My Corfu Blog

Apologies about the dip in quality of writing with this; it was merely something I did before I went to bed, or when I didn't feel like sitting by the pool drinking beers. But anyway, here is my Corfu blog.

So, obviously I can’t blog online right now – given that I’m in the middle of nowhere, so I’l l upload this when I’m home. But at this precise moment in time, it’s 16.05 (Corfu time) on the 21st of July. It is absolutely boiling outside, we’ve spent most the day in the pool and by the side of it catching rays. I think we’re going to have a BBQ tonight, so I’m quite excited about that. I’ve had a couple of beers – which always makes me revert to a six year old when I write – so apologies for my lack of killer metaphors.
Last night was a bit of a trip, the plane was delayed by two hours, so when we got to Corfu it was pitch black. Needless to say the maps aren’t exactly clear either, so we spent about an hour in clueless land, enjoying the sites of the land surrounding the airport and sniffing the various aromas of the sea. After about two hours we got to our villa (so about 1am) and wowowow this place is so cool! First of all, it’s humungo, there is so much space! It would genuinely be the perfect place to have a house party, in fact it is probably the largest v-jay-jay magnet I have ever come across. It was still fairly warm (especially compared to England) so we sat outside with some beers, admired the pool and recuperated after the flight. I know lots of people have given me stick for wanting to holiday with my parents, but they’re actually pretty good fun. They ripped the piss out of me and my brother for taking five condoms between us – four are mine :P.
Before I went to bed, I started “A Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami. It has probably the best blurb I’ve ever read on a book, I’ll post it in here for all to read. I loved the first couple of chapters, but that was all I could manage after the somewhat hectic day. I’m still exhausted from the weekend; my hardcore days are totally behind me L
Well, I’m going to resume my beer. Ta ta!

It’s now half past eleven, still the 21st. We had a beautiful barbeque, and the Greek salad was hamazing. I’ve put the Biggie and Tupac documentary onto a DVD for my brother and father, so hopefully they’ll enjoy that, but I feel inspired to sit under the stars and get some perspective.
So now it’s the 22nd, the day after the 21st. Last night I lay under the stars for about 15 minutes, it was quite something. All the activity happening in space just highlights how small and insignificant we are in the big scheme of things. I really enjoyed it, especially as the stars are so clear out here. Unfortunately in London, due to the smog, seeing stars is a rarity. But here in Corfu, if I knew the constellations, I would be able to recognise all of them.
It’s been another relaxing day. Seriously I feel like I’m not tense and working my brain enough to write anything worth reading. Not that that will stop me :P
We sat around the pool, we went shopping (at a much cheaper and larger supermarket than yesterday), and we had some more home food. We also played the intros round from Never Mind the Buzzcocks – I love that show.
But aside from all that, I haven’t done any real thinking. My mind hasn’t been engaged in anything deep, I’m just drinking and swimming and lying in the sun. Maybe I should take advantage of this while I can, and then go back to my normal, healthy lifestyle when I get back to London. I am definitely planning on joining the gym, seeing my brother with a more ripped body than mine is frankly demeaning.
Maybe I should stop holiday blogging until I actually think of something SUPER DUPER interesting to say? Myehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. So I went on facebook today, and aside from a status change [has to be done] I felt absolutely no desire to contact with the outside world. I feel so comfortably cocooned in this artificial Corfu land, that the UK is the last place I want to reach out too – it is after all, where bad things happen.
Another difference was definitely highlighted between me and my brother tonight. We were walking down the street and saw these two scantily clad, tanned babes walking in front of us. Naturally, we smiled at one another knowingly. From behind they were both beautiful, and as they stopped on the side of the road to adjust their shoes, it was undeniable that they were suitably gorgeous from the front. But their voices; oh dear. I think the actual quote was: “I hope she’s not in Romanos, I got farkkking sixteen drinks for free there”, all said with this croaky, strained voice. Now not to sound like a snob, but I can’t help but fancy girls who have just a TAD more class than that. I let my brother know with a sigh, but with that sentence from the girl you could almost see hearts embossed on his eye lids. We then laughed how I like to talk to girls I’m into about books and politics, where as he prefers the “Alright darling, what’s your name” approach. Different strokes for different folks I guess, it seems to be pretty successful for him! I do sometimes feel like I’m on a quest to find the perfect woman, and I doubt she’s out there – especially not in Corfu. I’ll have to practise my cheeky chappy approach for when we next go clubbing.
Aside from that, we karaoked today. I flopped, so let’s not talk about it! Mosquitoes are becoming quite a problem, I hate the little fuckers. I don’t ever ever kill things, but these flying pests are certainly very tempting – especially as it would be out of self defence. In every other country I’ve been to (Spain, India, Japan, Thailand etc), I’ve never been bitten. I thought I had magical blood, but I think I’ve obtained a couple of mini bites from the bastards here. Of course, I’m so tough I barely notice and am being super manly about the whole thing.
Turns out, I might still have magical blood. We deduced that as all the bites I have are below my ankles, and as we have a lot of biting ants near and around the pool section, they may well be the source of my irritating little marks. I did incidentally, accidentally kill a moth. As it was flying around in my bathroom I caught it against the wall with a glass. But as I reached for my Zoo magazine (so I could take it outside) I slipped and squashed the moth, so RIP to the moth.

