Usual Shit & Brain Sick

I must!

2012-01-25T08:50:00.001Z

I must stop blogging while drunk, especially while drunk and alone!

Holidaying in Britain!

2011-12-31T02:38:00.000Z

Stylist is the magazine which is handed out on Wednesdays at Tube Stations in London, free, fun, interesting, perfect for a couple of days reading. I love it. Recently, it had a competition to write the perfect 100 word travel review, 100 words, are they having a fucking laugh in the office??? The following is what I actually submitted:

A good holiday isn't about the location, it’s about the people and choice of spirit you arrive with; a group of friends and I recently rented a place for my good friend’s 30^th, which was perfect.

The open plan barn conversion, in Devon, which meant we ladies could dance and sing to our favourite “guilty pleasure” songs, while the guys entertained themselves between the makeshift cocktail bar, and the games room.

Along with muddy/wet walks, pebbly beaches and Cornwall, what more could be the perfect 2 night break from London’s rat race.

No jetlag and no currency converter required.

What I wanted to write was:

I love going on holiday within Britain, it's not all I know, but it's all I want as a weekend break. I mini holiday, while saving on jet leg, cash and the hopes being spared on good weather. I adore Britain.
I might sound crazy, but once you get past raised hopes, raised desires and the "idyllic holiday accommodation", all you're left with is the perfect place to holiday. Don't get me wrong, I'm not delirious, I'm a realistic and I love nothing more than an out of season let.
A proper good holiday, isn't dependent on the location alone, it's down to the location, people and choice of spirit.
To me, a group of good friends and some randoms, a great selection of all the bad foods and a cracking selection of booze, is all you need for a good holiday, and that is all located within the British borders and all 100% perfect for a fantastic holiday. Take my recent visit to Devon for my oldest friend (in numbers of years knowing me, not actual years of birth) birthday and you've the perfect setting for a truly fantastic weekend.
6 couples set off to the South-West, by 1am on the first night, all of us had arrived and were prepared to party. My friend's who's party it was, isn't "party party", she's "funtimes", so we were all edging that way...it was the perfect setting, a secluded barn, open plan so we were all together but at least 10-15 feet apart, so the "cosy couples" felt close, yet we were totally independent. Alone enough to sing in a stupid fashion, and our counterparts were happy enough to drink onwards, instead of wondering at which point to interject?!
The following day, after a 4am ac-cappella version of Damage's "Forever" being sung "like sopranos" (who look like 90s kids within the dance routine and sounded like trees falling within an overly populated, well hearing public forest", we all sprang from our beds to our un-suite showers, as if from a musical, honest we did!
After some minor dramatics and wearing of sunglasses at the breakfast table, where under cooked bacon turned my stomach personally, we started on our potter to the nearby beach, only 20 minutes walk away?! 20 minutes if you're galloping on horseback.
(To be honest, the walk was perfect, as all walks are when you feel like you've fairies junping on your belly/windpipe and trolls squeezing your stomach as if they're bagpipes), as in, there were moments when we all felt like we'd fall over in the mud, we were all startled of the pheasants flying from the bushes, we met random dog walkers* who were nothing but charming, yet once on the beach the guys started enjoying the old game of throwing a rock at a rock and we ladies enjoyed, well everything, being alive and it all being so beautiful, and the fog of our hangovers finally lifting, after much futile pray!

There is something crazily incredible about holidaying within Britain, you feel as if you're 1000 miles from your own door, yet you could be no more than 10 metres down the road, counts as a holiday to me. The best thing about holidaying within the UK is, in no particular order: knowing the currency, a huge bonus, no preparation required. The travelling most of the time being the same time (any car journey can be fun, it's all down to you the passengers!), yet no time difference. And being in a different climate to your everyday life; grey countryside, is hugely different to grey city, trust me!

*One of the greater things, which you won't believe, is that one of us lost their earring on the walk and accepted it was a no brainer, only to get a knock on the door later that day, to ask if the earring found on a walk earlier was ours? Seriously, it happened, now I'm not promising that to everyone, of course, if you're thinking about a 5 mile walk, don't wear 5 inch dangly earrings - simple, but yet....no where else!

Fizzy Evenings

2011-12-01T19:06:00.000Z

Towards the end of living at PartyCentral, we ladies had become accustomed to Fizz Fridays, which consisted of us gathering in the sitting room, drinking copious amount of fizz. It was a beautiful thing. It was one of the 'list of many' that I was going to miss terribly.
Since I've started temping at the "posh shop of Mayfair", we've had three Thursdays in a row, where we've had events; book launches, award ceremonies and Christmas lighting events. And every single one has involved copious amounts of Champagne and canapes. I am not complaining.

So now I celebrate Fizz Thursdays! Which are amazing, as I get to drink fizz on my sofa, while watching 'Pie in the Sky', what could be better!

Tomorrow at work, I get to open my first ever magnum bottle. I am so so excited and even a little nervous!

The Queen at 89

2011-11-03T22:16:00.002Z

Today is the Queen's (my Grandma) 88th birthday. In homage to the old girl, I'm dedicating this post to her!

To the left is a photo of her and my Grandpa on their wedding day, many, many moons ago. Can you tell it was during the war? He was also, 13 years her senior, dirty old dog! Apparently there is a photo of my grandpa in the Imperial War Museum (in the 2nd World War section in the basement) sitting on a doogle-bug, that he and his battalion discovered in a woods in Germany, my grandma donated it to the museum, after he passed away, so others could enjoy it. I went there last summer and didn't see it, as I didn't know it was there. I'm going back, soon!

My grandma is a bit of a marvel. Fiercely independent, and stubborn as the most impossible mule. She often jokes that god is keeping her on the earth, as a joke. A bit harsh but very funny. It's safe to say that she's always had a very dry sense of humour. She's extremely witty and dark humoured, even at her age, possibly more so, now. And sharp with it.
She grew up on the outskirts of London, within a well to do family. One great uncle started the first department store in London and another was a Whittard. Her mother was of German descent, her father English.

With a caricature of herself
in uniform, she got for her dad.

During the war, she was based down in Cornwall for a while, training young troops how to man the spotlights, later she got moved to central England to work on the radars. She once told me that the saddest part of the job was counting back in less planes, than had gone out. Towards the end of the war, she fell pregnant with my dad and lived out the last year or so, with offspring, assisting the army where she could.
After the war, once my grandpa returned from Germany. They settled in Blackheath. Apparently, she had the greatest garden of south England and the greatest dog know to man. Since then, she's moved around a bit. Worked way passed her retirement years and had my family running around her, like mentalists. So, I'd like to raise my glass of squash in honour of the old girl's 89th year, chin chin!

From the top of the Winnebago

2011-10-29T14:29:00.003+01:00

I'm only writing this now, as I'm hoping we're out of the woods, I don't want to temp fate.

About six weeks ago, while my parents were on holiday in Santander, my father decided he'd go up on the roof of the winnebago to do something, he'd mentioned to my mum that he'd appreciate her help in holding the ladder, she said she'd be there in a second. By the time my mum walked outside to assist my dad, she finds him laying on the ground unconscious. An ambulance is called and off they go to A&E.

My dad finally wakes up, he's dislocated his shoulder, bruised his knee, hurt his lower back, etc. The doctors check him over and say he's fine and needs some rest. Back to the winnebago they go, two days later my dad is talking about humans being made of cornflakes (my dad is a little off the radar at times, but not crazy), my mum packs him back off to the hospital, where they discover bleeding on the brain?! They sort him out, do a proper check over and admit him to intensive care.

Every day they tell my mum that he'll be moved to a general ward very soon, spends about a week in intensive care, still talking shit and being horrid to my mum, who apparently has kidnapped him and as soon as they get back to the UK, he's taking her to court.

After about a week and a half, he was moved to a twin room with a Spanish guy, where he spent time being charming and lovely to the nurses and doctors, and caused my mother nothing but a headache. One day he decided that the King of Spain wanted to visit him, and he couldn't believe my mum wouldn't let him, as she thought he'd be a bad influence on the King, etc.

After about two weeks, they decide that he's safe and just needs to recover, so tell my mum he's good to go. Enter fear and worry for my mum. My brother, Adie, flies over to accompany her on the plane, and is large enough to control my dad, if he decides to kick off, which it appeared was standard at that time.
Every thing seems to go ok. My dad is well behaved in the taxi and on the plane. He has a little freak out back in the UK and swings for my brother (say what?!). Halfway home, my brother decides he's driving straight to A&E at the local hospital, to save my mum having to drive him in alone in the morning.

Lots of tests are done, my dad's brain is still swollen (why was he allowed to fly home?), which explains the continued confusion and unusual behaviour. Neurologist finally exams the scans, etc. Says he doesn't believe there will be any long term damage, which is great news. There might be a slight personality difference = slightly more patient or impatient, more irritable or less irritable, etc.
My mum asks what's next. Praying they don't say he just needs rest at home. Thankfully, the doctor wouldn't dream of releasing him to my mum, and they admit him to a ward.
My mum finally thinks of what to say to my grandma, as if she knows he's hit his head, it'll give her ample ammunition for visits to the bank and solicitors. So I advise my mum to say he fell over, hurt his knee and has been experiencing headaches and dizziness, due to twisting his back, therefore damaging my spine...seemed like the best option.

The first week in hospital in Oxford, my dad is fine. A little techy and short but at least he's being so with everyone, not just my mum. He constantly appears to complain that he's not getting any sleep and the tv is rubbish, you know the important things.
Second week, he's getting a bit better but is still irritable. My mum starts to mention to friends that dad is in hospital and that he's a little confused, so don't take him at face value. A husband and wife pop by to see him. He seems fine, until the husband asks him how it happen, cue the KGB snipers and the 8 bullets still inside him...lol.

Soon enough, the hospital say they need the bed, as the swelling seems to have gone down considerably. The fear of hearing those words starts to bubble inside my mum, luckily there is a back up plan, with a rehabilitation centre nearby. Off he goes, and it seems to be ok. He seems happy, he starting to seem a lot more with it and there is a tuck shop there, what more could 67 year old male with swelling on the brain want?! A walk apparently?

A few days after being there, he just decides to take a walk, my mum arrives at the centre to discover my father missing. The police are called, they pop to my parents house to check he's not gotten a taxi there, nothing. Off they set to my grandmas.

Apparently, my dad turned up at my grandma's in his tracksuit, helped himself to some food and sat down to enjoy some TV with my grandma. Has a little chat, is perfectly content. Uh-oh, he spots the police walking on the front lawn, through the sitting room window. At which point he hides upstairs telling my grandma not to tell them he'd there.
"Excuse me madam, is your son here?", "yes, he's upstairs". Cue my dad flying down the stairs, through the kitchen, out the back door, around the lean-to, across the road and launching himself over the walk opposite my grandma's back garden, cue the policeman following him over the wall. Accosted him, getting him back across the wall and in to the back of the police car.
Enter extra confusion for my grandma. As the police are taking my dad away, my mum arrives to try and explain everything?! My mother dodges the answers thrown at her left, right and centre, and also does a good job of not falling in to my grandma's traps. Although, the sharp old arrow doesn't believe 100% of what my mum says, understandably.

The rehabilitation centre decides my dad is too much of a handful to have there, which leaves two options, semi-secure units in either Banbury or Bicester (about as far away as you can get within the county, from where my mum lives), he's there for less than a week and my mum decides it might be easier to have him at home. Which is where he is now.

