The Terracotta Pot

Scuppered

2007-12-16T15:18:00.000Z

So, just as I vowed to post at least every other day, the internet went down and it took BT the ripe old time of 8 days to deliver a new router...nasty little people.

This week has been an odd juxtaposition of busy and quiet; work was quiet and filled with training courses on Monday/Tuesday, exploded with hectic activity on Wednesday and Thursday - by Friday I had nothing to do...well at least my Christmas cards have finally been designed and printed (I knew I needed some quiet time at work for something useful...)

On Friday night, myself, Mrs Landlady, T, The Others and He went out for drinks in town, after He finally arrived an hour late and we joined the rest of my house in town. The Others were being predictably grumpy and left fairly early - Mrs Landlady and T went off to see friends on their own, giving me and He time to chat. And we had a lovely time. He complimented me on my dress sense, telling me I'm the best and most original dressed he knows and that I'm tres cool. All things that are going to make me smile - flatter gets you miles with me.

Christmas presents have finally been bought - Stu had better love the present I got him, due to the hell I had to go through to get it - there will be severe words if he doesn't... Plus I managed to find Mum a good present, not what she wanted but comparable.

Only 2 downers at the moment - I broke the beautiful bracelet Mum gave me from Egypt and I still haven't dry cleaned my silk dress for Christmas - MUST remember to take it in this week and get the pliers out

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Now playing: Amy Winehouse - You Sent Me Flying
via FoxyTunes out!

Review

2007-12-06T20:00:00.000Z

So I've been bad and I've not updated my blog in ages, but to be honest nothing special enough is happening in my life really - I tend to whinge a lot on this blog, it's my outlet for boredom and unhappiness at times, but right now things are going so well. Maybe I shouldn't count my chickens before they've hatched - but the house is good - I have a remarkably good friendship with my housemates, I've got a great job that I love, and a social life that suits me fine.

Oh and I'm getting a pay rise and a promotion.

Exact dates for the promotion are not set in stone - I'm not allowed under company rules to be promoted until at least 6 months with the company but this week in my end of year review my boss told me it's not a matter of if, more a matter of when. The only thing that would stop me getting it would be if I fuck up royally, and *crossed fingers* I'm doing ok.

I'm supposed to be starting the French lessons tonight but an age old student behaviour has kicked back in - I'm putting it off by doing anything to avoid it! I will start it tonight tho (I have online learn as you go lessons)

The weekend was spent at home, or rather at Ikea getting things sorted for my new room at home - since moving out on a more permanent basis than uni, my room has been converted into my parent's office, but only on the condition that the redecoration of the new room would be under my supervision.

And it's gonna be awesome.

The Mothership is also coming over this weekend for a relaxing Sunday away from home - better stay away from the shops tho, far too busy for my liking.

Oh and did I tell you a perk of my job...to keep myself fresh and creative I'm expected to go out on gallivanting days out to fun places to gain new ideas - tomorrow I'm on an all expenses paid trip to the rest of the London museums I'm on a mission to see!

There's only one downside to my life at the moment. He is away and I miss his company, although He's been emailing me while he's been away. He's a good companion for museum fun and general silliness, plus I actually like him as a person (reasonably rare for me to find people I don't just think are rather idiotic...)
Well He'll be back soon, and I hope He's missed me too...

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Now playing: Kings Of Leon - Knocked Up
via FoxyTunes

Company

2007-11-22T21:48:00.001Z

There's something not right today. I couldn't shake the feeling all day and I've not figured out what it is for sure but I have a feeling it might be something to do with a touch of loneliness. I still don't have proper friends down here, although each day I am growing closer to more people; spending time with CT last weekend showed us we have lots in common, even if at work we're stilted around each other, and the French students have taken me under their wing - we're having dinner tomorrow night and a trip to London on Saturday; plus Mrs Landlady and T have welcomed me into their lives with the warmth of the 2 wine buffs they are.

But I miss Julia and Tegan sorely, their presence in my life is a soothing balm of reciprocal level headed mothering, support and friendship

I guess I'm saying I want a constant in my life, other than myself (let's face it I'm unreliable for company)

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Now playing: UNKLE - Lonely Soul-Feat. Richard Ashcroft
via FoxyTunes

Listening

2007-11-22T07:34:00.000Z

I've finally resorted to looking less fabulous - I'm just too cold at work to go without either a huge jumper, or a long sleeved t-shirt under my pretty tops. I just need to be warm. So somehow I've got to find a glamourous alternative, that doesn't involve sitting in my beautiful frock coat...

