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

My new favourite toy

Off to visit my soon-to-be new boss tomorrow to sort out the details of my contract. It'll be nice to be back in work after nearly 6 months looking for work. It seems the dark clouds around me are starting to clear somewhat. Whether this is to do with the proposed new job, getting back in to the gym or a mixture of the two and a few other things who knows, all I can tell you is that I'm starting to feel like my old self for the first time in months. So thanks to all of you for your kind words of support during this dark little period.

For the last 2 weeks we've been experiencing problems with our internet service, it keeps dropping the connection at the most annoying times. There are now two computer nerds living under the same roof as me and as the New Housemate set all this up, I've been after him for a while to get something sorted. Phone the ISP and see if its their fault, get a new router out of the house account if its not up to the job. My requests have gone not so much unheeded as he just hasn't got off his arse cos it doesn't affect him much.

So I spent all of this afternoon putting the finishing touches to my Teachers Training application form. The form is completed online. Not a problem, until you go to save what you've spent hours perfecting and find that the connection is down. When Firefox tells you it couldn't find the page I worried, sure enough when I backtracked to the GTTR page all my work had been lost. It takes a lot to make me lose my temper, which is good for the New Housemate as I was firm, no more than that, when he got home from work. Sort the problem cos it's just fucked me hard. Luckily for him it wasn't the ISP or the router but the telephone wire. He's off to get one from his dad and the problem is solved, I do not have to kill him now. Shame really.

To follow that another piece of geeky information. As you're aware guys like new technology. Guys are little kids as we know. So the PS3 is out in the UK soon, my friends and I have been discussing the relative merits of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, wondering which one we'll eventually plump for. No more wondering, Sony has made up my mind. The new PS3 is gonna be £425 ($850). The Xbox 360 is £200 ($400), and I know a guy who can get me a chipped one that'll take copied games. So that settles it, £250, when I can afford it, will be spent on a chipped Xbox 360. Sad, but I'll be the envy of all my friends.

Beasted myself in the gym again today and enjoyed every sweaty minute of it. Cardio Vas workout tomorrow, can't wait. Oh its good to be back. Daniel Craig's muscles will have nothing on mine. All I have to do is to workout how to get Pussy Galore, any thoughts?


laters

Telegram Sam

You know when life lets you down a little. I was reading someone's blog when they mentioned the song that was number one on the day they were born, well, here's mine.

Apparently on my birthday T-Rex were number one in the UK with 'Telegram Sam'. I thought up until this point that I was fairly knowledgeable about music, but I've never heard of this. Don't get me wrong I'm not pissed that T-Rex were number one on that day, more that the song is utterly crap. Why couldn't it have been 'Get It On' or something? ot fair, not fair at all.


Laters

Silent Running

I have something heinous to confess, I did not let a drop of alcohol past my lips this weekend. I know, I know, it won't happen again. Not that it seemed I missed anything spectacular, it's January and I live in a small Welsh town.

The average wage here is about £12,000, well below the national average, house prices are somehow equivalent to the South Coast of England. So it's little wonder that no one has any spare cash to throw around on frivolous things like drinking and carousing.

This weekend I will be back out and about, the thought of having to be in work on Saturday and Sunday mornings from now on leave me cold. The upside, not much of an up if you ask me, is that it will help me get fitter faster and leave me more ready cash for other things.

Ah, money. It'll be nice to have some spare to use on things other than bills and living expenses. My aim is to save enough to be able to go out and by an entirely new wardrobe for the summer. Which I will then use to pull the woman of my dreams and then live happily ever after.

Again I am going to cull some links to other blogs on my site. I'll readily admit that I'm not as prolific as I once was on the whole blog thing, having things to do in my life now will do that, but I reserve the right to get bored reading the same pages day after day. So, if your link has gone from my site, please update it on a more regular basis as I have the attention span of a hummingbird on amphetamines.

