So this is goodbye

Not much of a shock really though is it?

I know I don't blog much anymore, I just can't find it in me to do it. But I have a lot to thank this blog for. I found it incredibly theraputic when I was depressed, it was something to concentrate on when I wanted to avoid other more difficult and darker things.

But now I don't seem to need it anymore, worse than that I don't want to do it because it reminds me of a darker time in my life. But I feel kind of guilty about it giving it up.

Not the blog, but missing out on talking to some genuinely nice people out there who were very supportive and kind to me in my darker days.

I correspond with a few of you via email and I'd welcome the chance to keep in touch with as many of you as possible. My email address is on the profile page, so if you wanna drop me a line at any time please do.

I'd like to say thank you, pure and simple.

The Wanderer returns

Yes, I'm still alive.

Sorry for not reporting back sooner, but I have been busy. And to be honest I haven't really had anything interesting to blog about. Seriously, my life is that dull. A whole week - nothing to report.

Started work, four days too soon. Yup, misread the offer of employment letter. Well, I didn't really misread more skimmed the letter and missed the part where they'd changed my start date. Wasn't highlighted, no covering letter with it just a basic set of terms and conditions of employment, but with a change saying I know started on the fifth not the first. Not to worry, the boss is away later in the month so I can slide the four days I'm owed into that time.

Other than that, work itself is fine. A bit dull to be honest. Trying to get new information into your head about a subject you know nothing about is hard work. No reference points. But it'll come with time.

No major beers at the weekend, as I was working both Saturday and Sunday, and I missed the start of the international rugby season as well. First time in a long time for that, but needs must.

The only other bit of news is that The Artist has become a bit of a babe magnet. He has two chasing him and is after two others himself. He is, we feel, coming out of his shell after his wife walked out on him. And despite being a little jealous of the attention he's getting, we're all very pleased for him, no, really we are.

Hope you guys are doing well, am a little behind on my blog reading, work, gym and dog commitments will do that to you. So I'm off to read all about you....


laters

Tuesday, Tuesday

I'm being good and blogging two days in succession, you may thank me later. Was going to play golf this morning, but sneaked off to the gym instead. Had last week off, think its the SAD effect all round. Still trying to get out of it now but I'm forcile myself, so even if I struggled a bit I intend to not let any little breaks from the norm start to creep into my gym routine. My jeans are tight so time to keep the regime going.

So gym was ok, then went for a haircut ready for the new job on Thursday. Strolled up through the fields throwing copious sticks for Bo to chase. Arrived at the rents house, had a cuppa and went to pick up some food for the dogs. Left the dog with my Mum and headed off to get the feed. Trying to acclimatise the mutt to spending some time with the rents while I'm at work. Dog seemed ok, but the old girl tends to feed him as a matter of course if she thinks he's the least bit whiney. So so far so good.

Started my book last night, did 1850ish words, so ahead of schedule. Will need to do my 1667 tonight to keep me on course. Was an interesting experiment, will see how it goes really. Nice to just let the words flow and not really worry about structure, plot and narrative. Just write the words and finish the 50,000 words, then go back read it and see what you think. Easy, apparently.

Apart from that trying not to think too hard about going back to work, but I feel like a kid whose summer break is coming to an end. Will be nice to have cash in my pockets again though, can start to save for the nice things in life -clothes, cheap holidays and a new pc or mac maybe.

Here's to dreaming the dream.


laters

I'm getting worse at this aren't I, there was a time not so long ago where I would post everyday. Now I can go several days without feeling guilty about not blogging. Sad to say I have very little of interest to tell you. Same old same old, down here in the dark depths of Wales.

I think it might have something to do with the time of year. I was chatting to The Artist earlier and he echoed my thoughts, namely, that wanting time and space to oneself does not mean being anti-social. Neither of us can fathom why we want space and time alone but surprising enough we both feel the same way. So are you guy's in a similar vein, happy to be by yourself not really being arsed to see your friends. I'm saying this without any hint of negativity, it's cool, we both agree on this. Just enjoying the space. That said I am out walking our respective dogs with The Artist tonight.

Other things of note....... nothing. Start new job on Thursday, but I'm not looking forward to it. But it'll give me more money to play with, so I'll be able to afford some new stuff, which'll be nice. I'll work weekends so that'll knock down the drinking considerably which will help the healthy lifestyle and trim a few inches off the waistline. Job done. Although the hanging out with mates on a Saturday and Sunday is something I really enjoy, never mind I suppose.

This will be the first year in a long time where I won't be able to enjoy the 6 Nations rugby tournament down the pub with the mates either. It's been a long, long time since that's happened. Still will have to make do with the highlights and the plus point being if Wales lose I don't have to watch the carnage.

