I concede.

It suddenly got all too much.

The overwhelming sensation hit during my weekly singing session and it was as clear as day - I needed to sleep.

I went home. Ate dinner (palak paneer and half a bottle of red wine) and went to bed. All I could manage was one page of the book I was reading. I was barely able to turn the light out - I was under. And 9 - yes 9 - hours later at 6am I woke up - MORE TIRED THAN EVER BEFORE!!!!!

I have not really had more than about 6-7 hours sleep for easily a few months now, and I fear that since I have given in, I have become sleeps bitch. I just want more now. If I am not sleeping, then I am thinking about sleep. I am imaging sneaking off during work hours for a quick kip...what have I become???????

It has to stop. After tonight. I am going to allow myself one more night of pure, unadulterated sleep bliss - and then back to my measly 6 hours. Must remember my mantra, "sleep is for the weak"...which in my case, is true - too much sleep and I am a mess!!!!

Meanwhile, in other news, I have become an ambassador for the small country of Lovely - officially joining its ranks and taking its oath. My flat has become an embassy of Lovely, flying its flag and sporting a lovely portrait of our leader, King Danny I. And it feels lovely to be a part of it.

Just another day....

September 26th - an example of an ordinary day in the life of me...

I awake at 6am to find I have slept with a cockroach. Well, a dead cockroach that I believe fell from my ceiling at some stage during my slumber but was kind enough to fall on my bed....a pleasant awakening I assure you.

Work - 7am. All seems to be going swimmingly and I make the grand discovery thanks to google of the book "How to Catch and Hold a Man," by Yvonne Antelle. It is pure gold, full of insights and advice such as "Keep thinking of yourself as a soft, mysterious cat.... Men are fascinated by bright, shiny objects, by lots of curls, lots of hair on the head ... by bows, ribbons, ruffles and bright colors.... Sarcasm is dangerous. Avoid it altogether." Amen sisters.

I receive an email confirming that I have been cast in an upcoming new and exciting promotional campaign - fantastic news and I am very chuffed.

My agent calls and I have an hour to bluff my way out of work and get to an audition - my agent is more than vague about this .... all I know is the where and when I am meant to be audititioning....oh the mystery.

I make the audition and hoorah indeed, I have just auditioned for the role of "fatty in the mirror". No word of a lie. I indeed went for a casting that was merely me standing looking at the mirror....as the "before" shot. My pride and what I have left of my dignity are feeling a little bruised....can I possibly contemplate a gig that has me being the "before" lady for all the world to see for a measly fist full of dollars???? (well, yes .... I have to pay for next years "lightning tour" somehow!)

Now, back at work, avoiding actually doing any work by posting a blog entry....in half an hour I drive off to visit my friend in the burbs for dinner at the local "Bowling Club" - it is Tuesday afterall.

Oh yeah, and I found ANOTHER grey hair. Damn.

Sigh. Just another day....

Yes!

I thought I saw Danny Wallace on the tube. It was very exciting. OK, so maybe it was not him....but I am going to pretend it was. If I had of been quick enough (ie. not laden down with a 17kg backpack and aeroplane legs) I would have jumped aboard and given him one hell of a high-five! BTW - he is the author of "Yes Man!" And he is also a bit of a dish.

This is because I think I am having a "yescapade". Or at the very least, I am starting to understand the joy of "yessence". Yes took me on my whirlwind tour and back to some of the most important people in my life. Yes has seen me performing non-stop this year, writing, singing, stand-up, impro, comedy festivals....scaring me into challenging myself and my abilities and all the while rewarding me with experiences and great fantastic memories. And I had not even read "Yes Man" yet when all this begun!!!!

I am such a fan though, because Danny Wallace completely put into words the thoughts and feelings I could not - you know how you get that with songs??? Its like you would have said that - if only you could've.... well, thats what I got from Yes Man...well, that and a bit of a crush.

I have been back hom for not even two days...I have already worked through a myriad of emotions....what adventure next eh...? I am indeed ready for one!

Sleep is for the weak!

Yes, Jon Bon Jovi makes a fine fine argument. Indeed, I am currently in Dublin, almost at the end of my lightning tour....its just not enough time - but its better than no time at all.

I have way too much to say to put into an entry in an internet cafe - particularly when surrounded by the local youth that seem to frequent this place almost nightly, logging on to chat rooms and typing WAY faster than I - ahhh, my own youth, how I miss you.

One thing though is my determination NOT to be tired. With such limited time with my friends here and within this city that I love so much, I am trying hard to look sleepiness in the eye and tell it to be gone! Alas, I fear I will be carrying more bags under my eyes than actually on my back for the flight home.

Sleep is a funny thing. I am acutely aware whilst sleeping of all the different sounds and smells of the cities I have been so briefly in these last two weeks - but have been suffering a few nightmares. In particular I had a sleepy encounter with the undead in the back canals of Venice - very creepy....and my old nemesis of sleep - the chikd catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is back - Maaaaaan he creeps me out. Luckily, I intend on not sleeping much at all for the last four nights abroad - like Jon says - I'm gonna live while I'm alive and sleep when I'm (un)dead.