On a brighter note I caught some of Dubya's speech today, seems he's looking to kick off against Syria and Iran sooner rather than later. Joy of joys, as if 600,000 plus Iraqi deaths aren't enough the war monger is after more. Thank the Lord for Fundamental Christians in power. Wonder if any humanists have ever started a war?

Hope you liked the tune's the other day, if you haven't listened then you're lazy. If you have listened and didn't like any of them you're a philistine and just plain wrong.

Other things of note - a has been footie (soccer) player has signed a contract worth $1m a week for the next 5 yrs. If anyone again thinks Beckham is stupid in any way should look at the bank balance that exceeds £80m ($180m) already (not including Posh's Spice Girl cash). Fuck me, if I'm ever 'blessed' with children, they will not go to school or play with other children, they will spend there entire lives playing sports. Then I can mooch off them an live the life I richly feel I deserve.

Right I'm off to try and impregnate the woman I train next to in the gym.....


laters

Saturday Morning

Things to do on a Saturday morning before there is any sport on TV, post your favourite bands off YouTube on to your blog for others to enjoy.

Sorry, but this might become a regular thing - Saturday Morning Music Club anybody?

The Futureheads - Decent Days and Nights

Wolfmother

Band of Horses

Bloc Party

Big Dancing, Small Town

This is a bit long, nut stick with it, it's genuinely funny.

My Fine is: $500

Stole this from Motherhood is Hell. Do it if you want to, its just a bit of fun.

You don't have to confess your answers, just the amount of your fine. And NO, it is not PER incident (otherwise, some of us would have totals more than the national debt!).

Bring up that calculator, and get to work!

Smoked pot -- $10
Did acid -- $5
Ever had sex at church -- $25
Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you -- $40
Had sex with someone on MySpace -- $25
Had sex for money -- $100
Vandalized something -- $20
Had sex on your parents' bed -- $10
Beat up someone -- $20
Been jumped -- $10
Crossed dressed -- $10
Given money to stripper -- $25
Been in love with a stripper -- $20
Kissed some one who's name you didn't know -- $0.10
Hit on some one of the same sex while at work -- $15
Ever drive drunk -- $20
Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk -- $50
Used toys while having sex -- $30
Got drunk, passed out and don't remember the night before -- $20
Went skinny dipping -- $5
Had sex in a pool -- $20
Kissed someone of the same sex -- $10
Had sex with someone of the same sex -- $20
Cheated on your significant other -- $10
Masturbated -- $10
Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend -- $20
Done oral -- $5
Got oral -- $5
Done / got oral in a car while it was moving -- $25
Stole something -- $10
Had sex with someone in jail -- $25
Made a nasty home video -- $15
Had a threesome -- $50
Had sex in the wild -- $20
Been in the same room while someone was having sex -- $25
Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars -- $20
Had sex with someone 10 years older -- $20
Had sex with someone under 21 and you are over 27 -- $25
Been in love with two people or more at the same time -- $50
Said you love someone but didn't mean it -- $25
Went streaking -- $5
Went streaking in broad daylight -- $15
Been arrested -- $5
Spent time in jail -- $15
Peed in the pool -- $0.50Played spin the bottle -- $5
Done something you regret -- $20
Had sex with your best friend -- $20
Had sex with someone you work with at work -- $25
Had anal sex -- $80
Lied to your mate -- $5
Lied to your mate about the sex being good -- $25

Tally it up and Title it..."My Fine Is..."

Dog tired

I am shattered today, 5 days in the gym a serious cut down in calorie intake to a normal level and some kind of cold have left me incredibly tired. But on the plus side I did sleep for nearly 8 hours last night, slightly broken but still a goodly length of sleep none the less.

Plus you are put on a warning that there is a serious problem with my laptop's hard drive, so at any point I could disappear for a while. Well as long as it take to find the money to buy a new drive and some extra RAM. Ah the joys of technology. Finished my tax form, so with a bit of luck I'll get a rebate that might cover the cost of the new bits I now need.

Still waiting to hear some official kind of confirmation that I have got the job. Think I'll have to ring up on Monday, see what's going on. Money is getting very tight and my savings won't last much longer.