My brother Jules, says that he seems pretty with it, surprisingly. So, everything is looking up, apart from my mum's stress levels, which are probably off the chart! She's a force to reckon with and a mighty woman! Here's to both of them...maybe my dad will treat her to another holiday, to recover.

Did I mention the best bit? It was there 40th wedding anniversary last weekend, and my mum spent it travelling too and from Banbury, to see her semi-batty husband. Now that is love.

TFL

2011-10-06T19:51:00.002+01:00

I'm just about to finish my second week training at Transport for London. There are 100+ fascinating (I've already completely bored Tom, to the point where if I mention work, he instantly switches off) facts, I could share but instead, I'm sharing this...Tube Stalkers

Not only is this a little creepy and extremely funny. It's also been raised to my attention that a lot of these are uploaded and enjoyed by the males of this world, good work guys.

I did get a little crush the other day, when this smartly dressed man got on the District line and pulled out his iPad to watch 'Parks and Recreation', luckily I was sat next to him, so got to enjoy 10minutes of it, while "reading my book".

Too much option

2011-09-14T20:43:00.001+01:00

Living where Tom and I live is pretty awesome. Not only is there an abundance of shops and market stalls, awesome bars and pubs, and generally an extremely nice vibe all around, there is also, possibly, the most amount of restaurants.

We live close to Brick Lane, so automatically there are shit loads of curry and beigels. But if you go towards Liverpool St/Spitalfields, you've a whole bag of stuff. Spitalfields is full of chain restaurants, if you fancy something well priced and predictable. In all of the side streets off Spitalfields, you'll find quaint little food bars and restaurants. Including, Japanese Canteen & Flying Burrito Bar both on Middlesex St (Not overly keen on the cactus leaf in a burrito), & Poncho8 which is the burrito bar I've not eaten at yet, next to Spitalfields.

On Commercial St, there is the good looking BoHo Mexica, & St John's Bread & Wine, which I'm dying to eat at, I want bread and wine!
Up on Columbia Road, there is a fab looking restaurant, that Tom & I are desperate to go to, called Brawn, there is something charming about it, perfectly sized, open planned, honest little tables and chairs, dim lighting, charmingly perfect. It reminds me of the Magdalen Arms, Oxford.
There is also numerous sushi bars, and Italian restaurants. I'm in my FAT element. And I haven't even mentioned the two food courts and street market every Sunday in Brick Lane. Or the infamous curry house down in Aldgate East called Lahore Kebab House. Or the fact that our local, The Carpenters Arms, does awesome food. If you order something as simple as Potted Smoked Mackeral, it comes with a whole baguette of bread automatically and is delicious! I'm desperate to try the Escargot and chips. Yum!

Now, talking about pubs, we're within a close proximity to The Ten Bells, Commercial Tavern, The Carpenters Arms & The Pride of Spitalfields. Slightly further a field, are The Royal Oak, The Marksman & The Water Poet. These are just the ones we go to, there are about 4 off Spitalfields, in the back streets, that I often walk past and think about visiting.
One of our favourites, is The Pride of Spitalfields, it's a classic boozer. Extremely old school; carpet, curtains, dark painted patterned wallpaper, brass horseshoes, mega sized optics, cheap booze and one of the bar ladies has stepped out of Eastenders, it's perfect. We've seen British comedians in there. It's that classic typical little pub that is perfect, especially with the spilling on to the roadside for the smoking area.

Basically, I'm not wanting to sound smug, I'm just trying to say, that when I'm employed, as well as Tom, my bank balance is doomed! Although, my social life will be thriving, as will my waist band.

Naked Wines - Benjamin Darnault

2011-09-12T20:27:00.001+01:00

I joined NakedWines about a year ago. I received £40 off my first order through BBCGoodFood, when I signed up with them, (which as a side note, is totally worth it, as not only do you get £40, you also get somewhere online to store your favourite recipes and also somewhere to submit them).

I'm not one to turn down a good offer, so off I went to NakedWines. The first thing I liked was that they support winemakers, who have found it hard to get distribution within the UK. Second, they deliver to your door (I know all wine companies do this, but it's a huge plus). Third, the website is perfectly interactive, where members can leave reviews and opinions of particular wines. Basically, there are lots of reasons I like them and chose to stick with them. I originally thought, if it's crap, I can leave, but it wasn't crap, it was great. Especially as this bottle, Minervois, was one of my first purchases.

Now, Benjamin Darnault is a genius with wine. Some how whatever he discovers/makes tastes like heaven. Tom & I adore the Minervois, ever since we had it the first time, the heavenly silky, cameral rouge has now become a standard order for us. I'm soon to order the Benjamin Darnault case, to taste all of his delightful discoveries.

This month, I got in the Celtis Australis, it's just as gluggable as the Minervois, a little fuller, but equally as rounded. Basically, if you're going to spend money anywhere, and would like a tasty wine and some thing that is purely delicious, order Ben's wines from Naked Wines, if nothing more...

Being a Dental Receptionist Pt. 1

2011-09-07T12:36:00.004+01:00

I got sacked today (I've never been sacked before. I've always been the dependable, considerate, trustworthy, loveable employee), it sucks. Well it doesn't massively, as I kind of really hated that job, as in really disliked my role. The people, were generally lovely, but the job, urgh!

I was working as a dental receptionist for a small practice. The owner was the head dentist, who was a lovely woman, reminded me a lot of my mother but she wasn't keen on listening to others, as it was her practice and things were done her way, which is fair enough, I suppose. But for businesses to move forward, you need more than one thinking person to assist that progression. And the way this business was run, it desperately needed a rethink, and reorganisation.

The office manager was a lovely asian lady, who for the first week I believed didn't like me, but then I realised she was so over worked that she wasn't able to be friendly. In fact, I found out that she was so over worked that she's sorting stuff out at the weekends when the practice is closed, which is ridiculous. Not only was she working 10 hour days without lunch breaks, or breaks at all. She was also working at the weekends?!

There was also, the Spanish dentist, Alfonso, who got a lot of Spaniards and latinos in, although it seemed at times that this was more a thorn in the owners side, than a gimmick which paid off. I'm guessing because Spaniards are a passionate country, who don't pay for missed appointments?! I've no idea, but they were occasionally flaky and didn't see why when you've given 24 hours notice, you should still pay. I'd always try to explain that we had a policy of 48 hours but it was hard. I felt very sorry for Alfonso, I didn't think he deserved the shit he got at times, or should I say the shit he didn't know he got.

The Hygienist who was a charming Scottish girl, who in my interview I really liked but soon realised after I started that she was more work, than play at work. I think it's safe to say she took the stress that the owner held and tried to support her 100%, to help her relax, it never worked from what I saw. The owner is one of those kinds, who will always be stressed even when she doesn't need to be. She has too much weight laden on her shoulders, most of which is self laid, but I'd never suggest that to her.

The two dental nurses were from Eastern Europe, I really liked one of them and kind of liked the other one. One was friendly, saw work as a need for money, had a dry sense of humour. The other one was a total "mother", young but took everything as her responsibility and asked me about 6 times a day "what you doing?", whenever I wasn't at my desk.

There were also two technicians, one was a sweet foreign guy who was shy and, well, sweet. The other was a grumpy bastard, who lacked any social skills and was just plan rude, horrid in fact! If he was a welcoming party, he'd be goose stepping! OK, so that analogy might be a little harsh, but he was extremely unpleasant and did nothing to try to make others welcome, or put nerves at ease. I guess that is why he was stuck away in his little box.

In my interview, I was asked if I was willing to be flexible, which of course is a "yes". Then told that the job was £20,000 perfect, not ideal but pretty good for a job that is 42.5 hours a week. The office manager then enters, I'm now informed that it's £7.50 an hour, (since when am I on an hourly rate?), and that there will be a bonus of £400 a month, if I can get the head dentist and hygienist's diaries up to 90%, (say what?!), I ask if I'll be cold calling, I'm told not at all. But, since when, is being a dentist receptionist, a sales position? I am so confused. I agree to start the job from the following monday, welcoming any form of job.
(I never realised getting a job could be this hard. I should have but?! It took Tom nearly 3 months and a lot of bullshit agency seminars to get a job through a friend. I mean, what the fuck is the point of recruiters anyhow?! And their crap "hot air balloon game bullshit", which fucker came up with that one, I'm guessing an American from the "new age of corporation"!).

Wells Interior

2011-09-05T13:46:00.000+01:00

My friend has a business where he hangs extremely beautiful wallpaper. Here is his website, Wells Interior.
I'm completely in awe of the flowery wallpaper and especially the one to the left. Each flower is embroidered on to the paper. Isn't that precious and darling?! One day, I'll have enough money to employ Mick to come and paper my house with such lavish paper, until then I'll stick to photos of my friends.

Growing Shit Pt.2

2011-08-16T23:48:00.008+01:00

I've had some issues of late with my darling herbs.

Firstly, the Mint got mouldy, it was gross, white moss and black speaks grew all over the leaves, it was horrid. I tried to treat it with Baking Powder, alas, it failed, so had to cut it right back to the roots. Sad, sad times. It seems to be recovering well, small growth, but growth. Can't wait for it to get back to full health, I keep on coming across recipes with Mint, sigh and then substitute, and funnily enough Chives don't replace Mint well.

The Coriander has recovered, finally. Took repotting in a larger pot and lots of fresh air and water. It's even started to flower, which is a little too exciting for me, after seeing it suffer for so long. But it has now spread it's sap everywhere, but I guess it's all part of the growing.

The two tea cups have started to sprout now. Still no idea which is which, but?! They are looking healthy, although the Coriander has dropped sap on one of them (so it looks horrid), but it'll cope, poor little thing. My mum visited, our flat, the other day and started trying to rub the teeny tiny leaves to identify which was which, isn't she adorable.

The success story is the Basil, it's kicking arse (well since the Mint fiasco happened), absolutely incredible. The leaves are huge and tasty. We made some amazing Basil Oil with them, which we'll be doing for Christmas presents too. Might have to start freezing it though, so it doesn't waste away.
I'm still enjoying it so much! If only my window sill was bigger.

Update (1st Sept): The Coriander contracted greenfly, very upsetting after the new spurt of growth, etc. Decided to throw out and start from scratch. Poor thing.
Plus, due to sun rotation, the two small cups died also, bad weather, etc all resulted in total failure. Stupid work and not being at home to make everything perfectly well watered and sunned. Here's to the rest of them! Fingers crossed!

Creative Outlet

2011-08-16T18:03:00.000+01:00

Just a little FYI.

I've been blogging for years and years, and stupidly I've never set up a separate creative blog, until now. From now on, when ever I want to share things I've made or created, I'll be posting them on Pipsy Designs, and possibly, posting the links to my etsy store, where things can be bought.

Plus, I've transferred the items I've made and posted on here, to there. Just to keep it organised.

Street Art / Graffitti Pt.2

2011-08-16T17:47:00.003+01:00

PLUS!
Reading on through Street Art, I discovered the name of the "suicidal bankers" artist. They are strewn around East London and kind of charming. Here's the article about Issac Cordal.
On Ezra St, there are two. One opposite Beyond Fabrics Sewing Shop and the other above the cafe.

Ezra St, E2

Street Art / Graffitti Pt.1

2011-08-16T16:22:00.009+01:00

Calvin St, E1

Quaker St, E1

Here on Brick Lane, we are surrounded by tons of street art.