I didn’t actually write anything yesterday, but it was a largely unspectacular day. I don’t think I won a single game of pool, which was humiliating, but we spent most of the day at Corfu Town. Now the name suggests this is a cool place, but in actuality it was a pile of tripe. If you want dated, poor quality clothes at quadruple the price you’d play in England, I suggest you go there. I think my quote was: “I prefer shopping in Wood Green”.
Today however, the weather decided to become even more ridiculous than normal. Outside it is about 42 degrees centigrade. As a gweillo with fair complexion, I have decided to avoid all traces of sunlight today. The burns on my shoulder blades are just about recovering, I don’t fancy becoming charred. However this is all good, as we have now have Tekken 5 in the house, and I fricking LEHOVE Tekken, so staying inside reading and Tekkening is heavenly.
Wow so today was 100% ace. Firstly, I am in absolute heaven at the moment, I know I go on about her all the time but if you don’t know about Colbie Caillat, I suggest you look her up. Right now I’m listening to her cover of ‘Tell Him’ by Lauryn Hill, and it is beautiful, as are the rest of her songs. Even her cover of ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’ is incredible.
But the real reason for my happiness is that myself and Russell were victorious in Upwords today. The adults were somewhat arrogant in thinking they had the game sewn up, but me and Russell halted their celebrations. It’s cool, cause usually my Dad has a knack of winning at these games, and although no one mentions it, my Mum is also deceivingly good, so to win (with Russell) was fabuloso.

Today we went to the beach. Now I’m not usually a fan of beaches, principally for the reason that I hate the feeling of sand. It seems to get into all the most awkward nooks and crannies of my body, and it is insanely itchy.. urgh!!!!!!! But this was a pebble beach, on a blistering hot day, the water couldn’t have been clearer, and it was unspoiled. By this I mean, there weren’t loads of Brits fucking up the place with their (not our, I refuse to take responsibility) commercial, tacky bullshit. There was a lovely Greek taverna, a little jewellery shop... and that was about it. I’m becoming a bit of a Mousakka addict – I’ve had 3 in 3 days – I’m going to move on to Stifado tomorrow.
Tomorrow we’re going to meet some of my parent’s hippy/spiritual friends. They’re super cool, Google them if you like: Miten and Premal. I actually need to be asleep fairly early, cause my wakeup call is at 8.20 – I had no idea such a time existed.
So that was today, and a bit of tomorrow. Fun fun fun. Time for some Murakami!

Today’s situation is a little like yesterday. I’m once again listening to Colbie Caillat; I introduced her music to Dudley today, he really liked it – I think I should be her promoter or something. Colbie, if you’re out there and reading this, send me some signed albums and I’ll carry on the good work – cool? :D
Anyway, today we saw Miten and Premal. They were doing a Satsang, which is basically a mixture of chanting, singing, listening to spoken word from Osho, and dance/meditation. For me, I think spirituality is reached through education and application, not these methods, but it still looks like fun. Despite waking up painfully early, we got lost on the way, and missed the start, so had to sit outside. But when you’re in Corfu, sitting outside is never a short straw. There was the most exquisite fruit and vegetable patch, with huge squashes and tomatoes hanging from their vines. Even the exotic stuff like aubergines and lemons were growing away – it was super duper cool. Anyway, towards the end Miten broke out into a blues number, and we were ushered into the room, which was basically an octagonal array of cushions and hippies, all centred around Miten and Premal, and this Nepalese bloke who I’d never met before (but who could play the sh*t out of the windpipes!). My Dad literally sauntered along into the middle of the ‘stage’, Premal moved up so he could play the keyboards, and he broke out into a blues solo, it was all a bit surreal. Me and my brother were staring at each other, awkwardly dancing, fully acknowledging that we’re part of a fairly unique family.
For lunch we went to one of the most beautiful restaurants that I’ve ever seen. It was up high on the hills, and looked over a cove of the bluest water imaginable, complete with fishing boats and the like, all set against a cloudless sky. This kind of stuff just doesn’t exist in England. And the Beef Stifado; yum! Definitely one to add to the list of meals I can make (it doesn’t seem that difficult). I really am considering marrying a Greek lady, not only are they beautiful but the food here is something else. Although I can imagine diabetes and obesity are lurking around the corner!
Aside from beating my Dad at pool, nothing much else of note happened today, but it was a lovely day all the same. And to think, we’ve been here a week!

28th: So for some reason – not by my choice, we went back to Corfu Town today. Admittedly, we found a slightly cooler part, but it was still selling all the same rubbish. I did however, find the funkiest “quasi-rudeboy” jacket ever; definitely worth the €30. Oh and also, I visited this super cool Greek pastry shop, and had a Greek pie filled with potato, tomato, olives, peppers etc... it was amazing, and I loved the woman who worked there. She was taller than me, much wider, and had this crazy afro very unbefitting of a Greek woman. That being said, her English was awesome, although that doesn’t seem to be a rarity here.
I found out via Tarvi B that Toure might be joining Manchester City – please don’t let it be true!
So, that’s all I really feel like writing today. My fingers are not working properly, the amount of spelling mistakes I’ve made typing this out is almost painful to witness.

