cjdobs

So, I've actually managed to keep on top of my reading in January. Had a week off this week which has helped.

Finished the trashy Renaissance book - as expected, rushed pulp but still worth finishing I suppose - for fans of the Assassins Creed game only though, nothing in it as a stand alone novel.

Read the first Flashman book and loved it. I'm about to tackle The Rise and Fall of the British Empire by Lawrence James so I think the Flashman books will provide great entertaining novels alongside this. Flashman is a total Bastard but endearing in an odd way! Highly recommended.

A colleague at work also lent me a book by Brian Aldiss called Harm. It's only a small book, basic Sci Fi about a dystopian society set in the very near future against an ugly backdrop of torture, injustice and cruelty. It covers a great many subjects that I have strong views on such as Western paranoia, Rampant Americanism, Atheism, Misjustice etc etc. Very strong stuff and nearly finished it - worth a read so far but I'll reserve full judgement on it til the end.

I also want to tackle the War Diaries of Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke - I've had this book a long time but never made it past 1940! Need to push into that one though as he is a character from that period who fascinates me so I'd like to get stuck into it soon.

Eyes down for me then!

Bit behind on my reading this year, I've got books piling up behind me. I've yet to do anything on my own book yet either (this year I mean). I've made a good start on it but when I do have some time, I just can't be arsed sitting down and typing. Writing this entry is a bit of a bind to be honest ;) I know, I know, I'm just being lazy.

So . . . Books

I read the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman after Christmas. Nice little tale and thoroughly enjoyed it . . although there was a certain familiarity to it all . . . couldn't help thinking it was 'remarkably' similar to Terry Pratchett's Johnny and the Dead. Read 'em both back to back and you'll see what I mean. Naughty boy Mr Gaiman . . . .

I've got about two hundred pages to read of Oliver Bowden's Renaissance. Pure trash based on a video game (Assassin's Creed) My wife bought it for me on the cheap from Tesco's. I'm a big fan of both games (1 and 2) and it's an ok read if a little jaunty and rushed - it reads like playing the game - not really a novelisation as such, more of a game playing report! Will see it through now though, I've started so I'll finish.

Then I've got the complete Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy to read - all five of them!

Never read them before, disliked the appalling TV series that used to be on BBC 2 and it put me off reading them, despite the fact that I've always enjoyed the Late Mr Adams' humourous quotations and atheistic viewpoint. Decided to give them a go but as a friend of mine said 'Good luck' He tried to re-read them a few years ago (having read them as a teenager) and found them hard work and badly written (!) we'll see.

Next on my list, the first Flashman book! Concerned about reading this because I know I'll enjoy it (my kind of thing) and will then be forced to buy all the books in the set! (gagh, more books piled up in front of me!).

Will get busy at the weekend I think. Miss my reading . . . .

The Media.

It seems even the moderate media have to sensationalise these days.

Over the past twelve months we've had such gems as SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC - WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!!! and ECONOMIC MELTDOWN - THE END IS NIGH!!!!!!!!! and the old favourite FOREIGN/IMMIGRANT/NON BRITISH/BROWN PERSON IS RUINING OUR COUNTRY AND SHOULD BE BLAMED FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!

Just lately, snow has ground this country to a halt and that apparently, is all Gordon Browns fault for not buying enough salt, grit, gas and er, vegetables. Today there are stories that February will be EVEN WORSE and there will be CATASTROPHIC SNOWFALL and widespread DOOOOOOOOOOOM.

I'm sick of it, it creates nothing but panic and gloom - it's not simple reporting of the facts, but cheap dramatisation.

A hundred years ago (plus change), Winter would last three months, the Thames would freeze over and Victorians would Ice skate on it. People survived. Vegetables got grown, food got ate and even with the lack of central heating - the vast majority of the population DID NOT FREEZE TO DEATH. Admittedly, they did not have the "hardships" that we today suffer with, trying to move two motor cars off snowy drives for example, or struggling with failing public transport networks but they still managed to GET UP AND MOVE in wintery conditions, as should we.

And the real reason schools have been closed all week is not because they are innaccesible, but because they are frightened of parents suing their arses off when kids slip in icy conditions. FACT. Modern laws and greedy people have ground this country down, not the snow.

so Dear Media people - please stop exaggerating. Shut up and fuck off.

Hullo Journal that no one reads :)

Had a good Christmas, mind you we always do. My mum came round to stay Christmas Eve and spent the following day with us. Think she enjoyed staying over.

All the kids enjoyed it too and Kieran was made up with his present haul. Our eldest Liam came home for the week (actually he's still here) but it's nice to have him home (even though he only lives round the corner, we rarely see him!)

My own present haul was impressive this year:

- Complete Black Books on DVD (funny as fook)
- Complete Bottom on DVD (nothing better and an upgrade from my Video collection which I've been unable to watch due to the fact we dont own a VHS)
- Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (quality read)
- Two PJSM Kidby Discworld Prints signed in pencil by *gasp* Terry Pratchett! *gawk*
- Saboteur for Xbox 360 (Wartime Paris killing Nazis, just awesome)
- Distressed leather 'man bag' (for all my metrosexual needs o' course)

So all in all, a very festive time had by all and in our house, we kept the true Christian meaning of Christmas . . . .as far away from us as bloody possible - hehe.

Ah Snow, I love it. The whole world it seems is forced to slow down for Snow.

Been a nightmare on British roads trying to get anywhere but my trusty old rustbucket Frontera, with its functioning 4 wheel drive has been a godsend, I feel like Homer Simpson in Mr Plough mode :)

Mark and Joanne have had a baby girl, Evie, at 2 minutes past 12 on Wednesday morning 6lb 9oz (aaaw). Congrats to Mum, Dad and big Sister Eleanor.