Hmmmmm

I'm still listening to the mix tape - 16 hours of music in short bursts takes a while to wade through, I've been delighted with all the artists but feel distinctly like I'm out of touch with good music - I've always counted myself as an indie chick; worn the badge proudly and unbendingly dedicated myself to digging out cool new indie bands. Only now I'm starting to feel ashamed of my arrogance - I'm loving the "electronica" on this tape, and the jazz I've seen recently. I should be branching out, only I don't know where to begin - I've ignored all these other types of music for so long, years.

Time to expand my horizons...talking of which French lessons are starting soon...

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Now playing: Frou Frou - Maddening Shroud
via FoxyTunes

Mix Tape

2007-11-19T19:38:00.000Z

He made me a mix tape, and apart from being filled with tracks I adore but had never heard before (a hard task to achieve), it's incredibly sweet and retro cool.

*Contented*

And he's reminded me how much I love Elbow, which must be a good thing.

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Now playing: Elbow - Any Day Now
via FoxyTunes

WHAM!

2007-11-18T11:02:00.000Z

This week has been good, and no late nights either! However I have a feeling that I'll be working late this week coming up - bummer!
On Wednesday night, I had the delightful privilege of being invited to a French birthday party, having perfected my party etiquette over the years, I arrived on time, with presents for the hostess, and an arrival gift. Unfortunately I have perfected my English etiquette, and felt that I fell short of the mark. Despite this, the evening was funny, with witty insights to English life provided by the Spanish and French among us; and we all discovered that men are just as much a mystery in any country, as they are here, although surprisingly the girls reckon English men are easier to read...(maybe they're just more well versed in the technique of flirting than the English girls assembled)

Friday night was the big dinner, and a good time was had. Having left work at 11.45, CT and I headed over to the train station, only to see the train departing...he was man faffing. Anyway once we were on our way the journey to London slipped by easily and we repaired to M&S at Paddington for food. On from there we made it to the hotel, despite me forgetting to bring my A-Z and poorly provided directions on the behalf of CT, I'm ashamed to say that he actually managed to spot the hotel before me, putting my directional abilities to shame (first man I've met who can do this mind you...!)

We had a tense few minutes checking in, when only 1 room could be found, all due to his very confusing double barrelled surname, but thankfully after a lot of explanation 2 rooms were produced! He even had the cheek to suggest that I could sleep on the sofa; although I had previously suggested he could sleep in the bath so maybe his offer wasn't that nasty after all.

Having arrived so early to the hotel, I managed a 2 hour nap before getting into my glad rags and heading down to our drinks reception, where we met CK and her fiancée (F), and I promptly discovered myself to be highly allergic to CK's perfume - from then on I had to stay at least 3m from her at all times, which was a shame.

On arriving at the Hall for the do, CT and I couldn't help but giggle endlessly about the funny names we could provide to the announcer on our entrance, but we chickened out at the last minute, which was a slight relief upon entering the room to find at least 500 people staring at the entrance... The dinner itself was interesting, many pleasant people, a 70 year old woman with an Amy Winehouse inspired beehive, the Ceremony of the Loving Cup (there's innuendo in there somewhere) and the waiter pouring cream sauce over the entire front of my plum silk dress (I'm not sure if the dry cleaner will be able to get it out, but here's to hoping!).

Our company also cleaned up at the awards, gaining 15 of the 28 prizes and winning the "Best in Show" award, so we went onwards with much hilarity to Ronnie Scott's, where we had the entire of the front floor to ourselves, and were able to be seating within a metre of my new hero. Curtis Stigers was out of this world, truly amazing, the songs were hypnotic, and beautiful, and as a jazz vocalist he was awe inspiring. We all had an excellent time and sat up drinking hard core cocktails until 3, when we where kicked out and headed home to the hotel, which upon arrival was proved to be still open. Needless to say I didn't get to bed until 5am, and was awake with sleeplessness at 6.30.

