This will also be the tenth blog of the month, which is a good number for me, very rounded. I'm not a famous blogger yet, I think my hits must be low double figures haha, but it's all good. Being the strange guy I am, I've now set up a google analytic reader on here so I should be informed of any actions :)
It seems fitting to tell you my plans for next month. I'm going to buy a book on script writing, and try and get my head around that. I will also be back in Leeds, so I'm going to start cooking again and maybe taking pictures and explaining the recipes and method - very Katie Taylor esque. I also hope to have a huge collection of scenarios and characters together, in which I can finally write a short story that I'm proud of. I need to aim for about 8000 words, not the 1000 word tiddlers I've occupied myself with so far. I've also got lots of studying to do, and a house to sign on the dotted line for, so it should be an eventful month. Oh and there's also Valentines Day. I'm one of those people who doesn't get angry when they see a random couple making out on the side of the road; it doesn't offend me at all and I don't know quite why people react so strangely to it. In fact, I think it's kind of sweet. I don't even mind if my friends are making out a bit.
Anyway, away from all the lovin''' I bought Gears of War and Saints Row II today. I completed Gow2 not long ago, and it got me pretty hooked so I felt it was only right that I try the first one. I haven't played either of them yet, I have a night club to attend ;)
Bye bye January!
Saturday 31 January 2009
Friday 30 January 2009
Listening to Sam Cooke...
What a waste of talent, what a voice he had!
I just wanted to say that so you can imagine me typing this with 'Bring It On Home To Me' in the background. I had a bit of a rough night last night, far more alcohol than I am used to and I am still feeling the effects this afternoon. Funnnn! I hate missing work, it is just not my style. I am one of those compulsively early people; if someone says "meet at eight" you can be assured I'll be there at 7.45. I don't know why, I think it's because I feel really guilty when I'm late, so I take extra precautions to get there early just in case something goes wrong, but nothing ever does.
Anyway, I don't actually have much to talk about today - which totally goes against the whole idea of blogging. I just feel like I am getting lazy and not blogging enough, I think 15,000 words a week is a pretty fair return, which is what I shall be aiming for - although not all in this blog haha.
My main focus this weekend, apart from partying, is to come up with a new idea for a story. So hopefully I'll upload something interesting on here soon. Peace and love until to the world until then.
MKB
I just wanted to say that so you can imagine me typing this with 'Bring It On Home To Me' in the background. I had a bit of a rough night last night, far more alcohol than I am used to and I am still feeling the effects this afternoon. Funnnn! I hate missing work, it is just not my style. I am one of those compulsively early people; if someone says "meet at eight" you can be assured I'll be there at 7.45. I don't know why, I think it's because I feel really guilty when I'm late, so I take extra precautions to get there early just in case something goes wrong, but nothing ever does.
Anyway, I don't actually have much to talk about today - which totally goes against the whole idea of blogging. I just feel like I am getting lazy and not blogging enough, I think 15,000 words a week is a pretty fair return, which is what I shall be aiming for - although not all in this blog haha.
My main focus this weekend, apart from partying, is to come up with a new idea for a story. So hopefully I'll upload something interesting on here soon. Peace and love until to the world until then.
MKB
Friday 23 January 2009
Short story number two.
So, short story number two.
About half of this was written on the tube. I have this function on my phone where I can write an 'active note' and it saves all that I say - I can then put it onto my computer. I really prefer all the stuff I wrote on the tube, I think it's darker.
It all stemmed from me sitting on the tube, resting my head against the plastic with the bag in between my legs. I didn't have anywhere particular where I wanted to take it, I just started writing and thought I'll see what happens. So there was no pre-thought put into, I just went with the flow. I don't want it to be a thriller or a horror or anything. Obviously this created this evil sounding guy, and this fragile woman, but nothing happens. You can make up the rest.
I've done a wee bit on a little romantic piece which I'll finish off soon. In the meantime, here you go:
He rested his head on the cold plastic to the left of him. Nestling his bag between his ankles, he surveyed the surroundings. It had just turned twelve and it was likely that this would be the last tube of the night. The tube can be a very lonely place as the evening sky takes over; for every drunkard enjoying themselves and shouting down the carriage, there is a twisted soul. Someone carrying pain and heartache on their shoulders, but locking it away behind a neutral expression and a pair of earphones. It doesn't matter what colour line you choose, red yellow or blue, you can be sure they will be there. It was just these sorts that fascinated him. He would concentrate all his energy on them, hone in on their eyes and read the stories behind them. A man with a scar across his face did not interest him, no, he was only interested by those with secrets, stories that no one wanted to tell, and stories that nobody would know to ask about.
