Writing, fatshion, me: Tori Amos and Belle & Sebastian

On the 8th of April I went to see Tori Amos in Sheffield with my friend Janet. And then four days later I went to see Belle and Sebastian in Manchester with my friend Sam. So here's a quick post about that week.

I'm not the world's biggest Tori Amos fan but I like what I've heard by her so when Janet posted asking for someone to go to Tori's Sheffield gig with her, I jumped at the chance. We booked tickets forever ago but all too soon it came round. Janet came to mine first because she wanted to see the new house, so I showed her round and then we set off to Sheffield. We parked at Middlewood and got the tram to City Hall. We went into Pho for food and I had something different to what I normally have! I had veggie spring rolls and tofu rice bowl I think. They were nice but as nice as what I usually have - so lesson learned.

We walked round to City Hall and easily got in and up to our seats which were right on the left side of the balcony, with such a good view! My friend Stacey was also there so she came to speak to us briefly. The support guy was ....fine. I've heard worse support bands but he wasn't thrilling either.

But Tori was great! I knew she was going to be good but I was blown away. She played two pianos at several points, playing different things on each one. What a talent! She had some backing singers who sounded great too. It was just such a beautiful time, listening to her play and letting the music wash over me. I loved it.

We had a bit of a problem getting back because the trams were stopped, so we got a taxi back to Middlewood, but it was fine. I got back in good time and went to bed!

That was Wednesday, and on the Friday morning my mum came over to mine. It was the eighteenth anniversary of my dad's death so we had decided to go out for brunch near me. As I went to meet her I realised my blue badge had arrived! It has already made a massive difference to my life which I'll explain in further posts, and I am so glad to have it. We went up into Penistone and did a few errands before we went into Holme Coffee House for food. I had shakshuka which was nice. It was nice to see her and I'm glad we did it.

The day after, the 11th, we were planning to stay in, but then I realised I needed a new suitcase to go on holiday as both our bigger ones are broken. So I suggested to Lee that we went to Fox Valley to buy a new suitcase from The Range. It's really close to our new house - much easier than going into Barnsley - so we've been going there much more. We got what we wanted in The Range and then walked round to The Old George coffee house for brunch. I do love a brunch! I had vegetarian eggs benedict which came with hash browns on top which were really good. I think I had an iced coffee, too.

On Sunday I relaxed for most of the day before setting out about 5.30 to Manchester, to meet Sam. We both like Belle & Sebastian and have seen them a few times, although not for ages. They were playing their first two albums in full, one night after the other. Same wanted to go to both but I couldn't afford that, so I said I'd go on Sunday. Jacqui went with her on the Saturday night and they had had a good time too.

I parked in a disabled space which was only a few yards away from the venue which was great! I met Sam and after not too long we were allowed in as we had access. We were taken up to the balcony in the lift and shown to reserved seats. They had a runner to go to the bar for us which was great too - she was really useful! B&S were absolutely great - really joyful and fun as they always are. I had such a nice time and I'm glad I went even though it had been a really busy few days!