Autumn is my favourite season. The night folding in on the day, the smell in the air, the beautiful colour of the trees; all of this brings me a nice feeling.
It's not been the greatest summer really. Not having the warmest weather meant I didn't get out as much as I'd like. Work has been a bit mental, and burying Uncle Terry wasn't that pleasant.
However, good things have come from this that I'm hoping will lead to a slightly nicer future. Work for instance, has been mental, however I've got all the computers working brilliantly so far, and I'm hoping that I don't have to worry about them this year. Also, my friend Elin (who I like, but shhh she has a boyfriend) and I are getting quite close, which makes me happy (More about her another time). Financially, I've nearly paid off my car and my credit card and my graduate loan. About another 12 months and I should be debt free for the first time since 2001 when I went to Uni.
I'm hoping to organise a trip to visit my cousing in Northern Ireland with my Aunt Claire, as every time we all meet up seems to be due to a death, so it will be nice visiting them.
I turn 30 next year, so I think I have a few things I want to do before then. I've started my Judo course - it's awesome! And I think I'm feeling better because of it (something to do on Monday nights is a nice thing). I'm really wanting to do my CBT and then my motorbike license as it's something I've always wanted to do, and I think if I can do it before my 30th, that'll be good. Also, that leads me to my last plan, to live by myself again. I've had fun (and saved money!) living with people, but I'm getting a bit tired of it. Too many 'rules and politics' for my liking. I feel like I have to socialise all the time, and to be honest, I'm getting a bit tired of it. I'd rather be watching films, playing playstation and going out for a bike ride, but I feel I 'have' to socialise. We'll see, but if I get a motorbike license and a bike, I can commute from a bit further afield, which can see me getting a really nice house for a lot less rent. We will see, I'm sure I'll come back to this in the future.
Thanks for reading :o)
Sunday 30 September 2012
Wednesday 29 August 2012
Sad News
Got a phone call from my Mum last night with bad news. Turns out that my Uncle Terrence died in his sleep on the night of 27th August.
This has come as a great shock, as he was my Mum's younger brother, so he must have been about 56/57, not old at all! He only got married to my Aunt Claire in 2005.
I don't deal well with deaths really. Not in an uncosolable way, more in an awkard sense. On the phone to my Mum, all I could say was 'Oh dear, that's a shame' as I don't know what else to say. Yes I'm sad, but these things never really 'get' me.
I've been called 'cold hearted' in the past, I can see why really. I have a very dark and twisted sense of humour, and deal with situations like this in a very different way to others. It's not that I don't care, not at all. It's just that I don't really know how to react.
Anyway, Rest In Peace Uncle Terry. I'll certainly miss you and your quiet, 'dry-as-a-desert' wit xx
This has come as a great shock, as he was my Mum's younger brother, so he must have been about 56/57, not old at all! He only got married to my Aunt Claire in 2005.
I don't deal well with deaths really. Not in an uncosolable way, more in an awkard sense. On the phone to my Mum, all I could say was 'Oh dear, that's a shame' as I don't know what else to say. Yes I'm sad, but these things never really 'get' me.
I've been called 'cold hearted' in the past, I can see why really. I have a very dark and twisted sense of humour, and deal with situations like this in a very different way to others. It's not that I don't care, not at all. It's just that I don't really know how to react.
Anyway, Rest In Peace Uncle Terry. I'll certainly miss you and your quiet, 'dry-as-a-desert' wit xx
Saturday 25 August 2012
Getting Fitter
I think I must have banged my head a few weeks ago, or maybe it's because of the Olympics (though it's been going on since before they started), but I really want to get fit again.
As I said last time, I'm starting my Judo lessons in a couple of weeks which should really improve my fitness. I've also started swimming again, something I haven't done since I was about 16 and went with a couple of friends to have fun at the weekends.
My friend is competing in loads of 10k runs, trying to do 10 of them in the year raising money for charity. She was talking to my minion, Beth, about one coming up in November that they are both entering, and it got me thinking, 'maybe I should try entering a run'. I've tried getting back into running too, but it's a bit more difficult than I'd thought. I'll try going out again at some point this week. This all got me thinking though, if I can get back into running and swimming, and I already do the cycling..... maybe I should enter a Triathlon!