There are many kinds. We are located extremely close to famous ones, by Banksy and Space Invader, to name a few. But, my personal favourite is a guy* who pasted photocopies on the wall, then paints the shadow underneath on the path. I've no idea who he is, or what his name is, but I appreciate his efforts. May he continue his good work!

Brick Lane, E1

Cheshire St, E1

Corbet Pl, E1

I just find them so so charming, not obtuse or in your face, just simply placed and hidden. I think they are great and I love discovering them, there are also two others up towards Columbia Rd, which I've yet to photograph, they'll arrive soon, I promise. I'm not sure why I like them so much, maybe because they are only 6" high and discreetly placed.

After finishing writing this, I googled LondonStreetArt and found this freshly updated entry about Pablo Delgado. Who is apparently, the man who' art I've been admiring. Well. I. Never!

*I'm being presumptuous, who isn't to say he's a lady.

Stupid Stupid Taxing System in Britain

2011-08-09T22:38:00.007+01:00

Tom and I moved to London, we've found it quite hard to get work, which sucks! We thought it would be a lot easier, stupid us.

I've been employed and paying tax since I was eligible, ten odd years. I've also worked numerous second jobs that I was paying emergency tax on, even though I was only earning £15,000* a year in my main job. Now that we need a little help, we're not eligible?! Even though we've been paying tax all our lives, we're not even considered as "in need".

Tom might not be allowed to receive Jobseekers, as I have a part time job which equals 16 hours a week, I earn so little, that for the first time in ten years, I'm not eligible to pay tax = £400 a month (not even enough to pay my rent). But due to this job, Tom might not be in a position to get a helping hand, while he continues to search for a job, and he's actually looking, not sat on the sofa smoking 20 fags a day watching day time TV. He's gone to every effort to get help and alas, he's not worthy?! Due to my pathetic part time job income and the fact he's been paying tax since he left university!

When he went for his interview, they gave him a huge lecture about how he'd need to be looking for jobs in a 50 mile radius, etc. And yet, I know people who have been on jobseekers for years and years and have no intention to get a job. It's a fucking joke!

Most of the time, I'm extremely considerate and level minded about "the system" but this has pissed me right off.

I was told about 'Working Tax Credits', tried to see if I was eligible, but due to being judged on my previous tax year (when I was working full time), I probably won't be. Even though I wasn't earning that much. Oh and the stupid HMRC website, as always crashed when working out if I was eligible, like last time. Bloody typical.

I'm really really irritated. It's complete bollocks!

*I've always felt that there should be a minimal amount of money you should be able to earn, across one, two, three, etc. jobs, where you can use your tax code for all of them. Say, that across these numerous jobs you are earning £15,000 or less, you're allowed a flexible tax code, which can be used across all of your jobs. This would help parents and young people and would encourage people to work harder. I'm stuffed, if I get a second job now, I'll be emergency taxed regardless of my earning £4,800 in my first job. So, I get screwed and loose out. Where as someone earning £20,000 a year in one job is better off. It's bull, total bull!

I'm completely compassionate to why people don't declare certain jobs, it's completely understandable! Good for them!

It's the typical situation, we middle people get fucked over and the people above and below us, get helping hands to survive in life.

Update:
It appears Tom is entitled to a 3rd of the traditional weekly allowance. Which is interesting?!

Crossed the finishing line...

2011-08-02T20:59:00.004+01:00

Now located here: Pipsy Designs - Upholstery Funtimes Pt.2

Impossible to fuck up Chocolate Brownies

2011-07-12T13:40:00.005+01:00

Now located here: Pipsy Designs - Chocolate Brownies

Stringy Light-shade

2011-07-06T18:34:00.010+01:00

Now located here: Pipsy Deisgn - Stringy Light-shade

Baking Bread

2011-07-06T12:23:00.004+01:00

Now posted here: Pipsy Designs - Baking Bread

Growing Shit Pt.1

2011-07-04T13:08:00.008+01:00

Since moving in to the flat, I've found that I own a lot of random bits and bobs which are perfect for a house, they just sucked when I only had a room and one cupboard in a kitchen. After getting bored of unpacking on the third day after moving in, I got bored, so threw a couple of baskets of stuff under the bed. Major mistake, as most of it could go in the kitchen: candle holders, jars, fairy lights, cups and saucers, bunting, need I go on...

Anyhow, I've always failed at growing things, house plants, herbs, vegetables, if it needs help to grow, I've killed it!
But, I now have a south facing window, that gets a lot of light and thanks to my grandma, a pile of terracotta pots. I cheated by buying pre-potted herbs from Sainsburys and repotted them. Within 2 weeks, they were all still alive, thriving even, and I've had to repot the Basil due to it being huge! The only one which is suffering is the Coriander, I'm at a loss! Must do some research.

When walking past the Bishopgate Kitchen the other day, they handed me what I thought were matches but in fact were herb seeds. Well. Instantly I got excited, I've kept pre-potted herbs alive (bar the Coriander, which is technically alive but not happy), how hard can it be to grow from scratch! I've filled two teacups with some soil and am going to have a go at growing Thyme and Sage! I'll keep you up to date!

Upholstery Funtimes

2011-06-16T18:42:00.014+01:00

Now located here: Pipsy Designs - Upholstery

New Flat

2011-06-06T17:36:00.006+01:00

With baited breath on Saturday morning, we packed up the car with Tom's property and headed to London, to meet with our letting agency, sign the contract and get the keys. There was a small part of me that had suppressed my excitement about it all, in case it's fell through at the last minute. Once we'd parked up near the shop and walked in the door, I felt all anticipation disappear. We signed the contract, got the keys and headed to our new humble abode. Right next door to Brick Lane.

It is perfect, bigger than either of us had remembered. Far too much surface space and storage in the kitchen (if there is such a thing). The sitting room was deeper, the bedroom bigger, than I remembered too. We can see Brick Lane from our flat window (it is only a 30 second walk after all) and the Gherkin from our kitchen window. It's truly perfect. It's easily accessible from Euston Road, outside of the Congestion Zone and surrounded by nice pubs, bars and shops. I couldn't be happier. Oh yes I could, we met our landlord on Sunday morning (there I was in knickers and a cardigan, hungover to fuckery, meeting him for the first time), and he's lovely, friendly and helpful. He mentioned our mouldy shower and instead of doing an Oxford Landlord classic (grout over the old mouldy grout), he's going to completely retile the entire thing, as well as the kitchen. I'm still pinching myself to ensure I'm not in the Matrix or something.

After a 30 minute wait at the One Stop Shop to get parking permits and visitors permits, etc. With the aid of a very kind and friendly lady who worked there and the direction of another extremely kind and friendly member of staff, who told me what to say, I had applied for and was in receipt of said permits. Which made the entire moving 1000 times easier for us. Thank you kind people of Bethnal Green One Stop Shop.

We unloaded the first lot of Tom's property, with the kind help of James, and off we set for the second load. A three hour round trip and Tom was moved in, I was stressed, Tom was happy/hot/sweaty/patient/kind (delete where appropriate) and I was also in the possession of a cold glass of wine, thanks Tom.

That night we finally made our way out to the pub, Carpenter's Arms, which if they'll accept us, might be our new home from home. A great selection of wine, a good looking menu, small courtyard garden and friendly staff = a very happy and drunk me! At the pub we sat with James, his partner, Caroline, and her school friends, who were far too kind, friendly and generous, for their own rights. Eventually, I realised I was wasted and departed for home, via our late night offy, right around the corner from my house, what perfect location! Although, their bacon is shit!

Back home, we watched Kill Bill Vol.2 in our new bedroom, drinking wine and eating bacon sandwiches. Eventually I passed out in our new flat. The next morning I woke to some arse tooting a horn at 7am, I struggled out of bed, mid slumber to shut the windows, to then hear the chorus of neighbours telling said wanker to shut the fuck up. I love our neighbours, already love them! Back to slumber and eventually woke up to the Sunday market, where people of the world gather to sell food, clothes, art, antiques and stolen stuff!

Did I mention that I love our new flat? How I love our new Street? Did I mention that I couldn't be happier? Yeah, I didn't think so.

All that is left now, is to move all of my crap (there is a lot of it) into the flat, with the generous help of Tom, Lianne and Chris and I'll be as happy as the pig in shit, while I pay my kind friends with food, drink and entertainment. Let the new period of my life, dwelling in London Town commence...

Oil issues!

2011-06-03T13:36:00.005+01:00

I've a car conundrum. I've owned my Nissan Almera 1.6 05 since October 2008. For the first year or so, it ran beautifully, then Autumn last year, it started making very sporadic grring noise, I got it checked out when the noises became regular (as Mechanics need something to go on) and stupid me, I had no oil. I was dry. I was dry to the bone! I was arid, more like the desert (my poor car. Since then, I've had a very hollow horse sound within my engine (no oill damage, of course).

Ever since that oiling up, I've run out of oil within three months, regardless of trip length, I drive quite a lot for work and pleasure, doing about 13,000 miles a year. I popped to my local garage earlier and they advised me to get my engine steamed, so they can see clearly where the leak is. Mr Steamer, who is a lovely and helpful guy said there was hardly any oil on the underside of my engine and was unsure to why my car would be using so much?! I've now left it with my mechanic he's going to look at it, he suggested I could be burning it through my exhaust (but that seems crazy), I guess we will see. But if I am burning that much oil, that's awfully expensive and seems ludicrous! And if that is the case, boy am I glad that I'm selling it come August.

In case, you're wondering, it has 60,000 on the clock and has never had any major, or minor, issues when being MOT'd.
And confession time: I haven't done the engine check (putting cardboard under the car overnight - silly of me, I know) but oil speaks have appeared outside work when it's been parked up for 8 hours, they seem to be the size of a penny, which is nothing I know, but over time, obviously...

Departure

2011-05-19T16:14:00.004+01:00

I'm moving to London, as of mid June. Tom and I have been planning it for ages and are finally getting everything sorted. We've found a flat, busted many a groove around our new district (Bethnal Green/Shoreditch) and applied for 1001 jobs. No jobs as of yet but they will come soon enough, positivity is the way forward.

But this does mean that I'll be departing the dizzying heights of Courtyard. 9 years of Courtyard loving and I'm finally leaving them all behind. They've kindly offered me a lunch to say "adios", which obviously I've said "hell yes" too. I'm no fool, free food + drink = funtimes Pipsywoo!

I'm a little excited about the future but I'm constantly feeling emotional about leaving this part of my life behind; work, friends, my parents being accessible and my grandma. I feel extremely bad about leaving my grandma behind but I have committed 10 years to caring for her, and my mum is soon semi-retiring, so will have more time to offer her.

For my departure lunch, I'm going to get drunk off my arse and wear sequins. I love sequins, they are so happy and sparkly! It won't be the first time I've been drunk at work, or with work colleagues but it will be the first time it's in the middle of the day and not the next day!

I'm a little worried I'll cry all the way through lunch, there I'll be, wearing hot pink sequins, drunk on red wine and crying inbetween bites of my meal, sobbing my heart out with every mouthful, declaring my undying love and appreciation for everything my bosses have done for me. Oh what a sight it'll be!

Eek! I'm so excited! Sequins, good wine, a three course meal and, me, a sobbing mess, is there anything more perfect?!

Osama

2011-05-04T12:00:00.001+01:00

I originally posted this on ThisBarThatBar but I've decided it is quite a personal statement and probably belongs here, due to that fact:

I'm not sure I believe this story! It all seems so ideal. There seems to be no evidence at all, it was him and yet, America is claiming they've killed Osama Bin Laden.