Not posted for a while because there has been cock all happening here.

Had band practice last night, Mark couldn't be arsed which dragged us all down and then John started looking at his watch about 10.30 because he's got no balls and his other half sulks if he's not home early.

It's starting to get me down this. He's one of my oldest friends but watching him turn into a spineless jelly because of a woman is irritating to the core. One night a week rehearsal is not a lot to ask and he should tell her to grow up . .


. But not my issue so I'll butt out for now. Gig in January so something to work towards at least.

Other than that, zzzzzz


*sigh*

Lousy weekend, lots of arguing with wife person about all kinds of trivial crap.

Fed up.

Going to Physio again in half an hour and not before time, this is bleeding killing me now.

As it's right across my shoulder blade, I wonder if it is in fact my 'Angel Wing' coming through, I am after all, such a saint for putting up with what I do that maybe I'm getting my wings early . . . .

:/

hmm, perhaps not . . . .

1. Play guitar loudly and sing like Elvis. There's no one there so it begs an answer to the age old question 'If I sing like Elvis but theres no one there to hear it, do I SOUND like Elvis?' The answer is obviously, no. I sound like a strangled Tw*t.
2. Play Flight Simulators on your PC whilst wearing a crash helmet (with the visor down). If you have time, stencil 'Goose' or 'Maverick' on the front of the helmet depending on whether you take the role of Pilot or Navigator. Handy Hint - dont use permanent marker
3. Eat Pot Noodle whilst watching Jeremy Kyle. Try not to cry as you become emotionally involved in the Tales of Chavdom.
4. Ignore phone, it will be wifey with instructions on how to spoil your day. Pretend to be in the garden or on the loo.
5. Go to the loo and leave the door wide open. Live a little, rebel . . .
6. Dance like you mean it. This includes moonwalking in your socks across the kitchen floor, body popping into the living room and robotic dancing up the stairs.
7. Watch Australian Beach Aerobics . . . . . Close mouth to avoid drool on shirt
8. Whilst still wearing crash helmet, use sons Light Sabre and stalk the house looking for Vader. You might want to close the curtains though, getting caught by the neighbours whilst you are advising the cat 'I'm Luke Skywalker, I'm here to rescue you' is quite embarrassing.
9. Pick toenails and put them in your cup. Lets face it, you're not allowed to do this when the family are home so enjoy yourself. But make sure you empty and clean the cup.
10. Write stupid top ten list and post on the internet

Now then . . . TOP TEN THINGS TO DO WHILST HOME ALONE AND YOU KNOW YOUR WIFE READS YOUR BLOGS

1. Wash pots
2. Vacuum Living room
3. Dust and polish everything
4. Feed Cats
5. Feed Fish
6. Feed Hamsters
7. Load washing machine
8. Iron clothes mountain
9. Fold n' put away
10. Prepare evening meal for your loved ones arrival home

Hi Honey . . . . .

Woke up at 6.34 yesterday morning and stared lazily at the clock. It then slowly dawned on me I was picking Paul up at 6.30 in Denton ahead of our long trip to Coventry.

Oops.

Quick text to say 'running late'(!) head in sink, fling on clothes and out of the door.

Picked Paul up who had quite rightly translated my text to mean 'overslept' and was not overly happy given it was pissing down and he was stood out in the open.

Anyway, apart from the 'end of the world' as we drove down the M6 (portentous black claustrophobic skies, heavy fat vision skewing rain and a general feeling on 'ohmygodhowshitisthisness') we arrived in comfortable time for the conference.

Not going to say much about it other than this, doom and gloom times for us (sliding profits, rising claims) new set of senior managers (who don't seem to like us), more silly 'get on the bus or get off it' speeches and a lot of pretentious air punching crap that seems to be ever present at Sales Rallies. I tried not to take much notice because if I did, I'd get really angry. Half of these 'managers' wont be here in twelve months and their silly 'let's climb a mountain together' speech will be a painful and embarassing memory.

Apart from the satnav leading me away from the toll road and into the mess that is junction 6 to 9 (gggr, 30 bleeding minutes of queuing round Birmingham), we got home in good time to see my boy before bed. Always a bonus.

I'm off work today as I had a physio appointment this morning. It went well, bloody hurt but already my shoulder feels better.

Only problem I had was the physio is young, pretty and really, really nice - not normally a problem, but I felt like a nob sitting there without my shirt on.

Ah well, at least I've lost a bit of weight (1 stone exactly in 1 month!). I've got quite a bit of timber to shift since I stopped smoking two years ago (I put on 3 bleeding stone). Well, 1 down, 2 to go (with joy of Christmas in between - gagh!!!).

Got to be up at five past Nazi in the morning as I have to drive to Coventry. Yuk. Can't be arsed going to bed though so I'll just have to drive knackered.

Callum (number two son) went to the Navy recruiting office today and they've given him a customary week to think it over before signing up, but he's determined now and I think by next Wednesday, he'll be enrolled and ready to go (training in Portsmouth as a Weapons Engineer). I actually feel a bit of something here . . . Pride I think.

Not a great believer in the Armed Services myself as all wars are fooking stupid (understatement of the century) - I'm just glad he's chosen the Navy as out of the three services, it's the least likely to cause harm (I bloody well hope so anyway). It's about time he got his life going and I'm pleased he sees this as viable, it's definitely admirable as I would never have had the discipline for it.

So, all day in Coventry being talked at tomorrow, long drive back and then off work Friday (physio in the morning!). Looking forward to a day to myself as well . . . .XBOX XBOX XBOX XBOX . . . . or I could actually crack on with my book which I'm supposed to have written and self published by Christmas - fat chance of that happening at the moment :)

G'night.