A single girl in a showbiz world

Monday 10 November
Got up about 7am and shoved down a cereal bar so Id have some energy for my surfing. Ozzie cereal bars like rice krispie bars are delicious. Perfect size (bigger than the UK bars so you feel satisfied after one and they look big so your brain feels like its eaten breakfast)
Then went down to the surf school. Same boys as yesterday. This time reminded me about the wetsuit (taking the piss). Then started taking the piss out of me filming everything yesterday.
One said: "You'll never learn if you stop to film everything"
I know, I thought to myself, but it was my job. Anyway I was free to concentrate today.
The tutor was amazing - an old pro. He said he could teach anyone to stand up on a board. And then said he once taught a man with one leg to get up to win a prize in a local radio competition. THAT was my motivation - if a disabled person could do it then so could I.
At the start it was hard work and I washed out a lot. Then I asked the instructor to help me catch a wave and I got up on to my knees. That felt magical.
One of the guys in the group was a first time surfer called Yuki and he managed to stand up almost straight away. I spent some time watching him and saw the way he leapt up was like in a kung fu movie. I asked the instructor to help me again, he told me when to go and I copied what yuki did.
I STOOOD UP!
To make sure it wasnt a fluke I did it again with instructors help.
Then I did it on my own. And before I knew it our time had passed and it was 10am.
As I handed my wetsuit back, the instructor and his mate tried flirting with me. Too little, too late - I was going back to England that day.
So went back to the room, packed everything up and spent the rest of the day (between 12 and 4pm) on the hotel roof pool.
Had a quick break to get eyebrows waxed as they were wild after three weeks of not doing them. It turned out to be a free treatment as the waxzer got wax in my eyes and was so embarrassed. But I was slightly worried about flying home with a bad eye.
Anyway, no major dilemma. I got a bit of sun on the roof, and arrived at the airport about 2 and a half hours before my flight so sat outside and read my book.
Bye Bye Australia - no men but what would happen with Nme man when I got back. Got on plane thinking of him and I couldnt stop. So I pulled out my notebook and wrote a mission plan to make him mine...

Sunday 9th November
My first surfing lesson and the weather was rubbish -typical. Didnt bother going to breakfast as didnt want to eat too much before surfing and didnt want to pay for breakfast. Spent a bit of time exploring the shops (there actually werent any - all there was to do in Perth was go to the beach)
Then at 11am it was time for my surf lesson. In wind and quite large waves - not ideal for a first lesson.
There were quite a few handsome aussies handing out surf suits (good start). But they werent very communicative. I ended up putting my wet suit on inside out!
We warmed up by running around the beach. Then we lined up massive 8ft boards on the sand and our instructor talked us through step one of catching a wave - just lying flat on the board. We were in a group of 8 -all first time surfers. We did that for about 20mins. It was ok but I wiped out a lot by catching wave at wrong time and I was really scared about losing my contact lenses.
After 20mins, we got our boards back on the sand and we were talked through phases two, three and four (push up with hands, followed by right knee up, followed by jump up quickly left leg first as right leg was tied in a rope to the board).
I did it for about 15 mins but it was tiring because i kept washing out badly and then had to drag board out to waves to do it again.
Then remembered I had to film something for my regular Monday BBC slot, so I gave up on surfing for a bit and asked a lady watching her niece to film me. Think we got some ok stuff, although it wasnt as ngood quality as parachutes because it was on my flip camera not a professional camera.
Filming over, I only had 15 mins in the water which I was pleased about as it was cold.
My muscles felt invigorated so I decided to get some healthy sushi for lunch and ate it in my warm hotel room overlooking the ocean. Then as it wasnt particularly warm, I decided to send off my BBC footage to the show today. The internet facilities in my room wouldnt take my flip device but i managed to find an internet cafe. And the owner of the cafe was so nice, he let it stay open an extra hour for me. He was literally hoovering around me.
Couldnt be bothered to go out for dinner alone - even though I hadnt ticked chilli mussels off my to do list - so bought a really healthy, fresh salad (from Subway sarnies of places) and ate in my room with a couple of glasses of Margaret River wine that I bought from the hotel bottle shop (ie off license)
That was the first time I sat down all day apart from lunch and I started to get the shakes and a bit of a panic attack. Just climbed into bed and watched some rubbish tv. Still felt weak so I went to bed about 10am as my surfing lesson the next morning was 8am - 10am and then I had to pack to fly back to England Monday night.

Saturday 8 November
I had a bit of time before my flight, so Terry lent me the key to his hotel room next to the hostel. They had a better pool, so I did some more sunbathing. It was proper hot - typical that it got nice when I had just a morning left and had to get a flight in the afternoon. But I managed to tear myself away from the pool and got a cab to the airport to get my 2pm flight.
Half wished I had an extra day up north in Exmouth, where the weather was better. Then I buoyed myself up- today and yesterday had started a tan. And I have always wanted to surf. Also, it would give me a fit body for NME man and mean I could eat more Chockitos.
When I arrived at the airport, I had a shock. It was a propeller plane with about 40 seats - no wonder the flight took 3 hours. There was no in-flight entertainment but we did get a decent meal - pie, tomato sauce and mash - delicious. I hadnt tried an autsralian pie yet and it was ok-ish, (I bet a real pie would have been nicer). But it was something to tick off my 'Australian to-do list'. Pie - tick.
Landed at 6ish and then had to make my way from Perth Airport to my hotel in the suburb of Scarborough. I decided to economise as a taxi would have cost me about 100 dollars. But ended up waiting an hour for a bus. And then the bus dropped lots of other people off first so I got off the bus and got a taxi. Ths bus cost 15 dollars, the taxi cost 40 dollars, but I had wasted about 90mins of my time. Next time, I'll get a taxi because I didnt have much time left in Australia and I wanted to make the most of it.
Checked into the observatory hotel in Perth about 730. Had a look out the window - sea view. I had paid for the room myself, so was so proud I had a sea view and two queen size beds (must have upgraded me). Especially happy given that the past few nights I had shared hostel rooms with 8 other girls.
Spent a bit of time staring out of the windows. Kite surfers - very cool.
Room service didnt look so appealing, so I ventured out to get some Australian fish and chips, (another thing that had been recommmended by old visitors to Oz and another thing on my to do list)
Ate it watching tv - probably Australian Idol - and then got into bed and got a DVD from the hotel's in room menu. Even though, I was paying for it this time and not red bull, I didnt care. It was my money , I was enjoying spending it and it made me feel really proud of all I work for in my horrid day to day job.