Other than that, went to see The Artist last night to find him whinging about everything under the sun. Must be his time of the month or something. That or the after effects of seeing his soon to be ex wife with her new man the other day. That's enough to piss anyone off.

If anything interesting does in fact happen in my life you will be the first to know. Hope to talk to you soon, hard drive willing.


laters

Still there?

See, when I didn't have a job on the horizon I had nothing pressing to do. Now that one is here I've got a ton of things that need doing. So the past few days have been busy ones, hence the lack of blogging activity. But after the weekend I'll have got everything straight and my last two weeks of freedom will be ones of relaxation. As they should be. Sorry for the lack of a HNT post today as well, but The Artist has my digital camera for his burgeoning eBay franchise.

The worst thing is after the last few days off I still have nothing to say. Yes, I know this isn't much of a change from the norm. Been to the gym for the last few days, I knew I missed it but man I didn't know how much I really missed it. Cheated a little today, did the same exercises that I was doing at the time I blew out my back, but did them with less weight. Just so that I could feel like I hadn't taken much of a step back. Will be sore tomorrow, but worth it.

Did all the little annoying bits of paperwork that needed to be caught up on, oh did my tax return, looks like a rebate is on the cards. Could do with the money, sharpish.

Other than the gym and that, been very boring. Can't seem to sleep again, will try a hot milky drink along with an early night tonight, see if that helps.

I'll try and find something interesting to say tomorrow, promise.


laters

Monady Morning Blues

My weekend was ok, got dragged out on Friday when I would have been happier to stay in, Saturday was better although it started in the worst possible way when I insulted my friends little sister inadvertently but could find no way to dig myself out of the hole I'd made. After that though it was a good night, Leaving Housemate and his gfriend were out, shame it was his sister I insulted.

Might of had something to do with all the recriminations with his family about why he left were taken out on his sister when she had a pop at me. Should have risen above such responses, but my subconscious obviously over-rode my better judgement, c'est la vie. I tried to make an apology and let her know I didn't mean it, but I had to pass my apology on through the Leaving Housemate's semi drunk gfriend, so whether it reached its destination- who knows? Sunday is always a bit of a down day what with the aftermath of alcohol. So it was a quiet one.

Funny I think I might have made a major breakthrough yesterday though. Long story short I found out that my ex is probably seeing someone who I detest, she knows I think he's scum and she can do so much better, but is probably either seeing him or tearing her current bfriend apart by declaring her feeling for both of them. Which is pretty much what happened between her and I, but with a different 3rd party. All that said, having found out that she is probably seeing this guy left me feeling nothing. No sense of betrayal or loss, no feelings at all to be honest. Even as I write this, I would normally be awash with emotion, thoughts about her and me, etc but I feel either numb or more likely I've reached the point where it no longer bothers me. Which for me is a complete and somewhat surprising breakthrough.

Oh got the job by the way, just waiting for the confirmation to come through. Start date is pencilled in for Feb 1st. Am not looking forward to it to be honest, not my ideal job but it'll bring in the money, that will undoubtedly go straight to my creditors. Have one part of my Teachers Training application form left to do, so that is my insurance against brain dead monotony. I'm hoping that teaching primary school children will keep me interested in my work and mean I don't get itchy feet after a year or two.

Apart from that I'm about to head to the gym, have finally worked up the courage to go and I'm dreading it. It'll be fine when I get there I suppose. Today will be the worst day, it'll get easier bit by bit every time I go. Reckon about 3 months and I should be back to where I was, give or take. We'll see.


laters

Another thing I didn't need to know

Wednesday night I got a call from my friend telling me his gfiend and her friend were out for drinks that night and would I like to join him and them for a few drinks. My friends friend I must add is a complete sweetie, funny, intelligent, interesting, etc, etc... she is also 19 and absolutely stunning. Due to a complete lack of funds and low confidence, I declined the invitation adding my apologies and regrets. Everything was cool.