This evening his interest was targeted towards a young dark haired girl. She was wearing blood red heels, and a long, fitted, dark blue dress. Darker than the night sky, darker than the sea is deep. Her long hair and good looks grabbed attention, but even more striking was her pouting smile. Every woman on the carriage would have swapped their body for hers, she was toned but unashamedly curvy. She was beautiful, and her looks were attracting attention. To the untrained eye, she was a picture of happiness, but beneath that phony exterior was a very broken mind. He stared at her, trying to catch her eyes, to read her story, and true enough her beautiful eyes were an open book, the pages stained with blood and tears. Behind them he saw her pain; she was running from her husband. He had beaten her when he got drunk. After she threatened to leave he shredded all her clothes, apart from this one beautiful dress. They loved each other, but he could never love any woman more than he loved his mistress: liquor.
This dark blue dress was all she had left, and it covered her bruises perfectly. He could feel another soul crying inside her too, a baby, not yet developed. Not that he cared, he watched her like a hawk and waited for her stop. Kentish Town came and went, Camden too. But as the train slowed for Euston she eased out of the seat, and silently slunk out the door, much like she'd done an hour earlier in her own home. He was already standing, he knew she would get out here. He followed her out of the station, keeping a few steps behind her on the stairs. There are so many people underground you would never know if someone is following you, and in her weak state she was none the wiser. He was an experienced predator, he knew that prey like this was easy to hunt. He looked unassuming, nothing about him would catch anyone’s attention. He wasn’t hideous looking, nor was was he even plain, he simply didn’t catch the eye. He was average height and build, white, with short, light hair. His one notable feature were his long finger nails, they were ragged and sharp, but concealed beneath his gloves. As she came into Euston Train station she hesitated briefly, before going outside. He followed closely, and saw her light up a cigarette. Would it be her last? He slid over, and offered her a light, he knew she’d forgotten by the look on her face as she put the cigarette to his lips.
It was a windy night and the cigarette wouldn’t catch a light, so they went round the corner of the station, where they talked about where they were heading. She told him she didn’t know, but she just needed to get away. She had a little bit of money, enough to start again. She would have moved in with family, but they were either abroad or dead, so she had no other options. She was a hard worker, and was sure to get a job – especially if she turned up to work like this. She smiled, that’s why she could smile through all this, a new life would bring new opportunities and maybe even a new man in her life. She was remarkably open with strangers, the man just stood there listening, taking in her story.
When she asked him what he wanted to do, he sat down. His jeans protected the cold pavement from travelling through to his body, but the wind still travelled up his shirt. He leaned back, the hard objects in his bag pressed into his back.
“I don’t know. I’ve reached a stage in my life where I feel no matter what I do, or where I go, my talent is wasted. I can cry myself to sleep, I can travel on the lonely tube at night, it actually doesn’t matter because nobody really cares. My presence on this world doesn’t mean fuck all. If I died, someone would take my job, someone else would live in my house and the world would be better off”.
The woman didn’t know what to say, so she leaned down and hugged him. This stranger who only five minutes ago had offered her a light, she still didn’t know his name. But she was weak.
About half of this was written on the tube. I have this function on my phone where I can write an 'active note' and it saves all that I say - I can then put it onto my computer. I really prefer all the stuff I wrote on the tube, I think it's darker.
It all stemmed from me sitting on the tube, resting my head against the plastic with the bag in between my legs. I didn't have anywhere particular where I wanted to take it, I just started writing and thought I'll see what happens. So there was no pre-thought put into, I just went with the flow. I don't want it to be a thriller or a horror or anything. Obviously this created this evil sounding guy, and this fragile woman, but nothing happens. You can make up the rest.
I've done a wee bit on a little romantic piece which I'll finish off soon. In the meantime, here you go:
He rested his head on the cold plastic to the left of him. Nestling his bag between his ankles, he surveyed the surroundings. It had just turned twelve and it was likely that this would be the last tube of the night. The tube can be a very lonely place as the evening sky takes over; for every drunkard enjoying themselves and shouting down the carriage, there is a twisted soul. Someone carrying pain and heartache on their shoulders, but locking it away behind a neutral expression and a pair of earphones. It doesn't matter what colour line you choose, red yellow or blue, you can be sure they will be there. It was just these sorts that fascinated him. He would concentrate all his energy on them, hone in on their eyes and read the stories behind them. A man with a scar across his face did not interest him, no, he was only interested by those with secrets, stories that no one wanted to tell, and stories that nobody would know to ask about.
This evening his interest was targeted towards a young dark haired girl. She was wearing blood red heels, and a long, fitted, dark blue dress. Darker than the night sky, darker than the sea is deep. Her long hair and good looks grabbed attention, but even more striking was her pouting smile. Every woman on the carriage would have swapped their body for hers, she was toned but unashamedly curvy. She was beautiful, and her looks were attracting attention. To the untrained eye, she was a picture of happiness, but beneath that phony exterior was a very broken mind. He stared at her, trying to catch her eyes, to read her story, and true enough her beautiful eyes were an open book, the pages stained with blood and tears. Behind them he saw her pain; she was running from her husband. He had beaten her when he got drunk. After she threatened to leave he shredded all her clothes, apart from this one beautiful dress. They loved each other, but he could never love any woman more than he loved his mistress: liquor.
