I just got back from my first foray alone on a night out in Shanghai. I have been a little bit of a coward o far not really wanting to go out alone. In the end it was quiet enjoyable, however I guess I did not find the right places as there wasn't really much happening (perhaps I went out too early?).
Anyway more about going out later, I have had a strange day today. Lulu and I visited two temples, ChengHuang Temple(Town god's Temple) and Longhua Temple Fair. At the Cheng Hang we saw the bridge of nine turns and many market stalls where I bought a few gifts for the people back home, and got myself a really nice stylised "Cookie" sign. The temple structure was very pretty and well worth looking around. I threw a coin onto a tree in the centre for good luck with my career I hope it will come true ;)
At the second temple we went in to see the Buddah's, you could not take pictures but they were very ornate and different well worth seeing. There were huge crowds at both of the temples though, got jostled and pushed around the place.
For lunch went went to a Shechuan (not sure on the spelling) diner near Lulu'ls old college. The food was very spicy and quiet nice, except in an effort o spice up the meal she ordered frogs. They came served in spices on hot pebbles. I have to say I found them tough and not very tasty, though Lulu's opinion was they were not well cooked.
Lulu wasn't feeling the best today so she went home early, and why i ended up going out by myself into the city. I was quiet worried about it, Lulu has been my guide, she has made up for my lack of Chinese. So I was worried I wouldnt be able to function without her. Fortunatly using my guide and some poinitng at things I managed to get into the city, walked around the shops on the South Chongqing road, then went for a few beers in some of the bars on Yandang road. I didnt managed to meet anyone though wih was a shame people seemed mostly in groups and it wasn't really very busy.
Its kind of strange today is the first day I am getting a little bit of a handle on Shanghai and yet my trip is nearly over. Its a very different place, the customs are strange, Anglo-Saxons are a minority. Life feels like someone turned up the volume and the colour's especially at night you are bombarded with neons, horns, shouting and noise. The smells are very pungent, with the cooking, the rotting waste, the smells of the many construction sites. I cant even describe the crowding its unreal! Yet for all that Shanghai has a charm, a real spirit, I feel very alive, possibly because I feel lucky ever time I make it from one side of the road to another. I think its the most varied place I have ever been too there are whole different sides to the place, different sights and sounds and feelings to experience. I have been here a week and not even scratched the surface of Shanghai, one city in a country as big as the EU with a population equal to one quarter of the world, with a culture established when western Europe lived in caves so there is a lot to see, do taste and experience.
I got home about 23:15 tonight, just been sitting here blogging, and a storm started up, first the wind picked up, whistling though my (closed) windows, then rain now lightening. Being on the 25th floor I am getting quiet a show :)
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Xitang
Today the plan was to go and visit a "traditional" Chinese village called Xitang (pictures here). I got up at 6am as we had to catch the bus at 8am from the stadium about 6 stops away on the metro.
After just over an hour on the bus we arrived in a really run down town, walked a little down the road then the narrowest street I have seen in some time. So narrow we had to hide in a door way as one of the tuc tuc style bikes pasted through.
Xitang is a maze of small streets separated by rivers, with a large collection of bridges of all shapes and sizes. The bridges are both useful as Xitang sprawls over the river but also beautiful adding a real magic to the place.
Just walking around is amazing the sights and smells, the constricted space on the pavement and the crowds of tourists give the place an otherworldly, sad but proud feeling. The bridges and buildings are wonderful to look at. The places stinks, and not just the tofu, rotting garbage and the river smells and looks horribly polluted.
There are many little exhibits to view whilst walking about, a wine museum informed us the Chinese have over a millenia of wine making tradition. There is a Buddhist temple, a place called the Drunk Room home to some excellent calligraphers, and a grand house complete with courtyard, rockery and splendid Chinese architecture.
The trouble with chopsticks for a western guy is that whilst the Chinese have used the sticks since they were young, I am struggling with the sticks themselves and with the fact its normal to chew food and spit bits out, something that is no-no in the UK is normal practice here. Today i was trying to eat shrimp, I found it very difficult Lulu torn off the her in her teeth, spat it out, did the same with the tail then stripped the rest of the shell in her mouth and spat it out. I found it difficult and unusual, ended up eating mostly the salad and other bits.
There were many little stalls selling all sort of traditional Chinese goods, foods, and curiosities. I bought a rather natty Tea set with a spout shaped like a dragon. I also bought some nice Chinese paintings depicting Xitang in the four seasons. I also sampled smelly tofu, a rather foul smelling fried tofu, it actually tastes pretty nice especially with a little sauce on.
The poverty of Xitang is palpable, from the people working the stalls to the townspeople outside, it is very different from Shanghai. I was approached by a shoe cleaning women whilst we were sitting waiting for the bus, she cleaned my shoes for 5 Yuan then went off looking for more customers. I guess underemployment must pretty high here.
This evening we were both tired after the early morning, so we went back to the apartment and cooked up some of the leftover dumplings from the party. Along with an Elizabeth melon and some crisps.
It was early evening so although slightly tired Lulu took me out to Xintiandi. It is a modern shopping complex built inside a renovated Shikumen (stone houses) part of the old French concession. The place is full of trendy shops and restaurants and had about the most western faces I had seen so far on the trip. I think that maybe goes along with the western prices!
We grabbed a coffee, at one of the brand chain coffee houses. I had to go and order, first time ordering anything, it took ages but not because for me more due to the queue inside. I think Lulu thought I was messing about! We sat outside and had a rather deep and meaningful conversation about life which was rather enjoyable, however we were both tired. So Lulu went off home and I was so tired I went to the apartment and crashed out.
After just over an hour on the bus we arrived in a really run down town, walked a little down the road then the narrowest street I have seen in some time. So narrow we had to hide in a door way as one of the tuc tuc style bikes pasted through.
Xitang is a maze of small streets separated by rivers, with a large collection of bridges of all shapes and sizes. The bridges are both useful as Xitang sprawls over the river but also beautiful adding a real magic to the place.
Just walking around is amazing the sights and smells, the constricted space on the pavement and the crowds of tourists give the place an otherworldly, sad but proud feeling. The bridges and buildings are wonderful to look at. The places stinks, and not just the tofu, rotting garbage and the river smells and looks horribly polluted.
There are many little exhibits to view whilst walking about, a wine museum informed us the Chinese have over a millenia of wine making tradition. There is a Buddhist temple, a place called the Drunk Room home to some excellent calligraphers, and a grand house complete with courtyard, rockery and splendid Chinese architecture.
The trouble with chopsticks for a western guy is that whilst the Chinese have used the sticks since they were young, I am struggling with the sticks themselves and with the fact its normal to chew food and spit bits out, something that is no-no in the UK is normal practice here. Today i was trying to eat shrimp, I found it very difficult Lulu torn off the her in her teeth, spat it out, did the same with the tail then stripped the rest of the shell in her mouth and spat it out. I found it difficult and unusual, ended up eating mostly the salad and other bits.
There were many little stalls selling all sort of traditional Chinese goods, foods, and curiosities. I bought a rather natty Tea set with a spout shaped like a dragon. I also bought some nice Chinese paintings depicting Xitang in the four seasons. I also sampled smelly tofu, a rather foul smelling fried tofu, it actually tastes pretty nice especially with a little sauce on.
The poverty of Xitang is palpable, from the people working the stalls to the townspeople outside, it is very different from Shanghai. I was approached by a shoe cleaning women whilst we were sitting waiting for the bus, she cleaned my shoes for 5 Yuan then went off looking for more customers. I guess underemployment must pretty high here.
This evening we were both tired after the early morning, so we went back to the apartment and cooked up some of the leftover dumplings from the party. Along with an Elizabeth melon and some crisps.
It was early evening so although slightly tired Lulu took me out to Xintiandi. It is a modern shopping complex built inside a renovated Shikumen (stone houses) part of the old French concession. The place is full of trendy shops and restaurants and had about the most western faces I had seen so far on the trip. I think that maybe goes along with the western prices!
We grabbed a coffee, at one of the brand chain coffee houses. I had to go and order, first time ordering anything, it took ages but not because for me more due to the queue inside. I think Lulu thought I was messing about! We sat outside and had a rather deep and meaningful conversation about life which was rather enjoyable, however we were both tired. So Lulu went off home and I was so tired I went to the apartment and crashed out.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Hidden Skype
My friend Kelly sent me this link to some hidden Skype emotions.
Just in case it goes offline here is a listing
(tmi) Unsure looks like peekaboo
(fubar)
(swear) Skype swearing
(bug) Skype bug
(poolparty) Skype Pool Party
(bandit) Skype Bandit
(headbang) Skype Headbang
(banghead) Skype Headbang
(mooning) Skype Mooning
(rock) Skype Rock
(ci) Skype Smoke
(smoking) Skype Smoke
(toivo) Skype Toivo
(drunk) Skype Drunk
(finger) Skype Finger
(makeup) Skype Makeup
(kate) Skype Makeup
(heidy) Heidy
(myspace) MySpace (latest skype)
(flag:ca) Skype Flag Canada
(flag:us) Skype Flag US
*Update pretty much any flag can appear just use (flag:xx) where xx is the two letter code e.g. (flag:gb) or (flag:eu)
Just in case it goes offline here is a listing
(tmi) Unsure looks like peekaboo
(fubar)
(swear) Skype swearing
(bug) Skype bug
(poolparty) Skype Pool Party
(bandit) Skype Bandit
(headbang) Skype Headbang
(banghead) Skype Headbang
(mooning) Skype Mooning
(rock) Skype Rock
(ci) Skype Smoke
(smoking) Skype Smoke
(toivo) Skype Toivo
(drunk) Skype Drunk
(finger) Skype Finger
(makeup) Skype Makeup
(kate) Skype Makeup
(heidy) Heidy
(myspace) MySpace (latest skype)
(flag:ca) Skype Flag Canada
(flag:us) Skype Flag US
*Update pretty much any flag can appear just use (flag:xx) where xx is the two letter code e.g. (flag:gb) or (flag:eu)
Oriental Pearl
Thanks to the fact it was so busy yesterday we decided to get up early and catch the Oriental Pearl as it opened and avoid the queue. We arrived at 8 and we able to just walk in and head up to the viewing platform. We had tickets to the second highest level, I decided the extra 50 Yuan for a few more meters didn't matter so much at there was a little cloud / smog in the air, plus the guide book said it really wasn't worht the extra money.
The view was really good despite the poor visibility. You could clearly see the Bund in a lot better detail than from the Jan Mao.
After a good look about we made our way back down. At the bottom of the tower the queue was already beginning to grow.
Next stop was people square, when the communist took power they took what was a racetrack and turned it into an area for the people. A sort of soviet style park with the museum in the middle. The museum has "unique architectural form of a round top with a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophy that the square earth is under the round sky" - Shanghai Museum. It is actually pretty impressive and had some nice exhibitions of Chinese art in, I enjoyed the paintings, th caligraphy and the statues but the currency and seal
exhibits were a little dry. They also had an exhibition of American art, from the 20s, and 30s so a lot of pop art, realist paintings from the Guggenheim. These stylized art if mostly not to my tastes although the odd the piece stands out some I just thought were jokes, I deformed (poorly drawn) circle in a square canvas, is that really high art?
After the museum we headed down Nanjing market it was very very crowded though. We gave up before long in the face of massive crowds, and went for lunch. We went to a rather tasty diner I had a spicy beef dish it was lovely.
In the afternoon Lulu arranged for some of her friends to come to my apartment, and prepare a Chinese meal. I even helped with the preparations! We prepared dumplings, I think I got quiet good at making them in the end. We had a hot pot on the table into which went all manor of food, prawn balls, port, vegetables dumplings and vermicelli . The food was good but it was hard for me, they were all chattering away in Chinese I had no idea what was being said or what was happening, they seemed a nice enough bunch was just a clique not including me. I felt a bit bored after they left though. Lulu said they needed to get home as they lived far away, though I doubt it somewhat, they didn't want to go for a drink so as of 9pm I was alone. Chinese people seem very different, if i got invited to a party I would expect a few drinks and some fun not just food and home. Tempted as I was to go out I'm up very early to go on a village tour to Xitang, I saw some pictures and it looked very pretty.
The view was really good despite the poor visibility. You could clearly see the Bund in a lot better detail than from the Jan Mao.
After a good look about we made our way back down. At the bottom of the tower the queue was already beginning to grow.
Next stop was people square, when the communist took power they took what was a racetrack and turned it into an area for the people. A sort of soviet style park with the museum in the middle. The museum has "unique architectural form of a round top with a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophy that the square earth is under the round sky" - Shanghai Museum. It is actually pretty impressive and had some nice exhibitions of Chinese art in, I enjoyed the paintings, th caligraphy and the statues but the currency and seal
exhibits were a little dry. They also had an exhibition of American art, from the 20s, and 30s so a lot of pop art, realist paintings from the Guggenheim. These stylized art if mostly not to my tastes although the odd the piece stands out some I just thought were jokes, I deformed (poorly drawn) circle in a square canvas, is that really high art?
After the museum we headed down Nanjing market it was very very crowded though. We gave up before long in the face of massive crowds, and went for lunch. We went to a rather tasty diner I had a spicy beef dish it was lovely.
In the afternoon Lulu arranged for some of her friends to come to my apartment, and prepare a Chinese meal. I even helped with the preparations! We prepared dumplings, I think I got quiet good at making them in the end. We had a hot pot on the table into which went all manor of food, prawn balls, port, vegetables dumplings and vermicelli . The food was good but it was hard for me, they were all chattering away in Chinese I had no idea what was being said or what was happening, they seemed a nice enough bunch was just a clique not including me. I felt a bit bored after they left though. Lulu said they needed to get home as they lived far away, though I doubt it somewhat, they didn't want to go for a drink so as of 9pm I was alone. Chinese people seem very different, if i got invited to a party I would expect a few drinks and some fun not just food and home. Tempted as I was to go out I'm up very early to go on a village tour to Xitang, I saw some pictures and it looked very pretty.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
How many people!
Today I woke up early, too early in fact. I think it must be down to the jet lag.
Lulu arrived and brought breakfast, her Grandmothers Yuanxiao dumplings. They were incredibly tasty sticky rice balls with a filling. We set out for the metro line on route to the Pearl TV tower. Unfortunately on arriving at the metro line we got the first taste of just how Crowded Shanghai can get. The trains were totally crowded. When I say full I mean so full you could not physically fit in another person. In fact we saw two people injured on the trains. One guy got his hand trapped in the opening door, and a girl passed out on the station. In the end the crushed were to bad so we got a taxi.