As it turned out it was not a good decision. Having recently split with her long time boyfriend she, and I quote 'would have jumped me in a second'. My friend did not tell me this fact until tonight. I have no time to see this girl until Easter rolls by, at which time she will not be single. I will look better and feel better about myself, will have found a job and thus will have money for entertaining. Will I get another opportunity.

NO FUCKING CHANCE!!!!

Talking about life kicking me when I'm down.


laters

OKGo! Genius

So now you get to see the OKGo videos, most people have seen the treadmill dance but the first one - 'A Million Ways to be Cruel' is ever better.

Enjoy

And your second helping if you haven't seen it

breakdance

This is my favourite video. Cheers to CherylAnn for showing me how to post these things. All future complaints should be addressed to her.


laters

Forgot its HNT

Here's one I prepared earlier.

Just stop

Right I am sick and tired of people using the following -

ROTFLMAO
LMFAO
OMG
WTF
etc........

but most especially - LOL


which apparently means 'laugh out loud'. If you are gonna use it please use it in the right context. It annoys the hell out of me when people use it in comment boxes to explain they are or think you are funny. If you're funny its self explanatory.

A mate of mine uses it in his text messages, the following still applies.

Stop using it you fucktards!!!

That is all


laters

Again apologies for my no-show over the last few days. A quick summary of the weekends festivities. As you would expect of me, I went out and got very drunk on NYE. Was also out for a pint with some friends, that I hadn't seen in years, the night before. It was a good night, caught up with some old friends and pulled an old flame. Drink makes you do silly things. Now before you ask nothing happened, but that was more her than me. Thankfully.

So I woke on NYE morning feeling sheepish, tired and hungover. Not the best start to the day, really. Spent the day itself just pottering about, not up for much, not bothered about anything, especially food. So when I did actually feel hungry I made the mistake of having a single heavy meal about an hour and a half before heading out. Not to be repeated in a hurry, this has a habit of quickening my drunkeness. It also does nothing for the nausea you feel after one to many either.

The evening passed off quite nicely, by midnight I was closing in on drunk, by about 1am I had waved goodbye to drunk and was happily shitfaced. I think it was at this point that, with a goofy drunken smile on my face, I shook hands with each and everyone of my buddy's and thanked them for being my friends. I am a happy and sometimes soppy drunk, don't hate me for it.

We all headed back to mine for some food and cup's of tea. Wherein the nausea hit me like a tsunami and I fled to my bed. I woke up on the 1st of Jan 2007 still drunk and late for lunch with the 'rents. Off I went and duly consumed a delicious roast dinner that, I'm afraid, was wasted on me. Spent most of the afternoon up in my parents house returning only to watch some sport on tv and trying to get an early night.

My insomnia returned along with a dark cloud that seemed to darken my outlook for 2007 considerably. Finally I achieved the bliss of sleep around 4am. Only to be woken by the damn alarm I'd set for 8am, thinking I was gonna start my year as I meant to go on.

So I spent yesterday in a dark place and I thought it would be better if I didn't share it with you. As I promised myself last time that I wouldn't use this blog just to get those things off my chest. Why should you have to listen to me feeling sorry for myself all the time.

Today, much better, up and looking for jobs by 9.30am, which for me is very fuckin good indeed. Not only that, I'm still at it at 2.30pm, which in the last few months has been unheard of. All this is making me feel better about the future. So bring it on I can take it.

I'm starting the gym off again next Monday morning. Have to admit I have mixed feelings about it. My motivation when I hit the gym full force last time and lost about 50lbs was to prove to my 19yr old gfriend just exactly what she had given up. When I caught up with her in the summer and she told me that she would have loved me no matter what I looked like, it took the wind out of my sails. My determination diminished. Having only spent 6 weeks out of the last 6 months in the gym through injury, I wonder if I'll be able to recapture the desire I once had, and with it the meditative qualities I crave. Or without the same kind of motivation will I never be able to reach those heights again. I think I will, my problem has always been getting myself to the gym, once I'm there it isn't a problem.

Here's looking forward to an early start come Monday morning!


laters