This dark blue dress was all she had left, and it covered her bruises perfectly. He could feel another soul crying inside her too, a baby, not yet developed. Not that he cared, he watched her like a hawk and waited for her stop. Kentish Town came and went, Camden too. But as the train slowed for Euston she eased out of the seat, and silently slunk out the door, much like she'd done an hour earlier in her own home. He was already standing, he knew she would get out here. He followed her out of the station, keeping a few steps behind her on the stairs. There are so many people underground you would never know if someone is following you, and in her weak state she was none the wiser. He was an experienced predator, he knew that prey like this was easy to hunt. He looked unassuming, nothing about him would catch anyone’s attention. He wasn’t hideous looking, nor was was he even plain, he simply didn’t catch the eye. He was average height and build, white, with short, light hair. His one notable feature were his long finger nails, they were ragged and sharp, but concealed beneath his gloves. As she came into Euston Train station she hesitated briefly, before going outside. He followed closely, and saw her light up a cigarette. Would it be her last? He slid over, and offered her a light, he knew she’d forgotten by the look on her face as she put the cigarette to his lips.
It was a windy night and the cigarette wouldn’t catch a light, so they went round the corner of the station, where they talked about where they were heading. She told him she didn’t know, but she just needed to get away. She had a little bit of money, enough to start again. She would have moved in with family, but they were either abroad or dead, so she had no other options. She was a hard worker, and was sure to get a job – especially if she turned up to work like this. She smiled, that’s why she could smile through all this, a new life would bring new opportunities and maybe even a new man in her life. She was remarkably open with strangers, the man just stood there listening, taking in her story.
When she asked him what he wanted to do, he sat down. His jeans protected the cold pavement from travelling through to his body, but the wind still travelled up his shirt. He leaned back, the hard objects in his bag pressed into his back.
“I don’t know. I’ve reached a stage in my life where I feel no matter what I do, or where I go, my talent is wasted. I can cry myself to sleep, I can travel on the lonely tube at night, it actually doesn’t matter because nobody really cares. My presence on this world doesn’t mean fuck all. If I died, someone would take my job, someone else would live in my house and the world would be better off”.
The woman didn’t know what to say, so she leaned down and hugged him. This stranger who only five minutes ago had offered her a light, she still didn’t know his name. But she was weak.
Wednesday 21 January 2009
How things are this week
I certainly feel very ambitious this week. I was wearing a Superman t-shirt yesterday and, considering how I felt, it was almost ironic. I really like action hero t-shirts actually, I think I might get some more if I have the chance. HMV might just be visited by me soon ;)
That being said; my confidence/arrogance (depending on how you see it) is penetrable, and I hate talking in code here, but I am not doing what I said I would do a month ago. But I will get back to being that way, very soon.
I've secured some more work experience, at a magazine called Bizarre, which is fantastic. I can't wait to go and work for them.
In other news, well I am personally really excited about Barack Obama. I've yet to find anyone as excited as I am actually haha. When he was swearing into Presidency, and saying his speech I was genuinely getting goosebumps.
Although I am not an ardent follower of politics, I wasn't a fan of Dubya, he seemed to leading Blair up a strange path. But in Barack I think the USA finally has someone with intelligence, respect, and someone who hasn't relied on his family connections to get elected. He has a lot to live up for, especially as he is the first African-American President, but I am sure he won't be the last.
I'm actually reading his book at the moment; I started a couple of weeks ago. He is a brilliant writer, and I hope when he has finished being the President he will return to writing. I hope I reflect on this blog in four years and smile, knowing that he has done a fantastic job.
That's all folks. I'm gonna help my brother with his work. P&L from MKB.
That being said; my confidence/arrogance (depending on how you see it) is penetrable, and I hate talking in code here, but I am not doing what I said I would do a month ago. But I will get back to being that way, very soon.
I've secured some more work experience, at a magazine called Bizarre, which is fantastic. I can't wait to go and work for them.
In other news, well I am personally really excited about Barack Obama. I've yet to find anyone as excited as I am actually haha. When he was swearing into Presidency, and saying his speech I was genuinely getting goosebumps.
Although I am not an ardent follower of politics, I wasn't a fan of Dubya, he seemed to leading Blair up a strange path. But in Barack I think the USA finally has someone with intelligence, respect, and someone who hasn't relied on his family connections to get elected. He has a lot to live up for, especially as he is the first African-American President, but I am sure he won't be the last.
I'm actually reading his book at the moment; I started a couple of weeks ago. He is a brilliant writer, and I hope when he has finished being the President he will return to writing. I hope I reflect on this blog in four years and smile, knowing that he has done a fantastic job.
That's all folks. I'm gonna help my brother with his work. P&L from MKB.