I get that their intelligence is extremely high and they, probably, wouldn't go in and kill anyone, I do believe that they believe it was him and maybe it was. Let's be fair, it probably was him and he has just been hanging out in Pakistan for years, chilling and enjoying some iced tea (I like the idea of him drinking Iced Tea, while in a deck chair?!).

I've been saying for years that he's working in one of the middle American States flipping burgers, but seriously I think he's been dead for ages. I personally don't believe he was killed at the weekend. I'm not sure why I feel like this, maybe it's the cynical, doubtful Brit in me, or maybe, I just like a good conspiracy theory. Who knows?! It all seems so perfect and ideal, especially politically standing, when people were starting to doubt Mr Obama, especially as people seem to think that a countries leader will change things over night, and supposedly he hasn't changed anything so far?!

I agree that Osama wasn't a nice person (within the highest order. What he represented, was horrid and for him to claim the instigation and actions of 9/11 is unforgivable and disgusting), but didn't he deserve to go on trial and get a relatively fair one at that? If there is such a thing. To have gone in to kill, seems extremely heartless, and don't get me wrong, he was a very warped and horrid being but I thought democracy was about the right to a trial and judgement by your peers, etc. I'm just so confused. For what he represents; death seemed apt, but there is still a part of me that believes, the way it was dealt with, will cause more issues in the future.

At least Saddam Hussein received a trial, by his own people. I know Osama doesn't really have his own people (most countries disown him), so therefore he would have been extradited to the UN, where he probably wouldn't have even made it to court anyway, but?!

I guess in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter if he's alive or dead. The extremists will continue to hail him an icon and he will represent their beliefs. We Westerners will still see him as one of the purest forms of evil and responsible for some horrific acts by human beings.

So I guess the real question is: Is his death actually relevant?

Suicide by Rock n Roll

2011-04-21T16:35:00.002+01:00

David Bowie - Rock n Roll Suicide

Every time I hear this song, I see it used in a film, where the main loveable character sings it at karaoke and looses their head by the end of the film. Here's hoping that one day, Hollywood reads my blog!

Get a Handle Pipsywoo

2011-04-14T17:16:00.009+01:00

I'm currently hoping someone will employ me to be their assistant in London. Tom and I are heading that way in June. I'm overly excited, a little anxious and generally pissed off, but I'm only pissed off right now, in 30 minutes I'll be fine.

The reason I'm peed off is: I've signed up with a creative industry agency in London, whom everyone recommended. They seem extremely professional and nice. The lady who called me was so, so lovely and she organised me an interview at their offices on Monday, when Tom and I are hoping to get irritated and pissed off at the lack of flats in our chosen area.

To save time, they've sent me through an online prove it test, to ensure that I can use a computer (mainly, I think it's to prove I've at least a whole brain and can switch a computer on), I tried to take the test the evening I got it, but I decided I'd drink beer and watch bad TV instead, as I got nervous. Then I thought about it last night but I watched a sad film and cried instead. Today, I finally bit the bullet and I found that my Mac isn't eligible for the programme required, luckily my work Mac has a PC on it too, I'm still unsure why?!

I got it running and had a go. I thought I'd try Excel first, as I can use it to a relatively competent level, although my main usage for it is to make guest lists, calendars and touring budgets, nothing more exciting, like pie charts but maybe one day. I fucked up the test big and royally! Firstly, the user system she sent over was PC based Office 2007 (I knew it would be but I didn't realise how different it is to Mac's Office setup). We use Mac based Office 2011, and were on 2010 until a month a go (this transition alone took me two weeks to master). I spent most of the test trying to find where everything was and then I fucked it anyway, as I didn't realise that the first few questions were actually supposed to change things, instead of you click on the correct area, get no response and then move on. I'm a dick, I've never done one of these tests before, I only wrote my first CV, ever, last month.

I'm guessing I've got about 50% right, when in fact it should be at least 90%.

Secondly, after nerves and annoyance, I settled for a typing test but I freaked and started looking at what I was writing, instead of what I was supposed to be writing, then my hands started to shake so I kept on hitting the wrong keys and then, bang, just like that, the test was over. I got about two paragraphs just finished, if that, and they were tiny paragraphs.

I've got left Word (I feel mildly confident but am crapping my pants, due to feeling relatively confident about Excel. I'll end up searching for the right list, option, key, etc for most of it, again) and Powerpoint (which I've already explained I've never used, so that could be fun?!).

The thing is, I don't want to blame it on the different user faces, as that is bollocks and I've got to remember that most office in London use PC's. I've got to reacclimatise to the grey, non-sensicle, awkward world that is Microsoft. Whether I like it or not. Which won't be that hard, it's only been 10 years since I was using one actively. But I'm a quick learner and once I'm dealing with a PC everyday, I'll pick it up in no time, no time at all but throwing myself into a test which is wholly PC based and having never seen Excel or Word in PC Office 2007 format before, has made me feel crappy about the whole thing.

I just pray to god that my interviewer likes me, otherwise I'm screwed!

Man V. Food

2011-04-05T17:50:00.004+01:00

I exposed my housemate to this TV show at the weekend, and she loved it. It's perfect weekend TV and it never fails to make me hungry!

I think he's great, what could be better than watching a guy devour shit loads of food?! Yum!

Some people wonder why you'd want to watch a guy eat copious amounts of food, my question is "why wouldn't you?", it's a feat of human accomplishment, I stupid accomplishment but one, none the less! I could never do it and why isn't he the size of the house?!

I wonder how often he films the epic eating? I'm assuming one a week, maybe?! One a day in a row would be crazy talk!

Just watch him eat 5 Fat sandwiches, god I'm starving now!

Gertrude Jeannette

2011-04-01T14:27:00.003+01:00

What an awesome woman Gertrude is!

And I'm loving the tagline on the right "Woman: I had no clue my lover's dead granny was in the bedroom closet", it's so Jerry Springer! I can almost imagine Jerry saying "And here is the ex-lover's dead granny to have her say..".

Claudia Winkleman

2011-03-23T15:49:00.006Z

I really dislike *Claudia Winkleman, I'm not sure when I started to dislike her, or when it became an over whelming desire to eradicate her from my television but I do.

I don't remember hating her back when (in fact I used to like her), but right now, I really dislike her and whenever she comes on the radio or tv, I want to remove her orange face and over khol'd eyes from said item. It's not personal, it's more that she seems a bit pointless. She currently hosts 'Film 2011' and yet they employ an film expert to tell her what the film is about and why it's good. I've never seen such a pointless situation in my life?! God, it makes me so so angry!!! I guess it's Film 2011 fault and not her's but I've some how morphed my issue on to her.

I bet 'Film 2011' ratings have declined massively since Jonathon Ross left, why not just have the film expert host it, or James King from Radio1 host it. Or launch a new face, who is charismatic and obsessively informed about films.

I saw her host "Nevermind the Buzzcocks" a while ago and she was pretty rubbish on that also. Unable to banter with the teams and bad timing with jokes but in an unfunny way. I'm sure she's a lovely person but couldn't she open a flower shop or a cake shop instead of hosting everything I want to watch!

*I dislike her so much that I considered linking to her Wikipedia page, to help identify her for you but couldn't be bothered, because I dislike her that much!!!

Blonde Moment

2011-03-18T10:39:00.003Z

I always thought that an "airstrike" was when other countries forced your country to not fly planes or helicopters. No shit!

And I've always wondered why that would cause such disruption to civil war, etc. I knew it was wrong but never really thought about finding out what one actually was. I now know, it's all cool and it makes loads more sense, obviously!

Laurence Olivier

2011-03-17T12:15:00.001Z

I'm not sure why but this is one of my favourite photos. It's by Terry O'Neill and I think it's perfect in every way!

Community Blogging

2011-03-16T15:40:00.002Z

I'm trying to start a community blog with some female friends, who I think highly of.
I'd like it to be a collection of thoughts, feelings, desires, reviews, etc. that is what I'm aiming for. I've asked numerous friends to join me and I'm hoping eventually it'll pay off. It could be very interesting, if it works out.
Here's hoping for the future of This Bar / That Bar.

The Wire

2011-03-12T21:59:00.002Z

I'm 28 minutes away from the end of the final episode. I'm going to lay my cards down and declare Bubbles "Reginald" the winner of the show. He's the only decent one out of the lot of them. Bloody hell, I'm going to miss it, it was a slow burning love but it is bloody great!
If you haven't seen it, do so!

- Posted from the pit of despair

Thank fuck for the NHS

2011-03-04T11:19:00.004Z

I read this article today and it makes me thank god that we in Britain have the NHS. You may snipe, bitch and criticise it for how slow everything is and how crap it is run, but without it, we would all be having to pay huge bills for simple things like: doctor appointments, dentist check ups, operations, birth control, STD tests, etc.

We are one of the lucky countries, where most of this is, or can be free. And we should free privileged to have such an infrastructure. One that also will help tourists and aliens within our borders, without prejudice.
No, it's not perfect and a lot of the time it's dealing with twindling finances and constance 'round the houses' to get new policies in place. But it is something that we all take for granted and don't appreciate enough.

Maybe if we lived in a society where to get an abortion (a simple, private procedure), you have to face ignorant people, who feel it's their right to tell you, you'll burn in hell for killing a baby, regardless of considering there might be other issues at stake. Or if we had to pay for all of our birth control, or every visit we made to the doctors just to get a sick note, maybe we would then start to appreciate it?

PS I recommend the article above, it's well written and interesting to have an "abortion provider" talk openly about there profession. Especially from within a country where abortion can be seen as a huge taboo.

Kristen Schaal

2011-02-23T13:15:00.002Z

I love love love Kristen Schaal, she's 100% amazing! If I was gay "hell yes"! Ever since I first saw her as Mel in "Flight of the Conchords", I've adored her. She's funny, intelligent and oh so adorably cute!

Here is a rather entertaining moment of her on "The Daily Show with John Stewart"!

Corinne Vionnet

2011-02-22T14:08:00.002Z

Thoroughly enjoying her current project

An open letter to Hollywood...

2011-02-21T12:19:00.003Z

Dear Hollywood,

Unless you have a magnificent computer generated film with a shit storyline, or an action packed film. There is no need to use 3D! I know it's all the rage at the moment and you can charge an extra £4 per ticket at the cinema, and make your film less interesting story wise, but it doesn't mean you can abuse this effect. Certain films are better with it and without it, pretty rubbish. Others have their own merits and should just stick to good old classic, silver screen style film making!

Kind regards
Pipsywoo

Drunken Countries

2011-02-17T17:49:00.001Z

Here's a map of the drunkest countries. I like to think that I'm helping Britain stay dark purple!

Tom Waits

2011-02-16T00:30:00.005Z

I do apologise if I've written about him before, I've spoken for years about my theory but am pretty sure I haven't actually written about it:

I've had a theory about Tom Waits for a while, not only is he awesome but any film he cameos in, will inevitably be awesome too.
He is the golden seal of, not only creditability, but also a certain fantastic level of "Indie", which no one else can do. I've started to watch films due to his cameo only and every time I'm more than pleased.

There is only one film on his imdb list that I'm unsure about "Domino", but I think my apprehension is the idea of Keira Knightley playing a bounty hunter?! Which I'm pretty sure most people would agree is a little hard to comprehend.