Having dragged myself down to the dinning hall with CT, CK and F for a hearty breakfast, CT and I headed off to the National Portrait Gallery for the Pop Art exhibition and Tate Modern for the new installation which I don't know the name of but is essentially a giant crack in the floor. CT reaffirmed himself as the King of Innuendo and we wondered round taking arty photos of the floor, and comedy photos of us pretending to be giants and cracking the floor. Much fun. (Photos coming soon to a Facebook account near you...)

We also hunted out WHAM! by Lichtenstein to finish off the Pop Art tour, before heading home (after a miss directed wonder through St Paul's gardens and me stepping in a puddle and completely soaking my right foot - which CT paid for later by rubbing it in that he had warm dry feet, when I playfully punched him and left the most enormous bruise...)

Having finally driven home and arrived at 8pm, I had some dinner and was in bed by 9pm...

Good times.

I've still got to go to British Museum, and the Dome for Tutankhamen, and Terracotta Warriors, but I couldn't get tickets. I'm also saving couture at V&A for another trip, plus finishing the Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery - not to mention a visit to the Globe and doing the Barbican...

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Now playing: Mr Hudson & The Library - Ask The DJ
via FoxyTunes

Wow

2007-11-13T22:23:00.000Z

A full week has passed since I last blogged, and it really doesn't seem like it should have done!

Work is full-on and challenging, but I'm getting there, and I'm also learning to say no to new projects, not least until I've finished some of the ones I've started. Needless to say I've been working late and enjoying working late (it reminds me of the endless nights at uni, working through until midnight before collapsing into bed). I haven't been working that excessively hard, but still, it's enough. Consequently I'm battling tiredness in that endless way I seem to do, but managing ok.

The weekend was spent scouring the shops for a dress, shoes and accessories for the dinner on Friday night - resulting in a delightful aubergine number from Ted Baker's outlet store in Swindon, and an enormous quantity of money spent in Accessorize.

I've also decided to see something in London on the Saturday as I'm there - I'm thinking Pop Art at the National Portrait Gallery, or a visit to The Tate, as I've only ever been to Tate Modern. Obviously this is all hangover dependant...

Friday night itself is shaping up to be very exciting; a range of pre drinks with several customers, private transport to and from the dinner, and we're going to the very prestigious Ronnie Scott's jazz club to see Curtis Stigers. I'm well excited, innit. (Plus I get a half day off as the pre-drinks start mid afternoon...I'll be on the ProPlus then...

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

2007-11-06T22:57:00.000Z

Whilst discussing top and tailing with friends during bed shortages (eg after a night out, between moving house), a colleague and ex-uni mate pronounces she'll never top and tail with me.

Shocked, and mildly surprised, I protest at the top of my voice and in the middle of the office...

" But I'm AWESOME in bed"

I'm never gonna live that down...

"Date"

2007-11-05T22:46:00.000Z

While I sit here and reflect on the remarkable coincidence that my blog colours match my surfer inspired bedclothes (which I've had for months) I shall let you in on a little secret...

I have a "date". Now I say "date" because I'm not sure if it counts...I've been invited to be the "plus one" of one of my fellow designers in the office to that inaugural event that is the trade industry annual dinner next Friday. It's a chance to dress up and have a grossly overpriced meal at a top London hotel, and this girl wasn't gonna say no.

So far, no date. However the guy who asked me is a true gent, and bless him, went bright red when asking me, using the immortal "date" phrases like "don't feel obligated to say yes" and the uber-flattering "I thought of a few other girls, but as it's an industry thing, I thought you'd be the best choice". Well thanks, I feel top of your pile now. But anyway the chance is there to go out and have a laugh with friends from the office, get dressed up and network the room.

I think it'll be ok...I hope.

Although at the minute I'm sharing a room with him...each pair of tickets comes with a double room...I need to get onto the hotel sharpish, but I reckon I'll be out of luck :(

On the up side, you know you have an awesome job, when your boss actively encourages you to spend 3 days perfecting Harry Potter style name badges for everyone in the office and all the meeting rooms, just because he wants you to get it just right and not rush the job...

SEA

2007-11-03T09:12:00.000Z

I'm a SEA, yes that's right I am a "Science and Engineering Ambassador" working with children in schools and youth programmes to encourage children (and especially girls) to enter the world of Engineering.

Now why I am a SEA, I'm not sure...I'm not an engineer and I most certainly know very little of science, other than some remnants of A Level stuff on chemistry and materials science from uni.