The first short story I ever completed
Well, probably not 'ever' but within recent memory. And I think it's ok, could be a little bit better but I won't tinker with it. Hopefully the stuff I am working on now is a lot better, and longer. It's called 500, as it is exactly 500 words long.
I look deep into her eyes, and she looks back at mine, our irises reflecting in each others pupils. My vision travels down her slender face, and arrives at her lips. They shine and glisten under the subtle candle lighting, and entice me with a Special K red shimmer. I’m wearing my most pungent aftershave, and have the aroma of an Amsterdam tulip field. My attire smart, my hair gelled in place, and my face smooth. I hunch my shoulders close together, and edge my chair close to hers. Time to move in for the kill…
“Don’t even think about it”
I recoil like I’d fired a shot gun, except the bullet has boomeranged into my heart. In turn, her eyebrows mould themselves into the kind of shape you only see in geometry lessons. People think it’s a blessing being able to read minds, but sometimes ignorance is bliss. The awkwardness sets in. What was slightly stinted, but interesting conversation has now become a symphony of silence. Others diners in the restaurant are having almost equally boring conversations. The woman to my right has cleared her throat with volume on a number of occasions, it’s only when I read her mind that it becomes clear her date’s eyes keep wondering low of her neck. I return my eyes to my date, who refuses to look me in the eyes. In fact, she looks as though she is watching several tennis matches, such is the flickering activity of her eye balls. Then she suddenly glances towards the door – “I hope he gets the bill soon, I want to go”. What a bitch. I smile awkwardly at her, probably the same smile an executioner gives before he gives the lethal injection. But I do pay, because although I would like to see heart stop, I am sure someone else will do it for me. The bitch.
Walking along the streets at night is probably the best time for mind reading. Although it can be a little intimidating, it is always good to know in advance which hooded teenagers want to rob you, and which bleary eyed old men want to sell you crack cocaine. “Oh My God What A Freak He Smells Like Air Fresheners” was one of the thoughts that is sent my way. A sweaty teenage girl barely fitting into her dress, Lambrini in one hand and a cigarette in the other – I am assured she smelt the worst. Another man, old and cleaning the dirty streets, dreams he is a superstar making millions. He barely has enough money in his pocket to get the bus home. He notices an unopened sandwich box on the floor, and stuffs it into his pocket. “One mans trash is another’s prize possession” he thinks to himself, I echo his thoughts and wish him a nice night. For some, being able to read minds would be a gift. For me, having nothing but the truth fired at me from all angles is a curse.
I look deep into her eyes, and she looks back at mine, our irises reflecting in each others pupils. My vision travels down her slender face, and arrives at her lips. They shine and glisten under the subtle candle lighting, and entice me with a Special K red shimmer. I’m wearing my most pungent aftershave, and have the aroma of an Amsterdam tulip field. My attire smart, my hair gelled in place, and my face smooth. I hunch my shoulders close together, and edge my chair close to hers. Time to move in for the kill…
“Don’t even think about it”
I recoil like I’d fired a shot gun, except the bullet has boomeranged into my heart. In turn, her eyebrows mould themselves into the kind of shape you only see in geometry lessons. People think it’s a blessing being able to read minds, but sometimes ignorance is bliss. The awkwardness sets in. What was slightly stinted, but interesting conversation has now become a symphony of silence. Others diners in the restaurant are having almost equally boring conversations. The woman to my right has cleared her throat with volume on a number of occasions, it’s only when I read her mind that it becomes clear her date’s eyes keep wondering low of her neck. I return my eyes to my date, who refuses to look me in the eyes. In fact, she looks as though she is watching several tennis matches, such is the flickering activity of her eye balls. Then she suddenly glances towards the door – “I hope he gets the bill soon, I want to go”. What a bitch. I smile awkwardly at her, probably the same smile an executioner gives before he gives the lethal injection. But I do pay, because although I would like to see heart stop, I am sure someone else will do it for me. The bitch.
Walking along the streets at night is probably the best time for mind reading. Although it can be a little intimidating, it is always good to know in advance which hooded teenagers want to rob you, and which bleary eyed old men want to sell you crack cocaine. “Oh My God What A Freak He Smells Like Air Fresheners” was one of the thoughts that is sent my way. A sweaty teenage girl barely fitting into her dress, Lambrini in one hand and a cigarette in the other – I am assured she smelt the worst. Another man, old and cleaning the dirty streets, dreams he is a superstar making millions. He barely has enough money in his pocket to get the bus home. He notices an unopened sandwich box on the floor, and stuffs it into his pocket. “One mans trash is another’s prize possession” he thinks to himself, I echo his thoughts and wish him a nice night. For some, being able to read minds would be a gift. For me, having nothing but the truth fired at me from all angles is a curse.
Monday 19 January 2009
Brief blog
I want to be in bed by 11pm (I know) so this is going to have to be quick, but basically I want to moan about my day but explain how one should and shouldn't look at negative things. Actually, that's a bit big of me to say that, but this is how I look at things, which I believe is the correct way.