A mini list of Mr Waits' cameos:
Mystery Men,
Wristcutters: A Love Story,
The Fisher King,
The Outsiders,
Dracula,
Coffee & Cigarettes...and the list can go on and on and on...

I've got lots of him on my iPod and I've been meaning to get to grips with him more than I have, I've listened too and enjoyed "The Bone Machine", but that's it really.
Here's to my listening to his back catalogue and his future cameos. I salute you Mr Waits!

If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to tell me...

- Posted from the pit of despair

Sorry, a five letter word!

2011-02-11T11:36:00.003Z

"Sorry" it's a simple word. A simple five letter word. That to some means very little, but to most means a lot.
I learnt quite early on to not be flippant with this word, otherwise when you really mean it, no one will believe you. It was a relatively valuable lesson. Due to that lesson, it's now a relatively important word to me also.

I think it's such a shame that there are people in this word who still haven't learnt the value of this word. Saying "sorry" doesn't make you weak, or make you responsible for a situation you're not comfortable with. It generally makes you stronger, and means you value the person you say it to, or at least you value their feelings. I know one person in particular who has spent most of their life throwing this word around and has never really meant it and now, the one time it would have been nice to hear it, it's no where in sight. I guess they haven't learnt the lesson yet, which is a shame.

Also, isn't it weird how there is a time limit that comes with "sorry". It's so bizarre that if you haven't heard it within a certain time of when you'd hope you might, you start to give up on that friend entirely. Who would have thought a five letter word could represent so much?

Birthday present dreaming already...

2011-02-08T20:43:00.002Z

I've my fingers crossed for these for my birthday, as well as an exciting 500gb back up drive for my computer (life sometimes is far too exciting) and Lost Season 6.

The people of Washington State must be lonely...

2011-01-28T13:13:00.000Z

Bangable dudes in History!

2011-01-27T14:40:00.001Z

This is a great site!!!

Frozen

2011-01-27T14:19:00.005Z

I also watched this, my friend and I were looking for an extremely shit horror film to watch, the kind where you side with the killers. Now we knew there were no killers, but we wondered how you could stretch out sitting up on a ski lift for an hour and a half. We were pleasantly surprised, randomly?!
The film wasn't as bad as it could have been and I think it was a wise idea of the director to actually stick the cast up on the chair, instead of using poor/cheap special affects.
If you want to be mildly entertained and horrified by a genius use of sound affects, watch it. But please, do not get your hopes up. In fact, do as we did and believe it's going to be horrendous, that way you'll end up pleasantly surprised.

When I imdb the director, I found he'd made a film called 'Cheerleader Camp', now doesn't that sound like an awesome film!

Grizzly Man

2011-01-27T13:30:00.009Z

I watched this last night and can't make my mind up about it at all. It's a very sad story of Timothy Treadwell, who lives with grizzly bears in Alaska every summer in a make shift camp. Unfortunately, during the 13th season of his doing this, he gets attacked by a rogue bear and dies. His girlfriend who had gone to visit him, also died. It's an extremely sad story and is very interesting, due to most of the film using his original footage that was recovered from his camp.

The film also interviews his friends, one of whom found his remains while searching for him, another being an ex-girlfriend, who runs a charity for the conservation of grizzly bears with him. The coroner who dealt with their deaths and his parents, among others.

I think my issues started when the coroner starting to appear extremely dramatic, it seemed unprofessional and creepy, the way he talks and deals with the interviews, left me feeling like I was watching a Christopher Guest style mockumentary. There are various factors to why I felt this way, not only the coroner, but Timothy's ex-girlfriend/colleague seems uncomfortable in front of the camera, this in turn makes me feel awkward. And I guess mainly, Timothy himself, there is a period where he has obviously been alone for a while and has a bit of a Wilson moment (Castaway with Tom Hanks), he also has this persona who he uses when he's filming, which makes me feel as though I was watching a film, rather than personal homemade films (there is no awkward voyeuristic feeling, as there normally is when watching other's home videos). The whole thing just made me feel indifferent and unsure about it.

I would recommend it to others, purely to gather other people's perspective on it. I just can not place how I feel about it. I loved how passionate Timothy is, that was truly inspiring to see and yet how he shelters from humanity and blames humans for all the wrong in the world, made me feel he was deluded for all the wrong reasons. The film maker Werner, is as considerate as he can be about such a tender subject and portrays Timothy in a very compassionate light, with Timothy's original ideals as the main focus of the documentary.

I just couldn't wrap my head around it and still feel indifferent!

Plus, I don't think it helps that I saw this film a few days before and this clip kept on popping into my head, when Werner talked.

127 Hours

2011-01-13T11:31:00.005Z

I really want to see this and I'm not a huge fan of big blockbuster Oscar nominated/winning films. I normally picket them for as long as possible, then watch them and love them, due to them generally being very good, hence the award nomination, etc. But I really want to see this.
I read a bit about Aron Ralston and loved that he wanted to make more of a documentary style film, than hollywoodesque flick.
I was thinking this morning about how the conversation between Danny Boyle and Aron went, I imagine similar to this:

Aron: Hello
Danny: Hey Aron, it's Danny Boyle, I'm a film director, I'd like to do a film about your time stuck in a crevice in Utah.
Aron: Oh right, well what type of film would it be, I'm really looking to have it documented, rather than Hollywood.
Danny: Well I'm mainly an indie director, I like to get down and gritty with the storyline and make the audience feel the characters pain.
Aron: That sounds good, what other films have you done?
Danny: I did 'Trainspotting', that is probably my biggest film. It's about heroin addicts in Glasgow. I also did a little film about the slums of India. I like to get to the real heart of the project and depict it as best I can.
Aron: I've just IMDB'd you and it says you did 'Slumdog Millionaire', didn't that win lots of awards?
Danny: Well yes but the main point was never detracted from and it was never my intention to get awards, I just wanted to portray the book as best I could.
Aron: That's understandable. Send me a script and I'll see what I think.
Danny: Thanks Aron. I really think your story is amazing and I'd love to be involved.

Jan 2011

2011-01-12T16:04:00.003Z

I found this mildly interesting:

I want to see this, Bridesmaids:

And I'd love to be involved with this project, I find her photos fascinating!

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

2010-12-06T17:37:00.001Z

This looks great!

Dancing Queen!

2010-12-06T17:03:00.002Z

I might need to spend an hour dancing later...it's far too infectious!

The Recipe for Predictable Bullshit!

2010-11-05T10:52:00.006Z

Take half a cup of "predictable musical patterns", quarter a cup of "The Bono Complex" and quarter a cup of "lyrics which talk about the poor and vunerable", and a teaspoon of "African culture and scenery" and what do you make? THIS!

It's a shame, it really is. They've obviously now found a sound and equation that works for them, maybe it's an easy equation and takes minimal effort, or maybe they worked their arses off to try and make anything astounding and end up with something that is predictible and mediocre, who knows? But they've come from awesome music making, through bigger things, to what I consider their best album, to *commercially acceptable (this isn't a hugely bad thing, not at all, it's just a little "sell out-ish"!), to their present album. Which I'll be honest, I haven't heard but people who' music tastes I respect and normally agree with, have all told me to abort, abort, abort. Apparently the first song is alright.
It's a shame that the Bono complex has set in. But I'm still hopeful. I hoped all the way through "Only by the Night", that they'd return more to their roots, with the progression they'd made. Alas my hopes were dashed. I'm now hoping that once again, they might just be getting this all of out of their system and return to their amazing awesomeness from before, with added progression and growth...time will tell. I won't keep my hopes up!

*Their stupid American record label have blocked all videos, on Youtube, that weren't singles in England. What the hell man?! Dicks!

Unexplained Deaths in Miniature

2010-10-13T13:23:00.004+01:00

I've just read about Frances Glessner Lee who revolutionised the study of crime scene investigation. The book of her study, Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Deaths, looks amazing! I almost wonder if it's what Freamon has been working on...

I wanted to be a coroner when I was younger but the years and years of study put me off. I probably should have pushed through, I'd be an awesome coroner!

Apparently they are making a film of her work, it could either be brilliant or horrendous! I'm hoping for brilliant!

The Fall

2010-10-08T10:49:00.008+01:00

I watched 'The Fall' last night and loved it.
It's beautifully shot and apparently no cgi was used, which is quite astounding, when you see some of the scenes. It was shot in 18 different countries. But not only is the scenery remarkable, the storyline is rather compelling and the acting relatively good (especially from the lead girl: Catinca Untaru), the costumes were extraordinary, apparently they were designed by the costume designer of 'The Cell', which makes a lot of sense. It a shame that she hasn't done more projects, as she's obviously a huge talent.
It just goes to show that with a little effort, a film can be remarkable without special effects. It truly was beautiful.

I'm surprised that there wasn't more exposure of it when it came out. Although, I guess it was the wrong time for it's release, maybe something bigger was released at the same time.

The Trailer shows some of which I'm speaking of.

National Poetry Week

2010-10-07T13:45:00.003+01:00

Radio 2 have been doing special poetry features all week, which has been a really nice experience. Especially as I've been doing lots of driving for work, often around the time of Jeremy Vine, whom I normally switch off, as listening to the barrage of bollocks from your typical English Daily Mail reading bigoted wanker, is rather fucking dull and frustrating. But this week I've been listening and enjoying people's choices. It's all been rather perfect for the beautiful autumnal weather we've been experiencing this week.

In honour of National Poetry Week, here is one of my favourite poems. Call me predictable but I can't help loving what I love!

William Butler Yeats "Tread Softly"

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet,
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams

Up The Nose

2010-09-16T11:51:00.002+01:00

I snorted Shower Cream yesterday in Sainsbury's. I wouldn't recommend it, although the new Radox African scents do smell nice, even when right up one's nostril!

Barton on Sea & Bath

2010-08-26T17:07:00.014+01:00

In the last few weeks I've tripped to Barton on Sea. To meet Tom's parents while they were on their holiday, it was really lovely down there and they are extremely nice and welcoming people.
Barton on Sea is a village on the edge of New Milton down in Hampshire. It's quiet and quaint. We spent the first afternoon there on the beach in Christchurch. We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out, eating and drinking. There was a lovely local pub, The House Martin, from outside it looked like a Beefeater but it was an independent brewer's which was lovely. They had some interesting lagers on tap from a brewery called Hofbrau, it was a very nice lager and I recommend it.
We went for a little potter around the New Forest also, it was a lovely day. I'd advise you to not try and play the Kiwi game 'Horse', it's far too tiring.
Tom's donkey impression is incredibly funny, that will stay with me for some time. It sounds like a disgruntled old man.
I fell in love with these huge daises, they were so incredibly beautiful and striking. We sat in the garden on Saturday evening and I couldn't concentrate at all, they kept on stealing it. I'm looking forward to return trips in the future.

Bath was great fun. Ninor is soon leaving to return to the land of Oz and she'd never been in the five years she's lived here, so I insisted on the matter. We all got the train, so we could enjoy the local offerings to the full. Chips, Tom, JFo, Ninor and Scott were all in attendance. Before we left, I kept on talking about the children's play area in the city (Victoria Park). Everyone thought I was mad, who had the last laugh, well all of us actually. It's so awesome. Not only is Bath beautiful and charming, the pubs were warm, the food good and this play area one of the greatest known to man. They have an area of grown children (Aka adults) which was hysterical. Poor Chips tumbled off the roundabout, which in my eyes was extremely dangerous but very funny, it took me about 5 attempts to get the courage to jump on.
After a little potter around the centre, to show Ninor the sights we visited the following establishments:
Gascoyne Place - it was nice, pleasant but only a short stay and I walked in to the mirror in the bathroom, like a dick!
The Raven - This was a charming little boozer. Chips came here last time he was in Bath and was impressed with it and so were we. Excellent ales, pies and service.