The taxi took us to the Bund on the wrong side of the river. So Lulu bought us combined tickets for the tourist tunnel, Jin Mao Building and the Oriental Pearl TV tower.
Across the river from the Bund is Pudong, this is the special economic zone which has helped to power Shanghais incredible growth over the last decade. In a total contrast to the Bund Puong is full of new buildings, mostly skyscrapers. The Oriental Pearl seems to be the centre piece to a showcase of huge imposing corporate monsters.
In order cross the river we used the Shanghai tourist tunnel, this is basically an underground car which goes under the river. To jazz it up they have added some weird special effects like you on some sort of weird acid trip.
The Oriental Pearl TV tower is the third tallest tower in the world and the tallest in Asia. It has multiple viewing platforms, you pay more the higher you want to go. We joined the queue, and waited, and waited and waited. After an hour we realised the line stretched all the way around the building and inside. We asked how long and were told at least another 30 minutes maybe an hour. This was too long we were hungry by now so we decided to go for lunch and see what the queue was like later.
We ate lunch in the shopping centre opposite the Perl. Its called Super Brand Mall, nice Chinglish name ;) Inside the mall you could almost be somewhere like the Trafford centre, apart from the odd more authentic restaurant and shop the brands and names are global.
After lunch we went to the Jin Mao building. It has an observations deck on the 88th floor, which includes a post office where you can send a postcard to the people back home. There was a little more more queuing, but nothing like at the Pearl. The view from 88th floor was great but due to the haze (I am not sure if the haze was weather or pollution) it was difficult to take a decent picture. The Jin Mao has a central atrium running all the way to the top its a vertigo inducing look down from the centre of the observation deck.
After the Jin Mao and some time spent gaming inside the shopping mall. We won a pair of chopsticks, which was quiet funny as Lulu was only laughing at me trying in vain to eat my lunch with them earlier. Then went back to the Pearl, but the queue was bigger than ever. They did however have a free outdoor show we watched. Traditional Chinese entertainers, I think they said they were from the circus world troupe, which I went to yesterday. The also had some fantastic Russian dancers from St Petersburg.
We left the to meet up with a friend of Lulu's. Taking took the tunnel back to the Bund and walked along the riverside. It's quite amazing view at night, everywhere lit up with neons the Bund buildings one side Pudong's great skyscrapers on the other side of the river. The only problem was there were so many people it was a like a river of people. Difficult to stop and take pictures you just got pulled along in this big mass. It was also very difficult toto find a taxi then its so busy, eventually we made it back Lulu's friend Twan Twan was even kind enough to shout us dinner.
I will post all the pictures when I get back. Pictures here
Lulu arrived and brought breakfast, her Grandmothers Yuanxiao dumplings. They were incredibly tasty sticky rice balls with a filling. We set out for the metro line on route to the Pearl TV tower. Unfortunately on arriving at the metro line we got the first taste of just how Crowded Shanghai can get. The trains were totally crowded. When I say full I mean so full you could not physically fit in another person. In fact we saw two people injured on the trains. One guy got his hand trapped in the opening door, and a girl passed out on the station. In the end the crushed were to bad so we got a taxi.
The taxi took us to the Bund on the wrong side of the river. So Lulu bought us combined tickets for the tourist tunnel, Jin Mao Building and the Oriental Pearl TV tower.
Across the river from the Bund is Pudong, this is the special economic zone which has helped to power Shanghais incredible growth over the last decade. In a total contrast to the Bund Puong is full of new buildings, mostly skyscrapers. The Oriental Pearl seems to be the centre piece to a showcase of huge imposing corporate monsters.
In order cross the river we used the Shanghai tourist tunnel, this is basically an underground car which goes under the river. To jazz it up they have added some weird special effects like you on some sort of weird acid trip.
The Oriental Pearl TV tower is the third tallest tower in the world and the tallest in Asia. It has multiple viewing platforms, you pay more the higher you want to go. We joined the queue, and waited, and waited and waited. After an hour we realised the line stretched all the way around the building and inside. We asked how long and were told at least another 30 minutes maybe an hour. This was too long we were hungry by now so we decided to go for lunch and see what the queue was like later.
We ate lunch in the shopping centre opposite the Perl. Its called Super Brand Mall, nice Chinglish name ;) Inside the mall you could almost be somewhere like the Trafford centre, apart from the odd more authentic restaurant and shop the brands and names are global.
After lunch we went to the Jin Mao building. It has an observations deck on the 88th floor, which includes a post office where you can send a postcard to the people back home. There was a little more more queuing, but nothing like at the Pearl. The view from 88th floor was great but due to the haze (I am not sure if the haze was weather or pollution) it was difficult to take a decent picture. The Jin Mao has a central atrium running all the way to the top its a vertigo inducing look down from the centre of the observation deck.
After the Jin Mao and some time spent gaming inside the shopping mall. We won a pair of chopsticks, which was quiet funny as Lulu was only laughing at me trying in vain to eat my lunch with them earlier. Then went back to the Pearl, but the queue was bigger than ever. They did however have a free outdoor show we watched. Traditional Chinese entertainers, I think they said they were from the circus world troupe, which I went to yesterday. The also had some fantastic Russian dancers from St Petersburg.
We left the to meet up with a friend of Lulu's. Taking took the tunnel back to the Bund and walked along the riverside. It's quite amazing view at night, everywhere lit up with neons the Bund buildings one side Pudong's great skyscrapers on the other side of the river. The only problem was there were so many people it was a like a river of people. Difficult to stop and take pictures you just got pulled along in this big mass. It was also very difficult toto find a taxi then its so busy, eventually we made it back Lulu's friend Twan Twan was even kind enough to shout us dinner.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Days to go zero, arrival!
Ive been ticking down for a month and yesterday am was the beginning of the epic trip. I arrived at Manchester Airport for 9 and from there hit Helsinki then Shanghai on time at 7am in the morning. I sit here typing this at 9pm Shanghai Time. I haven't slept since
The filght was somewhat long and uncomfortable. Airbus A380s suck compared to the Bowing 747s I have traveled on. The Finnair staff were helpful and Polite and the food only sucked as much as usual. Two things really sucked the lack of parental control over the two brats sat in the aisle next door, and the two old women in front talking loudly enough for people in China to hear them.
Without any sleep i arrived in Shanghai tired but willing myself to go on. Lulu met me in the arrivals lounge it was great to see her there. We then rode on the Maglev train into the city, it cost quiet a bit 50yuan for a 10 minute trip but it is petty funny seeing the speed race upto 300kph.
Had to catch the metro train from the Maglev station this was cheaper but packed. We arrived at the apartment just before 9. I was quiet impressed it needs a clean and is quiet compact but no more so than some of the ones in Manchetser. The finish on the fittings an design is a little poor now. I nice place to have a holiday but not to live in I think.
We went together to the Circus, I thought it would be a nice relaxing and simple thing to do and its right nearby to the apartment. They had lots a of trained animals, bears, tigers a lion, dogs and lots of clowns. It was very entertaining, though I felt a little sorry for the animals the tigers in particular looked drugged.
Sent the afternoon walking about with Lulu, we visited the Shanghai university where she used to study. Its a modern mega university purpose build in the 1990s. We walked round the amply sized grounds, ate a meal int he canteen and fed the huge fish that live in the river snaking through the campus.
By this time I was fading fast, my eays can hardly keep open but im desperately trying to go to bed a normal time and get into the Shangahi timezone. Next to the campus there is a large shopping area we walked round tried some miniature lobsters nd killed a bit of time before heading back to my apartment. I just wanted to write something to help clear my own head its been a real head mash all the traveling then the culture shock. It really is a different world, people were staring a little at me as I walked around with Lulu. On the metro and in the circus I hardly saw any westerners.
The filght was somewhat long and uncomfortable. Airbus A380s suck compared to the Bowing 747s I have traveled on. The Finnair staff were helpful and Polite and the food only sucked as much as usual. Two things really sucked the lack of parental control over the two brats sat in the aisle next door, and the two old women in front talking loudly enough for people in China to hear them.
Without any sleep i arrived in Shanghai tired but willing myself to go on. Lulu met me in the arrivals lounge it was great to see her there. We then rode on the Maglev train into the city, it cost quiet a bit 50yuan for a 10 minute trip but it is petty funny seeing the speed race upto 300kph.
Had to catch the metro train from the Maglev station this was cheaper but packed. We arrived at the apartment just before 9. I was quiet impressed it needs a clean and is quiet compact but no more so than some of the ones in Manchetser. The finish on the fittings an design is a little poor now. I nice place to have a holiday but not to live in I think.
We went together to the Circus, I thought it would be a nice relaxing and simple thing to do and its right nearby to the apartment. They had lots a of trained animals, bears, tigers a lion, dogs and lots of clowns. It was very entertaining, though I felt a little sorry for the animals the tigers in particular looked drugged.
Sent the afternoon walking about with Lulu, we visited the Shanghai university where she used to study. Its a modern mega university purpose build in the 1990s. We walked round the amply sized grounds, ate a meal int he canteen and fed the huge fish that live in the river snaking through the campus.
By this time I was fading fast, my eays can hardly keep open but im desperately trying to go to bed a normal time and get into the Shangahi timezone. Next to the campus there is a large shopping area we walked round tried some miniature lobsters nd killed a bit of time before heading back to my apartment. I just wanted to write something to help clear my own head its been a real head mash all the traveling then the culture shock. It really is a different world, people were staring a little at me as I walked around with Lulu. On the metro and in the circus I hardly saw any westerners.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
< 1 Day to Go
Tomorrow morning I am heading to the airport to catch an 11.15 flight, 18 hours later I should be in Shanghai. I have just about got everything packed up and am ready to go. I am really excited but at the same time a little worried, it is going to be a really different experience for me.
I am taking my laptop with me as apparently I have internet access in the apartment. Unfortunately it is unlikely I will be able to write any blog's or upload any photos until after I get home as I believe Cookies World is not allowed past the firewall. I might catch people on MSN or ICQ though.
I spent today tidying a few things up, I made some changes to Becky's website, I was pleased to be able to add the google maps, hopefully its what she was after.
I even managed to get a bit of jogging done hopefully it will help loosen me up for tomorrows flight.
This evening I had a quiet one and watched Hero's with Phil and Bruce. Its gone very confusing the plot is far too convoluted, in an obvious attempt to play like Lost its almost surpassed it for twisting storyline's.
I am taking my laptop with me as apparently I have internet access in the apartment. Unfortunately it is unlikely I will be able to write any blog's or upload any photos until after I get home as I believe Cookies World is not allowed past the firewall. I might catch people on MSN or ICQ though.
I spent today tidying a few things up, I made some changes to Becky's website, I was pleased to be able to add the google maps, hopefully its what she was after.
I even managed to get a bit of jogging done hopefully it will help loosen me up for tomorrows flight.
This evening I had a quiet one and watched Hero's with Phil and Bruce. Its gone very confusing the plot is far too convoluted, in an obvious attempt to play like Lost its almost surpassed it for twisting storyline's.
Friday, April 27, 2007
2 Days
I did something very bloody stupid this evening and compounded it by avoiding the issue. Only the future will tell if its going to come out.
Tonight I went out with Jo's Friday night pub club, I arrived at 8.30pm only Jo and I were there. I continued to drink until other people arrived. I was challenged with people I hardly know and people I frankly wish I could have avoided. Together with the earlier stupidity just wished I could dissolve. I felt so depressed I just wanted to disappear, this is not the mood I wanted to be in before Shanghai but unfortunately I messed up and here I am.
I arrived at 8.30 to find Jo sat on his own. The Governers house was not as I remembered, it seemed full of pretentious women in their late thritys, showing too much cleveage and waering too much makeup.
Nick and Becky joined us, she was telling us how dangerous riding can be. Apparently earlier that day a girl died on the horse riding course that she is competing in tomorrow, I hope she is more careful. Then Leon and Wally turned up, Leons girlfirend looked bored and I found it hard to strike up conversation. Then Liz G and her friend turned up, I just downed a few more pints and wished I could vanish.
Tonight I went out with Jo's Friday night pub club, I arrived at 8.30pm only Jo and I were there. I continued to drink until other people arrived. I was challenged with people I hardly know and people I frankly wish I could have avoided. Together with the earlier stupidity just wished I could dissolve. I felt so depressed I just wanted to disappear, this is not the mood I wanted to be in before Shanghai but unfortunately I messed up and here I am.
I arrived at 8.30 to find Jo sat on his own. The Governers house was not as I remembered, it seemed full of pretentious women in their late thritys, showing too much cleveage and waering too much makeup.
Nick and Becky joined us, she was telling us how dangerous riding can be. Apparently earlier that day a girl died on the horse riding course that she is competing in tomorrow, I hope she is more careful. Then Leon and Wally turned up, Leons girlfirend looked bored and I found it hard to strike up conversation. Then Liz G and her friend turned up, I just downed a few more pints and wished I could vanish.
Street Hawk / 3 Days to go
Becky came over this evening to talk about some updates for Cheshire Horse Box hire. She gave me some photos and ideas to add, and hopefully jazz the site up a little. I am not sure I will manage to get much done before I go away though.
After having a chat and reminiscing over old photos, Nick bobbed over and we headed to the revamped Unicorn. It has been shut for a couple of week so we were interested to find out what's new. Basically not a lot the outside bit has been remodelled with a heated seating area I guess mainly for the smokers and in readiness for Summer. Inside a lick of pains new carpets and seats, but mostly the same. Its kind of strange because it is so similar but different enough so as you notice.
Julie was working, she basically made an effort to ignore us until the end of the evening when Becky made a point of chatting to her. From that point on they renewed their friendship and chatted about life love and the universe for quiet a while. Nick and I sat and chatted about the life money and women.
I was having a stress as so far this week three people have accused me of being gay. I mean there is nothing wrong with being gay its just I don't have any attraction in that way. My problem is the sort of women that seem to like me hold no attraction for me. Whereas the women I won't seem not to notice me at all. Perhaps I am setting my sights too high, its just I don't want to end up in a loveless relationship just for the sake of being with someone, I want to be with the right someone. In my opinion at least one of my friends is in a relationship more through inertia than love, or even affection and I know deep down I would be made deeply unhappy by that (even more unhappy than I am single).
After having a chat and reminiscing over old photos, Nick bobbed over and we headed to the revamped Unicorn. It has been shut for a couple of week so we were interested to find out what's new. Basically not a lot the outside bit has been remodelled with a heated seating area I guess mainly for the smokers and in readiness for Summer. Inside a lick of pains new carpets and seats, but mostly the same. Its kind of strange because it is so similar but different enough so as you notice.