Today, I forgot my Oyster card, was late, and the trains were delayed. In addition, I felt sick and hadn't had enough sleep over the weekend. It wasn't the most fantastic way to start the morning, my Mp3 player then decided to run out of batteries as I was standing on the platform. Luckily I had a book, Obama's, but as it turned out the tube was so busy I couldn't even read it.
Everyone around me was pretty peeved, and rightly so. I saw it differently - this can only get better, maybe this is my bad karma, in the meantime lets laugh at the situation. I obviously wasn't standing in the tube laughing away, but it was a situation that, if you didn't look at is positively, you would just get very frustrated about. The way back was the same, although this time I had my recharged mp3 player so I was ready to roll. I think I am definitely going to check the tube before I go out tomorrow morning!
That's all I wanted to say, but as it is 22:59 I should add I am REALLY excited about Obama officially becoming the President tomorrow. He is an intriguing man, and I wish him all the best, as his decisions will ultimately have an effect on the safety and sanity of the people on planet earth. If that makes sense. I will be tuning in at work most definitely.
It's now 23.01 so I better head to bed. P&L
Today, I forgot my Oyster card, was late, and the trains were delayed. In addition, I felt sick and hadn't had enough sleep over the weekend. It wasn't the most fantastic way to start the morning, my Mp3 player then decided to run out of batteries as I was standing on the platform. Luckily I had a book, Obama's, but as it turned out the tube was so busy I couldn't even read it.
Everyone around me was pretty peeved, and rightly so. I saw it differently - this can only get better, maybe this is my bad karma, in the meantime lets laugh at the situation. I obviously wasn't standing in the tube laughing away, but it was a situation that, if you didn't look at is positively, you would just get very frustrated about. The way back was the same, although this time I had my recharged mp3 player so I was ready to roll. I think I am definitely going to check the tube before I go out tomorrow morning!
That's all I wanted to say, but as it is 22:59 I should add I am REALLY excited about Obama officially becoming the President tomorrow. He is an intriguing man, and I wish him all the best, as his decisions will ultimately have an effect on the safety and sanity of the people on planet earth. If that makes sense. I will be tuning in at work most definitely.
It's now 23.01 so I better head to bed. P&L
Sunday 18 January 2009
Life update
So, I haven’t blogged in a while – my apologies. Although judging by the amount of people that read this, I am sure no one has dropped dead as a result.
Anywizzle, a life update is surely in order. I am working very hard at Itchy, I have a barrel load of articles online, and everyone seems really friendly and nice to hang out with. Except this is the problem, I still don’t quite see it as a job yet, I get frustrated because the only person I really talk to is the other intern. It’s not like Uni or indeed my general approach to life where I see it fit to talk to just about anyone and everyone. It is funny reading my last blog, my fears evaporated after the first day or two.
The highlights of Itchy have definitely been: the positive responses to my feature ideas, and the gin mixing competition. I didn’t compete (despite my mix-masta-mike nickname) but I watched and interviewed the winner. It was really good fun, and obviously fantastic experience. Oh and the other highlight is definitely the food, there is a market not far from the office that sells all sorts of things. I’ve had Dim Sum, Curried Goat, Jerk Chicken, Vege Chinese... very very tasty!
The negatives are the travelling. God I hate the London Underground sometimes, having someone’s body part in my face, while being squished into the other side is just not pleasant. I genuinely cannot stand it, plus I have to wake up early which I hateee so uh, that part of work is not cool. Oh and also, I write so much (say about 3000 words a day) that my fingers hurt at the end of the day. Which is why I haven’t blogged at all, or finished any of the stories that I wanted to.
I guess the other negative as well is that while I love Journalism, I don’t know how I am going to make a career from it. What I really want to do is travel the world a bit, and teach English in Japan and China and all those amazing countries, so how Journalism is going to fit into all of this... I don’t know. I might have to be a struggling feature writing freelancer :P
Away from food briefly. Today was very frustrating, it was the fourth anniversary of my friends mum committing suicide. It is obviously very sad at these events, she was a lovely woman, but when we’re asked for a moment of silence to reflect I just get angry at her for being selfish like that. And then I have another part of me that defends her, and thinks that she obviously loved her kids, whatever it was that made her commit suicide must have been so major that is superseded even that. I don’t know anything that could possibly supersede that, but I think it’s unfair to judge her when I am not in her shoes. So, I didn’t cry, and I didn’t cry at her funeral either but I have this real angriness towards the situation that I need to discuss with someone in the family someday.
And then we also saw some family today. Family is so damn important! The connections you can see, the similarities, the laid back vibes, I need to get more into it.
Oh, and I am now on chess.com if you want to give me a game (you’ll probably win) my name is mikieboi.
Living in London for a few more weeks has really brought home to me that I can’t wait to graduate.
P and L.