The Kings Arms - This was a great pub. Especially good after running around a playground. They had a great selection of bands with interesting names playing soon and the bar lady was awesome, very friendly and helpful. Plus we all tried Chilli Sambuca, it's not that bad!
Nina and I went to the Baths, while the rest of them went to H&M, as Chips had ripped a whole in his jeans and then they relocated at The Huntsman - This was your typical chain pub, which basic pub food and reasonable prices on drinks. It was nice. Busy and to be fair, nothing special but it was rather perfect for what we were looking for. We also did a shot of Tequila here, that was most disagreeable but all round rather funny.
After we finished our drinks here, we decided upon a return trip home (via Didcot) with some beers and good chat. All in all, a successful day was had by all.

This weekend I'm venturing to Snowdonia to attend the Pennal Show, there is no website I'm sorry to inform you. I've been informed it's like a country fete but with dog race like events and cake & vegetable growing competitions.
Should be good old fashioned fun! Although the 8am departure time on Saturday morning might just kill me!

Common Sense

2010-08-26T13:11:00.006+01:00

Why would someone be derogatory about me to Tom and expect him to agree with them?! It's not the first time one of my friends have said something opinionated about me and expected Tom to agree. He's my boyfriend, he's a decent guy "why would he agree with you, against me?". I've never been rude or derogatory about my friend' partners, as it's just not what you do. It's insulting to your 'supposed' friend and it's extremely rude to the partner, as you're insulting their choices!
It's bull!

I Love Blogs!

2010-08-13T16:09:00.001+01:00

I've been stalking other blogs lately and taking down loads of urls for them all. Will eventually read everything up there and create a perfect world of cupcakes, cushions and cuteness.

One day...

Speeding Survey

2010-08-11T10:59:00.004+01:00

The council in Oxford decided to save some money, so have switched off the speed cameras within the county of Oxfordshire.
There has been some hoo ha about the matter. Mostly, that as soon as they were switched off, everyone would be driving at 100mph everywhere and would be unable to stick to the speed limit, because obviously it's the cameras in fixed positions that make us all adhere to the speed limit, not that fact that it's law or anything.
These sorts of comments really annoyed me, as the speed cameras purely make people who speed, adhere to the speed limit for that 20 feet. If they speed, they'll continue to do so regardless of cameras. Some times they'll get caught and other times they won't.
What irritates me about the survey above, is that you know it was taken with 0% tolerance, when the average speed camera is set at 10% plus 3, which equals speeding at 36mph or above, in a 30mph zone. I imagine that the average speed camera set at 0% tolerance, would also get rather a high rate of speeders too. It's near impossible to drive at 30mph all of the time, regardless of cameras or not.

I hate modern exaggerated, over reactionary media reports. They are such bullshit!

Bloody Times

2010-08-06T15:42:00.002+01:00

I've just read a blog about masturbating while on the monthly flow. For some reason this makes me feel very sick!
It's the last thing I want to do at that time of the month. Mainly at that time, I want to eat loads of food, do very little and only want my boyfriend near me if it's for hugs. I know every girl is different but in the words of Cher Horowitz "Ewww, like that's totally gross!".

Alicia Duval and daughter

2010-08-06T15:28:00.002+01:00

I'm curently watching this show and as much as I love it, as it's interesting to see the rolls of Mother and Daughter so constantly being swapped. It's also extremely worrying to see someone so emotionally unstable bringing up a daughter. I guess it happens day in and day out, without the lime light. At least Alicia's daughter, Georgia has her head screwed on and keeps herself level at all times.

I think the more worrying factor is that Alicia spends the entire time trying to convince her daughter that brains are worthless and appearances are more important than anything. Like her friend says, she's trying to live her lost childhood through her daughter/pushing her childhood desires on to her daughter.

If only wish Alicia could appreciate how beautiful, intelligent and clever her daughter is and be proud of how her daughter has turned out, without any of the troubles that Alicia had to go through during her childhood. I've my fingers crossed for the ending of the show. And Alicia should also be proud to have created and raised such an individual.

Monthly paintings

2010-07-23T17:34:00.005+01:00

I'm not going to lie, this article has made me feel about 100 times worse than I already do (I've got a weird, dizzy, out of head thing going on currently) but I'm kind of fascinated and also think the two canvases featured look rather beautiful, and a little as though they were collected from the scene of a massacre.

But it is kind of gross and why is that? Is it due to it being classified as human waste, or is it because it's blood? Or is it because it's menstrual blood and it's always been we females little secret. It's not something men generally understand or want to understand.
God knows but it's made me feel dizzier and a little more sicker, if not, a little more open to viewing my monthly visitor in a new light. Not that I'll be swatting over a canvas any time soon.

Summertime

2010-07-22T16:05:00.013+01:00

Once again I've spent many hours reading other people's blogs for entertainment and failing to write anything on my own.

Things that have happened recently, well I say things, I mean endless events that mean I've drank far too much and done nothing productive. Although I've started a new scarf, a thin, wide black one, which will be extra long and extra cosy by the arrival for Winter. And I've finally committed to doing the baby blankets, to sell somewhere, it seems utterly crazy that I've had loads of down time lately and not done anything, other than eating, drinking and staying merry.

I've also just acquired a new job of cleaning rented accommodation in Oxford, once the lazy tenants have moved out. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little excited about this. I've two friends on board and my darling boyfriend has offered his time too (god, he's good. I still don't believe my luck at times). Plus, we get to nose around accommodation and earn pretty good amounts of money for a few hours work. The first one is tonight, we will see how it goes...

The Carnival was drunken, and as usual I enjoyed my The Star emotional outburst, every year like clockwork, I can be perfectly happy and yet here come the tears, it's like I've drunk through my happiness and need to go through emotional distress and then straight back to drunken happiness! Oh joy! Maybe next year, I'll conquer the emotions while drunk.

Tom and I went to Wireless Festival so he could see his musical hero in action, LCD Soundsystem. It was good, we stood right at the front and had a merry buzz on...it was a really nice day, we saw some friends and generally spent the entire day hanging out with each other. One of the better moments was that we were stood under the confetti bombs!

A couple of weekends a go, Tom and I headed north to Holmfirth and my two best friends came to stay with their consecutive partners. It was really nice to hang out with them and to let them get to know Tom, it was an all round success! The sell lots of local produce in most of the shops there, one being "Traffic Jam", which is Gooseberry, Apricot and Strawberry Jam layered in the one jar.

At the end of the lane the house is situated on, is Daisy Books, it's such a charming looking shop, especially with it's bunting strung up. On Saturdays there is a charming market held, which has some lovely stalls and really reminds me of East Oxford farmer's Market, held every Saturday off the Cowley Road. I should really get my arse in gear and get back there to sell some of my creations, I really loved meeting everyone and just hanging out, although the early morning starts do give it a little bit of a tarnish for my liking...especially as I'm normally there supping a red bull and everyone else is wearing their homemade items and eating Organic food...opps! Maybe next time I'll take homemade Sloe Gin to drink instead, at least I'll be relatively in keeping. Anyhow, back to Holmfirth! We were only there for a couple of days, most was spent drinking, eating and hanging out. Sunday morning saw us all decamping up the road to do a 5 mile walk, it was beautiful. The perfect weather, pubs along the walk to replenish and recharge, and generally beautiful views. We walked through some villages and across some reservoirs, which supplied some skimming opportunities for the guys. That evening was spent playing CraniumI can't recommend this game enough, especially if you've got a Jo & Chad to compete against who are so very very entertaining!!! Unfortunately, Monday came around and we had to return to reality, it sucked but Tom and I had our compulsory road trip meal of fast food at the service station. I very much look forward to the day when we can lounge around together and chill out, why won't retirement hurry up...

Disney Tales

2010-06-25T17:27:00.001+01:00

This article, has many a good point. But then again, I'm the girl who didn't remember the Nazi's in 'The Sound of Music', as it preferred it ending straight after they'd gotten married...

I love...I love...I love...

2010-06-25T10:45:00.003+01:00

I love Majestic Wines! I always have and I do utterly, over the top and completely, now. Not only do they always have deals on but you can now mix and match your purchases, instead of 6 of one. Plus, they've got the greatest selection of Kiwi wines and they always carry your orders to your car. They are always overly friendly and helpful and last night, they offered me the chance to taste some, I chose not too, as once I start...I love Majestic Wines! It just makes sense to buy in bulk, that way there is always some around and it's much more cheaper!
I also love Jessop's camera insurance. Ever since I bought my first digital camera with them, I've purchased the £26 for 3 years cover insurance and it's served me well, from the beginning to now! I've had about 3 cameras now and they've all got damaged somehow and every time, they've either been fixed for free or I've been compensated with vouchers for the value of the camera. My indestructible camera broke, I know, nothing is indestructible! Off it went and 3 weeks later, it's back, fixed with a new outer casing on it. That's not why I sent it off but they changed it anyhow. It's just bloody brilliant.

Abingdon (on Thames) has at least 13 hair dressers in the centre of town alone! That doesn't count the ones on the outskirts, neighbouring villages and mobile/home hairdressers. There really aren't that many heads to cut, regardless of the fact that in 2001 there was a population of 36,000. Basically, although most of Abingdon centre and the older parts of the town are extremely pretty, the shopping precinct is just charity shops, coffee shops and hairdressers! Welcome to 21st century towns!

June

2010-06-24T17:04:00.021+01:00

June has been so so busy, I knew it was going to be hectic but the weeks have flown by and I'm unable to finish tasks I started:
My friend and her daughters birthday presents, which need sewing.
A scarf I started to knit.
A blanket I started to crochet.
The planting of flowers in the front garden.
The printing of photos for the wall of fame.
The smock dress I wanted to make.
A top I've been meaning to finish for my friend for about 4 years.
Some hemming that is required.
And the mural for the birthday upstairs.

And now all I want to do is make a pair of these!!! I've never felted anything ever, this is very new and very exciting!

I did however this month go to Paris and Newcastle!

It was very enjoyable and lovely. I got to meet a very good friend of Tom's, James. He, his girlfriend and their housemates were far too hospitable. Tom's been to Paris loads of times and I'd never been, but he did well at showing me the sights and keeping me entertained. We didn't bother going in to any of the museums, as the queues were huge and we only had a couple of days. It's only 2 hours away, I can back to see it all in more detail.

Newcastle was amazing, although I hardly saw any of the city. I saw the train station and the metro line, both were charming. And am looking forward to going back soon. I also want to go to Durham, it looks beautiful! I mainly saw some charming villages in Northumberland, for the wedding I was attending. The sun coming out made all of the photos on the beach even more striking.

The Finale

2010-05-25T16:22:00.002+01:00

I've read this recap blog since it started in Season 5 of Lost and I truly believe it's one of the greatest. I think the final recap explains it's better than most. And yes the island did exist and yes, some of them escaped the island and carried their lives on elsewhere. And no, it's not purgatory!

I adore the theme and meaning of the show and still stand by my original opinion "it is, was and will always be, a truly amazing TV show".