Julie was working, she basically made an effort to ignore us until the end of the evening when Becky made a point of chatting to her. From that point on they renewed their friendship and chatted about life love and the universe for quiet a while. Nick and I sat and chatted about the life money and women.
I was having a stress as so far this week three people have accused me of being gay. I mean there is nothing wrong with being gay its just I don't have any attraction in that way. My problem is the sort of women that seem to like me hold no attraction for me. Whereas the women I won't seem not to notice me at all. Perhaps I am setting my sights too high, its just I don't want to end up in a loveless relationship just for the sake of being with someone, I want to be with the right someone. In my opinion at least one of my friends is in a relationship more through inertia than love, or even affection and I know deep down I would be made deeply unhappy by that (even more unhappy than I am single).
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
My little empire / 4 days
Sorry for the recent dearth of posts, I have been very, very busy. I have let a lot of people down, but work has been crazy and I have fixed my friend laptop (which turned into an epic on which I am working on an article).
Recentl at work everyday is a battle, I am really looking forward to break from it, to be honest I am not sure how long it can continue. The atmosphere was pretty combatative to start with but now its ridicules. In between being the main representative for my company and training a guy how is paid twice as much as me to do less than the same job and having no support from management I just feel tired and stressed. It is difficult to know how to behaviour I am often in the unknown to bumbling along. My bosses mum died earlier this week so management direction has been less than usual and I have missed my window to get a review as he is going them next week, when I am away, very annoying.
This evening I went out with Bruce and Nina, kind of a rare treat these days. We had a chat about their impending house purchase, its all very stressful what with bit of the house built without planning and organising things it sounds s real mission. Nina seemed happy though, positive about the new house and the future. She seems to be enjoying her job at total fitness.
There was a weird moment when the barman tried to convince us to join in th e quiz as he was several teams down. He gave it te hard sell but my brain was well beyond being up for a quizz. I had spent two hour in the gym after work trying to get rid of todays frustrations there was no way I wanted to join a pub stress game.
We had a chat about how Martins hands seem to get way to busy with friends other halves. Bruce is the second person today to insinuate I am going to get arrested (reason unknown) in China. Personally I think as long as I follow the rules it should be safer than Manchester on a Friday night.
Recentl at work everyday is a battle, I am really looking forward to break from it, to be honest I am not sure how long it can continue. The atmosphere was pretty combatative to start with but now its ridicules. In between being the main representative for my company and training a guy how is paid twice as much as me to do less than the same job and having no support from management I just feel tired and stressed. It is difficult to know how to behaviour I am often in the unknown to bumbling along. My bosses mum died earlier this week so management direction has been less than usual and I have missed my window to get a review as he is going them next week, when I am away, very annoying.
This evening I went out with Bruce and Nina, kind of a rare treat these days. We had a chat about their impending house purchase, its all very stressful what with bit of the house built without planning and organising things it sounds s real mission. Nina seemed happy though, positive about the new house and the future. She seems to be enjoying her job at total fitness.
There was a weird moment when the barman tried to convince us to join in th e quiz as he was several teams down. He gave it te hard sell but my brain was well beyond being up for a quizz. I had spent two hour in the gym after work trying to get rid of todays frustrations there was no way I wanted to join a pub stress game.
We had a chat about how Martins hands seem to get way to busy with friends other halves. Bruce is the second person today to insinuate I am going to get arrested (reason unknown) in China. Personally I think as long as I follow the rules it should be safer than Manchester on a Friday night.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Vhcs sucks
Spent the day playing with servers. For a long time I have wanted to move the websites I host to being more of a professional service. On the new server I installed vhcs. It was supposed to make it easier for users to control their sites but in fact its just been a royal pain in the arse from day one. Bruce (see his take here) and I struggled first to get it working at all then with each of the services offered. I finally gave up after finding a major and unfixed security hole advertised on their own forum. Complete with links to a page which automates the hack!
We spent the rest of the evening eating curry and moving to isp control. Its basically a web panel like vhcs but it looks a bit more secure and well maintained. We did finally manage to make a backup of the main webserver though which is a major goal it hasnt been done for months thanks to our lack of access and technical hitchs (like one time we went down to the colocation centre and couldnt get in as the key to the rack was missing.
We spent the rest of the evening eating curry and moving to isp control. Its basically a web panel like vhcs but it looks a bit more secure and well maintained. We did finally manage to make a backup of the main webserver though which is a major goal it hasnt been done for months thanks to our lack of access and technical hitchs (like one time we went down to the colocation centre and couldnt get in as the key to the rack was missing.
Friday, April 20, 2007
I cant believe its not gutter
I went bowling with some people from work tonight. The customers people invited me on their annual bowling outing, I played on one of the IT Teams. I am actually pretty rubbish at bowling, I find it difficult to let the ball glide out of my hand. However I did manage not to be the worst player which is the main thing at these sort of events.
I don't know if its because I am not a member of staff or just that I am not a very a likeable person, but basically I find it difficult to mingle with the people I work with. I find them a quiet titghly closed off group. I did enjoy myself though, I rode the bus down there so was able to enjoy a few beers (it probably didn't really help my playing very much). I managed to cadge a lift back withone of the staffers and made it back to Woodford for 9.30. In time to go out with Nick for a few more drinks. He seemed in a strange mood I think he and becky are having trouble and rather than communicate about it they have both rereated to their safe places. For him that mean throwing himself into yet more work for her more time at home with her mum. It is a shame as I like them both I hope they find a way to work out their differences.
I am terrible at working through those sort of problems I have load of advice for others but I find it difficult even to talk to women I am attracted to and when in relationships (rare but the do happen even for me) I am pretty useless at broaching difficult subjects.
I don't know if its because I am not a member of staff or just that I am not a very a likeable person, but basically I find it difficult to mingle with the people I work with. I find them a quiet titghly closed off group. I did enjoy myself though, I rode the bus down there so was able to enjoy a few beers (it probably didn't really help my playing very much). I managed to cadge a lift back withone of the staffers and made it back to Woodford for 9.30. In time to go out with Nick for a few more drinks. He seemed in a strange mood I think he and becky are having trouble and rather than communicate about it they have both rereated to their safe places. For him that mean throwing himself into yet more work for her more time at home with her mum. It is a shame as I like them both I hope they find a way to work out their differences.
I am terrible at working through those sort of problems I have load of advice for others but I find it difficult even to talk to women I am attracted to and when in relationships (rare but the do happen even for me) I am pretty useless at broaching difficult subjects.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Cinderella man / 12 Days to Shanghai
I have now less then two weeks before I leave for Shanghai, it has crept up fast. I been tracking the price of the Yuan but given that the Dollar feel to a 26 year low against the pound I am hopeful for a good exchange rate. According to Google 1 British pound = 15.4315986 Chinese yuan, I guess thats good, tough I have really no Idea what a Yuan buys. I guess I will soon find out.
I have been really busy at work since the new project manager started. So far she is proving to be the best of the three have worked under while in my current job. She has certainly kept me busy though I am not entirely sure we will be able to keep up the pace of the last few weeks but it feels better to have a purpose again. Another quiet disconcerting thing is teaching the new guy things. Given he is older than my dad it feel rather weird when he walks over and asks me the sort of questions I used to ask Mike. As a side note I have become addicted to worse than failure (it is a website for programmers so if your not you might not get it, I am not proficient enough to understand all the WTFs).
I am not feeling too good this evening, had a bi of a stomach bug today. Instead of going to the gym as normal I have stayed in my room and watched the film Cinderella Man. It was a good story though a little saccharine sweet like most Ron Howard affairs. Russell Crowe worked really well as the world weary boxer. I must admit the rags to riches and second chance taken is always a promising story, though it would have been nice to see a little more about the depression rather then limiting the effects pretty exclusively to his family.
None of the contacts I removed have contacted me, it is sad but expected. I was always the one who had to keep up the "friendship" say always nice things to make them feel good about themselves, but in the end they just didn't care too much about me. It is a shame after all the time vested in the relationships but I will try and not let it bother me overly, whatever dosn't kill you makes you stronger right?
I have been really busy at work since the new project manager started. So far she is proving to be the best of the three have worked under while in my current job. She has certainly kept me busy though I am not entirely sure we will be able to keep up the pace of the last few weeks but it feels better to have a purpose again. Another quiet disconcerting thing is teaching the new guy things. Given he is older than my dad it feel rather weird when he walks over and asks me the sort of questions I used to ask Mike. As a side note I have become addicted to worse than failure (it is a website for programmers so if your not you might not get it, I am not proficient enough to understand all the WTFs).
I am not feeling too good this evening, had a bi of a stomach bug today. Instead of going to the gym as normal I have stayed in my room and watched the film Cinderella Man. It was a good story though a little saccharine sweet like most Ron Howard affairs. Russell Crowe worked really well as the world weary boxer. I must admit the rags to riches and second chance taken is always a promising story, though it would have been nice to see a little more about the depression rather then limiting the effects pretty exclusively to his family.
None of the contacts I removed have contacted me, it is sad but expected. I was always the one who had to keep up the "friendship" say always nice things to make them feel good about themselves, but in the end they just didn't care too much about me. It is a shame after all the time vested in the relationships but I will try and not let it bother me overly, whatever dosn't kill you makes you stronger right?
Monday, April 16, 2007
14 Days
I only just made it into work on time this morning as being the slightly sad bloke I am I had to sit and listen to Des Brown on the radio talking about the marine who sold their stories to the press. I get the impression he is being made to be a scapegoat for quiet a few failures of the various bodies involved.
I started to feel his pain further when I got into work, a powercut had caused a load of issues which I had to try and sort out. I always feel rushed off my feet at the moment. A new guy has started he is a bit older than my dad and whilst I am sure he will really useful soon its difficult for me to explain how things work when I know so little myself. I can see he is in the position I was in about a year ago, so I have tried my best to pass on what information I can but it is very difficult to know what to pass on without causing information overload.
Went to the gym did an hour and ten minutes of cardio I was feeling really good about myself until Bruce started telling me about a guy at his work who did 40 laps on the track then 40 in the pool, impressive!
Had a quiet evening, watched the latest lost, and prison break. Both shows have gone pretty far out there now in terms of believability but they are still entertaining for a lazy evenings viewing. I have Japanese class tomorrow we had a two week break I really should have done some practise but I am just so lazy, its going to be painful tomorrow.
I started to feel his pain further when I got into work, a powercut had caused a load of issues which I had to try and sort out. I always feel rushed off my feet at the moment. A new guy has started he is a bit older than my dad and whilst I am sure he will really useful soon its difficult for me to explain how things work when I know so little myself. I can see he is in the position I was in about a year ago, so I have tried my best to pass on what information I can but it is very difficult to know what to pass on without causing information overload.
Went to the gym did an hour and ten minutes of cardio I was feeling really good about myself until Bruce started telling me about a guy at his work who did 40 laps on the track then 40 in the pool, impressive!
Had a quiet evening, watched the latest lost, and prison break. Both shows have gone pretty far out there now in terms of believability but they are still entertaining for a lazy evenings viewing. I have Japanese class tomorrow we had a two week break I really should have done some practise but I am just so lazy, its going to be painful tomorrow.
The Ascent of Stan
Today was another hot and sunny day here. I helped my dad do a number of jobs including smash up an old concrete block, and install a doorbell, ding dong!
I found out we can in fact access the server it must have needed some time for the routing information to update on the firewall. The only problem is we have found a know and as yet unfixed bug when using vhcs with Debian 4. Something has changed so that the password decode / encoding fails meaning the system is unusable. However its all ready as soon as the maintainers get a patch out. It might be a fiasco so far but I really believe that once the systems are in place it will allow all the users to be able to manage their sites in a much simpler manner.
I went for a job this evening made it nearly into Cheadle Hulme and back so quiet good for me, then ruined it all by going to drink beer and eat crisp's with Nick Becky and Jono. Had a nice chat to beck though I think I shot my mouth off a little too much. We were talking about my failed dates, and general resignation that I am hopeless with women. She was amused by my story of Liz G's rant about me being an evil capitalist. Oh well can't talk back information once it is in the wild so I will just have to deal with any consequences.
I found out we can in fact access the server it must have needed some time for the routing information to update on the firewall. The only problem is we have found a know and as yet unfixed bug when using vhcs with Debian 4. Something has changed so that the password decode / encoding fails meaning the system is unusable. However its all ready as soon as the maintainers get a patch out. It might be a fiasco so far but I really believe that once the systems are in place it will allow all the users to be able to manage their sites in a much simpler manner.
I went for a job this evening made it nearly into Cheadle Hulme and back so quiet good for me, then ruined it all by going to drink beer and eat crisp's with Nick Becky and Jono. Had a nice chat to beck though I think I shot my mouth off a little too much. We were talking about my failed dates, and general resignation that I am hopeless with women. She was amused by my story of Liz G's rant about me being an evil capitalist. Oh well can't talk back information once it is in the wild so I will just have to deal with any consequences.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Useless arguments / 16 Days to Shanghai
As I get older I have begun that the certainties of youth are melting away to revile a terribly complicated truth. That most problem are so intractable so complex it is impossible to rationalize them, there are always different points of view often valid given someone else's perspective. A few years ago I had a definition of purpose, that my views were the best, but over time the sheer weight of knowledge convinced me that not only do I not have the answers that I really know very little.
Today was not a great day, Bruce and I went to put the new server in the colocation centre, it went well except we were unable to configure the firewall so nobody can access it yet. It is pretty typical for technology, everything it working except for one incredibly important piece.
Went to the comedy night this evening it was great fun, unfortunately I allowed it to be tainted by some guy. I allowed myself to be drawn into an argument when I was feeling a little drunk so lost a lot of my usual edge. I was talking to Chris online when i to home and he reminded me of a chinese proverb which states "never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience".
Its not the first argument I have been part of recently I hope its no becoming a habit. I decimated my contacts list the other day in an attempt to sweep away and more on beyond some of my past mistakes. I think some of the people I have spent time cultivating relationships have used me for one reason or another and its about time I put a stop to it. I hope I didnt throw the baby out with the bathwater but only time will tell if my choices were correct. I only removed the names not blocked them so I they are free to contact me.
Today was not a great day, Bruce and I went to put the new server in the colocation centre, it went well except we were unable to configure the firewall so nobody can access it yet. It is pretty typical for technology, everything it working except for one incredibly important piece.
Went to the comedy night this evening it was great fun, unfortunately I allowed it to be tainted by some guy. I allowed myself to be drawn into an argument when I was feeling a little drunk so lost a lot of my usual edge. I was talking to Chris online when i to home and he reminded me of a chinese proverb which states "never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience".