So, my plan now is to try and enter the Abbey Dash in November, to see how I get on with that, and try and go swimming every weekend (I would try going more, however I don't think there's any swimming pools open to the public in Leeds, they're all private gyms that I know of).
I think I'm trying to improve my fitness more so that it gets me out of the house more. I seem to find that every day now I'm going to work, coming home and just watching TV. Then at weekends, I pretty much stay in, or just walk aimlessly around town. Seems to make much more sense getting fit than getting bored. Plus, I know I'll enjoy it once I get into it!
Anywho, I'll try and keep posting about how I get on with running, cycling, swimming and judo...ing.
Laters!
As I said last time, I'm starting my Judo lessons in a couple of weeks which should really improve my fitness. I've also started swimming again, something I haven't done since I was about 16 and went with a couple of friends to have fun at the weekends.
My friend is competing in loads of 10k runs, trying to do 10 of them in the year raising money for charity. She was talking to my minion, Beth, about one coming up in November that they are both entering, and it got me thinking, 'maybe I should try entering a run'. I've tried getting back into running too, but it's a bit more difficult than I'd thought. I'll try going out again at some point this week. This all got me thinking though, if I can get back into running and swimming, and I already do the cycling..... maybe I should enter a Triathlon!
So, my plan now is to try and enter the Abbey Dash in November, to see how I get on with that, and try and go swimming every weekend (I would try going more, however I don't think there's any swimming pools open to the public in Leeds, they're all private gyms that I know of).
I think I'm trying to improve my fitness more so that it gets me out of the house more. I seem to find that every day now I'm going to work, coming home and just watching TV. Then at weekends, I pretty much stay in, or just walk aimlessly around town. Seems to make much more sense getting fit than getting bored. Plus, I know I'll enjoy it once I get into it!
Anywho, I'll try and keep posting about how I get on with running, cycling, swimming and judo...ing.
Laters!
Friday 17 August 2012
Summertime Mayhem
August is always a funny time at work. I say funny, but I mean stressful.
When I was a student, I always thought of the summer months as being quiet, relaxing and fun times. I never really appreciated what went on at the universities around the country. Whilst the students are away, people are busy beavering about the place, fixing things, building things, cleaning things and buying new things. All so that it's nice and shiny for the return of the people paying our wages.
We've got a lot on this summer, but it's nothing compared to last year. I have a 'nice' amount of work, where I'm busy, but I'm not busting a gut. I have a feeling that it's going to get worse though if I'm honest. We shall see.
Quick updates: Mum got better and has been home a few weeks. My car failed it's MOT and cost me a further £500 but not for the faults that Vauxhall mentioned. Choir is going ok, though due to lack of numbers, I've decided that I'll pick nice, simple pieces that don't need a lot of practise (or people) to sing well. This means I can cancel the practises for today and next Friday, and go to the pub. Awesome.
Tattoo's have taken a back burner for a while, whilst I am working hard. I pretty much get home and flake out. I'm quite set on an anchor now, and I may try getting something organised for the next month or something.
I went cycling up in Scotland a few weeks ago and it was awesome, I had a really good time. I did, however, fall off. At least twice. The first time, I managed to jarr my wrist, meaning I could barely move it. But, unditerred (I know I've spelt that wrong, but meh), I carried on. Then later I managed to fall off again onto some wet, slippy wood and slid down it. That left a beautiful bruise on my entire arm (the other arm that I fell on earlier) and thigh. The bruising has just about gone, but it's still swelled up a little.
Lastly, I've just signed up to a Judo Beginners Course in Pudsey near Leeds. I'm quite excited about this as i think it will be really good for me fitness wise and it's a new hobby! I used to do Judo when I was about 7, but I stopped when we got a new Sensai who wanted us to perfect a certain move that is considered the beginners move. When you're 7/8 and been there a year, you want to learn a few new things, so needless to say, i got bored and left. I'm really looking forward to this though, so will keep you posted on how I do.
