The Hour

I have been a busy bee these past few weeks when I have neglected the blogging world, so there’s plenty to catch up on today.

As with life in general, it has been a period of highs and lows – some moments hilarious and others devastating. Let me explain.

After getting bogged down with the dreaded sickness bug that has been going around, I had a week off work to recover, relax and enjoy some time out.

I went to visit my little sister in Edinburgh which I really enjoyed. We ate out in a fantastic restaurant at Leith shores, we drank cocktails out of teapots (right up my street) and we drove her poor boyfriend bonkers by singing the soundtrack to Wicked, Sound of Music and any other musical available on Spotify, at the top of our voices – some things never change.

The next day I was treated to a day of pampering at the Zen Lifestyle Spa in Teviot Place, Edinburgh.

I know I have said this before but I really think certain beauty treatments should be available on the NHS. Since I was diagnosed with cancer I have felt very pale, rundown and if honest, lost a bit of self-confidence as I feel I often look ill.

Pampering days give you such a boost and help to put a little sparkle back in your life. I had Blink and Go eyelash extensions applied, a spray tan, HD brow treatment (sounds terrifying but they shape and dye your brows for a perfect Hollywood look) and a Shellac manicure.

The beautician was fantastic and talked me through all the treatments, all the time very understanding about my illness woes. By the time I left the salon I was like a new woman – apart from the fact I had to sit on the train smelling of fake tan (like soggy biscuits as my boyfriend says) so I apologise to the man sitting next to me.

All these treatments weren’t in vain. I was going to my friend Alex and Ronnie’s wedding the next day and it was the perfect chance to show off my mini-makeover.

The wedding took place in Cupar in Fife and the sun was shining for their big day.

It was one of the most fun, unique and beautiful weddings I have ever attended. Veronica is from a large Italian family and we were treated to home made ice cream, a delicious meal and lots of fun Italian wedding customs.

The next day, I was up and away to T in the Park. I was shattered but I am so glad I went. Beyoncé was incredible.

LIFE ACCORDING TO LAURA

• My Beyoncé review
• Emotional interview with John Hartson
• My Heroes night with The Wanted

Watching her from the pit in front of the stage was honestly one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed. The woman is a machine with such a stunningly powerful voice and an unbelievable body. I was blown away!

I went back to the STV cabin in the media area to write my review, only to be hit with one of the saddest pieces of news I have ever received: a young lady, battling bowel cancer, who got in touch with me through the blog, had taken a turn for the worse and is now in a hospice.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. She is a similar age to me and her emails have been a source of comfort and inspiration as we have shared stories of our experience with the disease.

I know she is being well looked after, she told me the hospice is an amazing place, but my heart goes out to this brave girl and it makes me realise just how precious life is.

I constantly have to tell myself to live each day to the full as I don’t know what the future holds (I know no-one does) but when you hear things like this, it is so hard.

I have everything crossed for my blog buddy but I am struggling to come to terms with the news.

On Sunday, my dad came to T in the Park and that is where the madness began… If I was to go into every last detail of how this day unfolded we would be here till the next T, so I will make it as brief as possible:

Dad arrived after refusing to wear wellies or a rain jacket. There was the heaviest downpour I have ever witnessed in my life. Dad was forced to wear bright yellow poncho (snigger). We went to see my hero Blondie. She was slightly batty but in a good way. We got drenched. We moved into the King Tuts tent to watch Brandon Flowers. I love him – so does dad but in a slightly different way. He was fantastic, well what I could hear of him next to dad reciting the entire album in my ear.

We left the tent. It was a mud bath. We decided to be sensible and go home early. Dad lost the car. We spent over two hours searching for it in the rain in the car park. We failed. We were forced to climb a gate, walk through a field and try and get the bus home. Another hour and we were on our way. It took two hours to get home.

Next day dad went to get the car. It was 50 yards from where we had been standing. His key wouldn’t work. The RAC had to come. He got in. The car was stuck. He had to be pulled out by a tractor. The end!

Now when I look back it is hilarious but at the time I was in tears! Poor dad – what a legend, although mum has now banned him from ever going to T in the Park again.

On Monday I was at hospital and my test results are steady, so for now the drugs seem to be keeping the leukaemia cells at bay. I really hope it continues.

I am determined to make the most of every opportunity I get now and in August I will be hosting the Ciao Bella fashion stage at Belladrum festival, which I am really looking forward to. Fashion and festivals – it’s my dream gig.

I have been hitting the gym (well attempting too) in a bid to build up a Beyoncé like booty as I am hoping to get away on holiday in the middle of August (travel insurance pending).

This weekend I am going up to Oban with my girly friends to take part in a World Record Breaking Strip the Willow attempt – heaven help us!

Life is generally good. I am approaching my two year anniversary of living with cancer and I would be lying if I didn’t say I am terrified as I have read many things which suggest life expectancy for leukaemia patients is between 5 -10 years.

I hope the drugs I am on can change these statistics but it is difficult to get the numbers out of your mind.

For now though, all I can do is embrace each day as it comes.

laura.boyd@stv.tv