However having spent a morning teaching ***yes me, teaching, in a school!*** I have been invited as a positive role model to help young women into the industry. (Apparently being an Industrial Designer "counts" as engineering! HA, what world are they on!!)

Still I'm only obligated to undertake one activity with the children per year, having already spent a morning in a school, taking 2 tours round work and soon to be going into 3 schools for a critique session on their design work, I think I've done about 5 years worth of engagements.

Still who'd have thought? I positively hate all children (with notable exceptions for my delightful baby cousins) and can't imagine being a teacher, however I get to "do my bit" for a charity, help people, and work pay me to do it. Get in.

Oh and it looks great on the CV

Selfish? Moi? Mai non!

Post Secret

2007-11-02T23:00:00.000Z

I saw a secret on the website, and thought I recognised the handwriting and the secret. But this was a week ago now and the postcards have changed. I wished I'd saved it. If it was you, I'm sorry for everything.

The Long Way

2007-11-02T22:26:00.000Z

God where do I start? I've been disappeared from this blog for over a week, and have precious little to show for it. It's hardly like I went on holiday!

Firstly I recently moved house and have literally only just sorted the internet, so that my excuse, and I hope I haven't lost too many readers (although numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate!)

Guess it means I should make a decent entry.

How do you fancy hear about my trip to Amsterdam? Yes, ok then here goes.

Alarm seems to be going off, I don't understand as it's still dark outside, but rolling over I see that yes, it is 3.30am and I have to be up to catch the first flight out of Heathrow for my exciting adventure to the land of clogs. I manage to stumble around my room, stand on a plug and stub my toe, all without waking up the rest of the house (well, does the cat count?).

Stumbling out of the house in high heels and a respectable trouser suit I thank my lucky stars that the car isn't frozen over (time is currently 3.55am, the taxi is leaving work at 4am...I'm cutting it fine). Arriving bang on time I meet the other guys and we have surprisingly easy banter with the taxi driver all the way to the airport and manage to check in before security is even open (current thoughts: does the world exist at this time of day/night/twilight zone? what happens if I say "bomb"?...will I get to go back to bed?)
An extraordinarily large cup of tea and a pain au chocolat later and I'm on the KLM flight. At this point I'm convinced that I'm being flown today by the men in the Grolsch advert and the cheese and ham sandwich served for breakfast at 6.45am doesn't go down well. My stomach start to reject the ham and cheese and starts to remember that in less than 4 hours I'll be pitching ideas to an enormous company. Bricking it, moi? Non.

Amsterdam was lovely, again entirely populated by people who I am convinced will tell me that they'll "only let me drink it when it's ready", however the rain and odd proliferation of enormous decorated clogs doesn't put us off and the meeting is completed successfully if a little lengthily. The taxi banter on the way back to the airport is first rate, and I decide that actually G is nice, as well as gorgeous....Get in.

After a lunch of cheese and ham sandwiches, and a long wait at the airport (I still can't get over the difference the smoking ban makes here; you only notice when its not the same in other countries) and a relaxing nap with the iPod, we were back on the plane being fed yet more cheese and ham sandwiches.
I ended up back in bed by 10pm, but completely exhausted for the rest of this week.

In other news; my housemates had a halloween BBQ, which was quite a success and I met lots of lovely people (even though I retired to bed at 9.30...) and I'm counting my incredibly lucky stars that I moved out of the B&B, I've now had to become the master of deceptions - inventing meetings with friends, family outings and general engagements to avoid the tired advances of the Old Man. He really won't take no for an answer and I've taken to hiding in the office at lunch, avoiding him and leaving requests for dates unanswered. And he still hasn't got the hint. I wonder if I should go into work with it tattooed on my forehead. Mind you he'd be too busy gazing at me in a vomit inducing puppy-eyed stylie to notice.

Work is manic at the moment, and I'm rushed off my feet (in a great way) however I have earnt myself a reputation for wearing 4 inch heels - it seems that people at work don't see them often as they're always commenting. Maybe they don't like me being 6ft 2...(mind you I don't like being 6ft2 but I just love pretty shoes....)

So, from now on back to the regular posting and I promise to attempt to catch up with my blog reading

xx

No idea

2007-10-23T20:22:00.001+01:00

Weariness seems to steal over me constantly, I'm forever in a state of shattered sleeplessness. It's not that I'm having difficultly in sleeping, far from it...I'm having difficultly getting enough even though I'm currently averaging 9 hours a night.
I've long considered myself a hungry sleeper, I need more than most, am tired easily, however conversely I'm a morning lark, and have trouble staying in bed.