Sorry I've waffled and that it probably isn't that interesting, but you've probably just been updated on more of my personal life than a lot of my friends know (or care) about.
Take care :o)
When I was a student, I always thought of the summer months as being quiet, relaxing and fun times. I never really appreciated what went on at the universities around the country. Whilst the students are away, people are busy beavering about the place, fixing things, building things, cleaning things and buying new things. All so that it's nice and shiny for the return of the people paying our wages.
We've got a lot on this summer, but it's nothing compared to last year. I have a 'nice' amount of work, where I'm busy, but I'm not busting a gut. I have a feeling that it's going to get worse though if I'm honest. We shall see.
Quick updates: Mum got better and has been home a few weeks. My car failed it's MOT and cost me a further £500 but not for the faults that Vauxhall mentioned. Choir is going ok, though due to lack of numbers, I've decided that I'll pick nice, simple pieces that don't need a lot of practise (or people) to sing well. This means I can cancel the practises for today and next Friday, and go to the pub. Awesome.
Tattoo's have taken a back burner for a while, whilst I am working hard. I pretty much get home and flake out. I'm quite set on an anchor now, and I may try getting something organised for the next month or something.
I went cycling up in Scotland a few weeks ago and it was awesome, I had a really good time. I did, however, fall off. At least twice. The first time, I managed to jarr my wrist, meaning I could barely move it. But, unditerred (I know I've spelt that wrong, but meh), I carried on. Then later I managed to fall off again onto some wet, slippy wood and slid down it. That left a beautiful bruise on my entire arm (the other arm that I fell on earlier) and thigh. The bruising has just about gone, but it's still swelled up a little.
Lastly, I've just signed up to a Judo Beginners Course in Pudsey near Leeds. I'm quite excited about this as i think it will be really good for me fitness wise and it's a new hobby! I used to do Judo when I was about 7, but I stopped when we got a new Sensai who wanted us to perfect a certain move that is considered the beginners move. When you're 7/8 and been there a year, you want to learn a few new things, so needless to say, i got bored and left. I'm really looking forward to this though, so will keep you posted on how I do.
Sorry I've waffled and that it probably isn't that interesting, but you've probably just been updated on more of my personal life than a lot of my friends know (or care) about.
Take care :o)
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Morning!
Well, since last writing my blog, a fair few things have happened.
Firstly, on the tattoo front, I went to the Bolton Tattoo Bazzaar at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, it was fantastic! Got to meet lots of artists, and saw some great artwork being done. Took a few cards of people whos work I was interested in, especially one artist that drew a cartoon koala on someones calf, it looked awesome, and is in a similar design to what I want my 'Kicking Mule' to look like. Anywho, I didn't get anything (I'm looking at having an anchor put on my right arm, part of a half sleeve of classic tattoos) as I don't really have the money at the moment...
I'm broke, because my car is rubbish. The alternator went the other week, which cost £240 to replace, and then Saturday morning, it went in to Vauxhall, as they were recalling all Astras between 2004 and 2008 to have a circuit board for the horn to be replaced. Anyway, I asked if they could look at the Air-Con and also that after driving for about 50 miles, it starts to judder and misfire when accelerating.
Well, they replaced the circuit board, to find that my horn doesn't work and needs replacing. Then they found the Air-Con needs a new board replacing, that there's a fault in the diagnosis so further testing needs doing, 3 of the tyres are illegal and need replacing, the brake pads need replacing, the rear discs need replacing and the Tie Rods need replacing! All this a week before its insurance is due, and 5 days before its MOT! I've got it booked in to a garage, so that's getting sorted in the morning. I shall be looking at replacing this car when I finish paying for it!
Anyway, moving away from cars, my Mum is currently in hospital with an enflamed pancreas. She had pains on Sunday and has been in ever since. Makes a change that it's not my Dad in there, but can't be nice for him as he struggles by himself. She's keeping me posted via texts though, so she will be fine.
I had to cancel the choir singing at Evensong last Sunday due to lack of numbers. Can't say I was happy about the decision, but it had to be done. I played for the said service, letting Elin (our Organist) have the evening off, so she could stay with her boyfriend in Manchester. Have I mentioned Elin? She's lovely. Really lovely. Sadly she's with James. Ah well.