Friday 7 November
After a blissful day at the beach, we arrived at the hostel accomodation. It was quite nice but a bit small - eight beds and one bathroom. But the nice bits was that there was a pool and a bar with disco and pool tables.
I jumped into the pool with the German couple Pierre and Katrin. Wash all the saltwater off. Not the cleanest pool in the world, but it was fresh and outside and a good way to relax. Then I queues up for the shower in our room and managed to get one in before dinner.
Dinner was like the final supper - the best meal yet. Terry had bought us sparkling wine and crisps so we drank that while Terry cooked, (although Greg probably had beer)
Then we ate TACOS - so delicioius. Some with mince and some with bean paste and a bit of salad. No pudding so I crept back to the room to eat one of my chockito stash - I really fancied my fave chocolate bar to end such a fab meal.
Then we all went to the disco, buoyed up by a few Bundi rums. Danced to Britney spears, but there were so many chavvy locals there it was weird. And also felt upstaged by English Laura, who teaches hip hop dancing back in England and can really shake her booty.
So we moved to the pool tables and challenged some aussies for a game. Winner stays on. Greg did a good job but he lost right near the end. I was quite impressed by his effort though.
We took our drinks outside and chatted. He chatted about where else he was off to on his 6month trip, (massive turn off as it made me jealous). So I left to find some more interesting people. When I got back Greg and RIck were talking and looked at me as if they were talking about me.
I blushed and felt guilty as I knew I had flirted with both and not acted on either and they must think Im a tease. Also felt sorry for Rick coz with his hair, he probably hasn't had much girl action recently.
I made my excuses, said goodbye to the rest of the group and took down everyones email address. (Typical me - you never know when you might need someone's contact details).
Hopefully we'll be in touch over facebook.com or something. They werent that bad (except for Marc and Martin, who are quite frankly too annoying to write about. EVery time I heard Marc's stupid sing song voice I wanted to scream). Its not their fault none of them were good-looking.
Shame there were no hot men at the disco that night, but I've a few days left in Australia.

Friday 7 November
Almost at Exmouth, we spend the day at Ningaloo Bay. FREE TIME.
Terry recommended a tour where you can snorkel with manta rays. A few people signed up, thinking it will be an experience of a lifetime - Rick and Greg signed up.
But I was fed up of doing a tour and Manta Rays isnt on my must-see list. Dolphins, kangaroos and koalas are, but manta rays???
So I just sat in the beach with Beate and Karinna (german girl) and sunbathed because it was just about warm enough. And i kept active by doing a bit of snorkelling in the shallow reefs and saw some lovely colourful fish.
It was a blissful day - crisps and an ice cream for lunch - lots of sun and a bit of sea. And I reckon now I will go back to England with a tan for NME man

Thursday 6 November
I've really lost touch with friends from back home. Today is the birthday of one of my best mates from primary school and secondary school Katie Fenn, who i have known since we were 4. And I completely forgot to give her a present or card. Felt guilty the whole 1 hour journey to the dolphin sanctuary at Monkey Mia.
Once we arrived I was in another bad mood as it was cold again and we had to stand in the sea and wait for the dolphins. Even though interacting with dolphins was one of the reasons I had done the tour, I couldnt improve my mood. And I realised that was because this dolphin experience was a massive let down. I wanted to swim with dolphins, not stand in a long line of tourists and maybe get picked out to feed one.
I made it my mission to get picked out and i cheered up a bit when I did get to feed one. But I wished it could have been me and the dolphin, not everyone else lined up on the shore with their toes in the water.
As me and some of the others in the group drank coffee to warm up afterwards, I realised its not actually about the experience its about who you do it with. Camping outside would have been much better if some arseholes didnt nick my drink and there was a hot man to snuggle up with under the stars. And I would have given up the dolphin experience for a hot man to take me to the beach.
Hopefully there will be other dolphin opps in my lifetime and i will share it with people closer to me.

Tuesday 4 November and Wednesday 5 November
As there aren't many fit men on the trip and not much in the way of showbiz now the BBC job had been done then i'm going to summarise. Bored by writing about eating lasagne or creeping out of hostel rooms so I dont wake people up.

So lets start with hostel highlights (or lowlights)
The one on Tuesday night was really near the sea so we had a lovely swim in the evening. But it also had ten bunks in one room and one bathroom. We had to have a system where if one person had a shower they didnt lock the door so the on of the other girls could pee.
We had to wash up ourselves. Terry divided us into groups so each person washed up once
Food - good given the facilities.On Tues night we had a barbecue. Got a tiny bit of kangaroo steak and then some dodgy sausages but disguised it with some nice sesame seed rolls

Wednesday night was camping outside!! At a sheep station. We set up a campfire but it was too damn cold. I ended up sharing a room with Greg because we were the last two of the bus. Rick moany. All we had was a mattress each and a big cockroach style bug ran out of Greg's! The German couple Pierra and Kartrin and I took a walk round the grounds and saw a snake. The toilet was a hole in the ground and it was still cold
Terry made us a lovely roast dinner - chicken, potatoes lovely but frozen veg. Then we toasted a few marshmallows on the campfire.
Good spirits when we did our performance. We made up a song but didnt win, (although I was proud of our song)
But night turned sour when I discovered someone had drank the wine me and English Laura had bought earlier. Nobody admitted it but we found the empty bottle in the bin. That really annoyed me, as not only were people not fit but I couldnt trust them.
And then I walked into logs piled up for the campfire and got a massive cut on my right leg below my knee.
I just wnet to bed on my own after that, told Greg to join me later. I was so pissed off.

