Today was Crap

I woke this morning with a sore throat, a headache and full sinuses. Oh dear. But the radio was telling me that it was going to be a lovely day, and the clock told me that it was still 0545, so I could go back to bed. Those who know me will be aware that my idea of rising early is 10a.m.

Half an hour later (i.e., in case you have missed the point, at 06.15) my alarm went off. I had, of course, fallen deeply asleep again, so it jerked me rudely to life. I hate it. However, remembering that I had to be on a train, I crawled from my bed to the bathroom. I thought it felt a little chilly, but the towel rail was hot enough so I ran the bath and pottered about while it filled. When I got in, it was, at best, tepid. I muttered unprintable things, turned on the hot tap and only succeeded in making it colder. Clearly, the old problem of ‘locking out’ the boiler had returned. My ablutions were, at best, cursory.

I was going to an important meeting in London. Make-up was indicated. And relatively smart clothes. I find choosing clothes in this weather really difficult. It is cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon and I end up looking like a Michelin bag lady – not an attractive sight. However, I did the best I could and headed for the station.

The train was due to leave at 07.50. I settled into my seat, plugged in my laptop, rearranged the cups so as to have maximum space, and settled down to read the papers for the meeting. Two minutes later, I was told that the train was not going to London: there was a problem at Bedford – I would have to find an alternative.

I was re-routed through Birmingham. We drew in to Birmingham New Street at almost exactly the time I should have been drawing in to London. I arrived in London almost 90 minutes late. This was a really important meeting, and I am one of the least important players. When I arrived, it took all the courage I had to contribute, not to disappear into a little hole. I am not sure I was of any use.

The meeting ended. I tried to ‘network’ – I am so bad at it! Thankfully, I could leave soon. I headed for St Pancras: the train to Nottingham was boarding. I ran. I missed it.

I’m home now – but it really was a crap day.