Its not the first argument I have been part of recently I hope its no becoming a habit. I decimated my contacts list the other day in an attempt to sweep away and more on beyond some of my past mistakes. I think some of the people I have spent time cultivating relationships have used me for one reason or another and its about time I put a stop to it. I hope I didnt throw the baby out with the bathwater but only time will tell if my choices were correct. I only removed the names not blocked them so I they are free to contact me.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Loves a bitch / 18 Days to go
Nothing much happening, went to the gym finally managed 5KM in under 30 minutes. Was increadibly hot and bothered though.
Had a night in and watched some movies ICE Age 2 and Amores Perros. Ice age 2 was ok not so funny as the original, but it passed the time. Amores Perros (Loves a bitch) is a Spanish language film highlighting 3 set of people all living for "love" connected by a car crash. Its a little like Magnolia though more gritty. Octavio is in love with his brothers wife, and enterers his dog into fights to raise the money for them to run away together. Daniel and Valeria have been having an affair on the first day they move in together she loses her leg.
One of the tag lines read roughly don't worry if you don't see it youll live it.
My life seems very plain in in comparison but then I am not sure I need those sort of stresses. There is lots going on with Facebook at the moment I am really enjoying it compared to myspace, already discovering old friends and hopefully some new ones.
Had a night in and watched some movies ICE Age 2 and Amores Perros. Ice age 2 was ok not so funny as the original, but it passed the time. Amores Perros (Loves a bitch) is a Spanish language film highlighting 3 set of people all living for "love" connected by a car crash. Its a little like Magnolia though more gritty. Octavio is in love with his brothers wife, and enterers his dog into fights to raise the money for them to run away together. Daniel and Valeria have been having an affair on the first day they move in together she loses her leg.
One of the tag lines read roughly don't worry if you don't see it youll live it.
My life seems very plain in in comparison but then I am not sure I need those sort of stresses. There is lots going on with Facebook at the moment I am really enjoying it compared to myspace, already discovering old friends and hopefully some new ones.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Bradleys Birthday / 19 Days remaining
Went round to Ali's house this evening for a bbq. I ended up cooking for so many children I feel pretty tired now. It was a fun evening though.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
My Autobiography
Fill this out IN YOUR OWN WORDS and repost as, "My Autobiography" ... And use your own answers, not anyone else's.
- Where did you take your profile pic?Which profile? Facebook - Barracuda Macclesfield, blogger - coral sea
- What exactly are you wearing right now?
Jogging bottoms, T-shirt, socks, glasses - What is your current problem?
To many to list! - What makes you happy most?
Shouldnt it be happiest? - What's the name of the song that you're listening to?
Red Wine, Sucess! - Cold War Kids - Any celeb you would marry
Angelina Jolie - Name someone with the same birthday as you?
No idea! - Ever sang in front of a large audience?
Nope - Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?
Nope - Do you still watch kiddy movies or kiddie TV shows?
Not often. - Do you speak any languages?
English, a bit of Japanese - Has anyone you've been really close with passed away?
Nope - Do you ever watch MTV?
Nope. - What's something that really annoys you?
Feeling helpless
Chapter 1:
- Middle name:
David - Nickname(s):
Cookie - Current location:
Woodford - Eye color:
blue
Chapter 2:
- Do you live with your parent(s):
Yes, for now - Do you get along with your parent(s):
Mostly - Are your parents married/separated/divorced
No - Do you have any Siblings?:
Nope
Chapter 3: Favorites
- Ice Cream:
Vanilla - Season:
autumn - Shampoo/conditioner:
no preference
Chapter 4: Do You.
- Dance in the shower?
No - Do you write on your hand?
No paper is more handy, haha, ill get my coat - Call people back:
Usually - Believe in love:
Yes. - Any bad habits?
Yes. - Any mental health issues:
Who dosn't
Chapter 5: Have You.
- Broken a bone:
No - Sprained stuff:
Yes, this damn evening! - Had physical therapy:
Yes - Gotten stitches:
No - Taken painkillers:
Yes. - Gone scuba diving or snorkeling:
Scuba - Been stung by a bee:
Yes, OUCH! - Thrown up at the dentist:
No, no fillings - Sworn in front of your parents:
Frequently - Had detention:
Yes - Been called a hoe:
No
Chaper 6: Who/What was the last
- Movie(s):
Luck number slevin (Rubbish) - Three people to text you:
Paul, Phil and Olya - Person you called:
Bruce - Person you hugged:
dunno, my mum probably sad isnt it - Person you tackled:
Noone since I played rugby in college - Person you talked to on IM?
Nekene - Thing you touched:
Tea cup - Thing you ate?
Curry - Thing you drank:
tea - Thing you said:
Thanks - Person you kissed:
Some random girl in Weatherspoons
Monday, April 09, 2007
A walk in the country / 21 Days to Go
:)
 |
| Higher Poynton |
After the walk we treated ourselves to a pub lunch at the Vernon arms. It was pretty standard pub grub but I had worked up an appetite and wolfed it :)
It was good to do something different with my day, recently I feel like everything is so prescribed, I have a routine and nothing really changes it.
:(
I had an argument with someone this evening, I was in a bad mood to start with but I hardly needed someone telling me the same old things. Get a new job John, change your life John. Yeah great I hadn't thought about that! I am aware that I am idling my time away and I could do more the trouble is there is so much I could / should do I find it almost impossible to do anything. I spent the other night trying to get my CV jazzed up, I haven't even heard back from anything I applied for recently a bad sign indeed. It is hardly surprising though I have been stuck in two jobs where no training has been given despite the fact my job title is trainee.Lots of people tell me I should buy a house move out, but the thing is I struggle to think of anybody I know who managed to buy a place off their own back. They all had input from the family either through loans or inheritance non of which are going to come my way. During the time I have been employed since 2004 prices have gone up faster than I can put money in the bank, 6-7% per annum, compared to 5% on my savings.
:S
I haven't got a clear idea of what to do, everyone has their own advice and arguments, some compelling, some dreadful but almost all different. I know I need to decide for myself but I am frankly bewildered and unable to choose. Do I go all out start a new career, stick with what I have? Get a house move out rent, forget everything and go travelling? Or just carry on? I'm not happy now, the trouble is I find it difficult to remember what makes me happy. Being with my friends is great but recently I feel detached from them. I enjoy the gym, but I doubt I would like to be a fitness coach. I guess everything has problems, costs and benefits, only the right choices yield rewards. Well I am confused and tired I'll do what I am best at, ignore it for now.Sunday, April 08, 2007
Aptana
Found a great free editor for web pages. If you like me and love to hack the html / php asp js code raw but would like something that gives you a little bit of a helping hand try Aptana. Its free, has an inbuilt validator for html and css. Does code completion and syntax highlighting, tabbed editing, document mapping and a hole host of other useful features. Worth a look for anyone who liked Macromedia Homesite or uses a text editor to create web pages.
24 Days to go
I don't feel great tonight I was going to write another self indulgent post but I need to move beyond it. Earlier today P hugged me goodbye and I didn't know how to react. I know that I have never been a tactile person, but I had not realised how detached from people I have become. I told B that I could no longer imagine being in a relationship, and I was completely true. Standing on the dance floor on Thursday I realised I was afraid of approaching people. I think the fear of rejection has completely consumed me to the point where interaction with women outside my social circle is impossible. I am able to be friends with the girlfriends of my friends but not to communicate with a potential girlfriend. I think I have stayed too long and played life too safe I need to wake myself up, the problem is that I don't know how.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Easter Weekend
Met up with Ian, Paul and Pippa for a sunny Saturday afternoon meal. We dined at the Oakwood pub. Had a snake then went back to Ian's house for a home made Frappachino. Ian showed us the rather excellent
 |
| Ian's photo montage. |
Balloon From Space
Ian and I were chatting when out of nowhere a balloon (or what was left of it dropped onto a tree next to us!
 |
| Burst balloon on a monkey puzzle tree |
Perculiar way / 24 Days to go
I had a terrible hangover after last night hardly made it out of bed.
Today went to Burnley to check out a set Paul was playing as part of the Blues Music festival there. He had a 2pm session at the Bridge Inn Bier Huis. He plays a pretty good set Pippa even joined in providing backing vocals. It was actually a quiet nice harmony in spite of her sore throat.
We were going to stay and watch some of the other acts. The next band started well a blues affair, they sounded great, unfortunately they were there own greatest fans, getting more and more self indulgent as the set went on the songs got longer with more and more guitar solos. Thanks to Burnley's crap parking I had to move my car every 40 minutes, I managed to walk a block to the car, move it walk back and they were still playing the same song as when I left.
This evening went to watch lost at Phil's house, a kind of recap episode to remind viewers of some of the still outstanding themes and to kill off some more characters.
Today went to Burnley to check out a set Paul was playing as part of the Blues Music festival there. He had a 2pm session at the Bridge Inn Bier Huis. He plays a pretty good set Pippa even joined in providing backing vocals. It was actually a quiet nice harmony in spite of her sore throat.
We were going to stay and watch some of the other acts. The next band started well a blues affair, they sounded great, unfortunately they were there own greatest fans, getting more and more self indulgent as the set went on the songs got longer with more and more guitar solos. Thanks to Burnley's crap parking I had to move my car every 40 minutes, I managed to walk a block to the car, move it walk back and they were still playing the same song as when I left.
This evening went to watch lost at Phil's house, a kind of recap episode to remind viewers of some of the still outstanding themes and to kill off some more characters.
Athena / 25(ish) Days
Some of the most enjoyable things I have ever done have been spur of the moment decisions. I am not sure exactly why the lack of planning makes it more enjoyable, perhaps it removes the stress of worrying whether plans will turn out.
Regardless, tonight was fluid evening. The evening started with Phil and I heading out to the Kings Head in Cheadle Hulme. It was busy in there and we kept tripping over the bottles and glasses left on the floor.
Next move was to head to John Millington, in there we bumped into Ian, Gilly, and some other friends. One guy joined us called Steve, I had met him years ago, now he is a tanned and incredibly muscled man. Ian made a joke about him doing steroid's and he casually replied that he did, going on to say he used injections "two in the arm two in the ass". Unbelievably but the women seem to like his appearance, though I can't imagine myself ever sticking needles into myself I can see it does make a difference.
After a few more drinks we headed out to the Bollin Fee in Wilmslow. At the Bollin fee there was some sort of altercation, some guy said something to Ian and Phil nearly causing a Fight. Ian basically shouted at him and he backed down, from what I here Phil was spoiling for a fight though!
I got drunk hung out with people, said hi to some people I hardly knew and was generally a drunken person. I think we scared some girl outside the kebab shop at the end of the evening.
Regardless, tonight was fluid evening. The evening started with Phil and I heading out to the Kings Head in Cheadle Hulme. It was busy in there and we kept tripping over the bottles and glasses left on the floor.
Next move was to head to John Millington, in there we bumped into Ian, Gilly, and some other friends. One guy joined us called Steve, I had met him years ago, now he is a tanned and incredibly muscled man. Ian made a joke about him doing steroid's and he casually replied that he did, going on to say he used injections "two in the arm two in the ass". Unbelievably but the women seem to like his appearance, though I can't imagine myself ever sticking needles into myself I can see it does make a difference.
After a few more drinks we headed out to the Bollin Fee in Wilmslow. At the Bollin fee there was some sort of altercation, some guy said something to Ian and Phil nearly causing a Fight. Ian basically shouted at him and he backed down, from what I here Phil was spoiling for a fight though!
I got drunk hung out with people, said hi to some people I hardly knew and was generally a drunken person. I think we scared some girl outside the kebab shop at the end of the evening.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Everything changes but you (26 days to go)
Many people say the life is a circle hat goes around comes around. Today was a very strange day, it started with a useless argument with my dad, we just have different ideas about life.
Aside from work to weird conversations had a big impact on my perspective. This first was an ad that dropped through the door for a cleaning company, normally this would go straight into the bin until I saw who the person behind the company was. A real blast from the past Laura Fairhurst has started her own cleaning business. I really wanted to call her say hello but somehow I have no idea what to say so I wimped out and did nothing.
The second revelation was from an ex work colleague, he is getting married on the 12Th May to another girl I used to work with. They were both my friends and I am really happy for them. He is going to Berlin for his stag do with yet some more faces from the past. While I am very happy for them there moving on with things highlights my inactivity, plus I didn't get an invite, so now I feel depressed.
Those two events highlighted a feature of my lifestyle, both Laura and Greg, Becky Jon and Collin were at a time people who featured prominently in my life but for various reason we became disconnected and no longer communicate. I could argue about whose fault it is though it is irrelevant. The lesson is without work on both sides even good friendship's can disappear during the natural course of life.
Aside from work to weird conversations had a big impact on my perspective. This first was an ad that dropped through the door for a cleaning company, normally this would go straight into the bin until I saw who the person behind the company was. A real blast from the past Laura Fairhurst has started her own cleaning business. I really wanted to call her say hello but somehow I have no idea what to say so I wimped out and did nothing.
The second revelation was from an ex work colleague, he is getting married on the 12Th May to another girl I used to work with. They were both my friends and I am really happy for them. He is going to Berlin for his stag do with yet some more faces from the past. While I am very happy for them there moving on with things highlights my inactivity, plus I didn't get an invite, so now I feel depressed.
Those two events highlighted a feature of my lifestyle, both Laura and Greg, Becky Jon and Collin were at a time people who featured prominently in my life but for various reason we became disconnected and no longer communicate. I could argue about whose fault it is though it is irrelevant. The lesson is without work on both sides even good friendship's can disappear during the natural course of life.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
27 Days to go
For some weird reason my Internet connection was a totally unreliable.
Nothing much happened tonight, I went to the gym managed 9.5km I will make it to 10 one of these days. I was talking to a fried today about the gym and how narcissistic training can be, admiring oneself in mirrors and toning can, if one isn't careful become self obsessive. I think I am pretty normal though just want to lose some weight.
I have been watching nip tuck recently, its a show about two plastic surgeons which explores aging, the complexities and hypocrisy's of the modern imagine obsessed world. It is a very entertaining show, though full of the full gory details of plastic surgery. My stomach actually turns sometimes at when peoples bodies are being cut up.
I had to raid my money jar in order to pay off a bill, what with buying my monitor and the impending China trip I am a little strapped for cash at the moment. Things will work out without me resorting to raiding my savings. It's going to be tight though.