Still went to the pub on Sunday with Harriet and Dave, and had a nice time :)
Speak soon!
Well, since last writing my blog, a fair few things have happened.
Firstly, on the tattoo front, I went to the Bolton Tattoo Bazzaar at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, it was fantastic! Got to meet lots of artists, and saw some great artwork being done. Took a few cards of people whos work I was interested in, especially one artist that drew a cartoon koala on someones calf, it looked awesome, and is in a similar design to what I want my 'Kicking Mule' to look like. Anywho, I didn't get anything (I'm looking at having an anchor put on my right arm, part of a half sleeve of classic tattoos) as I don't really have the money at the moment...
I'm broke, because my car is rubbish. The alternator went the other week, which cost £240 to replace, and then Saturday morning, it went in to Vauxhall, as they were recalling all Astras between 2004 and 2008 to have a circuit board for the horn to be replaced. Anyway, I asked if they could look at the Air-Con and also that after driving for about 50 miles, it starts to judder and misfire when accelerating.
Well, they replaced the circuit board, to find that my horn doesn't work and needs replacing. Then they found the Air-Con needs a new board replacing, that there's a fault in the diagnosis so further testing needs doing, 3 of the tyres are illegal and need replacing, the brake pads need replacing, the rear discs need replacing and the Tie Rods need replacing! All this a week before its insurance is due, and 5 days before its MOT! I've got it booked in to a garage, so that's getting sorted in the morning. I shall be looking at replacing this car when I finish paying for it!
Anyway, moving away from cars, my Mum is currently in hospital with an enflamed pancreas. She had pains on Sunday and has been in ever since. Makes a change that it's not my Dad in there, but can't be nice for him as he struggles by himself. She's keeping me posted via texts though, so she will be fine.
I had to cancel the choir singing at Evensong last Sunday due to lack of numbers. Can't say I was happy about the decision, but it had to be done. I played for the said service, letting Elin (our Organist) have the evening off, so she could stay with her boyfriend in Manchester. Have I mentioned Elin? She's lovely. Really lovely. Sadly she's with James. Ah well.
Still went to the pub on Sunday with Harriet and Dave, and had a nice time :)
Speak soon!
Monday 2 July 2012
Slow Monday
Well, that was a rather uninteresting but eventful weekend.
I went into Manchester on Saturday and looked around a couple of the tattoo parlours, but none of them really caught my eye. There's one in Afflecks Palace which does Sailor Jerry tattoos, which I'm interested in, but I don't know what the quality of their work is.
Sunday, I played in 3 services at church. The morning service didn't go to well, but nobody minded. In the afternoon, East Lancs Air Cadet force had a flag interred in the church, so I played for that and all went well. Then in the evening for evensong, we sang Bruckners Ave Maria, and I decided to sing the psalm acapella, which turned out to sound fantastic! The choir responded really well, and really blew me away, it was an awesome experience!
I'm sat in work at the moment, waiting for an operating system to install on a mac. Not sure what my last update was on work, but I'm now in charge of all the college's studios and Macs. In September, I will have 8 recording studios, 3 mixing rooms, 2 Mac servers and 110 Macs. Sadly, students can currently carry on booking rooms, which is a real hinderance to our work as I don't know which rooms we need to be in and when. I have a minion (said in an affectionate way) called Beth, who is working hard organising things whilst I build up the images to be deployed for the Macs. I do sometimes question my own managing skills, I feel I need to be more active and start doing more, but there's just a part of me that can't be bothered/is shy. Ah well, I'll get there.
The Mac has just finished its installation, so I should get back to that really. I'll update soon. I'm going to by a notepad to try and sketch some rough ideas out for tattoos. I'm crap at drawing, but I feel if I give it a go, I'll maybe be able to give some people ideas.
Laters!
I went into Manchester on Saturday and looked around a couple of the tattoo parlours, but none of them really caught my eye. There's one in Afflecks Palace which does Sailor Jerry tattoos, which I'm interested in, but I don't know what the quality of their work is.
