IAQs ii

[magic pencil cross stitch]

More Infrequently Asked Questions. (For the first batch, see here).

Q: Do you still do radio?

A: I do, indeed. For two years until last September I was a fortnightly guest on BBC Radio Berkshire's Family Phone-In, discussing the ups and downs, ins and outs, highs and lows of family life. One of the best moments was when Alice, who was listening at home, texted in a question for me, and I didn't realise it was from her. These days I sometimes take part in the Culture Panel, and I often do phone interviews from home.

Q: Have you ever been on TV?

A: I was just about to say how much I love doing radio precisely because no-one can see me. But yes, I have been on TV once, on Market Kitchen. It went very well, all done in one take, and I even consented to wearing a tiny bit of make-up (a lot, lot less than I imagined Iwould be asked to slap on). It wasn't bad in the end, but I can only say that now, three years after the event, having finally watching myself for the first time last week.

Q: So do you not wear make-up?

A: Not if I can help it. When I was little I was always fascinated by the contents of my mum's friends' make-up bags (yes, I asked to look), especially pan stick. Later, I went through a Biba phase of smoky eyes and dark nails - but only in the house. I couldn't actually go out with it all on.  I suffer badly from hay fever and allergies to cats etc, and eye make-up is impossible when you rub your eyes constantly.

Q: OK, so you are not keen on cats, even though your best friend at infant school had a Russian Blue whose colour fur you liked. By the way, can you still speak Russian?

A: Нет, я забылa почти все. Quick answer: no. But, I have discovered a fantastic set of Russian language CDs produced by a native Russian speaker who has a fabulous accent when he speaks English (just the ways he says 'conversation' makes my day). Now my car journeys are all about Gagarin, Pushkin, and the verbs of motion. I can't say it's all flooding back, but at least I can once again buy tickets for the ballet in Russian.

Q: Any other languages in your batterie de langues, as it were?

A: Can I just say that I have never understood the point of the phrase 'as it were'? Good, thank you. Hazy Latin, sharper French, and four attempts at learning German (sixth form, twice for export marketing, and three years in Germany). In the end, I took lessons in knitting-pattern German, having-twins-in-Germany German, and shopping-in-markets German, so I became fluent in those subjects but couldn't buy tickets for the ballet.

Q: Have you actually ever bought any tickets to the ballet?

A: Yes, Phoebe and I have seen the 'Nutcracker' a couple of times, and I would happily learn how to buy tickets in any language to see the Trocks.

Q: Will you be going to the ballet again this Christmas?

A: I'm sorry, it's still November. I don't want to appear rude, but I don't dicuss Christmas this early (or, preferably, at all). But I haven't been able to avoid the new John Lewis advert. Please, please, let me not have to endure it again. 

Q: And finally, did you do this cross stitch? I thought you didn't like cross stitch.

A: Yes. Isn't it wonderful to be able to change one's mind?

Comments

[Rebecca]

What wonderful snippets you have given us. Changing one's mind is one of the very marvellous parts of getting older.

[Sue]

John Lewis ad nauseating to be sure but not as bad as that awful singing on the M&S ad.

[Elizabeth]

This is a lovely way to do a post and I love crafts that look like other arts/crafts.

[Ruth]

This post put a smile on my face tonight! Thankyou, Jane!

[Natalie]

I just came across your blog, and I have to say, very cool cross stitch!

[busybusybeejay]

Good luck with the russian.I am about to give Welsh a second go!An impossible language.

[Lisa]

I love that cross stitch! Fun 'interview'.

[Jill Richards]

The comments on You Tube after that advert are truly awful....

[Frances]

Oh Jane, this has made me laugh. I do like your light touch with the interview format (and your wise answers, too.)

Best wishes from New York.

[Wandering Chopsticks]

Have you tried Simulasan? My mom suffers itchy eyes and I do too sometimes. A friend recommended it and it's really quite effective. My mom has tried lots of brands and this worked best for her.

[violetsrose]

See, that John Lewis advert made me burst into tears when I saw it the other night - how could you not love it?

[D A Nelson]

Very informative. I too am allergic to cats, but unable to speak Russian! I can only remember one phrase of school German and that's Uber de brucke! (Hopefully it's spelled correctly - couldn't find the umlaut button) Ref the adverts...It's not the John Lewis advert that annoys me - it's the Marks & Spencer one with the X Factor finalists. Sorry, but it's nauseating. I am no fan of the X Factor that's for sure! Bring back Take That!! Maybe I should start a campaign!! Ha ha Dawn xxx

[Steph]

Why don't you discuss Christmas Jane? Don't you bake something special or put up some handmade decos or cards? It's a wonderful, wonderful family time and I cannot quite imagine someone like you not to enjoy it when your life is so family-centric. I still get wistful when I think about the wonderful Christmases orchestrated by my mum and dad, with handmade decorations and some special food.

[Victoria]

And they wonder why children can't concentrate at school when they're surrounded by adverts making them feel that Christmas is just around the corner when it's only mid-November! I stick to the rule of never even looking at a mince pie until December 1 has arrived and even then it's a bit early. Enjoy Christmas good and proper when it finally comes!

[Лилия]

Дорогая Джейн! Вы забылА почти всё у вами узнала! :-)