MEN highlights and lowlights
Well the highlight for the men is that I was there. On Tuesday it was the day of the Melbourne Cup - Australia's version of royal ascot. I decided I needed to drink tonight to bond with the group after the hell I had the night before. So I bought a bottle of sparkling wine, but shared it with someone else. And after dinner I wanted more. So rick and I took a long walk to the shops to get more. I wasnt really in the mood for snogging, especially not this early in the week when we might be forced to snog each other every following night or sit near each other in the bus pretending nothing had happened. And he was ginger.
There was so much gossip when we got back, so to get over it I started flirting with Greg. Not the most sensible thing in the world - poor Rick - but I was a bit tipsy and frustrated about the lack of fit men.
Then I went to bed earlier than them to give them plenty of time to talk about me
And the next day I shared a room with Greg (but it was too cold, there were insects and I was too pissed off to do anything)

ACTION HIGHLIGHTS
The only lowlight was I managed to burn myself on coffee when we stopped at a petrol station on Tues.You had to make it yourself pouring boiling water from an urn. I made it, paid for it and then spilled it all the way down my arm. Straight away it blistered. Fortunatley the petrol station had burn cream and Terry instructed me to roll sleeve up and let air get to it. It was weird watching the blister bubble up bigger on the drive and I was worried i might have to go hospital (thanki god I didnt)

Highlights - hiking through a national park. Abseiling down a 40ft gorge
The outside camping experience and seeing a snake there
The booze trip with Rick coz we had to get take-oytr from nightclub where the locals were celebrating the melbourne cup
Hutt River Province - a part of australia that is not really australia. Governed by king leonard, who took advantage of missing clause in australian law to set up his own coutry. Got passport stamped to enter country. Terry told us Prince L has three sons but I didnt see any to see if they were fit
SNAKES - held some snakes as part of a demo when we visited greenough wildlife park. Also fed a camel and an emu with animal seed. Took photo feeding camel - i look scared

Monday 3 November
So we set off on our journey (in the freezing cold). I had on a dress a jumper and a hoody. Stared out the window in a non-talkative way. Was getting no suntan for NME man and no other action from these men.
Terry, the driver, divided us into groups of two for the week. Apparently we would be doing challenges and little competitions. Including a song performance or drama composition on the night we camp out at the sheep station. That made me more grumpy - we're not 12 years old. And then I looked at my group and thought we were definitely the weakest, less talkative etc. We probably wouldnt win. Not that I cared, obviously.
After a couple of hours, my mood improved as we pulled up at a national park, where we were to see koala bears. AND as we pulled into a parking space we saw a kangaroo. Now thats what I came to Australia to see.
I jumped outside the bus, but it was really windy. I needed one more item of clothing or I would be even more moody. So I got the driver to open the trailer.
"You are going to be trouble, arent you?" Terry said to me.
I just smiled. Couldnt be bothered to talk. Too cold.
We made our way to the koalas.
"Don't touch or they will pick up chlamydia from you," Terry told the group.
What? I don't have the clap!
But Terry explained they pick it up from humans and die and not every human knows if they have the clap or not so nobody can touch koalas just in case. But I took LOTS of photos.
Then it was lunchtime. I wasnt expecting gourmet because the whole trip only cost $595 AUD - about 300quid. But I expected better than what we got for lunch which was cheap white sandwich bread, watery ham in a packet, lettuce, tomatoes and pickle. Not v filling. No pudding. Some of the boys had a couple of rounds of sarnies to fill them up but I thought it was too disgusting. Hoped I had some oreo cookies left in an easy to reach place (ie not in the trailer).
The rest of the day passed driving to our overnight accomodation near the beachfront. We got there at about 4pm and then I got my first sight of the Indian ocean.It was absolutely clear blue and beautiful.
The weather had warmed up a bit since earlier so I just dumped my stuff in the hostel and asked who wanted to come with me. Rick, Irish guy, came and took some photos of me lolling in the sand (so I could show NME guy). Then I stripped off to my bikini and i suspected Rick was turned on, poor guy.
But we just swam a bit in the sea to get over all the driving and had a little walk back to the hostel.
I had a lovely warm shower and then it was dinner time. I expected the worse but actually it was home-made lasagne, which was quite nice. So I ate lots of that (to make up for lunch) and some salad.
That night we stopped by an off license and drove to the Pinnacles desert to see the sun go down. I bought a 50ml minature bottle of rum as I was pretty tired by my swim. It relaxed me though. Very nice to see the sun go down feeling all relaxed. Got Rick and Greg to take more photos of me.
But then had a horrid end to the night as the BBC called me, telling me there had been problems sending over footage of the red bull plane. I had to call Paul but he wasnt answering his phone. Nor was the red bull Pr. I panicked and started crying. I was so tired and all the rest of the group were getting to know each other and chatting in the kitchen.
Some girls came into my room to cheer me up but it didnt work.
Finally I reached the red bull pr in england, while I was crying. And she got a message to heidi, saying i was crying. Fortunately I pulled it together and asked her to find Paul. Paul was at a dinner, so quite annoyed but he said he would go back and send to the bbc. Clock was ticking - the show goes out live at 519 british time.
Because it was such a big file, it would take 46mins to load up. By this time everyone else had gone to bed so I sat up in the lounge alone watching Australian idol.
By the time I finally got to bed it was really late and I had to sneak into the hostel room in the dark so didnt wake the other girls up.
Hope the TV show looks flippin fab considering the effort that went into making it