Anywizzle, a life update is surely in order. I am working very hard at Itchy, I have a barrel load of articles online, and everyone seems really friendly and nice to hang out with. Except this is the problem, I still don’t quite see it as a job yet, I get frustrated because the only person I really talk to is the other intern. It’s not like Uni or indeed my general approach to life where I see it fit to talk to just about anyone and everyone. It is funny reading my last blog, my fears evaporated after the first day or two.
The highlights of Itchy have definitely been: the positive responses to my feature ideas, and the gin mixing competition. I didn’t compete (despite my mix-masta-mike nickname) but I watched and interviewed the winner. It was really good fun, and obviously fantastic experience. Oh and the other highlight is definitely the food, there is a market not far from the office that sells all sorts of things. I’ve had Dim Sum, Curried Goat, Jerk Chicken, Vege Chinese... very very tasty!
The negatives are the travelling. God I hate the London Underground sometimes, having someone’s body part in my face, while being squished into the other side is just not pleasant. I genuinely cannot stand it, plus I have to wake up early which I hateee so uh, that part of work is not cool. Oh and also, I write so much (say about 3000 words a day) that my fingers hurt at the end of the day. Which is why I haven’t blogged at all, or finished any of the stories that I wanted to.
I guess the other negative as well is that while I love Journalism, I don’t know how I am going to make a career from it. What I really want to do is travel the world a bit, and teach English in Japan and China and all those amazing countries, so how Journalism is going to fit into all of this... I don’t know. I might have to be a struggling feature writing freelancer :P
Away from food briefly. Today was very frustrating, it was the fourth anniversary of my friends mum committing suicide. It is obviously very sad at these events, she was a lovely woman, but when we’re asked for a moment of silence to reflect I just get angry at her for being selfish like that. And then I have another part of me that defends her, and thinks that she obviously loved her kids, whatever it was that made her commit suicide must have been so major that is superseded even that. I don’t know anything that could possibly supersede that, but I think it’s unfair to judge her when I am not in her shoes. So, I didn’t cry, and I didn’t cry at her funeral either but I have this real angriness towards the situation that I need to discuss with someone in the family someday.
And then we also saw some family today. Family is so damn important! The connections you can see, the similarities, the laid back vibes, I need to get more into it.
Oh, and I am now on chess.com if you want to give me a game (you’ll probably win) my name is mikieboi.
Living in London for a few more weeks has really brought home to me that I can’t wait to graduate.
P and L.
Sunday 4 January 2009
Nervousness kicking in
Woah so I feel nervous right now.
I start work tomorrow. TOMORROW. Full time 10-6 proper work, haha. I will be working in the field that I have been studying in for the last year and a half, and in what I’ve been practising for the last three or four years or so. And I guess it will decide if I want to be a journalist (I’m pretty sure I do), and what kind of journalist I want to be. Obviously, that will all happen over the next six weeks, not just tomorrow, but it is still a pretty scary thing to jumping into.
I don’t feel prepared, although I never do. We also have all this additional work we have to be doing (3000 word case study, yum!) which sounds boring. I just wonder how much blissful free time I will have over the next few weeks. My body has been in such immense relaxation mode – got to love Christmas – that it will be strange going back into the swing of things. I know I will get used to it though, I am just anticipating tomorrow to be an awkward day. Hopefully they won’t expect too much of me. I’m going to invest in some pro-pluses if I can any on the way too. What is with these afternoon naps?!
Luckily I have a sushi dinner set up as a reward once it’s over with! Boo ya!
I had an idea for another short story today, so I am going to try that out today so how it goes.
Hope everyone in cyber space is well.
Mkb.
I start work tomorrow. TOMORROW. Full time 10-6 proper work, haha. I will be working in the field that I have been studying in for the last year and a half, and in what I’ve been practising for the last three or four years or so. And I guess it will decide if I want to be a journalist (I’m pretty sure I do), and what kind of journalist I want to be. Obviously, that will all happen over the next six weeks, not just tomorrow, but it is still a pretty scary thing to jumping into.
I don’t feel prepared, although I never do. We also have all this additional work we have to be doing (3000 word case study, yum!) which sounds boring. I just wonder how much blissful free time I will have over the next few weeks. My body has been in such immense relaxation mode – got to love Christmas – that it will be strange going back into the swing of things. I know I will get used to it though, I am just anticipating tomorrow to be an awkward day. Hopefully they won’t expect too much of me. I’m going to invest in some pro-pluses if I can any on the way too. What is with these afternoon naps?!
Luckily I have a sushi dinner set up as a reward once it’s over with! Boo ya!
I had an idea for another short story today, so I am going to try that out today so how it goes.
Hope everyone in cyber space is well.
Mkb.
Saturday 3 January 2009
What a cool day!
Today turned out to be great! Not that I was expecting it be awful but I just thought it would be brief, if you will.