Nothing much happened tonight, I went to the gym managed 9.5km I will make it to 10 one of these days. I was talking to a fried today about the gym and how narcissistic training can be, admiring oneself in mirrors and toning can, if one isn't careful become self obsessive. I think I am pretty normal though just want to lose some weight.
I have been watching nip tuck recently, its a show about two plastic surgeons which explores aging, the complexities and hypocrisy's of the modern imagine obsessed world. It is a very entertaining show, though full of the full gory details of plastic surgery. My stomach actually turns sometimes at when peoples bodies are being cut up.
I had to raid my money jar in order to pay off a bill, what with buying my monitor and the impending China trip I am a little strapped for cash at the moment. Things will work out without me resorting to raiding my savings. It's going to be tight though.
HOW TO RECRUIT THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB!
My friend Salma sent this round,
Put about 100 bricks in some particular order in a closed room with an open window. Then send 2 or 3 candidates in the room and close the door.
Leave them alone and come back after 6 hours and then analyze the situation.
If they are counting the bricks. Put them in the accounts department.
If they are recounting them. Put them in auditing.
If they have messed up the whole place with the bricks. Put them in engineering.
If they are arranging the bricks in some strange order. Put them in planning.
If they are throwing the bricks at each other. Put them in operations.
If they are sleeping. Put them in security.
If they have broken the bricks into pieces. Put them in information technology.
If they are sitting idle. Put them in human resources.
If they say they have tried different combinations, yet not a brick has been moved. Put them in sales.
If they have already left for the day. Put them in marketing.
If they are staring out of the window. Put them on strategic planning.
And then last but not least. If they are talking to each other and not a single brick has been moved.
Congratulate them and put them in top management.
Put about 100 bricks in some particular order in a closed room with an open window. Then send 2 or 3 candidates in the room and close the door.
Leave them alone and come back after 6 hours and then analyze the situation.
If they are counting the bricks. Put them in the accounts department.
If they are recounting them. Put them in auditing.
If they have messed up the whole place with the bricks. Put them in engineering.
If they are arranging the bricks in some strange order. Put them in planning.
If they are throwing the bricks at each other. Put them in operations.
If they are sleeping. Put them in security.
If they have broken the bricks into pieces. Put them in information technology.
If they are sitting idle. Put them in human resources.
If they say they have tried different combinations, yet not a brick has been moved. Put them in sales.
If they have already left for the day. Put them in marketing.
If they are staring out of the window. Put them on strategic planning.
And then last but not least. If they are talking to each other and not a single brick has been moved.
Congratulate them and put them in top management.
29 Days to go
Had a busy day at work, but still just about managed to meet up with my latest Thawte person. He is a Polish guy we didn't speak much though, he just got his points and left.
Not much happened this evening I caught up with Nip Tuck.
Not much happened this evening I caught up with Nip Tuck.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Because / 30 Days to go
It took me three goes to start this post nothing much happened today, I cleaned my car, had lunch with the folks and spent the day doing nothing in particular.
Its 30 days until I leave for China I am very excited, though also slightly afraid. For the first time in my life I will be a country where I will be the outsider. Even in Belarus I fitted in
Today was April Fools day. By the time I was up and at em we were already past the 12pm threshold where the joke comes back on you. Its one of the first years something in the papers did't totally take me in. Hopefully its a sign of wisdom ;)
This evening I went out with Ian, always a dangerous plan on a Sunday evening and this was no different, we drank we laughed and chatted. I had more drink than was a good idea for a Sunday evening but not enough that I can't blog. Though perhaps I shouldn't.
I was feeling a little on edge because someone I have been chatting too in a virtual world has started to play a part in my real world. Coupled with this I am troubled with questions about my life, am I doing the right thing, should I make some changes? Am I the arrogant bastard M or L seems to think I am? Tough questions without a reasonable answer in my alcohol fueled state.
I think I often take the path of least resistance, sometimes it the right choice you cannot spent your whole life fighting. The difficulty is knowing the right path. In one bar tonight I saw some images from the Louis Theroux piece on the American family Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. They 100% violently against homosexuality touting banners like "God is your enemy, I also saw an anti Diana poster though why I don't know (the sound wasn't on. What worried me was these people looked like normal were white bread Americans.
Its 30 days until I leave for China I am very excited, though also slightly afraid. For the first time in my life I will be a country where I will be the outsider. Even in Belarus I fitted in
Today was April Fools day. By the time I was up and at em we were already past the 12pm threshold where the joke comes back on you. Its one of the first years something in the papers did't totally take me in. Hopefully its a sign of wisdom ;)
This evening I went out with Ian, always a dangerous plan on a Sunday evening and this was no different, we drank we laughed and chatted. I had more drink than was a good idea for a Sunday evening but not enough that I can't blog. Though perhaps I shouldn't.
I was feeling a little on edge because someone I have been chatting too in a virtual world has started to play a part in my real world. Coupled with this I am troubled with questions about my life, am I doing the right thing, should I make some changes? Am I the arrogant bastard M or L seems to think I am? Tough questions without a reasonable answer in my alcohol fueled state.
I think I often take the path of least resistance, sometimes it the right choice you cannot spent your whole life fighting. The difficulty is knowing the right path. In one bar tonight I saw some images from the Louis Theroux piece on the American family Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. They 100% violently against homosexuality touting banners like "God is your enemy, I also saw an anti Diana poster though why I don't know (the sound wasn't on. What worried me was these people looked like normal were white bread Americans.
counting down for cookie's visit - 30 days left
Once i asked cookie that if i could do something for his visit, his reply was easy: the only thing you should do is to help find me a hotel and be patient waiting. so i came out with this: we together write a blog here to memorize, our happiness our sadness during this waiting period. later on i think i will also put the traveling schedule on, thanks to blogger with its stage, as well as the time difference did something good anyway, cause its 2nd April by my time while 1st day by yours. n__n so lets get started.
as far as i could remember the first time we both got to know each other, at that time i was a colleague girl with dreams & curiosity, i didn't realize the guy i was chatting with would really come in front of me in real, but cookie said we would meet one day, i believed him.
as far as i could remember the first time we both got to know each other, at that time i was a colleague girl with dreams & curiosity, i didn't realize the guy i was chatting with would really come in front of me in real, but cookie said we would meet one day, i believed him.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Transient
I decided I would do something usful today, so I replaced the converter on one of the lights, mowed the lawns and helped my dad to replace some floorboards. It was rewarding it a little frustrating seems like there are just so many jobs that need doing it is impossible to get on top of them.
My parents got a take away curry as a reward for ou efforts, tested out the Bahrinda in Cheadle Hulme. It was pretty tasty maybe not quiet as nice as the La Qualia but a but cheaper.
Phil and I headed out for a beer, we made it as far as the unicorn though the atmosphere was not great there and I still felt full after eating. I also fel pretty tired and Phil has Akido in the morning so we ended up being boring came back to my house and watched cars. It was fun film, not as good as the previous pixar films but worth watchign for sure.
My parents got a take away curry as a reward for ou efforts, tested out the Bahrinda in Cheadle Hulme. It was pretty tasty maybe not quiet as nice as the La Qualia but a but cheaper.
Phil and I headed out for a beer, we made it as far as the unicorn though the atmosphere was not great there and I still felt full after eating. I also fel pretty tired and Phil has Akido in the morning so we ended up being boring came back to my house and watched cars. It was fun film, not as good as the previous pixar films but worth watchign for sure.
Stop it your killing me
This evening was a bust. I left work late, after a day of rather difficult testing. After only a week and a half away from the gym I found it incredibly hard to do 60 minute on the treadmill I had to slow down twice to get my breath. Not a great state of affairs, it's annoying how much effort and time is required to build up fitness. Yet it requires no effort and hardly any time to lose that level of fitness.
After all this I was running late to meet Jo Berger for a drink. He is in the process of setting up a Friday night drinking session. I elected to drive as I was running late and met up with Jo, Tom and Ben in the Rampant Lion. I just about had time for one drink, then it was off to Fallowfield. Phil rang and there were all sorts of telecommunications problems, no idea why bt I could hardly get a signal anywhere in Fallowfield. Rather than drink in Fallowfield the plans switched it was off to a house party.
At this point after being cut up I wasn't able to follow Joe. I decided really I needed relaxation whereas this palaver was making me annoyed very quickly. The party was in fact an Ann Summers after party. My now foul mood coupled with my inability to drink because I had to drive meant the prospect of dealing with a group of drunken women was horrifying rather than exciting.
Instead I met up with Phil at my place, we chatted about the week and watched Requiem for a Dream, as Phil revealed he had never seen. It&£39;s a very dark film about the perils of various forms of addiction. I love the cinematography and soundtrack, the modern classical music has been used on so many other films.
After all this I was running late to meet Jo Berger for a drink. He is in the process of setting up a Friday night drinking session. I elected to drive as I was running late and met up with Jo, Tom and Ben in the Rampant Lion. I just about had time for one drink, then it was off to Fallowfield. Phil rang and there were all sorts of telecommunications problems, no idea why bt I could hardly get a signal anywhere in Fallowfield. Rather than drink in Fallowfield the plans switched it was off to a house party.
At this point after being cut up I wasn't able to follow Joe. I decided really I needed relaxation whereas this palaver was making me annoyed very quickly. The party was in fact an Ann Summers after party. My now foul mood coupled with my inability to drink because I had to drive meant the prospect of dealing with a group of drunken women was horrifying rather than exciting.
Instead I met up with Phil at my place, we chatted about the week and watched Requiem for a Dream, as Phil revealed he had never seen. It&£39;s a very dark film about the perils of various forms of addiction. I love the cinematography and soundtrack, the modern classical music has been used on so many other films.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Perspective
Phil sent me this from Google video, it gives a perspective on the mind boggling size of things in the universe.
With this, or upon this
Went to see 300 at the Printworks IMAX this evening, I have always particularly loved the story of the battle of Thermopylae, the idea of the heroic struggle the few against the many. It was interesting to see this take of it, it as the army of 300 Freemen Spartans versus the evil slave armies of the Persians. Of course it wasn't really as simple as this the Spartans had plenty of there own slaves the Helots, and the 300 were just the Spartan freeman there was probably more like 7000 solders. Even so it was incredibly brave to face the size of army that the Persians would have brought.
The scene where the 300 go off to battle made me laugh, no supplies only a shield sword spear loincloth and cloak on a march many miles from the capital :S I know they are hard but they do need to eat ;-) Overall I would give the film **** it was better than average a visually stunning and very modern take on the epic. I think I just found the politics and one sided nature a bit much, some people might dislike the amount of gore too.
I suppose the story is impressive because they were under no illusions that they had a chance of victory. They went out to the field out of honour, valour and in defence of their homes. We don't have to face such things the biggest challenges in my life are how to get a piece of code to compile or face a difficult co worker, so I am lucky. In a way though perhaps the lack of such grand gestures, the lack of battles to fight the sedentary nature of today's life is emasculating us?
Oh one final recommendation the IMAX is great the picture miles better and the sound was great, just don't sit near the front we were two rows back and at some points it was overwhelming the amount of visual input.
The scene where the 300 go off to battle made me laugh, no supplies only a shield sword spear loincloth and cloak on a march many miles from the capital :S I know they are hard but they do need to eat ;-) Overall I would give the film **** it was better than average a visually stunning and very modern take on the epic. I think I just found the politics and one sided nature a bit much, some people might dislike the amount of gore too.
I suppose the story is impressive because they were under no illusions that they had a chance of victory. They went out to the field out of honour, valour and in defence of their homes. We don't have to face such things the biggest challenges in my life are how to get a piece of code to compile or face a difficult co worker, so I am lucky. In a way though perhaps the lack of such grand gestures, the lack of battles to fight the sedentary nature of today's life is emasculating us?
Oh one final recommendation the IMAX is great the picture miles better and the sound was great, just don't sit near the front we were two rows back and at some points it was overwhelming the amount of visual input.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Lost in surrealism
After one last discussion over fonts, I finally managed to agree Ian's website design its now replaced the old site. While certainly not a masterpieces I think it is a vast improvement over the old one.
Spent the evening watching lost, the series has just gone insane I so many twists and turns I find it hard to follow what its all about. I also watched the breakup which actually was quiet good.
Spent the evening watching lost, the series has just gone insane I so many twists and turns I find it hard to follow what its all about. I also watched the breakup which actually was quiet good.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Bordom
I was at Japanese class tonight and the German girl was being a bit combative, I have no idea why but she seems to delight in having a go at Phil and I. This evening she was suggesting it was very strange for us to know each other from the same area and to still be living here.
At first I thought yeah its pretty weird but then I thought well is it weird or even bad, I do actually like where I live it is pretty nice village close to a city with quiet a lot going on there are far worse places to be.
I guess life is all about choices we are fortunate to live in an age where is possible to go visit different places even locate to other countries, just because some people do and others choose to stay at home doesn't make either choice a good or bad on,e there are simply different paths you can choose.
At first I thought yeah its pretty weird but then I thought well is it weird or even bad, I do actually like where I live it is pretty nice village close to a city with quiet a lot going on there are far worse places to be.
I guess life is all about choices we are fortunate to live in an age where is possible to go visit different places even locate to other countries, just because some people do and others choose to stay at home doesn't make either choice a good or bad on,e there are simply different paths you can choose.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Vacation vaccination
I had to go to see the nurse and be vaccinated agains't horrible things, the kind that only seem to be a problem abroad. I updated some other immunisations I really should have had like tetanus apparently the last time I had one was in the late 80's). Just like all nurses she was pure evil. Was there any need to stab me that hard? More to the point why did I have to have injections in both arms :'( I realise I am a total wuss but hey its not really that pleasant an experience, at least I was sparred the ignominy of having to pay to be jabbed they were on the NHS.
Thanks to this fun immunisation I had to arrive at work early, a task made extremely difficult as I had very little sleep last night, my cat woke me up just as I was getting to sleep thus making me totally awake again. Little b*stard at times I could strangle him. Being a cat he had no qualms about going straight to sleep on top of my newly wakened feet, I guess I am jealous sleeping 16 out of 24 hour seems like a nice prospect as times.
I spent this evening putting some more finishing touches on Ian's site, it isn't live yet but I think I have made a major improvement over the previous one. I am still torn about the font, I had been toying with the idea of using a san-serif rather than Georgia, I might see what Ian thinks it is after all his site.
Thanks to this fun immunisation I had to arrive at work early, a task made extremely difficult as I had very little sleep last night, my cat woke me up just as I was getting to sleep thus making me totally awake again. Little b*stard at times I could strangle him. Being a cat he had no qualms about going straight to sleep on top of my newly wakened feet, I guess I am jealous sleeping 16 out of 24 hour seems like a nice prospect as times.