Work is going well, I'm really enjoying the variety that my role supplies and I get to meet many people from many different backgrounds and specialities; today being a case in point, when I played conkers* over lunch with a fellow designer, a factory design engineer, a metal forming engineer and a French sales exec.

This morning's breakfast also held surprises; it was announced to me that one of my colleagues thinks he's in love with me. Great. This guy is nice, but definitely not for me, and far too old. At least I was hastily reassured that I hadn't lead him on whatsoever (a girl sometimes needs to check!) so I've spent the entire of today being embarrassed and school-girly about it, refusing to look him in the eye and generally ignoring him simply by virtue that I have no idea how to act around him now. Who would have thought I'm nearly a decade older than the school girls that act like that...

Will I ever learn how to deal with other people's affections?

Something sad inside me suggests possibly not. I'm just not to be trusted with other people's feelings and emotions, I screw them up and trample all over them...

A lesson to the wise, don't bother with this kitty, she's got no idea.

* I lost, boo hoo

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Now playing: Dido - All You Want
via FoxyTunes

Lie ins

2007-10-20T08:31:00.000+01:00

Weekends are always a blessing, as every soul knows, but for me, they rarely involve a lie in. Now this isn't because I have to get up, its just that I wake up, same time, day in, day out. Trying to break that for the weekend has never worked. I attribute that to boarding school where a strict regimented life was applied (6 days a week at school, and Sunday morning in church for 9.15am) to the point where I'm trained to be awake before at least 7am every morning.

Not that I really mind it to be honest, I tend to get bored lying in bed, I'd rather be up and out and doing things - I feel like I'm wasting the few precious days that are solely mine to do what I want, if I lie in bed.
Anyway today was no different, and I've now been up for nearly 2 hours, watching a DVD on industrial packaging processes (actually quite interesting), and listening to The Music (although I'm shocked to see the lead singer has got rid of his trademark mane in favour of the skin head look).

Think its about time I got dressed and stopped wasting my day

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Now playing: The Music - Guide
via FoxyTunes

Bonjour!

2007-10-19T07:15:00.000+01:00

I woke up this morning with the burning urge to make a blog entry, and I've no idea why really

Last night was another of house hunting and I think I've found the one! Its a little out of my budget, but I think I can stretch to it, its the most beautiful house ever, and I'll pop some photos up at some point. Rarely for a shared house there's just 4 rooms, there is an enormous 1st floor living room with balcony, enormous kitchen/dinning room/conservatory, plus a lovely little garden that backs onto one of the local parks (ideal in summer for BBQs, and generally for going running) and it's almost exactly half way between town and the ring road so the drive to work is great!

I have to confirm by Monday, which I can't imagine changing my mind about it, however I have already committed to seeing another house so I will go as I hate breaking my word, but I just know it isn't gonna be for me. Plus there is another room available that potentially Frenchie could have - again a bit out of her budget, but I think it's perfect, so I'll show her the photos and see what she says.

Other than that, thank god its the weekend, I'm wiped out from travelling, even though it was pointed out to me that you can't get jet-lag from Paris...I'm supposed to be going to Reading to see Monkey, but I'm not sure I can be bothered, might just stay here, chill out and go to the pub for the rugby final!

(And I realise the French titles will get boring soon, so just bare with me while I work it out of my system...)

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Now playing: Cold War Kids - We Used To Vacation
via FoxyTunes

Je peux parler français!

2007-10-17T21:20:00.000+01:00

I'm just back from Paris, had a brilliant time, I never thought zipping about on the back of a (handsome man's) scooter in the rain at midnight could be so fun!

Needless to say not all the French liked me being there and chose to poison me..a full night of food poisoning (complete with delirious sweats) meant that come my meetings in the morning, I was pale, shaky and attractively clammy. Nice

At least everyone was really lovely to me, I met another woman with my name (quite confusing actually!); deciphered a crazy French keyboard; rediscovered that I can actually speak French (I even held a conversation with the receptionist)...so I've decided to relearn French, and with the help of my new French friends I'll be a pro in no time...hahaha *not*

And I got to do some flying, which I adore completely, everything from soaring above the rippling clouds to the way the setting sun caught the tips of clouds over an overcast London which appeared to be burning a deep crimson; the reassuring pressure of G force on your shoulders as the plane banks and pushes you a little deeper into your seat to the cheesey personae of the cabin crew.