So after I blogged last night, oh man I had a horrendous time. Basically, because it’s so hot here – even at 2am – I turn the A/C on to super cold, just so I can sleep. The baking heat still wakes me up though. Anyway, I usually turn it off before I sleep as it’s a loud, rickety machine, but last night I couldn’t find the remote control. It was so frustrating, I was ready to just curl up in bed, but I couldn’t with the machine going off and my room was starting to feel like a fridge. It took me about 20 minutes of searching, and walking around in the dark to eventually find the remote. Even when I did find it, the batteries fell out, and as I was so frantic and tired (and stupid) I put them in the wrong way, to more frustration. EVENTUALLY, I got there and boy was that a good nights sleep!
Today was fairly uneventful. We went to the former house of Lawrence Durrell, and had some beers. My mum got more drunk than I’ve ever seen her, and we had to leave (off her one beer). She was a mess, it was strange seeing her like that. But the amount of times that she has come to my rescue when I’ve had eight too many, it was nice to be able to look after her, and nurse her back to soberdom.
I finished ‘A Wild Sheep Chase’ today. It was so frustrating, I hate finishing good books. It also means I’ve read every novel he’s ever written (that are readily available – his first two are impossible to find). Obsessed much? Now, despite bringing fourteen books with me on holiday, I don’t know what to read. I might resume Wild Swans. Hmmmmmmm-age.
So that was today! We’ve booked a boat trip tomorrow, so that should be a little more exciting.
“A little more exciting”. Definitely not the way today would be described. It was actually the most eventful by a country mile, I’m beginning writing this at 3.15am because I just can’t sleep – there are so many pent up feelings inside of me.

So, like I said, boat trip. We rented a boat for the day so we could cruise up and down Corfu. I had a few doubts about how fun it would actually be, and how sunburnt I might get, but sometimes you just have to think “fuck it” – and go along with these things; I’m glad I did.
Although we ended up with a boat that didn’t work, we were eventually given a beautiful 40 horse power boat, and we began rocketing away up and down the beautiful beach sceneries of Corfu. They’re almost idyllic, but also incredibly varied. Some beaches are barely 30 feet wide and untouched by society. Others go on for miles, with little blue and white umbrellas jotted along the coast, and fat women roasting themselves underneath the sun. We stopped at a place called the Olive Press, and had a typical Greek lunch. I don’t really need to describe this place in much detail, as it was just as you would imagine. A restaurant carved into the rock face, with plenty of sun, great food, and views of speedboats whizzing past.
After lunch, the girls (and Tom) got off, and me, Russell, Dudley and Dad cranked the boat up to the fastest it could go. We then took a dip in a tiny, secluded rocky area, threw some stones about (like real men) and headed back. As it happens I was driving, the wind was in my hair, I felt like the alpha male controlling the hurtling boat... until we ran out of petrol. We then had to call up the boat company, and this old bloke with the most enviable tan you will ever care to see, gave us a refill, and we were back on our way.
I’m going to write about the rest of the day tomorrow, when I’m feeling more descriptive, as I’m reading this back and laughing at how shit it is. Night for now.

Soooooo, where was I?! I didn’t sleep at all last night, urghhhhh, explanation to come.
After we got home, I got to cooking. I love cooking in case you didn’t know, and although the local Stavros Market stocks limited food supplies, we got the necessary stuff to knock together a lovely Ragu. I’ve been reading Heston Blumenthal’s book lately, and he recommends adding milk – which I tried – and it worked surprisingly well. I received a bounty of compliments, which I was chuffed about. Although, a bit of spaghetti sauce is pretty simple stuff really. I need to branch out.
Later in the evening, I submitted, and agreed to go to “Club Passion” with my little bro and Russell. We had fun getting ready, I went for the nu-rave geek look haha. Pre-entry, I was almost excited. I had the image running through my head of hundreds of stunning, semi-naked, olive skinned Greek girls who had a thing for beige, sun fearing English guys. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case, not even close. I don’t think there was a single Greek girl anywhere near the club, and I don’t blame them. It was a horrendous night.
But how to describe Club Passion? Well, let me start by saying it was easily the worst nightclub I’ve ever been in, AND it was foam night – which just made it a million times worse. The average age of the people there was about 16 – I felt like I’d snuck into a secondary school prom. Except no one was dressed in their gladrags – ultra revealing was the dress code. The girls were all dressed like sluts, and as the night trickled on, they began acting like sluts too. It actually became a pre-meditated orgy of 16 year olds. I mostly sat around the edge watching the cogs turn on my watch, but even when I did dance and try to get into the spirit of things, I felt so awkward. So so so so so so so so so so so so so out of place.
Now don’t get me wrong, had I been a bit younger, this would have been heaven on earth, but it’s just not my scene anymore. The highlight of the night was meeting this bloke called Conor, who as Russell began groping some girl from behind, introduced himself as her older brother. He was pretty civil, we began discussing how awkward it was being there and chaperoning our younger siblings to a saliva swapping convention. He then began following me around, which was a little odd, but at least I had some company, and a buffer from any jailbait ass in my face.
As time to go came along, tragedy struck. My idiot brother had decided to get down with the toplessness that was going on in the club, and left his shirt AND PHONE on a chair next to the bar. That’s his phone that he’s had for three weeks. He’s a bright kid, but he does manage to astonish me with his stupidity occasionally. Naturally, the rest of the evening was spent trying to find the phone, trying to block the sim card, giving my brother those “worse things could happen” back pats that really don’t do anything at all, etc.
I was so pissed off with him, and charged with adrenalin that I didn’t get to sleep till 7am. I then woke up at 10, so I’m currently shattered. We spent today going to some dodgy Greek police station, which was a total (non) riot.
I think we’re staying in tonight, I don’t know. But I’m feeling a lot better than I was earlier, and I hope it’s an enjoyable evening. Maybe some more upwords?! :D As it’s Alice’s birthday tomorrow, I’ve volunteered to baby sit little Rebecca. I actually love her, she’s so beautiful. I just need her to learn “Mikie” and we’ll be in business!

