I've been introduced to a new diet (or rather a way of life) based on blood type. It's by a guy called Peter D'Abalo and basically says that there are certain personality traits that can be attributed to our blood types and certain foods that affect the different blood types in different ways. Andrew and I are trying it out. Basically he has to steer clear of wheat, dairy and various grains and pulses. I have to steer clear of chicken (sob! sob!) avocado (more sobs) cashews (how am I going to survive) and corn in all its forms. Be a bit of a blow when I go to the cinema tomorrow.

There are loads of avoids of things I've taken for granted such as tomatoes, cucumber, soya and even pumpkin. What to bulk out soup with now as lentil are also off the menu. We're going to start properly tomorrow and see where we get to. The diet is supposed to help you live longer, deal with a multitude of ailments (if you have them) and give you loads more energy. I'll let you know hiw it goes.

Got the passport. After days of chasing around to get proof of address at the banks, doctors and optitians all they asked to see on the day was my marriage licence. It took four hours and £114.00 and I walked out of the office in Peterborough with a new passport. Mrs Dixon it is now - an e-passport and a picture that makes me look like a criminal (no smiles allowed).

It feels great to be getting back into performing. Did a bellydance workshop on Sunday with Dawn O'Brien on two different styles - Fusion and American Folk something. It was so good my friend and I booked some private sessions with her and had the first one tonight. It's so different having someone making sure your posture is right, that the moves are being done correctly and to have time to drill the moves to build muscle memory.

Have to find a way to fuse bellydance and poetry on stage - can I do it by the end of November for 'Positively Red'?

Trying to get a passport in a hurry. The passport office will do a one day service for a change of name (even though it says otherwise on their website). Can't believe how difficult it was to get my bank (Barclays) to print me a satement on headed paper in the branch. Apparently it is not permissible to do that - should go through head office and take 3-4 working days. Had to get the manager to sanction it after an extremely 'jobs worth' assistant assured me it couldn't be done. No one at the doctor's surgery could print on headed paper except the secretary - and she goes home at 3.30 p.m. Heaven preserve us from beauracracy!!

What else not going to plan? The full Wedding DVD will not be ready for another 4 weeks (as there is rather a lot of footage to edit) so plan for girlie night to watch it will have to be mid September - nearly two months after the event!!

What nice is happening? The collage of photos of the day arrived very quickly and looks great. My bridesmaid made me a lovely album of the event which included pictures from trying on the dress in the shop, the hen night, pictures from the morning before we even begun to get dressed, the siute we stayed in including the stunning views, some unusual shots of the rest of the day and pictures of the Sunday morning. I was touched - almost cried - by her thoughtfulness. I've been circulating the DVD of evening pictures, set to music, and getting great comments.

Rediscovering the splendid guidance of the Tarot. Spotted a Tarot Bible last week and have been working my way through it. It is extremely comprehensive. Love it and getting great guidance. Main message - relax and go with the flow.

I'm needing to attend to some practical things which feels like intrusion into my little bubble of happiness. Preparing for a court hearing for one. One interesting fact I discovered is that there is a VAT helpline that's very interested in companies/individuals who offer cash options to customers. Even if you have no tangible proof but have the VAT number of the company they are prepared to investigate.

I'm also having to go through the tedious process of changing my name on a whole range of documents. A friend of mine gave me a tip - do it slowly - as things come up for renewal. May try that

I've ordered a collage of pictures from the wedding. One of Andrew's friends sent us a small one she'd done and we liked it so much we've ordered a big one of almost 90 images. We should have all the pictures by next week and hopefully the DVD soon.

Saturday at Writers Without Borders was great - some fantastic writing - and the cake went down well. One member took a piece home for her daughter in the hope it may encourage her to become a less of a reluctant bride. I did the poem I've written for Andrew 'Refugee' - first public performance. It was very fitting; given that I've just taken his name. 'After dinner Speech' also got its first airing but it was proably better to have left it till another time. I brought in a few photos of the wedding to show the group and heard the word 'stunning' used several times about my dress. I was flattered.

Its now August and the scene is set for a round of birthdays. I have 9 friends and family with birthdays in August. I was out for a meal with one of them tonight. Her daughter arranged a surprise dinner at San Carlos on Temple St in the city cente. Its years since I've been there and I'd forgotton how lovely the food is and how vibrant and alive the atmosphere is. Those Italian waiters still work magic with the guests on the charm front - so much so that we didn't grumble about the £20 service charge the added to the bill. They did such a splendid rendition of 'Happy Birthday to you, it was worth it. Wine on par with the Belfry prices but it was a great evening - first official invite as Mr and Mrs.

I'm going to need to put in some serious time in the gym over the next few weeks if I'm not to undo all the good work which enabled be to fit into that dress.

I'm still reliving the day as I sift through the photos to choose the best ones for the albums/DVD. I am taken aback by the joy and laughter on the faces of our guests - especially when they are not aware of being photographed/filmed. Aahhh....it was such a wonderful day.