There's a happy ERA

Weary

2007-10-14T11:08:00.000+01:00

House hunting is the order of today, and I'm heading into town in the hope of seeing something I can remotely bring myself to live in - I've had to raise my budget to £500pm, which I really can't afford. How glad am I that the annual pay review and rises are assessed in January?...and that my team has already hit all the targets to ensure a rise - all I have to do is complete a project and some induction courses. Easy Peasey *not*

Istanbul has fallen through, but Amsterdam is back on the cards and most of this week will be in Paris, plus Folkie (one of my other B&B inmates) is back from Mexico tomorrow night with promises of a sombrero and the pub, and will make up for the fact that Frenchie is away in Paris for 2 weeks (although I'll be seeing Frenchie on Wednesday...hopefully, I'm missing her already!)

Unfortunately I was supplied with some surprising but vague information about U, which means I'm doubting my previous assessment of him. I hope that the supplier of the information is wrong, but needless to say it really was vague..."he had a complex life, an odd life" was literally all I got - she wouldn't say any more, but I know she knows. U is lovely, and I want to get to know him better (he even had the patience to explain the rules of rugby to me so I could enjoy the England-France game last night), but it seems it might be hard to get him to let me in, I feel he might hold me at a distance with humour; I just want to be his friend. We'll see.

Beginnings

2007-10-11T22:52:00.000+01:00

House hunting is rubbish - all the houses in this city are horrible - you wouldn't let a dog live in some of the dives I've seen, all for the grand price of £400pm - its positively a rip off.

So I'm still hunting, and completely demoralised as well. Other than that the work is good, I have more projects on than fingers on my hands, but other than that Paris and Istanbul are beckoning, so fun times will be had.

I've decided to go home this weekend, and hopefully convince Stu to come house hunting with me - it's just so stressful, but we'll see what I end up doing, but I don't think any reunions are on the cards for me, I just can't do it.

In other news, I've met even more people at work and I'm rapidly forming loads of friendships, including my new favourite person, U. A wickedly dark sense of humour that matches mine down to the exaggeration that is such a part of me; complete insanity, all coupled with an intense sweetness, honesty and good natured personality, U is wonderful.

Beginnings are happening, even if I still feel blue

Hug

2007-10-08T21:41:00.000+01:00

I'm so tired at the moment, and it just leads me to feel very lonely and isolated...not good.

I'm spending a lot of time looking for houses, and thankfully work has picked up a bit, so the days are going more quickly, rather than dragging by. And for all the people I meet I still feel like I'm a million miles from my friends. This move has been much tougher than any I've ever done before (going to boarding school, and having parents in the forces means I've done it. A lot). I'm sure it'll pick up, and get better, the more people I meet, but I desperately miss my friends from Reading and from uni.
One of the girls from uni is doing a reunion this weekend, which should be something I really look forward to, but I just can't bring myself to go, I don't think seeing some of the people there will be at all good for me, so instead I may look for houses, or go home to the reunion at school that I promised I'd go to, not that right now I'm in a particularly good frame of mine for bragging about how fabulous my life is (as inevitably one must at these occasions). Really I just want to curl up in a corner and sleep through it.

Either that or drink too much and sleep. Either way its sleep I need.

And a hug

8 Random Things

2007-10-07T17:36:00.001+01:00

Now Mr Higgs has tagged me, and I can't turn him down...here we go...

The Rules

You have to post these rules before giving you the facts.
Players state eight random facts/habits about themselves.
At the end of the blog post, you tag eight people and list their names. (Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.)
People who are tagged need to write about their eight things on their own blog and also post these rules.

The Facts

I claim to be 5ft 11, in fact I'm 5ft 10
My great uncle played professional football in the winter, and was a Commonwealth long distance athlete in the summer (as legend has it)
I am like a bird, I instinctively know where north is, even if you spin me round blindfolded (if I don't pass out...)
I genuinely believe a healthy and balanced diet should include good quality wine
I always feel alone, and disconnected to everyone else (that's not a cry for help or anything, I'm perfectly at ease with this!)
I can't resist checking myself out in any/every mirror or shop window, not because I'm vain, but because I'm convinced I look like a tit and need to perform damage limitation to my appearance
I eat custard cold from the can as a treat
People think I'm outgoing, but in fact my ideal time is to be on my own, curled up with good music, wine and a good book; consequently I abhor going out, except on a very few occasions

Oh and I don't know who to tag, so fight amongst yourselves!