SO, today was a million and one miles better than yesterday. Yesterday really feels like the past (duh) after a day like today. It was Alice’s birthday, so we did presents, cards and cake, and went out this evening to a karaoke bar called Illusions. So far so cheesy. But it was actually great fun – I’ll keep this brief as it’s 3am – but we (me and the adults) downed cocktails and did some great singing. Mum actually started off the karaoke on the night with a very accomplished rendition of “Slow Hand”, and I did “If Tomorrow Never Comes”. I’ve never had such a good response, I don’t want to sound all big headed but after one line I overheard someone in the distance say “now he can sing!” and from there on my confidence was sky high. One girl even started hugging and kissing me while I was trying to sing too haha! As usual, Dad did “Great Balls of Fire”, Dudley did “Let’s Dance”, and the birthday girl did “You’re so Vain”. They were all great and got a great response too.
My brother and Russell decided to brave passion again tonight, and hilariously didn’t get near the same response from the women as they did a few days ago. Although they told us neither did anyone else. Ah well, that’s clubbing for you!
Last day tomorrow. L I’ve nearly reached the 4000 word mark on this blog, I hope I get there before I leave.

And so, tomorrow we return, five condoms and all.
We have a painfully early flight tomorrow (6.30am wake up call). I hate departing from places – it’s such a pain in the rectum, all the ghey packing one has to do just seems to top it off, and rub salt into ones leaving wounds. Well, actually my Mum seemingly has a PhD in packing, so she insists she helps rearrange my suitcase, which makes me sounds like a 5yr old who can’t pack a suitcase without forgetting his toothbrush. But even if I was armed with a crowbar and a chainsaw, I don’t think I could stop her from doing it. I’ll have to take my laptop in my rucksack, so I might just do a final holiday blog on the plane, if I’m awake.
Today was a wonderful final day though. We swam in the pool, played loads of Frisbee, I even managed to beat my brother in a table tennis game (which was miraculous) but my Dad kicked my pale ass at pool. I’m seriously going to miss going outside and having that kind of kit to play with, in my garden we (4000th word!) have a shed and a garden table. Nice as they are, it’s not quite the same. We then went to Kalami to “Thomas’ Place” and had some food. Definitely going to miss hanging with the Yeo’s!
Anyway, I should be doing something productive like watching American Dad. Ciao.

So I am actually on an aeroplane now. It’s Easyjet, so I’m having to become a contortionist to type this – it better be worth it. It’s also 12pm, and I’ve been up for over five hours, so I’m absolutely exhausted. But we’re going home *ultra sad face*! I watched the weather forecast today, it’s about 40 in Corfu and 14 in London, big woooooot!
But aside from that, I’m looking forward to getting back. Saying goodbye to things like sunburn, freckles and mosquitoes will be fantastic, even if they’re going to replaced by rain and flies.
But I’m pleased I managed 4000 words on this blog, even if it is written ultra lazily, my blog is more of use to me to recap on my life, rather than displaying my (immense) writing skills.
Anyway, I really can’t be bothered to write anymore. I’m going to play solitaire and freecell until my battery runs out/I fall asleep. Peace and love, thanks for reading.

This might be the first blog I make to question spirituality..

Or it might not be.. we'll see.

So basically, the forefront of my mind has lately been been occupying the topic of sex.

SEX SEX SEX SEX.

Not in the whole, conventional woody way; but the emotions behind it.

I find the whole issue of sex, quite a complicated one. Although it is seemingly, the thing to do - I would never ever have sex with some random girl (subject to change when I become famous of course). I'd rather go without, than meet Jane Doe in a nightclub and bang her wotsits out. The thought is kind of.. odd. I attach way too many feelings towards sex, and unless I think there is a definite future with the girl, I wouldn't even think about going all the way with her.