Monday 3 November
I'm starting a five day trip up the coast of West Australia with tour company Red Earth Safaris. Perth to Exmouth via coral reefs, camping on sheep stations, feeding dolphins and hiking through gorges.
Day started at 6am shovelling down one of the leftover flapjacks. The tour drivers wife picked me up from my hotel and i was only 2 mins late to meet her. (I think that is the closest i have ever come to being on time in my life unless I am early coz I want something really badly)
She drove me to a bus that was waiting for me outside a hostel. On the way we picked up another two girls. Vicky was from Hong Kong and dressed very cantonese with big camera, hello kitty etc. But Beate from germany was quite stunning - short brown hair, quite tall and massive boobs. Reckoned she would be my competition if there were any fit men on the bus.
Time to board - I held my breath and hoped for the best. And I was disappointed.
In front of me there was a ginger haired boy with glasses. Only redeeming feature was he was from Ireland and had a nice accent. That was Rick.
Behind me was a guy called Greg, who looked like he was 12 years old. He was from Sunderland and looked like the last time he had a decent meal was, well, maybe never. Pale, shaved head and proper chav looking. Not in a mike skinner / the streets way but in a council estate / boy who hasnt done much way.
The couples had seats next to each other - pierre and katrin from germany, laura and marc from england, then there were too quite annoying german girls because they did everything by the rules. Although as I got to know Karinna better, I thought she was quite nice - she liked a drink. She was also another competition for me looks wise - stunning blonde hair and big brown eyes with a really skinny body but she had no fashion sense (combat trousers and massive hiking boots)
There were two empty seats on the bus. The driver terry explained they were for a boy that missed the plane and the boys mate. The smile went back on my face - these two had to be fit, surely.
We met them down the road. One of the men must have been about 50, dressed in shorts. Called Marc with a C. Had a really annoying voice with intonation and wouldnt stop talking. His mate was called Martin. Also in shorts. Skinnier but with hairy legs. Also had a beard, but not much hair on his head (a big bald patch with hair round the sides).
So no fit men...but maybe we would pick some up in bars along the way??

Sunday 2 November
Typical large -scale event - nobody knew where the press tent was or how to get accredited for it. All stewards just know their own little area, nobody can read a map and it gets so frustrating because you know you're meant to be in a nice area with drinks and food and instead, you are wondering round a field trying to get a wristband or a laminate to get in it.
Took about 30minutes. The only thing that made it ok was the weather. Proper sunny so I could get a suntan for NME guy.
When we found the tent, it was worth waiting for. Lots of food - warm chicken, stews, veg, bread rolls, cakes - mmmm. Wish I ate less for breakfast. Also lots of red bull (obviously) and water)
Brian, Hannah and I met up with a Guardian online reporter and sat on cushion loungers in the sun. We slip, slapped, slopped on the suntan lotion and the practise planes flew in the background as we chatted and the guardian online reporter explained the format of the race.
Paul Bonhomme, the British hopeful, was leading throughout the whole series. Second was Hans (the american tv girl's conquest)
But in London, he pulled a gforce of 13 which meant he was disqualified and got no points at all (thereby losing 13 as he would have won). Then Hans overtook him and he could never get back save Hans disqualifying himself one day.
Paul won the Perth race today, which was great, but because of the scores Hans won the overall championships. Still, us Brits had a reason to celebrate in the hotel later that night.
Have to confess, I almost missed the final. I decided I had to see what Australian ice cream tasted like but there was none near the press tent. I ended up walking for about 10mins. Then there was a massive queue but I thought I should wait in it coz i had come so far. That took about 10 mins plus the 10 min walk back...
I bought another ice cream for Hannah, but then I completely forgot about Brian. It was one of the awkward - who do I give it to moments. Thought about throwing it away, but only briefly because it had taken me 30 mins to get...
Anyway, it was delicious. Mint choc chip cornetto type thing but with lots more chocolate including large chocolate chunks. MMMMm
Back at the hotel that night, most people were pretty tired.
Cameraman Paul went to his room to finish editing my tape. I went to bed and we all met in the bar for dinner. I didnt want to go to dinner - there were no fit men so I might as well enjoy my own company in my room. But i towed the line and we went to some cheap pizza joint. It was quite nice to have a champagne cocktail and some food with the gang, one last time. Bit of closure...
Then we went back to the hotel bar and there was a big party going on with pilot Paul Bonhomme and apparently some Australian football stars (although obviously I didnt recognise them)
Was great to meet Paul Bonhomme, our champ, and we took photos. He told me he works for BA normally - I'd like to ride him any time!! But he's a bit of a silver fox, (40ish and prob married)
The rest of the group were getting up early as they had booked a trip to swim with dolphins the next morning. But they were still in the bar when I left and kissed EVERYONE goodbye. The next day I was getting up at 6am myself to start a safari tour up the West Coast of Australia.
(And hoepfully a tour of some FIT Australian men, coz I hadnt met any yet)

Sunday 2 November
Got up early and went to the gym to work off all the puddings and white wine I consumed the night before.
But I had the time old hotel gym embarrassment. Do you go down in clothes and get changed in gym in case you see somebody. Or go down in your shorts, press 'door close' on the lifts and wrap your towel around you if anyone sees you.
I went for option 2 and it went well until the return trip. I got out the lifts on my floor and bumped smack bang into sound technician guy. To make matters worse, not only was I in shorts but I was sweaty.
Got changed and showered quickly and went down to breakfast. Sat down with the TV presenter for the American crew. Shes done races round the world all year - Budapest, Porto (everywhere). She snogged the leading pilot, Hans. I realliy liked her but she was a bit desperate. About 40 years old, dyed blonde hair and clinging to youth and a clothing the fab figure she obviously works out hard for in tight leggings and tops. She has a boyfriend in the states, but it clearly isnt serious and she talks a lot about friends and their kids. I dont want to end up like her.
After breakfast I hoped to get outside straight away because the sun was out. But Hannah pr said she had lots of work to do and wanted to meet at 11.15. Then she said 1145. I was quite annoyed but the thing with these press trips is you are quite reliant on what prs want to do.
Anyway, by 1145 I go downstairs and Hannah wasnt there, so I wait outside in the sun. by about 12 noon, she finally gets down.
(Ok, I have to admit there were a few texts with me threatening to go without her)
We got in a minbus and made our way to the press tent at the spectators arena.