The Artist Is

2010-05-07T17:27:00.004+01:00

This is quite interesting, a more kind of similar stagnant version of Antony Gormley's 4th plinth.

Marina Abramović is sitting in the MOMA in New York and inviting people to sit with her in silence. I originally thought it would be rather nice to sit with someone in a museum in silence, until I found out that you actually had to sit opposite her, at that point, I thought it would be far to intense, uncomfortable, personal space and the like. Do you look at the other person, in the eyes? Or do you look over their shoulder, at the crowd, with closed eyes?! God knows.

Apparently numerous famous people have popped by, from actors, to writers, to fellow artists and of course the general public.

Here are the portraits of those who sit with her and how long they stuck it out for.

Solution to Crack

2010-05-07T16:06:00.003+01:00

What every low riding wearer has always required! The Crack Patch!!!
Congrats Kimberlily for inventing them and making them so affordable. If only they didn't look so stupid!

Foreign Zombies are the best!

2010-05-06T17:44:00.001+01:00

Oooooo, a new Foreign Zombie film to get excited about!

American Able

2010-05-06T14:42:00.003+01:00

Not sure why but I love this photo and I love the concept behind the project.

Recap

2010-05-06T12:53:00.005+01:00

I'm so irritated! I've had this before and I should have copied it, in case there were issues but the stupid 'autosave' was buzzing away, so I assumed it was being saved and oh no! Was it too much effort Google, eh?

I originally wrote about doing my vote this morning and how for some reason, the polling station signs always remind me of World War Two. No idea why?

I wrote about my swollen lymph node which appeared last week behind my ear and felt as though a value price, uncooked baked bean had been slipped under my skin. Pretty gross but luckliy, it went down after two days. And I now agree that no one should ever self diagnose online. I got very irrational and feared that I'd got head lice. Wasn't so bothered with the other implications for some reason.

I wrote about my not drinking booze for a short while. Which is a good thing. I think my entire body will thank me, especially my brain that has spent many mornings pounding. Oh and I guess my liver will be pleased too. Although I thought Tom would disown me due to this but he didn't quip or comment. I'm guessing his PMT yesterday clouded his hearing, might just not mention it again and see if he remembers.

I also wrote about how I'm going to Paris with Tom. It's Supergrass' last show and I've never been there, so am all rather excited! Just need to find some money from somewhere for that and for my return trip to New Zealand next February and my trip to Newcastle mid-June and life generally. Oh money tree, why won't you grow?

I also wrote about my acquirement of an iPhone and how Tom kind of expected that if I ever got one, that would be the last he'd ever see of me. Luckily, as much as I love it, I also hate the stupidly extra clever predictive word spell. It corrects the words that are wrong but also corrects slang and nicknames. Woop = Wool. Dennos = Dennis. Me = Mr. And yet, doesn't correct a 'C' at the end of a sentence to 'X'. Stupidly extra clever piece of annoyance!
But I do, or should I say, did love this app. Although now I've completed it with Sheri's help, I feel so empty! Why did she introduce it to my life?!

Totally rocking the awesomeness of this in the Car-e-oke. I'd like to note the special performance up Divinity Road last Friday, windows down, strangled cats and Fleetwood Mac a hollering!

Ugh!

2010-05-06T10:05:00.002+01:00

I'm getting fucked off with Blogger! Just wrote a proper blog for the first time in a while and it's wiped it! Unimpressed!

Xanadu

2010-05-05T17:33:00.002+01:00

Was speaking with some friends the other day about rollerskating and it reminded me of the awesome film "Xanadu" with Olivia Newton John. I've ordered it on DVD, to show how great it is to my friends. They'll be wow'd with it's 80s awesomeness!

Mahnahmah-yum!

2010-04-29T15:47:00.004+01:00

Golly, they are almost too good looking to eat! I'd love an Animal one, love love love!

All thanks to this blog!

Whimsy

2010-04-23T15:33:00.007+01:00

After randomly finding a whimsical blog, I started to troll the links attached to it and now, I totally feel like a failed female.

I'm not one of those girls who dresses head to toe in second hands clothes and purposefully gets up an extra hour to ensure my outfit is perfectly matched to be alternative and interesting. Or have one of those haircuts, which requires washing and styling every morning. I'm not sure if it's just not really what my generation does, especially as it is more a younger generations theory of ideal perfection. Or maybe, it's just not what the majority of my friends do.

I spent a lot of my childhood trying to impersonate 'Clarissa Explains It All' style but it was the 80s/90s and nobody had style or flair and I also lived through and remember the 80s, so I've no need to relive it. Especially as a good 90% of all 80s clothes were made from the ugly fabrics of polyester, nylon and acrylic.

But looking through these websites makes me believe it's easy to be whimsical and stylish. Although it still seems like far to much effort (taking 1000 photos of one outfit in a stylish fashion, just seems like a huge waste of time to me). I'd rather get an extra hours sleep, or be down the pub with good friends and live through my "awesome" personality, badly applied make up and creased/dirty clothes.

Or maybe I could just start taking all my photos in sepia and blur them with the sun, so my life seems whimsical, even though it's not. I mean, I already knit, crochet, sew, paint, draw, make candles, cards, cushions, etc. Isn't it enough to do those things and not document them with stylish photos, so others can feel inferior. Or maybe I'm just being the cynical, miserable, judgemental bitch that I am?!

Consumption

2010-04-23T10:46:00.003+01:00

I used to believe that when people died of 'comsumption', I thought they'd eaten themselves to death. Which to be fair, didn't sound so terrible to me. Plus, at the time of poverty, when everyone was dying of consumption, I thought it was a wonder that they could afford enough food to eat themselves to death. Although I guess if you've never eaten much food, eating a large helping would probably have killed them and I'm not going to lie, this was when I was about 23.

Cute Dictator Babies

2010-03-17T14:42:00.000Z

Dictator Babies

So in love...

2010-03-12T13:39:00.007Z

McQueen's last show

I used to read Vogue lots and had to stop, as it was an expense I could do without.
Now, I read online blogs for my gossip.
I'm positively in love with many of these dress, especially No.3, No.4, the jacket of No.9, I adore No.11 and No.12.

I'm also in complete love with this dress from Coast but the amount I've raved about it, I won't go in to it now.

Last night I discovered Irregular Choice's website, foolish me!
I'm now in love with: These shoes in any colour, these boots,these boots, these boots and can't make my mind up on which I prefer out of this bag or this bag!

Damn you Irregular Choice for making so many truly beautiful and also, truly hideous items!

I Heart Lost, Brother!

2010-03-11T22:04:00.009Z

STOP! DO NOT WATCH EITHER OF THESE IF YOU'VE NOT SEEN UP TO THE END OF LOST SERIES 5!

I wish I could go back and watch it all in one like this!

It's so so good! Had me in fits! It's pretty accurate and exactly how I feel about the show!

I just wrote this blog, it was perfect and blogger deleted it, am gutted!

I know I've blogged about my love for Locke before, I'm pretty sure that I haven't blogged about my actual love for Lost, maybe I have. If so, I'm sorry for being repetitive.

I'm so gutted, I lost my original posting, oh the irony that I lost my Lost blog?!
Anyhow. I've watched Lost since the beginning. Since the moment the original adverts came on TV, the black screen with the spinning word 'LOST' hurling towards the screen, oh Lost! If only someone had told me how emotionally draining, frustrating, exciting and confusing our relationship would be, but how could they? They didn't know and nor did I.

Oh Lost, how I heart thee!
I've watched every episode of Lost and have never missed one. I've spent many hours screaming at the screen, normally along the lines of "Noooo", "you can't be serious?", "what the ?", "oh my god?!", etc. It's been so exhilarating! And every year when the series ends, I suffer withdrawal and depression, it's so hard some times to be so in love with a TV show. What will I do when Series 6 finishes for good?!

I often read this blog online and near enough all of the comments that accompany every entry. I like to read up, as my mythological and religious knowledge isn't that great. I also love hearing other people's views and opinions as to what is going on. You can watch an entire episode, think you understand and then realise you've no idea, no idea what so ever. Some episodes are so complex and full of information and others are very light hearted and simple, of course, Lost being Lost, this means that there are 1000s of "*easter eggs" hidden away for all to see if they are willing too. But more than anything, I just love being entertained for 44 minutes a week.

I've tried to read DarkUFO but it's a little too complicated at times. I often check in on Lostpedia to brush up on knowledge, characters, etc.
I adore how most Lost fans are pretty die hard obsessives. I know I am.

I once dated a guy who also loved Lost. It was the main thing we had in common. Not a great basis for a relationship but it was so exciting having someone to obsess with about the show.

Since series 6 started up, I've gotten overly excited. Maybe a little bit too much for my other half to deal with. I've spent hours in bed reading sites and theories, while I should have been conversing with Tom. Poor bloke. I'm not sure if it is all my excited rants about the shows, or the way my eyes light up when I talk about it, or if he's just finally been beaten in to submission but he's now watching the show. He seems to like it. It's so exciting. I can't wait for him to have watched all 5 series and be able to view the second video above and belly laugh, just as I did. I've started watching them too and it's more incredible than I can describe to go back and see the story building, Oh Lost, Lost, Lost!

Tom even joked the other day about having a Lost night, where we do the drinking game. Near enough all main characters have a repetitive behavioural pattern or catchphrase and you drink when you witness it. Although, Tom thinks it would make more sense if you drank every time you feel confused.
Maybe I could order some DHARMA t-shirts for us to wear, but which station would I choose?! Or would I just go for the original DHARMA one. Oh the decisions!

I also adore this blog but haven't had time to go back to 2007 and start from the beginning...

It's not as good as the original blog but it'll have to do, Brother!

*The creators term for hidden clues and nuggets of information.

Dave Flies

2010-02-25T22:34:00.004Z

Finally sorted out how to host a gif!

Although, if I could slow Dave down a little, it might look a little better and have less of that 'watching a terrifying fairground ride in action' feel to it!

Everyone loves parties at our house!

Scary times...

2010-02-15T15:13:00.001Z

Scary photoshopping!

Dali on my breasts!

2010-02-15T14:00:00.005Z

Found this t-shirt on a blog I was reading, Wit & Whistle. It's hosted on etsy. And I think it's super. There are numerous other prints which are also awesome! Don't fancy Dali, how about Einstein, some of the Transformers or Charlie Chaplin?
I just like how the prints are subtle, yet right there in your face.

Favourite new puking term...

2010-02-15T13:38:00.003Z

Barf-a-saurus Rex!

Far too witty to actually use while desperately hugging the porcelain bowl but definitely worth remembering when recounting the events of an awful, although well earnt hangover!

Royal Congestion

2010-02-12T17:02:00.003Z

Do the royal family have to pay Congestion Charges when entering the centre of London? Or would they get the 90% discount for living within the zone? And if they do get the discount, did they have one of their staff register the cars or are they automatically made exempt? If they aren't made automatically exempt and do receive PCNs, how brilliant would it be to be the person who envelopes that charge!!!

Shakers!

2010-02-12T14:30:00.022Z

I've so many things I want to write about:
Mainly, why women are always the villians or the victims in relationship break ups, according to the media, but never the triumphant, strong or brave?!