I guess what also irks me about the whole one night thing is setting it up. I hate talking to women with the sole intention being to sleep with them. If I like a girl, I'll want to get to know her before we go down that road. If I don't particuarly like her, I'll stop talking to her.

To me this isn't a strange way of looking at life. It's by no means the way I was raised, but more on the way I grew up, and the influences I accepted in my teens. I would say when I was 17, and got into Buddhism, it did change how I felt - but I was still in a limbo stage in my mind about sex back then. Since then, I've settled on how I feel and have felt good about it ever since. But now.. I am starting to feel this is an old-school way of thinking. The amount of people I hear about in a "friends with benefits" type relationship is pretty high, and being a student, there's a new one night stand to hear about every night. My way of thinking is totally old school, and possibly quite reserved. Maybe I need to go wild, and only then can I really say what is the right path to take. I don't know. Maybe I'm just destined to be old school.

I don't judge, I don't even give people my view point - on the contrary, I think if you want to do something, you should fucking do it, and not be scared about being labelled or judged by those around you. But, at this stage in my life - do I want to have sex with strangers?

No thank you!

Yet again, I haven't blogged in ages - bad me!

In fact, I’ve barely written anything in ages either – aside from a quick blues song about being sunburnt, it’ll be a hit – but apart from that, I just haven’t had the motivation. Or maybe I feel I am too good to write? Unlikely. No I think the real reason is that given the amount of essays and critical analysis’s, and exams, the pleasure of writing is sucked out, and writing feels like a chore. Well, this isn’t very good – especially not for my blog – so I’ll try and get back on it, like Sonic.

My last blog was basically a pretty lame list of reasons why I haven’t been blogging much, and maybe this will also descend into one, we’ll see (I don’t plan these things, ever. Maybe I should, hmm).

SO, big in my life right now is the harp. Not the humungo homo stringed instrument, but the uber cool harmonica. There’s a long story as to why it’s called the harp, so go research it if you like. Playing the harmonica is really tough, but oddly fun. There’s a massive sense of self satisfaction when you knock out a whole tune without missing any notes, or accidentally hitting an extra hole and rendering the whole thing obsolete – well in my eyes anyway. I’ve actually ordered four more harmonicas to add to my collection (of two) so hopefully they should come tomorrow, if they don’t I won’t be a happy camper.

I’ve also been embracing movies. I tend to be the kind of guy who just downloads fuck loads (sorry mum) of movies, and then never actually watches them. But in the last few days I’ve seen:

• Notorious (Average)
• The Hangover (BLOODY HILARIOUS)
• Transformers 1 and 2 (Apparently it was something about alien robots, I just noticed Megan Fox)
• Nick & Norahs Infinite Playlist (Pretty lame, I could totally write something better! I loved the gay guys though)
• Yes-Man (Seen it before, but it once again made me laugh)
  

In addition to all this wowzer long movie stuff, I’ve been watching the T20, which ended today unfortunately. Pakistan beat my second favourite team the Sri Lankans, I was rather gutted.
I really want to get fit this summer. So far I’ve been playing lots of football, and doing erratic amounts of sit ups (3 one day, 100 the next), which is just swell, I need to put my foot on the metal!

And that’s pretty much it in terms of new stuff that I’m comfortable with sharing with the whole world. I’m reading Wild Swans = a classical Chinese tale, and ‘The adventures of a real life gigolo’, at the mo, gotta keep it varied!

Hope all is well with absolutely everyone. P&L YO!

Would you say I told you so?

Ok so I haven’t blogged in ages. I’m fully aware of this, and keeping this in mind, I have come up with a list of excuses that I hope the online world will acknowledge, and allow it/them to forgive me. I refuse to call the online world the ‘blogosphere’, Ivor Gable has forever ruined that word for me.

Ichi.

I was back in London. And I never do anything involving much work in London. I think of the seven days I had in London at the start of Easter, I was out six of them. Which is pretty cool huh? Good times were had.

Ni.

I then went to India. Goa to be more precise. I didn’t come into much contact with a computer out there. It was all cows and curries and (really cheap but delicious) beer, and a horrible horrible tummy ache. But it was really fun, I think it was undoubtedly one of the strangest places I’ve ever been to. By strange I mean, different to what I’m used to. But I loved it!

San.

I was then working at Bizarre Magazine. Back in London. It was all pretty painful, my official hours were 10-6 but I would spend about three hours a day travelling to and from work. I could have blogged then perhaps, but I am lazy! Working at Bizarre was also rather different from my everyday life. I didn’t pick up any new skills as such, but I learned all about the fetish scene that is out there. I conducted some great interviews with some tattoo artists, and wrote a 2000 word piece about the tree man. But most importantly, I saw how a big time magazine works. And it’s fascinating, but perhaps, not for me. Who knows!

Shee.