I spent this evening putting some more finishing touches on Ian's site, it isn't live yet but I think I have made a major improvement over the previous one. I am still torn about the font, I had been toying with the idea of using a san-serif rather than Georgia, I might see what Ian thinks it is after all his site.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
You don't care about us
On Friday I saw something I have been waiting for a long time, Scan had 
Dell 24 inch flat panel monitor on Scan today only. I have basically wanted one of these since Bruce bought one nearly two years ago. It has taken me a while to save up enough cash and I really could have done without spending it before China however as we were planning a lan on Saturday it was just meant to be :)
I placed the order but had to wait until Saturday morning for the confirmation, the lan was to start at 2pm and as Scan was in Bolton need the Rebok arena. Typically the order confirmation was late, not arriving 11:12. I had already spent 15 minutes on hold listening to a loops of a women telling me how advanced scans ordering systems were only to find when I reached an operator she couldn't tell me anything!
Bruce and Phil wanted to pick up some bits, so I picked them up and we headed down, I only had to wait a coupld of minutes and my screen was handed to me 12:15 plenty of time to get back to the lan and set up. Only Bruce and Phil were still in the queue to buy, Bruce got his bits, Phil paid then waited, and waited and waited. 1pm came and went, I was getting panicky. I made fevered phone calls to Endo to see if he could go down and intercept any early people. He did but not quickly enough as two people came and went. Finally Phil got the call something he ordered could not be located so they gave him a free upgrade to a better model, a result but we were still late.
We arrived and got the keys in time to open up and put the tables out, but it was very rushed. Setting up there were some weird glitches, not sure what the new guys thought about it. All a little amateur night, oh well once the games actually started things seem to go pretty well I think everyone enjoyed it.
Attendance was down from the previous lan and because of mess-ups in the morning we missed out on two players, and were in a total rush all day. I felt very frazzled by the end, though I did enjoy playing except for stairs of doom which was just way too much.
Dell 24 inch flat panel monitor on Scan today only. I have basically wanted one of these since Bruce bought one nearly two years ago. It has taken me a while to save up enough cash and I really could have done without spending it before China however as we were planning a lan on Saturday it was just meant to be :)I placed the order but had to wait until Saturday morning for the confirmation, the lan was to start at 2pm and as Scan was in Bolton need the Rebok arena. Typically the order confirmation was late, not arriving 11:12. I had already spent 15 minutes on hold listening to a loops of a women telling me how advanced scans ordering systems were only to find when I reached an operator she couldn't tell me anything!
Bruce and Phil wanted to pick up some bits, so I picked them up and we headed down, I only had to wait a coupld of minutes and my screen was handed to me 12:15 plenty of time to get back to the lan and set up. Only Bruce and Phil were still in the queue to buy, Bruce got his bits, Phil paid then waited, and waited and waited. 1pm came and went, I was getting panicky. I made fevered phone calls to Endo to see if he could go down and intercept any early people. He did but not quickly enough as two people came and went. Finally Phil got the call something he ordered could not be located so they gave him a free upgrade to a better model, a result but we were still late.
We arrived and got the keys in time to open up and put the tables out, but it was very rushed. Setting up there were some weird glitches, not sure what the new guys thought about it. All a little amateur night, oh well once the games actually started things seem to go pretty well I think everyone enjoyed it.
Attendance was down from the previous lan and because of mess-ups in the morning we missed out on two players, and were in a total rush all day. I felt very frazzled by the end, though I did enjoy playing except for stairs of doom which was just way too much.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
For Paradize
Today I worked off site, which meant I had to work in the same room as my dad, it was quiet a strange experience. I basically tried to avoid him as much as possible, which is quiet difficult in such a small office. I picked my big boss up from the station he seemed in a good mood and was heading for a meeting at one of the customers in the afternoon. He never actually spoke to me which pretty annoying, guess Ill have to see what next month brings.
It was the budget today probably Browns last. According to the bbc I will end up being about £20's richer, wonderful!
You know some people just don't gel, they can be perfectly interesting and reasonable but put together they just react or fail to mix. I spent my evening in this sort of situation, I was sober and tried to calm down several conversations so now I feel frustrated and tired.
It was the budget today probably Browns last. According to the bbc I will end up being about £20's richer, wonderful!
You know some people just don't gel, they can be perfectly interesting and reasonable but put together they just react or fail to mix. I spent my evening in this sort of situation, I was sober and tried to calm down several conversations so now I feel frustrated and tired.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Pull it to pieces
I have just been looking for houses, I find it pretty confusing. So many people are telling me I should buy something anything just to "get on the ladder". My colleagues think I am a like a child still living at home, P actually told me that I should move out and rent I have no idea about the world. I really find that impossible thought I would hate to fatten the pockets of someone like Nick just to prove some sort of point about independence.
That said I do feel a desire to prove myself, to be independent and not so lazy, at the same time I worry I am being to conditioned by society to do certain things to conform whereas some of the most successful go there own way. As soon as I move out I might have an asset in the form of a home but I lose my ability to save, my ability to travel and to be free. I would gain a lump of bricks which might or not appreciate in value, but will definitely cost money.
I went to the pub with Phil tonight his brother is in the process of buying a place but he is a success having built up his own business, not just a company man like myself. I am in a terrible mood today, I argued with people at work, my mum laughed at the idea that I could move out and ebay is really annoying me. In fact e-bay have now closed my account thanks to a long running sore, they messed up applied a wrong charge to my aaccount. They promised me a refund on several occasions but didn't deliver, now they have then suspended my account. I wish I knew what to do on principle I refuse to pay for there mistake, but they have a monopoly on auction services in the UK there customer services is terrible and unforgiving, it makes me angry to think about it.
I am seeing my real boss tomorrow for the first time in a while I am hoping I can address some of my problems with him, I really feel like I need a change and if I cannot get one its time to move on. What I can move on to is debatable though, perhaps a total change to something new is needed.
That said I do feel a desire to prove myself, to be independent and not so lazy, at the same time I worry I am being to conditioned by society to do certain things to conform whereas some of the most successful go there own way. As soon as I move out I might have an asset in the form of a home but I lose my ability to save, my ability to travel and to be free. I would gain a lump of bricks which might or not appreciate in value, but will definitely cost money.
I went to the pub with Phil tonight his brother is in the process of buying a place but he is a success having built up his own business, not just a company man like myself. I am in a terrible mood today, I argued with people at work, my mum laughed at the idea that I could move out and ebay is really annoying me. In fact e-bay have now closed my account thanks to a long running sore, they messed up applied a wrong charge to my aaccount. They promised me a refund on several occasions but didn't deliver, now they have then suspended my account. I wish I knew what to do on principle I refuse to pay for there mistake, but they have a monopoly on auction services in the UK there customer services is terrible and unforgiving, it makes me angry to think about it.
I am seeing my real boss tomorrow for the first time in a while I am hoping I can address some of my problems with him, I really feel like I need a change and if I cannot get one its time to move on. What I can move on to is debatable though, perhaps a total change to something new is needed.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Eyes - Rouge Wave
I started the day feeling happy and optimistic, I had a really great weekend spent with my friends kicking back and enjoying myself. Unfortunately somewhere in the soul destroying futility of work most of my good mood was dispelled. I am not sure whether the people I work with think its fun to bring each other down or just have no idea how destructive it is to constantly pressure, undermine and belittle people.
I escaped to the gym. During my cardio session I had plenty of time to think, even thought a friend told me I think about things far to much. Ruminating on life without really living it sometimes. Perhaps she is correct, or maybe I am just normal trying in the best way I can find to live. The trouble is I haven't got the answers, and nobody else has either. I have been given so many pieces of advice by different people with different agendas, it makes my head spin sometimes just thinking about the possibilities. There is so much I want to do yet I am no closer to anything tangible, I just need to make some choices for good or ill.
Whilst messing about I found a nice add in for Firefox users who like a bit of colour in their lives, colorful tabs spices things up.
I escaped to the gym. During my cardio session I had plenty of time to think, even thought a friend told me I think about things far to much. Ruminating on life without really living it sometimes. Perhaps she is correct, or maybe I am just normal trying in the best way I can find to live. The trouble is I haven't got the answers, and nobody else has either. I have been given so many pieces of advice by different people with different agendas, it makes my head spin sometimes just thinking about the possibilities. There is so much I want to do yet I am no closer to anything tangible, I just need to make some choices for good or ill.
Whilst messing about I found a nice add in for Firefox users who like a bit of colour in their lives, colorful tabs spices things up.
Lies damn lies and statistics
Have you ever wondered about the figures quoted? I just read this article. I found it intriguing that MS supremo Steve Ballmer used such incredibly self serving figures clearly to distort the real data.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Red Light Green Light
It was St PatriK's last night so a great excuse to go out with friends and drink copious amounts of Guinness. As we had so much fun there last year, we decided to head to the Kings Arms in Wilmslow.
Martin was proudly showing off pictures of his stupidity, he managed so shower yogurt all over his car, moral make sure the cap is fastened before vigorously shaking ;)
Martin, Phil Endo and Myself were first to the pub quickly joined by Bruce and Nina, then Adam and girlfriend Steph. We managed to captive the snug and sat talking eating and drinking. Martin Endo and Phil still had Guinness hats from last year and with it being the drink of choice it wasn't long before we all looked like merchandising gurus for the company. I really wish I had remembered my camera it would have made for some funny shots.
The Kings arms is a friendly old traditional style pub with an attached Thai restaurant next door. This was particularly great as you can order snacks from the restaurant, so rather than crisps you can have chicken wings prawn crackers or Chicken skewers.
I have a very enjoyable evening, people were in a happy mood, the bar staff were welcoming and the Thai food made for very enjoyable tapas style eating.
Martin was proudly showing off pictures of his stupidity, he managed so shower yogurt all over his car, moral make sure the cap is fastened before vigorously shaking ;)
Martin, Phil Endo and Myself were first to the pub quickly joined by Bruce and Nina, then Adam and girlfriend Steph. We managed to captive the snug and sat talking eating and drinking. Martin Endo and Phil still had Guinness hats from last year and with it being the drink of choice it wasn't long before we all looked like merchandising gurus for the company. I really wish I had remembered my camera it would have made for some funny shots.
The Kings arms is a friendly old traditional style pub with an attached Thai restaurant next door. This was particularly great as you can order snacks from the restaurant, so rather than crisps you can have chicken wings prawn crackers or Chicken skewers.
I have a very enjoyable evening, people were in a happy mood, the bar staff were welcoming and the Thai food made for very enjoyable tapas style eating.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Ghouls and Ghosts
Work was pretty good today, it was dress down in aid of comic relief and the ICT department all went out for a Chinese banquet as a hello to the new project manager Roshine. It was the most relaxed day in ages so a welcome break form the norm.
In the evening I sacked off the gym headed out to the Rampant Lion with Berger and Ian for a few pints. Then it was on into China town for a meal to celebrate Emily's birthday. It has been a long time since I last ate in China town so it was quiet exciting. We went into Pan Asia a restaurant which served up cuisine from China, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. I had a Chinese starter of Praw Toast seaweed a meat samosa and spring roll. My main course was Japanese style fried cod with rice and salad, it was very good and I even managed to use the chopsticks to a little.
Emily looked happy she got some nice presents including some rather fetching wellingtons (for the festivals this year). I had difficult speaking to anyone really managed to be sandwiched between the table and a post so it was a little uncomfortable.
To make matters worse sat opposite were the crying girl we met at Emily's party a few weeks ago. She confirmed my view that she is an incredibly high maintenance girlfriend. She sat eating mushrooms declaring it would make her sick then after the meal started talking about how sick she felt. To mind mind it was a deliberate tactic to gain attention the sort of trait that really annoys me, I have no idea how her boyfriend puts up with it.
Ian was driving and took us (Emily and Andy grabbed a lift) back on what must have been the most bizarre route I have ever encountered. He followed a diversion and ended up driving right out into east Manchester towards Failsworth before hooking us round back past the city of Manchester stadium, through the slowest traffic lights ever then finally back into Fallowfield. Given the late hour of the meal and the amount of time touring Manchester we decided to call it a night.
In the evening I sacked off the gym headed out to the Rampant Lion with Berger and Ian for a few pints. Then it was on into China town for a meal to celebrate Emily's birthday. It has been a long time since I last ate in China town so it was quiet exciting. We went into Pan Asia a restaurant which served up cuisine from China, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. I had a Chinese starter of Praw Toast seaweed a meat samosa and spring roll. My main course was Japanese style fried cod with rice and salad, it was very good and I even managed to use the chopsticks to a little.
Emily looked happy she got some nice presents including some rather fetching wellingtons (for the festivals this year). I had difficult speaking to anyone really managed to be sandwiched between the table and a post so it was a little uncomfortable.
To make matters worse sat opposite were the crying girl we met at Emily's party a few weeks ago. She confirmed my view that she is an incredibly high maintenance girlfriend. She sat eating mushrooms declaring it would make her sick then after the meal started talking about how sick she felt. To mind mind it was a deliberate tactic to gain attention the sort of trait that really annoys me, I have no idea how her boyfriend puts up with it.
Ian was driving and took us (Emily and Andy grabbed a lift) back on what must have been the most bizarre route I have ever encountered. He followed a diversion and ended up driving right out into east Manchester towards Failsworth before hooking us round back past the city of Manchester stadium, through the slowest traffic lights ever then finally back into Fallowfield. Given the late hour of the meal and the amount of time touring Manchester we decided to call it a night.
Friday, March 16, 2007
For Reasons Unknown
I have been a bit lax on the old blog's recently, partly because I have been busy, but mostly because I am lazy ;) I finally finished the Idiot on Wednesday, it was a great book but ended in such a sad way.
I have started reading Sun Tzu the Art of War, which teaches the art of defeating an enemy possibly without actually fighting. I only just started but its only a short text so hopefully I will soon be able to win many battles. According to the preface its actually tied closely into Taoist thinking, in that an enlightened general is the ideal commander able to bend to the changing circumstances.
Wednesday evening I went to the gym with Martin, then relaxed at home. Last night I went for a cardio session at the gym tried to do 5km in 25minutes and failed miserably. You need to run at 12km/h to do 5km in 25 minutes I only managed about 5 minutes at that speed . In the end reached just over 4km running at 10.5 km/h.
I spent the rest of the evening working on Ian's new site layout I made a minor breakthrough so now I am much closer to having a new template.
I have started reading Sun Tzu the Art of War, which teaches the art of defeating an enemy possibly without actually fighting. I only just started but its only a short text so hopefully I will soon be able to win many battles. According to the preface its actually tied closely into Taoist thinking, in that an enlightened general is the ideal commander able to bend to the changing circumstances.