Saturday 1 November
Had a bit of free time, so I went back to my room to chill out and have a power nap before we met in the bar at 7pm and were going to dinner.
And what a dinner we had - absolutely gorgeous sea food and fish.
We shared some appetisers - calamari, oysters, mushrooms, whitebait. Then I had red snapper and veg (could have chosen better). But the sound technician next to me had a seafood platter with lobster, prawns, mussels and more and I helped him out with it.
I drank some of the local white wine in celebration - I had done it.
Chatted for a bit with Prs Hannah and Heidi. Very cool girls, we had a lot in common - all like fashion and we are all up to do as much as we can in Australia. Heidi suggested going surfing the next morning but we realised we wouldnt have enough time because of the Red Bull race final.
The only thing missing was single fit men. The sound technician was proper fit - tall, muscly but not too muscly and floppy blond hair. he was bout 35, but looked 30. And then I found out he had 3 kids!
The guy next to him at the head of the table (second camera guy) was also proper fit. he had a long term girlfd (better than married and the way he talked it wasnt working out). But he was a bit of a big kid - he lived for surfing. He owns his own surf hotel, goes surfing every day and has gone around the world searching for waves.
The good thing was I was able to talk to him about surfing as one of my aims from the holiday to Australia was learning to surf.
And at the end of the night, we all ended up sharing puddings - me, sound technician and second cameraman.
Sound guy's chocolate tart was nice but I picked the best thing with a soggy chocolate cake made with some rum. (The other guy's creme brulee was a bit boring)
We all got taxis back to the hotel and went back to the hotel and straight to bed. (No drinks in the bar!!) Everyone was conscious we had the red bull race final the next day.
I fell into the sumptuous hotel bed and thought about NME man for a few seconds. Just thought he would be proud of me and would he want to see a tan when I got home. Because the weather hadnt been that great - lots ofo spring winds ahd meant I hadnt been able tp get my bod out.
But too much worry - whats the point? Went to sleep, (without nytols).

Saturday 1 November
Brian from The Daily Record and I were led to the medical tent. I was so nervous that my heart was racing and I was frightened I wouldnt pass the medical. I thought the doctor would say my heart wouldn't hold out. (Lack of sleep paranoia)
But everything was ok. I let Brian go first because he was fatter than me and I thought of he could do it then so can I. And not only was he fatter than me, he was also hungover. (I found out the rest of the red bull crew went to a bar until about 3am after i bowed out - doing jaegerbombs and rum)
I got changed into a flightsuit and nervously waited with hannah red bull and paul cameraman for Brian to finish. Hannah (who has done it before) made me even more nervous with the tale of how she had to land early because she lost all sensation in her arms and was about to pass out. Then she told me about how 3 out of 5 people vomitted when they did the stunt plane opportunity in London. Yuck.
Then it was my turn. The pilot, Darius, came over and shook my hand and told me he would look after me. He was abouyt 6ft 3 and I started to fancy him. That's a good way to get over nerves - put a hot pilot in the flying seat.
I clambered in the front of the specially adapted plane and Darius was driving from the back. He explained where the sick bag was and told me there were handles on the door so I could grip in fear. He told me to keep my feet off the pedals as they were breaks.
Someone shut the lid of the plane and I smiled for the film cameras. (To be honest, I was equally nervous about making a good film as i was about die-ing in the plane). Darius drove down to the runway, accelerated and then we were up in the air.
We had a five minute trip to the sea as we were doing the stunts in a quiet area.
"Ready?" Darius asked.
I was not ready but managed to say "yes" through gritted teeth.
He pulled the lever up in the air and drove the plane through a loop the loop.
"Yee-ha - how you feeling?" he asked.
Well, I was alive but figuring that was the first of many. It would be painful as my ears were starting to hurt from the G-force
"Ok" I said
And he took the plane through another manoeuvre called a reverse half cuban.
"Dont shut your eyes or you will puke. Look ahead at the horizon."
Then he drove the plane sharply downwards.
"Just for fun" he laughed.
I was in a plane with a mentalist.
"Are you ready to fly upside down?" he asked. "During that time you will experience negative g-force, which is the feeling you get as you are about to go over the top of a rollercoaster. Relax all your muscles and breathe slow and deep or you will faint."
We did that and Darius whooped.
"How you feeling? Been q bit quiet."
"Ok," I managed.
"Time for the positive G's. Lets get up to 5 or 6."
Earlier on, I had been told rollercoasters have a g-force of 1.5 or 2. Space Mountain in Disnyeland has a g-force of 2.2 and the biggest in the world, roller-coaster wise is 2.5. What the hell was I letting myself in for.
So he pulled the plane up in the air steeply. I saw black dots in front of my nose and felt so much pressure in my head.
"Getting there," Darius yelled. "Tense your muscles now - open and close your fists - so the blood doesnt all go to your head and you faint."
I opened and closed my fists really, really quick. Black dots were still going by my eyes.
Suddenly the movement was over.
"Did you like that?" Darius asked.
"Mmm,m,m,m" was the most my scrambled brain managed.
"What?" Darius asked
"I didn't really like that." I had to be honest.
"I noticed," he said. "You had your feet on the pedals in panic."
Oops
"Are you game for one last thing? A barrel roll."
Well, I had come so far so I might as well.
We did it and then I felt a massive surge of relief. I had done it and i would always have a story for the folks back home.
And even better was NME man used to love planes and was in the air training corps as a teenager. So I hoped my red bull plane thing would impress him.
I felt smug as Darius steered back to the airfield and we landed. Then Paul, the camera guy came back to ask how I was feeling. I gave a super dramatic reaction to the camera, excitedly talking about what we did and how grateful I was to Darius for supporting me.
We walked shakily to the hospitality tent, where I changed out of the flight suit and got some water. (I would vomit if I had red bull)
And then Darius gave me a little certificate and a tape of Camcorder footage taken from inside the cockpit. I could relive the drama and prove I had done it.
I gave the tape to Paul, who said he could integrate it into the rest of the footage he had taken of me.
Then I realised it was over and I had done it without vomitting, passing out or die-ing and I had a massive smug smile on my face.