I’m now 21! I actually celebrated my turning of 21 in a variety of ways. On Saturday I had some friends over to my place, we got drunk and had barbeque food. I got hideously drunk, uhhh. Sunday, when I was still horridly hung over, me and ze family went to ze park to meet some of ze family friends in ze cafe. I barely wanted to talk the whole time, it was slightly miraculous I didn’t peeyuke everywhere. Then on Monday, when it was my actual birthday, I went with the family again, to an Italian place for food. I also worked that day, it was pretty fun. Got some interesting presents from Bizarre (I’ll let you imagine). And then Tuesday me and the family (you see how I love being with the family when I have the chance) went to see Lang Lang and Tan Dun at the Barbican. If you don’t know who they are, I would suggest doing a little research on Google. Especially Tan Dun – he did all the music for crouching tiger hidden dragon.

Go.

And now I’m back in Leeds, and have been back on the study horse. Today I read all about Chairman Mao and Joseph Stalin, interesting stuff. So I have a little more time to blog. Tomorrow the plan is more Uni work, and then a trip into Leeds to try and find clothes that will make look like Rufio. He’s the leader of the Lost Boys, from Hook. Yaknowwhatimean!? His get up is red and black, and a little homo-erotic. Sweeeeeet!

Roku.

I feel it’s only necessary to add that my favourite song right now is Randy Travis – I Told You So. Not because I can relate to it, well I can but it’s not something I’m going through right now, but it’s so beautifully soulful. And the Carrie Underwood version is also the dogs – check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MPcwVWKn9s

Peace and Loveeeee!

Back home

I haven't blogged in a while, bad me.

This week, I wasn't ill, I wasn't especially busy, I wasn't happy or sad. In fact it was just a very bland, homogenous week, and I had nothing to blog about. Most of my thoughts were "I can't wait to be home", and now I am home, and feeling much better for it.

Actually, one interesting thing happened this week. I had decided not to shave or cut my hair. I looked like a young Seasick Steve (except no where near as cool). But on Thursday/Friday I decided to cut my hair and shave the chin fuzz, it felt pretty metioric at the time but blogging about it now I feel a bit stupid playing up the largeness of the event. Haha.

Meh, whatever. Great to be back in London!

P&L¬!

Following the trend set by Facebook and MSN

I have decided to update my page. I think it looks better. I'm also about to add my first story to my short stories blogger site, so have a read.

Here is the link: http://nothingbutshortstories.blogspot.com

Today was a bit of a bizarre day. I heard that Jade Goody died. I know that I should be all dubious and mean because I am a Journo and we're the scum of the earth, but I do feel sorry for her and her family. Impending death, especially when it's your wife or mother, or daughter, must be so difficult. My heart goes out to them. That being said, the journalist in me doesn't like the way the media handled it (especially OK! magazine) and I expect the newspapers tomorrow to be rammed full of Jade Mania. But after that, and the funeral, I hope they leave her family alone.

P&L.

I've always wanted to look like a fighter...

Yep, I always have wanted to look like someone who could kick your ass from here to Neverland.

Although I'd like to make it clear that I've never wanted to be that type of guy. Apart from my interest in nunchucks, which I've never used on anyone, I have no interest in turning myself into a fighter. Quite the opposite, I haven't killed anything for years.

Even when a bug is flying in my face, i shoo it away, rather than hitting it for a home-run with a magazine. The best example of this would be last week, I had a spider dangling from my fringe on a single strand. I think most people would have jumped. I tried to blow it off, not taking into account that it would swing away, and then back into my face. So i collected it in my hand and let it scuttle up a wall.

I digress. I've lifted weights, grown my hair long, cut it short, stared at pictures of Tony Jaa and Bruce Lee for inspiration. I even copied the Rocky movies and began downing raw eggs in the mornings and after work outs, hoping it would make me ripped. Sadly, genetics didn't play fair and despite doing everything right, I hit my limits, falling way short despite being able to lift a lot. I just don't have the type of body that puts on much muscle.

That was all before Uni of course. Now I'm growing my hair long (I've just been stared at longingly by a hairdresser from his shop window = good sign) and will start my press ups routine soon, let's see what happens this time. But first, the Pudsey Beer Festival!

While I'm blogging, does anyone else find it difficult to resist saying goodbye on the phone in a silly voice? The more I say goodbye, the higher/lower my voice goes, so after three goodbyes I sound like either Barry White or Joe Pasquale. It maketh no senseth.

P&L :)

Illnesses and how to combat them

So once more, this is another bus blog. I think I could actually save a lot of time if I went onto blogspot on my phone while on the bus, but alas I am just not that smart (and my phone battery sucks). This morning I decided to talk about illness, and how it affects people. I was also a bit late, so I had to run for the bus.

This little thing to the left, is ginger. It's amazing stuff, if you haven't eaten it raw then I suggest you do. It's super spicy.

*Gasp*... Ok just ran my ass off to catch the bus that I'm sitting on right now. I was like Usain Bolt, just white and not that fast.