Wow, four days in as many paragraphs times they are a changing.


laters

Lazy Days

Seems I have nothing to do for the next few days apart form play xbox, walk the dog, surf the internet, chat on IM, watch The Sopranos and wank (not at the Sopranos, no, I do not have a secret thing for Big Tony, but Drea de Matteo is undeniably gorgeous though). Glory be, 6 more days of this and then back to the grind of work, back to just 4 weeks of holidays and bosses. Still at least I get more money to play with.

Quiet day, but iPod is dolling out some great racks to help me chill with.

Stereophonics - Same size shoes
Elbow - Newborn
The Blues Brothers - Everybody needs someone to love
The Stone Roses - Waterfall
Blind Melon - Drive
Tom Petty - A mind with a heart of its own
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - White palms
The Coral - Auntie's operation
Sugar - A good idea
N.E.R.D - Rock star poser
The Smiths - There's a light that never goes out
Kasabian - Orange
Radiohead - In limbo
Air - J'ai Dormi Sous L'eau
Johnny Cash - Cry, cry, cry
Joanna Newsom - Emily

Oh yeah, starting my month of writing today, wish me luck.....


laters

Here's Johnny!!!!

Ok, remember when I said my hard drive was looking shaky and you could lose me any day now, well that day was Saturday. If it wasn't for the fact that my friend, The Happy Snapper (he's a photographer), was back in civilisation and could get the bits I needed. Turned out it was the hard drive and nothing else, did get some extra RAM as well so the laptop's a little faster than before. So more of the fun of re-installing all my bits and pieces.

Nevermind, had a reasonably good weekend really, got drunk, danced a little and hung out with some friends. Doesn't get much better than that really.

Today, I've got to go order a new carpet for our living room. We finally get a nice living room to hang out in all we need is a nice big tv to put in it. If anyone has an old one I'll come and pick it up if you're not too far away.

No laptop means no progress on the whole book thing so I think I'll have to start today. Been talking about writing with The Happy Snapper lately as well. It seems everine has a better idea for a novel than me. Buggers.

Hope ya'll are good.....


laters

Open Book

Saw a friend of mine yesterday for the first time in 2 years or so. It was really good to see them and catch up. Took the dog for a walk and chewed the fat with My Chester Friend, while her husband was in a business meeting. Have to admit it was a thoroughly pleasant afternoon and we've promised to make sure it's not another 2 years before we see each other again. If you're a regular reader of her blog you would have seen me there earlier today, in truth I'm no oil painting but the shots she took of me and my dog did me no favours, as she put it 'You looked a complete minger in them'. So I had her crop me out of them, thankfully. I truly hate having my picture taken and I've yet to see a photograph of me that doesn't make me look a fright. Maybe I am just an ugly bloke.

Sorted lots of stuff out on the phone today and some short phone calls to my creditors and a such has taken a great weight off my shoulders. So along with a new job, my situation is starting to look a little brighter. Funny though I can't seem to shake off this funk I woke up in this morning. But I'm definitely looking forward to having a pint tonight.

The gym work is starting to help have lost 7lbs in the last 2 weeks, so ahead of schedule on the 2lbs per week weight loss for the next 3 months or so. I get a real buzz out of going and watching my body slowly get fitter and thinner. The increased fitness levels are a real boost as well, I'm already sleeping better.

During our conversation yesterday My Chester Friend and I were discussing writing and her attempts to write her novel. She's starting work soon and will have time as a receptionist to finish her first draft. This came as a bit of a surprise, as she'd never mentioned that she'd written the first half of it to me before. Turn out there is a website called National Book Writing Month where would be authors sign up to complete 50,000 words in 30 days. Now this sounded a bit daunting to me, until she explained that you're challenged to write 1600 odd words per day every day. Doing that ensures you'll reach your 50,000 words target. The rules are simple, just write. Don't worry about punctuation, re-writes or editing. Once you've finished the 50,000 words or so then go back and read through and edit and re-write as much as you want. I like the idea, so I'm gonna give it a try. If you fancy joining me then give me a shout and we'll give it a go together. My Chester Friend has set me the challenge to get to the 50,000 words before she does, but she's already 25,000 words ahead. I've got a very rough idea, so I'm just gonna write and see what happens.

That was one of the reasons I started this blog, and it helped raise my spirits, was to improve my writing skills. Not sure if it has but I'm gonna try it as an experiment. Who knows I might be a published author in the near future.

'Yeah, and monkeys'll fly out my butt!!'


laters