Wednesday evening I went to the gym with Martin, then relaxed at home. Last night I went for a cardio session at the gym tried to do 5km in 25minutes and failed miserably. You need to run at 12km/h to do 5km in 25 minutes I only managed about 5 minutes at that speed . In the end reached just over 4km running at 10.5 km/h.
I spent the rest of the evening working on Ian's new site layout I made a minor breakthrough so now I am much closer to having a new template.
Monday, March 12, 2007
What Can I Do
Today was a strange day, a new project manager coordinator started at work [for the customer]. This is the third one since I have been there, hopefully she will last better and be less annoying.
I managed a 60 minute 9.3KM run very good for me but rather put into the shade by a colleague who is entering the London marathon for the second time. Oh well I guess a few years ago I struggled to make 12 minutes walking never mind jogging. In life the only really competition is oneself, everyone else is running a different race. I have nearly got to the end of the Idiot. It has been a difficult thought rewarding book to read. The characters are so well drawn and the self examination makes me examine some of my own feelings and ideas.
This evening I spoke to a Czech girl who contacted me on icq after a brief conversation about shopping she seemed very keen too tell me escorts didn't get paid enough unless they rather literally sold their asses. It was rather a surreal conversation with someone I know no further that a few lines of text on the screen but never mind was a rather weird conversation.
Went for a drink at the thieves with Nick, Jono, Phil and Bruce, it was very busy some sort of quiz going on. Nick looked so tired he was virtually dropping asleep at the table we were say at. It was good to see him but I worry about how much work he takes on. Perhaps its because I am lazy and would never be able to tackle the same. It sounded like Bruce was bumping into some sort of trouble with his house purchase I think its only a small matter but annoying never the less. The owner is basically trying to squeeze more revenue out of the current tenants before Bruce takes over, at bBruce's expense. I would be wound up by it too.
I managed a 60 minute 9.3KM run very good for me but rather put into the shade by a colleague who is entering the London marathon for the second time. Oh well I guess a few years ago I struggled to make 12 minutes walking never mind jogging. In life the only really competition is oneself, everyone else is running a different race. I have nearly got to the end of the Idiot. It has been a difficult thought rewarding book to read. The characters are so well drawn and the self examination makes me examine some of my own feelings and ideas.
This evening I spoke to a Czech girl who contacted me on icq after a brief conversation about shopping she seemed very keen too tell me escorts didn't get paid enough unless they rather literally sold their asses. It was rather a surreal conversation with someone I know no further that a few lines of text on the screen but never mind was a rather weird conversation.
Went for a drink at the thieves with Nick, Jono, Phil and Bruce, it was very busy some sort of quiz going on. Nick looked so tired he was virtually dropping asleep at the table we were say at. It was good to see him but I worry about how much work he takes on. Perhaps its because I am lazy and would never be able to tackle the same. It sounded like Bruce was bumping into some sort of trouble with his house purchase I think its only a small matter but annoying never the less. The owner is basically trying to squeeze more revenue out of the current tenants before Bruce takes over, at bBruce's expense. I would be wound up by it too.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Where do old computers go to die
I have been given two old computers play with, an Atari ST 520 and an Acorn A3020 I have yet to exactly work out what I am going to do with them as yet. I am used to own several Acorns and hope to have a play with this one see it I cant find a use for it, as for the ST I never had one and have never used one so I just wanted to have a play.
I had a major falling out with my parents this morning, I just wanted some quiet time but my dad had other plans, so I cleaned my room spent some time on right move then went to the gym to relive my frustrations. I really think after I get back from China I am going to put my efforts into finding something for myself, I don't think I can wait another few years, and I want to be out before I am thirty.
I watched Lost in the evening with Bruce and Phil, its really descended to a shadow of its former self but is still watch able, just about. I find I no longer care about the characters anymore, I have no care if Jack Kate Lock or Sawyer die this episode or the next or live forever. A sad state of affairs for a show which was so gripping in its first series.
I had a major falling out with my parents this morning, I just wanted some quiet time but my dad had other plans, so I cleaned my room spent some time on right move then went to the gym to relive my frustrations. I really think after I get back from China I am going to put my efforts into finding something for myself, I don't think I can wait another few years, and I want to be out before I am thirty.
I watched Lost in the evening with Bruce and Phil, its really descended to a shadow of its former self but is still watch able, just about. I find I no longer care about the characters anymore, I have no care if Jack Kate Lock or Sawyer die this episode or the next or live forever. A sad state of affairs for a show which was so gripping in its first series.
Wii Mii
Today was a bit of a write off had a few little jobs to like sorting out Nicks internet and fixing the bathroom lights. So I was looking forward to a night relaxing.
I had already agreed some time ago to at go round to Berger's and play some poker. As a rule I don't play ever since an unfortunate night in France. I had also been invited out by Endo. It was his girlfriend Jo's not-birthday, they [Endo Jo, Martin, Charlotte, Bruce, Nina, and Phil] were all heading to the spicy hut for a curry. I had a quick drink and chat early doors before heading off to Berger's. Everyone seemed in a good mood except for Martin who decided to be rather aggressive about the fact I wasn't staying. We arranged to do something for St Patrick's day next week, I guess it ill involve drinking Irish whiskey and
Guinness :-)
I made it to Berger's around 8.15, I was expecting the poker and drinks instead Berger's neighbour Carlos had brought round his Nintendo Wii. What a fun device the controllers really make for some new games. Nintendo have at least with the Wii sports pack put together a load of fun games like golf tennis and boxing which you can basically pick up the controllers and start playing you don't really need to put much thought in at all. Boxing actually had me sweating after three rounds sparing against Jo! I also like the idea of the Mii characters, Carlos and his girlfriend had both designed their own mini Miis, makes it a lot more funny to be able to play games as yourself. I think that after I get back from China and have some money against I will have to get myself one it was just so much fun. It was a fun evening of games certainly made a change from the norm.
I had already agreed some time ago to at go round to Berger's and play some poker. As a rule I don't play ever since an unfortunate night in France. I had also been invited out by Endo. It was his girlfriend Jo's not-birthday, they [Endo Jo, Martin, Charlotte, Bruce, Nina, and Phil] were all heading to the spicy hut for a curry. I had a quick drink and chat early doors before heading off to Berger's. Everyone seemed in a good mood except for Martin who decided to be rather aggressive about the fact I wasn't staying. We arranged to do something for St Patrick's day next week, I guess it ill involve drinking Irish whiskey and
Guinness :-)
I made it to Berger's around 8.15, I was expecting the poker and drinks instead Berger's neighbour Carlos had brought round his Nintendo Wii. What a fun device the controllers really make for some new games. Nintendo have at least with the Wii sports pack put together a load of fun games like golf tennis and boxing which you can basically pick up the controllers and start playing you don't really need to put much thought in at all. Boxing actually had me sweating after three rounds sparing against Jo! I also like the idea of the Mii characters, Carlos and his girlfriend had both designed their own mini Miis, makes it a lot more funny to be able to play games as yourself. I think that after I get back from China and have some money against I will have to get myself one it was just so much fun. It was a fun evening of games certainly made a change from the norm.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Parklife
The customer went to the dogs tonight I had never been to a race before either dogs, horses, bikes, or anything. So it was a pretty new experience. The price was pretty good too, £5 got us entry, 2 drinks, 2 x £2 bets and a meal voucher.
I had been a little worried about gambling I have a pretty addictive character and have had problems in the past. Like betting on crazy shares, but that is another story. Fortunately the minimum bet is £2 and with only 14 races and two free bets its pretty easy to keep things interesting without it getting silly. Though some of the people there took it all a lot more seriously.
I must say having money riding on the races, and the whole process of choosing chatting about and betting makes the evening a lot more interesting. I managed to get a couple of wins in but overall lost money (only a small amount fortunately). I am not really sure how the betting all works I always put on my money on a dog to win, the only guy I knew who made a profit was playing spread bets, betting on two dogs coming in. This tactic greatly improved his odd so that on one race he won £31 the omst 5 won was £4. Given my predilection for things that are bad for me its probably not a good I dea to learn how it all works least I get swept up ;)
I drove, with the track being in Belle Vue it would have been expensive to get a taxi. This was also meant I could not get drunk and go mad betting, a win win situation. I offered to give a lift back to another guy I work with who lives a few minutes away. Annoyingly a few other people basically hijacked me for a lift, ok it was only 10 minutes away but in the wrong direction, so before I knew it 10 minutes because twenty and it took nearly an hour to get home.
It was definitely a fun night out, different and quiet exciting I am certainly glad to have gone.
I had been a little worried about gambling I have a pretty addictive character and have had problems in the past. Like betting on crazy shares, but that is another story. Fortunately the minimum bet is £2 and with only 14 races and two free bets its pretty easy to keep things interesting without it getting silly. Though some of the people there took it all a lot more seriously.
I must say having money riding on the races, and the whole process of choosing chatting about and betting makes the evening a lot more interesting. I managed to get a couple of wins in but overall lost money (only a small amount fortunately). I am not really sure how the betting all works I always put on my money on a dog to win, the only guy I knew who made a profit was playing spread bets, betting on two dogs coming in. This tactic greatly improved his odd so that on one race he won £31 the omst 5 won was £4. Given my predilection for things that are bad for me its probably not a good I dea to learn how it all works least I get swept up ;)
I drove, with the track being in Belle Vue it would have been expensive to get a taxi. This was also meant I could not get drunk and go mad betting, a win win situation. I offered to give a lift back to another guy I work with who lives a few minutes away. Annoyingly a few other people basically hijacked me for a lift, ok it was only 10 minutes away but in the wrong direction, so before I knew it 10 minutes because twenty and it took nearly an hour to get home.
It was definitely a fun night out, different and quiet exciting I am certainly glad to have gone.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Sail away
I read on bbc news today that because of Manchester's low growth rate economists believe the city will drop down the city rankings based on GDP from 73 to 82 over the next 15 years. It seems amazing that the city at the heart of the Industrial Revolution has become stuck as a regional backwater overtaken by most of the rest of the world. Is it because all the talent is sucked down into London? Or maybe its poor decisions by the central government cripple the infrastructure and destroy investment in the city?
Nothing much happening
Somehow I am busy busy seem to have so many projects on the go but so far very little to show. Bruce and I have managed to finally get some action on Server room. We found some excellent software to manage the new server and hopefully it can go in this soon. I have been trying to update Ian's site There is nothing new just yet but keep watching I have been tweaking the CSS and hopefully if I can just find a good way of formatting it correctly there should be some updates soon. Work has been hectic too so much going on there some good some bad some insanity.
I went to the gym with Martin again today, I did my weights while he had a cardio workout. My arms ache now, his shoulder is a lot better he is able to lift his arm up and nearly has a full range of movement.
I was only at home for an hour this evening but it was enough to get frustrated, my parents just don't get it that I need my own space and independence. Just because staying here is the sensible thing to do doesn't make it desirable. I am ashamed of myself and tired of peoples comments, I can never feel successful living in my parents garage, apologising to people for my failures it a joke. So I headed out for a drink with Bruce, he got promoted today which is great news. I wasn't very good company though sometimes I feel like my friend success I just reflects my failures more strongly. I read another chapter in the idiot last night I think I am Ganya after all, a totally ordinary person who longs to have something original about them, smart enough to realise I am not original but not smart enough to do anything about it, all very depressing.
I went to the gym with Martin again today, I did my weights while he had a cardio workout. My arms ache now, his shoulder is a lot better he is able to lift his arm up and nearly has a full range of movement.
I was only at home for an hour this evening but it was enough to get frustrated, my parents just don't get it that I need my own space and independence. Just because staying here is the sensible thing to do doesn't make it desirable. I am ashamed of myself and tired of peoples comments, I can never feel successful living in my parents garage, apologising to people for my failures it a joke. So I headed out for a drink with Bruce, he got promoted today which is great news. I wasn't very good company though sometimes I feel like my friend success I just reflects my failures more strongly. I read another chapter in the idiot last night I think I am Ganya after all, a totally ordinary person who longs to have something original about them, smart enough to realise I am not original but not smart enough to do anything about it, all very depressing.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Hot Fuzz
After spending a rather frustrating day trying adn failing to sort Ians website out, stupid html / css makes it very hard to place images dynamically despite its best intentions.
I went to see the new Simon Peg film Hot Fuzz. The film is about a top London officer Nick Angel (Pegg) who after showing all his colleagues up is "promoted" to the sleepy town of Sandford. Full of cultural references and clever humour coupled with some rather Tarentino esque ultra violence its a funny, light hearted take on the buddy cop film genre. My personal favourite laugh out loud moment was Pegg vaulting a fence to fly kick a shotgun wielding octogenarian.
I went to see the new Simon Peg film Hot Fuzz. The film is about a top London officer Nick Angel (Pegg) who after showing all his colleagues up is "promoted" to the sleepy town of Sandford. Full of cultural references and clever humour coupled with some rather Tarentino esque ultra violence its a funny, light hearted take on the buddy cop film genre. My personal favourite laugh out loud moment was Pegg vaulting a fence to fly kick a shotgun wielding octogenarian.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Total eclipse of the moon
Today Bruce and I finally kicked the second server into life. It has been a nightmare getting the server to run so many things have gone wrong which has made me almost scared to do anything with it. However a final big push has seen Debian and vhcs. VHCS is a control panel to allow Server Room customers to manage their own sites a lot better. I am so far very impressed with how well it works, I think it will simplify the running of the sites greatly and allow a much better user experience.
This evening there was to be a lunar eclipse, so myself Bruce, Phil, Phil's brother Jim and friend Pub decided to go out into the hills of Macclesfield to watch. After a couple of beers we headed out to the Cat and Fiddle pub the second highest in the UK, in the hope of a better less light polluted sky. Unfortunately we arrived to find the pub shut up, so in the knowledge that the real event wasn't taking place until after 23:00 Bruce drove us to a rather provincial pub in Buxton called the Duke of Earl. The pub was very strange, it felt a bit like a working mans club, I guess not much happens in Buxton. There was even a women with a hook where her hand should have been. I think we were all glad to get out of there.
We made our way back into the hill, the mood was by now in eclipse form. It was an impressive sight, looking very red, though quiet small. Jim had his SLR and was trying to take photos, though he found it hard to aim at a dark and faraway object in the night sky. It was also bitterly cold on top of the hills, even in a jacket scarf and hat I felt the chill.
