Embarassing moment No.1

I've called this post 'Embarrasing moment No.1' in recognition that reality all to often likes to throw a few 'curve balls' our way; this was my first.

Having survived the aforementioned Flu, I was just about fit enough to venture out for an impromptu outing with Lisa and new girl Karen who was visiting from Scotland.

We had a lovely meal in 'Velvet', followed by paying our respects to Mary and the girls at Manchester Concorde. Before I knew it, it was time to say my 'goodbyes' and make my way back home.

When I got to the carpark, to my horror I couldn't find my ticket; you know how it is with handbags, they contain everything except what you need - and I really needed that ticket, without which I couldn't make my exit through the automatic barrier. I turned my handbag out twice and searched my car for that darn ticket before resigning to the fact I would need to try and contact an attendent to help me - the carpark is one of those automatic sort and is unmanned after about 7pm.

But ah-ha! I spied an emergency phone.... bright yellow and a sign that said 'press any button to contact security'... ok, so it's going to be a bit embarrasing to explain I've lost my ticket and I'm dressed like a woman... do I try my best female voice? ...hmmmm... I decided that in doing the latter might just make things even more embarrasing ..... but then I found that didn't matter since the phone didn't work anyway - even after trying all the buttons.

I then decided to run up to the next floor (in heels) to see if there was another emergency phone.... and then up to the next .... and the next... and the next.... about 6 floors later and no phone. Nothing for it but to try at the hotel just a little down the street to see if they had a contact number. At this stage I was wondering if I was going to have to get room in this hotel and wait until morning .... what would 'D' say if she found I hadn't come home the night before?

Confidence is an intersting thing, so is adrenaline ... and I had just run up and down 6 flights of stairs, but it was thought of having to explain myself to 'D'..... so I strolled into the hotel reception with as much confidence that I could carry; to the amusement of about half-a-dozen guests who were sat at the bar.

The nice man behind the reception desk was very professional. After all , over the Sparkle weekend this hotel is affectionately known as 'Tranny Towers', so they should be used to seeing the odd t-girl. When I asked if he had a contact phone number for the carpark, he directed me to rather large sign at the front - which had a very clear number to contact in emergencies - fortunately I had my mobile with me... but clearly my common sense had long since left me for examining the obvious.

Back at the carpark and I called the number, and with great relief it was answered. The attendant appeared within minutes and took my details with all due professionalism; and let me out promising that the University will contact me in due course.

Next visit, I'm going to staple that ticket to my head.