But also:
Why certain people find it extremely hard to see things from other people's points of view?
Why Jeremy Vine made me cry earlier today! And plus, how hard it is to drive while crying!
That I'm extremely happy in my love life currently, who knew turning a good friend in to an even better "friend" could have supplied that?
Why I hate winter, as it's impractical footwear wise. Icy ground means not being able to wear high heels, which sucks!
Why I'd rather be poor, fat and happy, than rich, thin and miserable!
And talking about rich and poor, why is it that the tight fuckers always have more money but most of their friends tire of their tight ways and stop offering. Whereas most of the poorer people are always the most generous. Is it because they can appreciate the joys in life, without money misting their vision? Probably! And why is it that tight people never view themselves as tight?

But regardless of that! I'm totally loving these little fellas! Julie pointed me to this website yesterday and I've looked through. Most of the clothes are lovely, although a lot are made from man made material, yuck!
Some of the shoes are truly charming, if only I had all the money in the world!
But in the 'Apartment' section I found these little shrooms. I love salt and pepper shakers, the quirkier the better. I'm also loving the Woodland Critter Whisks and Hitchcock style 'The Birds' pillowcases!
I adore these hugging guys, they have them at the house up north I stay at and I think they are so cute. But little mushrooms, oh my god! And I don't even like mushrooms.
I look forward to having a proper home home one day, so I can decorate it with awesome looking random items and gorgeous nick-nacks! The best I can do in my current house is candles in bottles on the window sill and randomly placed lamps and fairylights...I dream of the day when I have my own brightly decorated town house, where friends can vegetate and chill. I'm still coveting this chandelier, I really want a white wash hallway with black and white floor tiles and this gorgeous chandelier hanging from the ceiling!

Talking about 'Oh my god', this reminds me of when Genevieve met Tom, the eve of his birthday, and she was a little merry. Gen replied "OMG" to something Tom had said and Tom was all "what? sorry?". Not sure why but the idea of Tom not having ever heard of the term OMG makes me chuckle!

Also, I watched a French film the other day. It was 1 hour 50 minutes long and the only piece of nudity in it was at 1 hour 30 minutes and it was side boob and partial nipple! In my eyes, this can not be classified as a real French film. I do not accept it!

10 Downing St vs White House

2010-01-28T16:35:00.003Z

I was told a few years a go that 10 Downing Street was larger in sq ft than The White House.
Normally I would have double checked this but I totally forgot too. I'm now trying to check it online now and can't find the sq ft of 10 Downing St. The White House is 55,000 sq ft. But how big is Downing St?

Apparently, it literally goes as deep as the next street along and Wiki says that it is three houses knocked through: a mansion, a townhouse and a cottage, surely it's got a basement too, which all adds to the sizing.

Oh, I must know the answer...the internet is suppose to hold the answer to everything and yet?!

Tavi!

2010-01-26T17:10:00.004Z

I've not blogged much, not had much to write about.

I've been updating my Amazon wishlist with some more bad looking films. Knitting some fabulous items. Planning on learning the art of crochet soon. And coveting the Tavi t-shirt (see below), it's not very me but I adore it!

Personally, absolutely love her, think she's fabulous and also think it's brilliant that she upsets the fashion industry so very much! I've read her entries and find that it's a little like when I used to read Vogue monthly, I only ever understood half of which is written but still am more than happy to read away.
In fact, talking of Vogue, I got such a huge desire to read it the other day, I went on the hunt for a copy, couldn't find one anywhere, so settled for a copy of Elle. It just isn't the same. Still stuffed full of adverts but the photo shoots aren't as slick and the writing isn't as polished. I heart Vogue!

No glove, no love

2010-01-20T13:46:00.001Z

I really rather like this advert for Aids and Condom usage.

Comic Loving!

2010-01-13T16:09:00.004Z

Personally, I'm not a chucklefucker (a groupie of comedians), I've always appreciated personality over looks, especially humour, but I generally find all of these men very attractive.

Bruno

2009-12-15T01:53:00.009Z

Tonight, I sobbed!
I sobbed more than I have since my heart got broken for the first time. I sobbed more tonight, than I did in 2005! Tonight was a night, it had so many highs but one of the most depressing lows of all times, and if back during 2005 someone had told me I wouldn't sob that much until 2009, I would have sobbed my heart out ten times more!

This weekend, I lost a good friend. A loyal, funny kind of guy. A charming, adorable, loving kind of guy. The kind of guy who makes a rainy day seem ok. The kind of guy who makes a quiet night in the pub, an unwasted night. The kind of guy who is just happy to exist!

This guy, random as it is to say, it is a dog! But he was more than that and will always represent more than that. When I found out the devastating news yesterday, after phoning his mum and dad, I phoned my best friend. She's always been a dog person (I have not), maybe that is what makes this the more profound, he was the dog who made me like dogs. He (I should use his name, no matter how much it hurts), Bruno, was that dog, the dog! The only dog. The gentle giant, the kind, considerate, understanding fellow, who made the complexities in life seem so juvenile,

I first met Bruno in 2004 at a birthday party. I was weary, he was a rottweiler, I was a simple human, his jaws could rip me limb to limb, my simple jaws could talk the ass off a donkey! I soon met him on a one to one level, when I went to work in his pub and he made me fall in love with dogs. Bruno made me want to own my own dog. He was calm and accepting and moody, don't get me wrong, he could strop his arse off but it was all apart of his character but most of all, he was respectful and loving, kind and considerate, entertaining, protective and amazing! He was Bruno and only Bruno, he was nothing more or less but he was perfect, beautiful and oh so loving!

I haven't fully accepted that Bruno has departed from this world. I guess tomorrow night when I enter work and he never barks for me to let him upstairs, maybe it'll settle in, Maybe when I forget for a second and I ask if he needs to go out or maybe when I tell the customers to not feed the dog, no matter how hungry he makes himself look, it'll truly sink in, who knows?! I guess time will tell. I've been crying for over two hours now, I'm not sure if these are tears for Bruno or just tears because I can?! I'm pretty sure they are all for him (which is more random than you'll ever know, as 5 years ago, I'd never believe anything could make me feel this miserable) but Bruno wasn't just anything, he was a good friend. And right now all my thoughts are directed at Lianne and Tom and for the loss of their good friend, child even.
Bruno is and always will be the reason I like dogs. He will always hold a little doggy space in my heart, as he made me realise that dogs are more than pets. I finally get that dogs are friends, companions and members of the family. And Bruno was all of those things to myself (as well as to others) and more. Bruno, you'll be missed more than you'll ever know! x

Melinda Gordon

2009-12-11T16:59:00.003Z

I've been watching 'Ghost Whisperer' for a while now, "yeah I watch really bad American TV, so what?!".

But, Melinda tells at least 2-3 people every episode about her "ability". Seeing how people gossip, surely now that we're in the 5th series most of the town know about her ability. People gossip loads, especially in small towns. Everyone should know about it, and she runs a small shop in town, there should be loads of finger pointing and hushed whispers but apparently not. People still seem genuinely surprised when she tells them. Even though, she spends hours talking to herself in the main square, in plain view of everyone.

Or is there a small clause with her helping them, that they then have to leave the town and never mention it to anyone ever again?

Or is it like 'Murder She Wrote', where they all know she's the kiss of death, but still feel a desire to be her friend!

Dorothy Parker

2009-12-10T12:52:00.001Z

A new favourite quote: “If you want to see what God thinks of money, just look at all the people He gave it to”.

Arctic Charm

2009-11-27T17:17:00.000Z

Nick Grimshaw was right, this is a charming little video!

Lookalikes

2009-11-25T15:38:00.005Z

I've finally worked out what it is that Natalie Portman reminds me of.
Don't get me wrong, I think she is stunning. She doesn't feature in my list (it's very small, only has three people on it) of girls I'd go gay for but, she's striking and a bloody good actress to boot!

But...

Might explain why I like Meerkats and also, why I like Natalie Portman?!

Colin

2009-11-25T11:45:00.003Z

I forgot to blog about this film a while ago. I had seen about it online ages ago and finally had the chance to watch it. I originally had it on my Lovefilm list, which is possibly the longest list to ever have existed but got the chance to watch it on Tv and I wasn't disappointed!

I watched it with two lovely ladies, one of whom isn't a big horror fan, well that is an understatement, she fucking hates them! And one who appreciates a good scare and none of us were let down!

It's budget! More budget than ever before, it cost £45 to make, as everyone offered their time and the editing/production was done in the directors spare time but none of that detracts from the fact that it's good!
I'm not going to spoil it, just watch it. It's so good! Trailer below, in case you haven't seen it.

Got tickled by this yesterday:
My boss was talking to my other boss on the phone about a band yesterday and described them as "That band who wear feathers in their hair",
He looked at me and said "Pippa, what are they called, you know, they wear feathers?",
"I've no idea, what do they sing?"
"Oh, they sing those happy, dance songs, oh they supported The Heads last year in Manchester",
"Oh, MGMT".
Of all the way to describe MGMT, this is the last thing I'd think of. Hence my being tickled!
Although, this is the guy who calls all bands recording in the studio "My Left Foot", he might be a genius but I didn't say that!

Watchmen

2009-11-24T16:38:00.008Z

Finally watched Watchmen, no I haven't read the graphic novel but yes I love a superhero based anything!

I got a little excited about it when it came out, but not excited enough to get off my arse and travel to the cinema to pay £7 to see it (although let's be fair, with snacks too - it would have cost a good £15 - remember I'm a fat girl in a thin girls body).
Anyhow, I finally saw it. The Chicken had purchased it and I finally got to view the masterpiece. In the similar light to other graphic novels turned films (Sin City being a prime example), it has the charming cartoon-esque quality to a T. I am smitten!

I guess if I'd bothered to get off my arse and read the book, I'd have more to say on the actual adaptation, alas I do not! So I will say, I enjoyed it, thought it was well executed and no, I didn't think it was too long, not by a milestone, especially as I assume the alternative would have been to 'two part' it and that would have been shit!

In other news, I finally have to accept that sleep is required and I should not party on painkillers, apparently my behaviour was interesting at our dinner party on Sunday night ("Sunday" I hear you cry, well it is the new black!), maybe even on par with the "evening of wall licking", which is saying something and is still the reason why I do not drink Tuaca!
But this all sucks, as it was the three parties last weekend that made me ill in the first place but I'm still not sure how singing The Boss and G'n'R until 4.30am makes a 'lost voice' turn in to a 'throat infection' which then develops in to 'vertigo' which then transforms to 'ickly throat and strange cough' that sounds like a dogs bark!!!
Although last Friday I did sound very much as though Chewbacca* and Darth Vadar had a kid and that was kind of cool, if not really irritating, as we all know how much I enjoy talking!

Oh and talking of Star Wars, I'm loving how ITV are playing all 6 films in chronological order according to the storyline, it's rather charming. Thankfully we're now on the ones I grew up with, it's like being 7 again, although I don't have my brothers pretending to be Jedi's and trying to constantly kill me.

P.S. Chewbacca isn't in Blogger' automatic spellcheck - shocking!

Positively loving this song!

2009-11-23T17:12:00.000Z

Diamonds of blood

2009-11-18T10:42:00.002Z

I finally watched Blood Diamond last night, oh my god, if I wanted to see such destruction and devastation I'd watch the news.
I'm also thinking that the characters Danny and Solomon are lucky that the children's gun training was so bad, otherwise they'd have been killed much earlier in the film.
It's good, if you like: mass death, destruction, lots of explosions, South African accents and running. If not, then I'd leave it be.

Scarefest

2009-11-13T17:08:00.003Z

This looks pretty bloody great!!!

Let the scaring commence...