Saturday 1 November
The day of the stunt plane ride....I was so nervous I couldn't sleep. (Also because I slept too much the night before).
I tried watching another movie from the tv's dvd menu - something bland like Hancock - but it didnt help at all. So at 3am I popped two nytol and dozed off but I felt rubbish when I woke up at 9am.
Had a dilemma - do I go to the breakfast buffet or not? I have a tendency to over-eat at breakfast buffets. But the only food I had in my suitcase was a packet of oreo cookies and some flapjacks I nicked from the business class lounge at Heathrow.
I went to breakfast and I was QUITE restrained. Had a random mix of prunes and fruit then croissants and a couple of hash browns. (At least its not a massive amount of food). Then as soon as I finished what was on my plate, I left.
Today was the day I would be doing most of my filming for the BBC. I was quite nervous about how the filming would work out but I busied myself with writing a script in my hotel room.
Then at 12 noon we met in the lobby - off to the airfield, where the Red Bull planes take off for the race.
Hannah introduced me to the camera guy who would film for me, Paul. He was soooo nice and borrowed a great camera and microphone for me. It was a lot more professional than the stuff I normally do at film premieres and gigs on-location.
The stuff I normally do for BBC involves showbiz and celebs, so I did a script about the famous people like Angelina Jolie and John Travolta, who fly planes. Then I interviewed Konnie Huq - she was my 'celeb', and then I talked a bit about the race.
Before I knew it, it was 3pm and time for me to take off.

Friday 31 October
I let myself have a bit of a lie-in. I woke up naturally and didn't look at the alarm clock and dozed for a bit. Then I looked at the clock and it was 1pm. I had been asleep for about 15 hours!!! I havent done that in the whole five years since I became a showbiz journalist. I was happy.
I got dressed really quickly so I could explore Perth. The next day and the day after that, I would be doing Red Bull stuff so this was my only opportunity.
My first stop was the shopping streets. I was bargain hunting so I just bought a couple of dresses for $10 each - thats about 4 quid. Then I bought some Australian magazines. And some Australian chocolate bars - I love going abroad and seeing what other people eat. Bought quite a few choccie bars - Kit Kat Chunkys with caramel on, Kit Kat Chunkys with a layer of Cookies and Creme on top, Chockito (fudge covered in chocolate with rice krispies in the chocolate - they were my fave), Australian versions of Chomp and Curly Wurly's -different packaging and different taste and a Cherry Bounty (cherry mixed with Bounty bar coconut).
My Perth guidebook recommended going to King's Park, which was on a hill so it had a good view of the city. So that's where I went and took some photos sitting on the hilll looking over the city. The guidebook also said there was a treetop bridge walk, so I found that in the park. Then walked all the way back to my hotel - an exhausting afternoon. But I really enjoyed the walk and found lots of nice little restaurants by the harbour I liked the look of.
The Red Bull PR suggested dinner. So we met in the bar about 6ish. I was introduced to the camera and sound team for Channel 4. I thought some were pretty hot but every one I talkd to was married. The only one that was single was the TV presenter Dougie and he was Scottish, pale and grumpy.
I ordered a Red Bull because I was concious that the next day I had to go up in a red bull stunt plane and didnt want to be hungover. And then I ordered a diet coke. Felt so prim and proper as everyone else tucked into the booze (I never normally abstain so that was a nice and novel feeling)
By 9pm we were still in the bar and starving so i told everyone about a fish restaurant I had seen earlier. We managed to get a table.
Pre-dinner I had a glass of Australian sparkling wine while mingling with the newspaper crew (as opposed to film crew)
There was Brian from the daily record - definitely not sexy as he was short and chubby and balding. And there was a girl from The Guardian who was very sweet and there with her schoolfriend Katie who lives in Perth. Two Red Bull PRS Hannah and Heide kept us organised. For dinner, we were joined by an American TV crew - producer Joel and his camerman. I sat next to Hannah and Joel. Hannah had to leave early to meet a friend so I spent a lot of time with Joel. He's not my type at all - short and v arrogant - but the conversation was so good I almost found myself fancying him.
Fish was delicious and I had something chocolatey for desert.
The rest of the gang wanted to go clubbing after but I didnt fancy it wiith the plane experience the following day. Joel was being v persuasive, and if he had been a few inches taller I may have gone.
My night ended in a fab way as we couldn't find a txi back, we paid a limo driver to take me back to the hotel and take the others on to a club. I jumped into bed about midnight, snuggling under the covers of the giant bed at five star Sheraton hotel.

Thursday 30 October
Because of time differences, I arrive at 6pm on Thursday (Perth time) despite having left at 11am on Wednesday (UK time).
One of the Red Bull PRs, who is a regular traveller, said the best way to get over jet lag was to go to the gym. So I dumped my suitcases in my room and hit the gym.
Got back, showered and got into my pyjamas. The Red Bull PR Hannah said I was allowed to get room service and although I wanst hungry I thought I'd make the most of it. Had a club sandwich and it was delicious. I often have club sandwiches in hotels because it is funny to see how they vary from hotel to hotel.
About 830/9pm, I get into bed and get a movie from the hotel's library (Red Bull said they would pay for that). Watched half of The Other Boelyn girl and then fell asleep about 10ish.