This evening there was to be a lunar eclipse, so myself Bruce, Phil, Phil's brother Jim and friend Pub decided to go out into the hills of Macclesfield to watch. After a couple of beers we headed out to the Cat and Fiddle pub the second highest in the UK, in the hope of a better less light polluted sky. Unfortunately we arrived to find the pub shut up, so in the knowledge that the real event wasn't taking place until after 23:00 Bruce drove us to a rather provincial pub in Buxton called the Duke of Earl. The pub was very strange, it felt a bit like a working mans club, I guess not much happens in Buxton. There was even a women with a hook where her hand should have been. I think we were all glad to get out of there.
We made our way back into the hill, the mood was by now in eclipse form. It was an impressive sight, looking very red, though quiet small. Jim had his SLR and was trying to take photos, though he found it hard to aim at a dark and faraway object in the night sky. It was also bitterly cold on top of the hills, even in a jacket scarf and hat I felt the chill.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Midnight show
I must be getting old, Friday night and I am already back home at 23:20. I went out for a few quiet beers with Bruce and Phil we all felt so tired though instead of going on anywhere we departed at the call of time.
To be honest it has been a busy week. Work has been manic and I have gone to the gym 4 of 5 evenings. I only missed Tuesday thanks to Japanese class. Tonight I went with Martin. He still cannot drive after his shoulder op. So in extra motivator I went and picked him up so he could do some cardio work whilst I did my leg weights. It was quite fun like the old days when we were both well into training. He seemed to enjoy his workout, though I was disgusted when he wrung out his arm support it wasn't very nice.
I think to an extent the gym has paid off for me I am certainly thinner now that I have been training for a ling time. Check out this picture from 2003, compared to last week I look a lot more trim (I think). I still a lot of work to do though. I would love to be able to, just once be able to look in the mirror and smile rather than cry, hopefully another year and I will have be pretty close to achieving that.
To be honest it has been a busy week. Work has been manic and I have gone to the gym 4 of 5 evenings. I only missed Tuesday thanks to Japanese class. Tonight I went with Martin. He still cannot drive after his shoulder op. So in extra motivator I went and picked him up so he could do some cardio work whilst I did my leg weights. It was quite fun like the old days when we were both well into training. He seemed to enjoy his workout, though I was disgusted when he wrung out his arm support it wasn't very nice.
I think to an extent the gym has paid off for me I am certainly thinner now that I have been training for a ling time. Check out this picture from 2003, compared to last week I look a lot more trim (I think). I still a lot of work to do though. I would love to be able to, just once be able to look in the mirror and smile rather than cry, hopefully another year and I will have be pretty close to achieving that.
Quote of the day
Found a wonderful website for quotations
"A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a ton of explanation."
- H. H. Munro (Saki) (1870-1916)
"There are two ways of constructing a software design; one way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult."
- C. A. R. Hoare
"A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a ton of explanation."
- H. H. Munro (Saki) (1870-1916)
"There are two ways of constructing a software design; one way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult."
- C. A. R. Hoare
Thursday, March 01, 2007
White Rabbits
Ah the first day of March, cold raining and dark. I forgot the to say "white rabbits" so that's another month of bad luck, sigh.
Work is mega busy its coming to the end of the financial year so people need so much work in preparation its very tiring.
I went shopping after the gym bought myself a new duvet and pillow as my cat managed to get my old one flea ridden. He might be 20 no but his capacity to cause problems is undimmed. I followed the advice from Phil and Bruce, buying myself an orthopaedic pillow to help my back problems. I'll tell you if it makes any difference!
This evening Ian popped round for a few beers and to take a look at some computer problems. He has given me a load of information to add to his website and we started investigating googles ad word system and whether it could add any value to Zanshin.
Work is mega busy its coming to the end of the financial year so people need so much work in preparation its very tiring.
I went shopping after the gym bought myself a new duvet and pillow as my cat managed to get my old one flea ridden. He might be 20 no but his capacity to cause problems is undimmed. I followed the advice from Phil and Bruce, buying myself an orthopaedic pillow to help my back problems. I'll tell you if it makes any difference!
This evening Ian popped round for a few beers and to take a look at some computer problems. He has given me a load of information to add to his website and we started investigating googles ad word system and whether it could add any value to Zanshin.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
ISA Season
As the current financial year ends in April I have been attempting to sort out a few financial things. I am big on savings at the moment, its the only way I can see myself ever affording a house. I have found that the most effective way for me to save is to use my individual savings account privileges (ISA). Currently all UK citizens over 16 can save upto £7000 into an ISA account each year.
Even though they were intended as a simple savings vehicle, a lot of people get a bit confused about ISA's. The ISA is like a wrapper which can go round a range of accounts, anything from cash to bonds to stocks and shares can be held inside one. The government are a little fussy about how it works you can save upto £3000 in cash and an additional £4000 in equities. Alternatively you can pump the lot into equities.
There are two really great things about using ISA's. The first is that you don't have to pay tax like normal savings accounts. This means all the interest is paid gross. The second great reason is you never have to pay capital gains on the growth, though this is more geared towards stock market investments.
In my case save using both cash and equities. The equity part is in the form or Unit trust investments, I save money each month investing into the index tracker funds and various bond funds.
In short for taxpayers who save its pretty much a no brainer that using an ISA is highly effective way to save. So don&'t delay, act before April in order to get this years allowance.
Remember though I am not an accountant, so as ever don't take my advice do your own research ;)
Even though they were intended as a simple savings vehicle, a lot of people get a bit confused about ISA's. The ISA is like a wrapper which can go round a range of accounts, anything from cash to bonds to stocks and shares can be held inside one. The government are a little fussy about how it works you can save upto £3000 in cash and an additional £4000 in equities. Alternatively you can pump the lot into equities.
There are two really great things about using ISA's. The first is that you don't have to pay tax like normal savings accounts. This means all the interest is paid gross. The second great reason is you never have to pay capital gains on the growth, though this is more geared towards stock market investments.
In my case save using both cash and equities. The equity part is in the form or Unit trust investments, I save money each month investing into the index tracker funds and various bond funds.
In short for taxpayers who save its pretty much a no brainer that using an ISA is highly effective way to save. So don&'t delay, act before April in order to get this years allowance.
Remember though I am not an accountant, so as ever don't take my advice do your own research ;)
Japanese html
I seem to have found a way to get unicode Hirigana fonts by using the escape codes from www.alanwood.net/unicode/hiragana.html. While hardly pretty its a functional method using standard html escape characters understood by just about all modern browsers (I have not tried in Links yet ;-)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
ここわ
Got a weird Chinese email from this morning wishing me good luck don't know who the sender was pretty weird spam though. I needed good luck today work was very trying lots of little jobs are dragging me down. I helped find the solution to a complicated long term issue, though someone else stole the credit and then a long term problem (its been wrong for years) suddenly jumped to the top of the priority list, sigh.
I had a Japanese class after work. In all honesty I was completely unprepared having done literally no practice since the last class two weeks ago. Fortunately I was far from the only one, and seemed able to get back up to speed pretty quickly. A guy a work with was telling me his nephew has been in Japan for 3 years teaching English. Apparently he barley knows any Japanese and survives on English. I would love to work in Japan for a while experience another culture, but not teaching I doubt I have the patients.
I went out for a drink with Bruce and Philip this evening, they are both doing well. Phil is just about over his flu virus and Bruce's house purchase is going well. I am hoping in the not to distant to get invited to the house-warming ;)
I had a Japanese class after work. In all honesty I was completely unprepared having done literally no practice since the last class two weeks ago. Fortunately I was far from the only one, and seemed able to get back up to speed pretty quickly. A guy a work with was telling me his nephew has been in Japan for 3 years teaching English. Apparently he barley knows any Japanese and survives on English. I would love to work in Japan for a while experience another culture, but not teaching I doubt I have the patients.
I went out for a drink with Bruce and Philip this evening, they are both doing well. Phil is just about over his flu virus and Bruce's house purchase is going well. I am hoping in the not to distant to get invited to the house-warming ;)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tell it like it is
Being woken up after a night out and only a few hours sleep on the floor of someone one else's house is not fun. So I was far from impressed that after going to bed after I was woken by loud knocking on the door at 8.10am. At first I thought it was the police given the insistence and tone of the knocking. After the third foray Ian got up and opened the door Michelle walked in asked where the party was and headed upstairs. Some 40 minutes later she was gone Woller went not long after. while I understand there are some issues she had no reason to be so rude to the rest of us and perhaps coming to talk when Woller had work was either very poor timing or very calculated. I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and say poor timing after a boozy night.
Ian was king enough to give Paul and myself a lift back even though he was in a hurry to get to a job in London, he made time. It was my mums birthday so I wished her well and spent the rest of the day chilling in my room. Paul came round in the afternoon for a chat, he was showing me some of the potential candidates for his band, he is very excited and enthused about the project I cannot wait to see the band playing live.
I ended the day by going for a quiet drink with Bruce and Phil, the latter having finally got over his flu infection. They were both on form but I must admit my mind was in a bit of a haze.
Ian was king enough to give Paul and myself a lift back even though he was in a hurry to get to a job in London, he made time. It was my mums birthday so I wished her well and spent the rest of the day chilling in my room. Paul came round in the afternoon for a chat, he was showing me some of the potential candidates for his band, he is very excited and enthused about the project I cannot wait to see the band playing live.
I ended the day by going for a quiet drink with Bruce and Phil, the latter having finally got over his flu infection. They were both on form but I must admit my mind was in a bit of a haze.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Barracuda Nights
As Danny intoned on his blog, we have fewer opportunities to get out as a group these days. Certainly not so often as we used to back in the college / university era. Though I tend to disagree with his assertion that the lower frequency is a sign of increasing age. I think it is more a factor of the diverse ways in which we live our lives. I have a standard 9-5 (well 9 - 5.30 but lets not split hairs) however Woller works shifts and Ian has odd hours depending on what jobs he is on. Add into the mix the fact we a more geographically diverse and it make for a more difficult night out scenario.
Anyway, Saturday night was the first chance in a while for us all to go out as a group, Woller had kindly offered his floor, and Paul was up from Leamington. The consensus was to meet early head to Macclesfield, go for a bite to eat then head into Macclesfield town centre. Ian and I met up with Dan and Paul in Graze Bramhall (see below) for a 6pm early doors drink. We then convoyed down to Wollers, making a quick takeaway beer pit-stop.
After a short break for beer, and for Craddy to have a shave and sort himself out we headed to the Flowerpot for some pub grub. When it finally arrived the food wasn't too bad, and refreshed and in high spirits we headed into Macclesfield proper.
First we headed to Weatherspoons for a cheeky red bull and vodka, the atmosphere was a little oppressive so we quickly drank up and left. Heading next to Barracuda, via the cash machines. The queue for Barracuda was huge, and we had to wait alongside the a group of college students. They did make me feel old. After what seemed like hours, though it was more like 20 minutes, we made it into the venue, unable to stash our coats as the clock room was full we found a booth to continue the banter and drinking.
It was a very funny period we were ogling some extremely attractive girls until Danny spoiled it by behaving far too conspicuously, never mind the night was still young. Spotting a better table we upgraded, and decided it was time for a shooter, so Ian got us some Sambuka's.
I was feeling quiet drunk at this point and we wanted to get up and have a dance with some of the pretty young things on the dance floor. Unfortunately we still had our coats, so we decided to go upstairs find a secluded area and dump them in the hops no-one would steal them. We found a table right up in the gods, and stashed our gear there then headed to the dance floor. About this time Woller's girlfriend and her friends came into Barracuda after on some sort of works night out. A groups of us hit the dance floor and the DJ played some superb old school hits I remember from going out as a under-age kid in the 90's. I danced like a loon totally enjoying myself, my styles however original failed to impress the ladies so I took a break after 20 minutes.
A few bad things happened next, Michelle lost her purse, Dan's coat disappeared and Woller and Michelle had a bit of a spat. It was 1am the place was shutting so in order to give Woller some time to sort things out Dan Ian Paul and I went for a kebab. I had a rather tasty chicken affair, the only downside being that the sauce was prone to drip everywhere.
We got a taxi back to Woller's house, and waited for the man to arrive, about 30 minutes later. Then a couple more beers a bit of a chat and a round of sonic and we got to sleep about 5am.
Anyway, Saturday night was the first chance in a while for us all to go out as a group, Woller had kindly offered his floor, and Paul was up from Leamington. The consensus was to meet early head to Macclesfield, go for a bite to eat then head into Macclesfield town centre. Ian and I met up with Dan and Paul in Graze Bramhall (see below) for a 6pm early doors drink. We then convoyed down to Wollers, making a quick takeaway beer pit-stop.
 |
Ian, Paul and Danny sat in Graze Bramhall |
After a short break for beer, and for Craddy to have a shave and sort himself out we headed to the Flowerpot for some pub grub. When it finally arrived the food wasn't too bad, and refreshed and in high spirits we headed into Macclesfield proper.
First we headed to Weatherspoons for a cheeky red bull and vodka, the atmosphere was a little oppressive so we quickly drank up and left. Heading next to Barracuda, via the cash machines. The queue for Barracuda was huge, and we had to wait alongside the a group of college students. They did make me feel old. After what seemed like hours, though it was more like 20 minutes, we made it into the venue, unable to stash our coats as the clock room was full we found a booth to continue the banter and drinking.
It was a very funny period we were ogling some extremely attractive girls until Danny spoiled it by behaving far too conspicuously, never mind the night was still young. Spotting a better table we upgraded, and decided it was time for a shooter, so Ian got us some Sambuka's.
I was feeling quiet drunk at this point and we wanted to get up and have a dance with some of the pretty young things on the dance floor. Unfortunately we still had our coats, so we decided to go upstairs find a secluded area and dump them in the hops no-one would steal them. We found a table right up in the gods, and stashed our gear there then headed to the dance floor. About this time Woller's girlfriend and her friends came into Barracuda after on some sort of works night out. A groups of us hit the dance floor and the DJ played some superb old school hits I remember from going out as a under-age kid in the 90's. I danced like a loon totally enjoying myself, my styles however original failed to impress the ladies so I took a break after 20 minutes.
A few bad things happened next, Michelle lost her purse, Dan's coat disappeared and Woller and Michelle had a bit of a spat. It was 1am the place was shutting so in order to give Woller some time to sort things out Dan Ian Paul and I went for a kebab. I had a rather tasty chicken affair, the only downside being that the sauce was prone to drip everywhere.
We got a taxi back to Woller's house, and waited for the man to arrive, about 30 minutes later. Then a couple more beers a bit of a chat and a round of sonic and we got to sleep about 5am.
 |
Ian Myself Danny and Paul |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)