Anyway, the topic of my blog today is illness. Something, I don't know what or where from, has got into my system and made me ill. I have all the symptoms: headache, runny nose, general 'shit' feeling.. It's all there. But I'm still going into Uni, determined to ignore it, and enjoy it. This is what I always do by the yay, unless I break my leg and can't walk, I ignore illnesses. And it seems to work, I hardly ever get ill. But is it the best approach? Would a few days in bed, with a hot water bottle, do me better in the long run? I guess I'll never know.

Also happening in my life.. I'm running out of recipes involving manuka honey and ginger, aka the cold killers. I had beef with ginger and onions last night, it was amazing. (No longer on the bus) tonight I chopped a butternut squash in half, stuffed it with ginger, rubbed olive oil all over it, and then baked it for about an hour and a half at a low heat. What came out was this mushy, orange, sweet and gingery.. stuff. It was really tasty, and it felt healthy. AND, I have another butternut squash half to cook with tomorrow. I think I might add a bit of Soy sauce, a dash of mirin, and serve it with rice. I can envisage that being pretty f-ing good.

I had a bit of a strange experience on the bus today too. This little ginger kid (it's a theme) sat across from me on the bus. Little is a fair description, he looked about 15 but was barely 5 foot. He was also blessed with an array of freckles all over his face, and had a kind of nervous expression. Which was ironic because, I'm sure he had nothing to be nervous about. But I guess it's a symptom of being that age, I remember being hella insecure when I was 15, I am sure he was no different. Anyway, these two girls from the back of the bus decided to come to the front to talk to him, and no doubt antagonise him. I had my headphones on so I don't know what they were saying to him, but I could see he looked uncomfortable. Then one of them stroked my hair. I looked around and gave her a real London "what the f*ck are you doing?!" screwface, like only a real Londoner can. Then I realised they were about 16, and switched my expression to a smile. Then they started asking me questions, I could see how relieved my little ginger friend was that they had stopped interrogating him. Being 20, and pretty confident, I was comfortable talking to these girls and took the heat of him for a bit, until my stop came.

Now that might not seem like an interesting story, but it was an eye opener for me that I am so comfortable talking to complete strangers, yet my little 15 yr old friend, and my 15 yr old self, would be bricking it in a situation. That's what I love about being the age I am now. I have the self confidence to deal with most things, but the youth to still be excited by life.

Anyway, I watched Afro Samurai last night. It was great, I wrote a review today for audioscribbler so that should be online on Wednesday. I also watched Lion King 3 today, and I wasn't impressed. It's kind of a lame cash in. BUT, it was inventive, and I did enjoy it. It just didn't hit the heights that the original Lion King did - what a classic that was.

P&L!

Face invaders!

This is another blog written on the bus. Hope you like it :P oh, and let's see what captions you think should go with this picture.

This is from Friday.

A little known fact about me is that i very rarely acquire new spots on my face. It seems the oncoming of age seems to have finally halted that torturous process. The only time i get them is when I'm stressed. They work as tiny little red, pus filled guides to just how stressed I am. And right now, I'm not exactly Luke Chadwick, but my face has seen better days. As soon as the stress goes, they go. As it's magazine deadline day today, I'm expecting them to peak in the afternoon before disappearing by Saturday evening. Well, i hope so anyway. The project we're doing right now has really highlighted how uncomfortable I am with designing newspapers. Put me in charge, or let me organise everyone, or just write articles. But being in front of a blank Quark screen feels like I'm facing the glaring teeth of a great white shark. That won't do though. Time to practise. Especially as I'll be at Bizarre in exactly a month!

Lateness

Despite me wincing a little at the grammar and use of i (as opposed to I) I will upload my uncut, rant to myself that I wrote in my phone, on the way to Uni this morning. As you can probably tell, I was late. I like writing on my phone, you can't as write as fast as you can with a keyboard, so the words are a little more considered. Plus I'm usually bored when I do it, so another side of me comes across.


Oh and this picture (over there <--) definitely deserves to be online in some shape or form.

It's a strange thing being late. I hate it. In fact, i can't stand it. I see my tardiness as a strength, reliable enough to put your house on. But right now, i'm on the bus, late. Really late. Not suprising when you wake up two hours later than normal. But what is bizarre about my psyche is that i can't blame myself. It was the "stupid" alarm clock that didn't wake me up. Despite me forgetting to set it, it's definitely the clock's fault. Stupid clock - it's made me late. And the bus, perfectly on time. But it didn't come when i got to the bus stop. How dare it not, it's made me late too. Analysing the way i've looked at these things, i can say it's definitely my fault. I take responsibility, hang me on the cross. But no one will care ... Except me.

Boring updates

Hey hey!

SO, I’ve definitely decided that I don’t want to become a bad blogger. By that I mean, someone who writes a few little tidbits for the blog, and then buggers off. But as it is, I’ve been a little busy lately. And not busy in that I don’t have any spare time – that’s very rarely the case – but it takes a certain amount of effort to sit down, and write something you actually want people to read. Or something that I myself would want to read, a few years down the line.