Sunday, I played in 3 services at church. The morning service didn't go to well, but nobody minded. In the afternoon, East Lancs Air Cadet force had a flag interred in the church, so I played for that and all went well. Then in the evening for evensong, we sang Bruckners Ave Maria, and I decided to sing the psalm acapella, which turned out to sound fantastic! The choir responded really well, and really blew me away, it was an awesome experience!
I'm sat in work at the moment, waiting for an operating system to install on a mac. Not sure what my last update was on work, but I'm now in charge of all the college's studios and Macs. In September, I will have 8 recording studios, 3 mixing rooms, 2 Mac servers and 110 Macs. Sadly, students can currently carry on booking rooms, which is a real hinderance to our work as I don't know which rooms we need to be in and when. I have a minion (said in an affectionate way) called Beth, who is working hard organising things whilst I build up the images to be deployed for the Macs. I do sometimes question my own managing skills, I feel I need to be more active and start doing more, but there's just a part of me that can't be bothered/is shy. Ah well, I'll get there.
The Mac has just finished its installation, so I should get back to that really. I'll update soon. I'm going to by a notepad to try and sketch some rough ideas out for tattoos. I'm crap at drawing, but I feel if I give it a go, I'll maybe be able to give some people ideas.
Laters!
Friday 29 June 2012
Seems to be an annual posting..
Well, it's been over a year since my last post!
Update: Dad's ribs have healed, he's a lot better now, though has his bad days. He's been in hospital a couple of times, but usually out the next day. I think it's taking its tole on my Mum though, as she's beginning to think that Dad is losing his mind, like my Gran did. I hope he isn't, but I don't want her stressing over it as I feel she will go the same way.
Anywho, the last year has been interesting. I got put in charge of choir again as Matthew left (if I haven't updated as to who he is, well, never mind). Then Marc started so I was back to singing Bass. However, he left in May, so it's me in charge again. Don't know how long for, but it could be a few more weeks.
I do like being in charge of the choir, I would happily do it full time, however I'm always put in charge at the worst moments. Summer is terrible as everyone goes on holiday, so I'm left with a dilapidated choir that sounds half as good as normal, and I feel that people blame me for it.
Anyway, they're paying me a proper wage now, so this is helping out financially. Hopefully I can clear some debts, and start getting some tattoos!
About tattoos. I really want some. I have quite a few ideas now, including anchors, navigational stars or compass, tribal, japanese dragon and I still want my custom 'thekickingmule' on my right leg. If anyone can draw, please, please get in touch! I've found some really good artists as well, so I don't think it will be long now.
Anywho, I've written a bit of an essay here, so I think I'll leave it there and hope to update relatively recently. There's a lot to talk about, my job, my car, my lovelife (the family-show version ;) )... we shall see.
Update: Dad's ribs have healed, he's a lot better now, though has his bad days. He's been in hospital a couple of times, but usually out the next day. I think it's taking its tole on my Mum though, as she's beginning to think that Dad is losing his mind, like my Gran did. I hope he isn't, but I don't want her stressing over it as I feel she will go the same way.
Anywho, the last year has been interesting. I got put in charge of choir again as Matthew left (if I haven't updated as to who he is, well, never mind). Then Marc started so I was back to singing Bass. However, he left in May, so it's me in charge again. Don't know how long for, but it could be a few more weeks.
I do like being in charge of the choir, I would happily do it full time, however I'm always put in charge at the worst moments. Summer is terrible as everyone goes on holiday, so I'm left with a dilapidated choir that sounds half as good as normal, and I feel that people blame me for it.
Anyway, they're paying me a proper wage now, so this is helping out financially. Hopefully I can clear some debts, and start getting some tattoos!
About tattoos. I really want some. I have quite a few ideas now, including anchors, navigational stars or compass, tribal, japanese dragon and I still want my custom 'thekickingmule' on my right leg. If anyone can draw, please, please get in touch! I've found some really good artists as well, so I don't think it will be long now.
Anywho, I've written a bit of an essay here, so I think I'll leave it there and hope to update relatively recently. There's a lot to talk about, my job, my car, my lovelife (the family-show version ;) )... we shall see.
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