Me and Jojo went to Yes-Man, which is a wicked movie. The plot is generally pretty stupid, but it almost doesn't matter. The movie's success is based on its one liners, and visual comedy, not the complex twists and turns. The main downer of the movie was that I needed to pee midway through, and a water pipe had burst down the road, so I couldn't wash my hands after I'd peed haha. They gave us some weird antibacterial handwash stuff, I still felt kinda dirty haha.
After that we walked around Hendon for aaaages, and ended up at Nandos - gotta love the chicken there. My walk home was pretty much a nightmare, they closed off the exits to the tube station I was coming out of, so I was walking around Brent Cross semi-lost. I pretty much guessed where to go, had to jump over loads of fences and stuff, crossing motorways on route. THANKFULLY I found a bus stop, and got home safe.
The one hilarious part of the trip home was this random girl who started talking to me, telling me how she loved my laces and my 'old skool style' haha! Although I do sometimes complain when members of the public decide to randomly talk to me (it does happen a lot) in this instance I was quiet flattered. I might have to further my old school fashion too, it would suit the up-and-coming mohawk cut.
I wrote a lot of my short story today, so far its 460 words long but I am aiming for at least 1000/2000 words. I will put it up here when it is finished, as this is essentially what I want this website/blog to become.
Mkb.
Me and Jojo went to Yes-Man, which is a wicked movie. The plot is generally pretty stupid, but it almost doesn't matter. The movie's success is based on its one liners, and visual comedy, not the complex twists and turns. The main downer of the movie was that I needed to pee midway through, and a water pipe had burst down the road, so I couldn't wash my hands after I'd peed haha. They gave us some weird antibacterial handwash stuff, I still felt kinda dirty haha.
After that we walked around Hendon for aaaages, and ended up at Nandos - gotta love the chicken there. My walk home was pretty much a nightmare, they closed off the exits to the tube station I was coming out of, so I was walking around Brent Cross semi-lost. I pretty much guessed where to go, had to jump over loads of fences and stuff, crossing motorways on route. THANKFULLY I found a bus stop, and got home safe.
The one hilarious part of the trip home was this random girl who started talking to me, telling me how she loved my laces and my 'old skool style' haha! Although I do sometimes complain when members of the public decide to randomly talk to me (it does happen a lot) in this instance I was quiet flattered. I might have to further my old school fashion too, it would suit the up-and-coming mohawk cut.
I wrote a lot of my short story today, so far its 460 words long but I am aiming for at least 1000/2000 words. I will put it up here when it is finished, as this is essentially what I want this website/blog to become.
Mkb.
Friday 2 January 2009
My first blog entry...
Woah woah, what could this be? Time for my first official blog? I think so!
I think I will start with talking about last night. Which was of course, new years eve.
It started off on the tube. The tube was buzzing, a lot of people had prepared a little better than myself and were clearly already hammered – I’d only had some amaretto sours. The best bit, aside from the drunken ramblings was the reactions I got to my upcoming night out.
Random stranger: “Hey dude where you going tonight?”
Me: “Uhhh, I’m starting off at Angel bar, then going to a Chinese club night and then off to China town.”
... Awkward silence...
Random Stranger: “Oh, right, cool I guess”.
So off to Angel bar I went, in Angel – which is in Islington, North London, for any non UK readers – and it was typically busy. I arrived characteristically early, I don’t know if it is a personality fault, or if I am just blessed (uh!) but I always seem to arrive before everybody else, even when I think I’m late. It is usually pretty frustrating, but in this instance it meant I could start the drinking early, and warmed up with some Pimms (I was feeling posh) and a San Miguel. It was a strange place to be drinking, as I will be working nearby shortly, and it might become my temporary local pub. So I was sort of scoping it out, no Asahi beer unfortunately but I think I’ll survive.
Anyway, about half an hour after I arrived my friends pitched up, and the fun kicked off. Drinks were going down peoples necks all around me, and it started to feel like new years finally. I broke the seal depressingly early, so was in and out the gentleman’s every five minutes, which is always fun. There is something about new years and these fun events when everyone puts their guard down for a second and has a laugh. I wouldn’t usually have banter with a stranger while at the urinal, but on new years, anything is possible!
The club, wow. Almost the first thing to happen once we’d walked in was moving out the way of one guy chasing after another, drunkenly laying punches into the back of his head. He of course missed, and I got a punch in the shoulder for my troubles. I genuinely don’t understand dickheads like that, it is new years, and you’re in a nightclub – WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING?
Aside from that was great, until half one. The club was advertised to finish at five, but all of a sudden the police came in, the music was turned off, and we were told to leave. There were problems with the amount of people in the club, and it had to called off immediately. As you can imagine, everyone went nuts. And I don’t mean, “oh what a shame”, I’m talking “what the f*ck!!!!”. What followed was an almighty rush for the cloakroom, at which point I became a sardine. It was horrible, everyone was pushing from all sides trying to get past, there was just anger on everyone’s faces, but what’s more, it wasn’t helping. The cloakroom people were so slow because the cloakroom was a KITCHEN, and they had put everything away with no system, so it was almost pot luck if they came across your stuff. So myself and Mark were in there for what seemed like an eternity waiting to get our stuff back, and being pushed into people from all sides. Imagine 400+ people trying to get into a room two metres square, not fun.