So right now, I’m in my underwear. I was about to go to bed but I’m just not tired enough yet. And I have stuff to say. So I’m a little bit in there with my journalisming. I am now part of Leeds Music Scene, Audio Scribbler, Braintazer, Itchy, this (obviously) and my youtube project www.youtube.com/user/studentcooking. Which is really promising, I think I might email The Student Pocket Guide too, see if I can become part of that as well.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is, I’ve been creatively busy. But I am still really excited by life.

It's all about control.

These are really exciting times. Which sounds like a bizarre way to start a blog, but it’s true. If I really got on it (like I am) then there are so many things available to me. I’ve set up a youtube for studentcooking, which I am happy about. I’m still writing for Itchy, hopefully I’ll be helping freetibet in the summer, there are various other projects I have under wraps too, it’s all very good in the hood. Anyway, that is why my blogging activity has been decreasing; I’ve been keeping myself busy.

I’ve got my marks back this week too. They are: 50, 53, 57 (not so good) but then also 67, 70 and 70 (excellent). So overall I’m really pleased, I just need to keep it up, and possibly even improve.

What’s bothering me today is how whipped some guys seemingly are. I feel like they see themselves as a joke. I just read on facebook that girls have stopped their boyfriends from talking to this friend of mine, and I’ve been talking to other friends who are telling me this strange stories about what their boyfriend says they can and can’t do, and the rules they make for him. I seriously feel like ranting at them! How can you make rules over somebody when all you’re doing is going out. I am single at the moment, but if a girl tried to tell me who to and not to hang out with, I would laugh in her face. Equally, she can hang out with whoever she likes, and talk to this or that person – I don’t get jealous like that, and as long as she’s not seriously flirting with a load of guys, I’m not that bothered. To me that seems normal. Nobody should have a huge thumb print on their forehead, and I say this now....... if a girl ever tries to have me whipped, I will kick her to the curb. It’s just not going to happen.

P&L.

Wow!

So so so so... I'm back in Leeds now. And it's been mostly good.

I particuarly enjoy being reaquainted with my music collection, I've been singing non stop lately. This is actually why my blog will be so short today; I really struggle to sing/listen/type at the same time. Oh and I gotta mention my flatmates of course, wicked to see them again.

I got really pissed off yesterday because my disability pass was conviscated. Despite NOTHING being wrong with it, the ticket checker simply "didn't like the look of it" - dick. I've made a complaint about him, but I have no idea how I am going to get my card back. That's the one major negative. I also have a big essay to do, and having been told for the last six months that it was a pass/fail assignment, we're now going to be marked on it. I don't find this fair, but then my Uni does enjoy taking the piss.

Not that I am in a complaining mood... but my necklace just broke. I'm a little bit upset - it's the second one to break. I feel naked without it.

Ohhhh and... I'm trying to grow a beard/ponytail again. Haha :P

P&L!

I don't know why but...

I feel insanely guilty for not keeping this blog up and running. Shame on me for taking a near two week break. I even wrote a blog, but decided not to publish it. Not for any particular reason, other than it was rather boring.

Today though, I feel it's only right to talk about it. I am very rarely an emotional person. I am capable of being emotional, but I tend to stay at a bass level of happiness, and very rarely do I deviate from that. But seeing Diem and Kat made me very happy, although it brought home that I won't see them again for two weeks. Or anyone in London for that matter. So, sitting on the tube home, my negative thoughts converged and I just felt so lousy. I do love Leeds, I love where I live and who I live with, but I really am a London boy, and being somewhere else is proving to be very difficult. I leave behind a lot whenever I am in Leeds, but when I am in London there is not nearly as much to come back to - apart from varying levels of independence. Just to rub it in, I had to go on the Eye today, and be given an aerial tour of London's landmarks. Some funny pictures were taken :)

It was strange though, and I truly do think I possess a lot of power over my emotions, but I got home, started to cook a bit of food (gnocchi with salad) and I stuck Stevie Wonder on, and danced and sung about. Within five minutes I felt better. Magic!

My other mate Reuben, who've I known from day one of life, invited me out tonight and it was great to see him, catch up, and drink a pint.

Aside from my social and emotional life, my work life comes to an end tomorrow. I'm doing some archery and eating at a fancy restaurant, which should be fun! But as a whole this week hasn't been nearly as cool as I was hoping it would be.

Well, unless I blog tomorrow, this will be my last London blog. Cheerio.

Peace and love always. Mkb.

First February Blog

And how am I feeling so far? Hmm...

I had a surprise visit from my homies today, that was really cool to hang out with them. Oh and last night at SeOne was dope!

This evening though, I was sent out to see some comedy show. Except I couldn't find it - even with SatNav - and missed it as a result! Only when I got home did I work out where it was, and it was so obvious (although NOT the address they stated on their website - dickheads). SO hopefully my boss will not kill me, but if I never post again; you'll know why. Avenge my death :P

Looking forward to February though, I think it could be a great month.

I have a '25 things you don't know about me' thing to fill out now, so I'm going to do that, I'll put it up here. I love how I am talking to myself here really, ah I wish I had something a bit more interesting to say. One thing is... I think my liver is getting stronger :)

P&L

Last blog of the month *despair*

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!

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

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.

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.

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.