Wednesday 29 October
I got on the plane at 11am at Heathrow. BA Economy. No fit men, but a mad woman next to the window seat who drank far too much and kept poking me when she wanted to go to the toilet. I'd had two Nytol tablets, but they weren't strong and only work when you are relaxed and in the mode for sleep. Not when you have a weirdo sitting next to you.
Flew 13 hours to Singapore. At the airport, I took a quick shower, bought some chocolate and then found our 2hour stop-off was over and it was time to get back on another plane for a 6 hour trip to Perth.
Managed to get a row of 3, as the plane wasnt busy so had a good couple of hours nap, (needed it). Had some food and watched Mama Mia on the in-flight entertainment and we were there. I had survived (felt quite proud of myself because a total of 19 hours in a plane is scary. Not because I'm worried it will crash but because I am worried some other medical thing will happen to me and I wont be able to get treatment because I am in the sky)
Very tired - managed just 2 hours sleep the whole journey. Thought a bit about nme man and the men I hope to meet in Australia. Bring on the fit surfer dudes!

Tuesday 28 October
I'd spent the whole week looking forward to these drinks. And being busy with my newspaper. And I was packing for Australia, because I was going out on 29 October for the travel section of my newspaper.
But I wasnt entirely desperate as I had been in touch with an ex-fling. Leo used to be a singer in The Streets and we had been flirting and aranging a date to meet up. We went out the Saturday before to a Girls Aloud party and had a LOT of fun. The only reason we didnt do anything more was because it was that time of the month.
So I met NME man feeling confident. Had a vodka cranberry, then another and then a vodka diet coke and the conversation was flowing so well it was 1130pm before we knew it.
He walked me to the tube as a perfect gentleman. And then he kissed me. Leaned in for the kiss, grabbed me - it was amazing, although I was slightly self-concious that people might see us.
It was a special kiss as we knew we wouldnt be seeing each other for two weeks. I was off to Australia the following day and I told him next time I saw him I would have a sun tan

Tuesday 21 October - continued
Lets re-cap to how it started. I got a kiss in the text message!!!
And then I texted back saying 'when are you free?'
We arranged a time to meet for late-drinks in a pub after he had met another mate. At first I was a bit angry he didnt want to spend the whole night with me, but his schedule is so busy and at least he fit me into it.
And to be fair, he asked me if I wanted to spend the whole night with him another night and start it at a Kaiser Chiefs gig. But that night was my schoolmate Norm's birthday and even if it wasnt I didnt fancy spending an hour pretending to enjoy the Kaisers before we went out for dinner or drinks. And knowing NME man it'd be drinks and not dinner and I would be hungry...
Our date was to be Tuesday 28 October

Friday 12 December
Normally I 'oops' when I eat something naughty, but this is really bad. I cost my newspaper a lot of money this week.
On Tuesdays, we have to come up with some ideas of what to work on. I didnt have that many, so I exaggerated a tip off a Strictly Come Dancing star was shagging a celeb dancer.
I wasn't expecting my paper to watch the star all week, costing a bike photographer and a regular photographer. That's about 300quid a day so 1500 quid.
Oops, oops, oops.
But if they didnt put such pressure on me, I wouldnt have to spin things so I dont think I am entirely to blame...

Thursday 11 December
The day started well with my early morning gym jaunt. However, my ankle is starting to ache again and I fear my tendonitis is coming back.
Im not sure how my Leona Lewis interview was received but I wrote up a transcript and it seemed to be ok.
Also made some calls to contacts and got my column plan pretty much finished.
Had a healthy lunch of sushi but then ruined it with a Krispy Kreme doughnut and christmas Celebration chocs mid afternoon when Ii waa writing up the interview. For me, sugar = creativity, but I think its a bad habit more than anything else.
Took a brief break to help BBC show contact famous Chris's. They are having a Chris Mass appeal where they want everyone called Chris to email them for Christmas. Random but fun.
Was quite hard to write up interview as phone kept ringing and I am not that used to writing up long, extended features.
Oh well, Im expecting to be asked to improve it tomorrow. At least I have first draft written up.
As everyone else was hungover from office xmas party (they didnt have to interview Leona) most had deserted office by 630pm. I felt really stupid when I was still there at 645 writing up Leona.,,
I was meant to be going to a premiere of Russell Brands movie Bedtime Stories but I couldnt get out the office early enough. Hoping to get tipped off by a photographer and catch him later.
Went home (had a nice walk) and really craved healthy food instead of toast, which is the only thing in my house (stored in the freezer)
Couldnt be bothered to go to Asda, so went to McDonalds for a salad. It was actually really nice. But then I had some Aero Bubbles for afters - oops again.
Had a little nap, texted friends to meet me tonight because I have to tour some nightclubs later tonight. About to get a cab to Amika nightclub to go to the kooks after-party. They did their last gig in Brixton tonight and are due in High Street Kensington after. The editors secretary would be so jealous, but its cold and windy and I have to go and get a sexy dress on. Really not looking forward to it.
NME man texted me to find out how I was as we originally planned to see the kings of leon at the o2 tonight. But I forgot to get tickets and he had some argument with the o2 pr so we didnt bother. He said he might join me at amika if he gets free.
Good sign was he texted me and not me chasing him. But no kisses again. Its been a month and its still awkward. I like him a lot - when I stayed over last night he started strumming guitar when I was in the shower. I came out and he was sitting on his sofa in his own little world and it was so cute. But maybe I should accept we arent that compatible. He loves music more than anything in the world, and I am not that passionate about it. I think we need to have more in common apart from the fact that we grew up in the same town!

