eye candy? Nah, they will probably all look like fat butt crack plumbers. Jane is moving upstairs to live with us until the flat is rebuilt and I can move her back. She’s family and spends most of her time with me anyway. I spent the weekend making nice with the neighbours on both sides as I’m sure there will be utter chaos going on for months. BC used to say I was at my best when I was juggling projects. I just hope that still holds true because a new start up company, a construction project, and a long distance boyfriend are a lot to juggle. I hope to hell it’s all finished by the time Dark gets here for the summer. I’ll have to stock up on guest swimsuits so you guys send me your sizes. 4th of July pool party anyone? Remember: no one swims for an hour after eating.