Outside we sang songs (Hey There Delilah) to cheer ourselves up. From that point on the night got better, we went to China Town, had some wicked food and bubble tea and laughed about what happened. What was cool about the evening was that, although fate clearly didn’t want us to have a fantastic evening, the fact that the company was so entertaining, and created such a cool vibe, it ended up being a quality night. Mid-way through our meal, my friend got a call on her phone to say one of her friends had been beaten up, taken to the police station, and put on probation. Now that, is a crap way to spend new year, and it made me appreciate my new year.
Anyway, I eventually got back at half five. And guess what? I forgot my keys! But luckily my brother was still awake (he has his uses sometimes) and was able to let me in. I had a cup of peppermint tea, my new addiction, and slunk off to bed. All in all, it was a great night. Definitely memorable.
Last my new year was awful, the clock struck twelve while I was waiting outside Burger King, so this year was definitely an improvement. I should be in Vietnam for the next new year, that will be amazing (I hope).
Anyway, that is my first blog. Hope my next one is a little more interesting.
Mkb.
I think I will start with talking about last night. Which was of course, new years eve.
It started off on the tube. The tube was buzzing, a lot of people had prepared a little better than myself and were clearly already hammered – I’d only had some amaretto sours. The best bit, aside from the drunken ramblings was the reactions I got to my upcoming night out.
Random stranger: “Hey dude where you going tonight?”
Me: “Uhhh, I’m starting off at Angel bar, then going to a Chinese club night and then off to China town.”
... Awkward silence...
Random Stranger: “Oh, right, cool I guess”.
So off to Angel bar I went, in Angel – which is in Islington, North London, for any non UK readers – and it was typically busy. I arrived characteristically early, I don’t know if it is a personality fault, or if I am just blessed (uh!) but I always seem to arrive before everybody else, even when I think I’m late. It is usually pretty frustrating, but in this instance it meant I could start the drinking early, and warmed up with some Pimms (I was feeling posh) and a San Miguel. It was a strange place to be drinking, as I will be working nearby shortly, and it might become my temporary local pub. So I was sort of scoping it out, no Asahi beer unfortunately but I think I’ll survive.
Anyway, about half an hour after I arrived my friends pitched up, and the fun kicked off. Drinks were going down peoples necks all around me, and it started to feel like new years finally. I broke the seal depressingly early, so was in and out the gentleman’s every five minutes, which is always fun. There is something about new years and these fun events when everyone puts their guard down for a second and has a laugh. I wouldn’t usually have banter with a stranger while at the urinal, but on new years, anything is possible!
The club, wow. Almost the first thing to happen once we’d walked in was moving out the way of one guy chasing after another, drunkenly laying punches into the back of his head. He of course missed, and I got a punch in the shoulder for my troubles. I genuinely don’t understand dickheads like that, it is new years, and you’re in a nightclub – WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING?
Aside from that was great, until half one. The club was advertised to finish at five, but all of a sudden the police came in, the music was turned off, and we were told to leave. There were problems with the amount of people in the club, and it had to called off immediately. As you can imagine, everyone went nuts. And I don’t mean, “oh what a shame”, I’m talking “what the f*ck!!!!”. What followed was an almighty rush for the cloakroom, at which point I became a sardine. It was horrible, everyone was pushing from all sides trying to get past, there was just anger on everyone’s faces, but what’s more, it wasn’t helping. The cloakroom people were so slow because the cloakroom was a KITCHEN, and they had put everything away with no system, so it was almost pot luck if they came across your stuff. So myself and Mark were in there for what seemed like an eternity waiting to get our stuff back, and being pushed into people from all sides. Imagine 400+ people trying to get into a room two metres square, not fun.
Outside we sang songs (Hey There Delilah) to cheer ourselves up. From that point on the night got better, we went to China Town, had some wicked food and bubble tea and laughed about what happened. What was cool about the evening was that, although fate clearly didn’t want us to have a fantastic evening, the fact that the company was so entertaining, and created such a cool vibe, it ended up being a quality night. Mid-way through our meal, my friend got a call on her phone to say one of her friends had been beaten up, taken to the police station, and put on probation. Now that, is a crap way to spend new year, and it made me appreciate my new year.
Anyway, I eventually got back at half five. And guess what? I forgot my keys! But luckily my brother was still awake (he has his uses sometimes) and was able to let me in. I had a cup of peppermint tea, my new addiction, and slunk off to bed. All in all, it was a great night. Definitely memorable.
Last my new year was awful, the clock struck twelve while I was waiting outside Burger King, so this year was definitely an improvement. I should be in Vietnam for the next new year, that will be amazing (I hope).
Anyway, that is my first blog. Hope my next one is a little more interesting.
Mkb.
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