Wednesday 10 December
I was going to carry on with the recap of what NME man and I had been up to since our boating adventure.
But I had such a bizarre day, I wanted to record it before I forgot.
I woke up VERY hungover. The night before I stayed at NME man's house for the first time.
We had night-caps of Jack Daniels and roll-ups at about 1am and then went to bed...
But he sets his alarm for 6am and when I looked at the bedside clock before dozing off it was 2.32!
I left the house when he did so I would be early for work and have chance to read the papers and have a hangover cure croissant or bacon sarnie. But then I realised I had a lunch booked in at the posh West End restaurant Quo Vadis so I shouldnt have a too big breakfast. Had to compromoise with a Boots Be Good To Yourself festive turkey sandwich (300 calories) and a fruit smoothie. Still felt rough and couldnt concentrate on the newspapers.
I didnt have any stories for the news list, so I spent the morning making calls to contacts. Spent a bit of time sorting out my own tv showreel (cant do sunday mirror stuff all the time). And then realised I was interviewing Leona Lewis that evening and my news editor wanted a list of what qs I was gonna ask her.
Managed to get the Leona stuff done and was only 15 mins late for
lunch with head of A and R and his assistant at Quo Vadis. Oops!
Chatted bands for next year and the head of a and r gave me an ok-ish story.
And then I bunked off work for a bit because best mate F was filming for a new internet tv show at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. I got my skates on for 30 mins and did my thing.
Felt so guilty but when I got to the office nobody was there. The other two guys on my team were off drinking without me. I was so angry!
Then it was my work's xmas party, but I was also invited to my ex-newspapers christmas party in Chelsea (across town). Decided to go to my one and avoid the warm wine and beer. Coz of the credit crunch it was in a depressing pub opposite our offices with no music and a few bits of scampi, chips and cocktail sausages. Bought my own champagne but I think I get away with it coz Im showbiz.
Had to do a very quick mingle and make sure my editor saw me becoz I had an interview lined up with Leona Lewis at 9pm in Shepherds Bush (at least 50mins journey). I wanted to read my qs on the tube but the editors secretary was leaving at the same time to go to The Kooks gig in Brixton (shes a big fan) and she insisted on making small talk. I even tried getting DLR instead of tube but she insisted tube was quicker. Darn.
So did Leona Lewis and then her tour manager and PR suggested drinks in the bar. Two bellinis later it was midnight. I'd had three hours sleep in 48 hours and I was an hours cab drive from home.
Fell into bed at 1am after a total of four bellinis and 3 hours sleep - had a massive headache.
Then my alarm went off at 7am and I felt quite fresh after the deep sleep so I decided to start the day with a trip to the gym!

Tuesday 21 October
We got out of Southampton about 2pm to avoid the rush hour. Our plan was to drive home as quickly as possible as I had a showbiz party that evening and NME man had a Kaiser chiefs gig. (He's mates with the kaisers)
I hoped we'd be a bit flirtier after the power boat rush, but all we talked about was what was going on with our diaries that week, how he was going to write up the power boat article and a bit more about our backgrounds. I still didnt feel like we had any chemistry. No grippping things over the gear stick, no stroking legs, no sexually loaded conversation...
Highlight of the journey was stopping at Heston service station to buy sandwiches for lunch. I bought some newspapers too and read those (easier than making small talk)
He dropped me back at a tube near his house (we agreed that would be easier than him driving across London)
Then it was a dilemma - will there be a snog or a chaste 'bye'. In the end, I went for the middle ground. I gave him a quick peck on the lips (didnt want too embarrass myself). He just looked at me and said 'it was nice'.
For five whole minutes, I wanted to burst into tears. NME man didn't love me - I'm rubbish etc etc. It was only because I was standing up on the packed central line that I maintained my dignity.
Suddenly, I started feeling proud becausue I actually succeeded doing what I've wanted to do for the past few months. I'd had a night with nme man and I never dreamed that would have happened when my crush started.
I let myself into my house, threw my bags on the floor and sat on my sofa with some of the jelly babies I'd bought for the car journey.
As I chilled out wathcing the Paul O Grady 5pm chat show on Channel 4, revelling in my first ever sick day off work , my phone bleeped that I had a text message.
From NME man - saying 'thanks for a great weekend. We should do it again sometime. X'
KISS ALERT. KISS ALERT. KISS ALERT.
So what do I text back?

Tuesday 21 October
Neither of us wants to bring up what happened the night before, so we study the menus. NME man announces he doesn't like breakfast and my mood sinks even lower. Breakfast is my FAVOURITE meal of the day (or joint fave with afternoon tea)
NME man reminds me he is vegetarian - so he orders an omlette and coffee.
I push the boat out with poached eggs, brioche and smoked salmon and felt like a pig next to him. Especially when he eats about two bites of the omlette.
I try to make conversation talking about what we will do that day in the boats, but we don't seem to be flirting. Even when I lean across the table to tap him on the shoulder, proper flirting, he doesnt take my bait. I know he's shy so he rarely shows how he feels, but I get the impression he is kind of regretting the night before.
And then I give him ammunition to regret it by turning neurotic as I suddenly remember that I am meant to call in sick from work.
I knew I wouldnt get the day off if I asked for it because other people were on holiday. But the thing is, calling sickies is so alien to me.
I have never had a day off in the whole of my working life.
One day I had to leave work in the middle of the day to go to hosiptal and be put on a drip when I had a severe allergy and was generally run down. But I was back at work the next day!!
So I get all panicked and stared asking nme man, 'do i text, do I call, how should my voice sound?, can I practise my voice on you?' He looks at me like I'm mental...
I go to my room to do it in private. A lot easier than I thought.
And re-join him to drive to our boating lesson.
We had a really good day in the water. Took lots of photos for the article. He was better than me, which added to his ego, but I refused to give up. And I did argue my run was harder because I had to drive in the wake of another boat and that made my path more bumpy.
We all laughed when I stopped too suddenly and nme man in the back got soaked. I laughed sooo hard.
Then it's time to drive back to London - 2 hour drive