Monday 6 December 2010

Eyecandy Monday - birthday post

Look what I unwrapped!

Ahem, no. But I have had another birthday, and as usual I've compiled a wee list of things I managed to do for the first time in the last year. Daren't fall into a rut at my age!

When I was 43, I:


  • Had a White Xmas - yes, my first!
  • Had my hair cut by a man.
  • Got Gokked by a friend - makeover, haircut, eyebrow threading (OW!!). It didn't stick though. I have gone back to being unkempt.
  • Went to Rome, and to San Francisco. I walked in a redwood forest!
  • Did my first ever public erotica reading, at the World Horror Convention.
  • Ate lunch at the Fat Duck.
  • Went out in a strappy dress without a bra. Yes, first time in my adult life.
  • Danced all evening in high heels. Yes, ditto.


  • Saw Rammstein, live - twice!
  • Invited to my house a friend from the internet who I'd never spoken to IRL (in exactly that way you're supposed not to) and it turned out she wasn't a six-foot axe-murderer with a beard (Yay!). She did make us - and I'm not exaggerating here - a bucket full of cookies. Which we ate in two days.
  • With small blips (see above) kept my weight down to 9 stone. That's er, 126lbs. I like my body.
  • Sold 9 short stories and got 4 rejections. 
  • Started publishing with Ellora's Cave
  • And I endured a house extension - beginning to end. Well, endish. (Oh, I am so middle-aged. Pass me my slippers.)

15 comments:

Jo said...

Oo great list again! Love your photo :) the cookies go scary fast don't they? I want to go to Fat Duck too. Hope you had a good b day night out and didn't fall asleep in your soup.

Oh btw, I think I left my beard and axe in the back of the car?

Janine Ashbless said...

lol!

Actually you appear to have left an item of underwear! Black camisole top? Either that, or Mr Ashbless is up to something he hasn't been telling me!

Oh the scandalous lives of writers...

Jo said...

Ah, nuts, me vest.

Shanna Germain said...

Janine, you continue to be such an inspiration to me. Not only do you write amazing fiction, but you also never stop living.

Also: I'm going to be going around saying, "Ah, nuts, me vest," all day just because I love the way it sounds! :)

Happy new trip around the sun. May it be ever brighter.

Best, s.

Janine Ashbless said...

Aw - that is so sweet Shanna! Thank you!

(My fave loan word from Jo is "eejit" btw. Hope she doesn't mind!)

Sekrit Shoppa said...

Happy Birthday - I love your list of firsts. You've NEVER danced in heels before? I think I'm at the stage where I'll never dance in heels again, having done a bit too much of that.

Jo said...

Oh dear, I have no conscious memory of using the word eejit while away. Ah, tis a charming brogue I do have! :)

Emerald said...

Happy birthday Janine! A lovely and inspiring list, and congratulations. :)

(Also, I really want those boots. Already have the leggings. ;))

Janine Ashbless said...

The boots were from a fancy dress shop (I was at a party as Dale Arden, space babe). They were surprising comfortable, actually, given that I don't normally wear heels.

Craig Sorensen said...

That's a fine list of accomplishments, Janine!

BTW, I've never danced the night away in high heels either. The strappy dress without a bra, however...

Happy belated birthday to you.

Kat Black said...

belated felicitations, Janine. Hope you've already started on the new list of firsts!

Nikki Magennis said...

Happy Birthday, Janine, sorry I'm late. It's the snow.

And congratulations on a very impressive list of firsts.

Janine Ashbless said...

Nikki, how are you managing in the snow? The temperature drops in scotland are amazing right now!

And Kat - can you email me at janine dot ashbless at yahoo dot com? I have an invitation to pass on to you.

Charlotte Stein aka The Mighty Viper said...

Happy Birthday, lovely lovely person! Well done on having such a fun and full year.

Danielle said...

i know i already said congrats and happy b day but that list was so cute that i cant resist from saying it again..:-))))