The Nicest Thing

2007-10-07T17:19:00.001+01:00

I'd also like to thank Puss for nominating me for the Nice Matters award, I'm touched that someone thinks this angry, brash and heartless cow is nice, so thank you Puss :)

I should nominate some more people, but in all honesty all the blogs I read, already have it...

But I shall now leave you with the nicest lyrics I've ever heard, they fill me with nice feelings, and nice dreams of what could be. Isn't that nice?

"All I know is that you're so nice,
You're the nicest thing I've seen.
I wish that we could give it a go,
See if we could be something.

I wish I was your favourite girl,
I wish you thought I was the reason you are in the world.
I wish I was your favourite smile,
I wish the way that I dressed was your favourite kind of style.

I wish you couldn't figure me out,
But you always wanna know what I was about.
I wish you'd hold my hand when I was upset,
I wish you'd never forget the look on my face when we first met.

I wish you had a favourite beauty spot that you loved secretly,
'Cos it was on a hidden bit that nobody else could see.
Basically, I wish that you loved me,
I wish that you needed me,
I wish that you knew when I said two sugars, actually I meant three.

I wish that without me your heart would break,
I wish that without me you'd be spending the rest of your nights awake.
I wish that without me you couldn't eat,
I wish I was the last thing on your mind before you went to sleep.

All I know is that you're the nicest thing I've ever seen
I wish that we could see if we could be something"

MIA

2007-10-07T17:03:00.000+01:00

It's been a long week missing, one full of adventures, boredom and sleeping.

The first week at work was good, I have many projects on, interesting ones too which is nice and some rather crazy ones too. I'm happy. I've also met so many wonderful people, the company seems to be entirely made up of under 35s, and I've now got many new international friends! I've even just come back from showing all the French graduates that English roast beef can be gorgeous :D.

House hunting is going slow, its difficult to find houses I want in the right area but I've still got a few weeks left in B&B to sort that out. I finally have my computer here with me tho, so expect to be back to the usual schedule of posting from now on
I promise to catch up on my reading soon
xx
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Now playing: Embrace - My Weakness Is None Of Your Business
via FoxyTunes

Happy Birthday to the blog

2007-09-28T09:16:00.000+01:00

It's a year and a day since I first started this blog and thought I'd mark the occasion with a post, however I haven't got much to say other than that I'm heading out to the local manor for a coffee morning. I think the odds at 2:1 that I'm going to reduce the average age from 87 to 86 1/2.

(I'm only going so I can look round the inside of the house - the Lady of the Manor is a notorious snob who hates "commoners")

PS this song is awesome...

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Now playing: Cold War Kids - We Used To Vacation
via FoxyTunes

Email testing

2007-09-27T10:45:00.001+01:00

I've decided to try out the whole Blog by email to see if I'll be able to blog whilst at work.

Having read the email/internet usage documents it seems that blogging during work is prohibited (not surprising really, so I have no issue with it), however I am allowed to send the occasional personal email... Otherwise I'll be having to leave the blog unattended for up to 4 weeks during my time in B&B, sans connection.

The B&B incidently, isn't actually a B&B...it seems that it is actually almost an old fashioned boarding house for the company. There are going to be 4 of us staying with the nice Scottish lady until we find places to live; an English guy, a French girl and guy, and me. Apparently people are all moving in and out at different times so I'm not sure who will be living there at what time, but I'm actually looking forward to going now - I think it'll be a bit of an adventure meeting all the new employees!

Myself and Mrs Scot had a nice little chat on the phone, about where are good places to live, if I needed collecting from the station (rather generous!), and about her daughter who's home from uni and staying there. I think we're going to get on well.

Right it's off to the doctors for me now - I have a mystery illness that also has contributed to my pension problems that I need to sort out before I'm completely unentitled to any money!

Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

Guilty Secret II

2007-09-26T13:36:00.000+01:00

After my first post about guilty secrets I feel compelled to admit more. Maybe I'm an exhibitionist, but I doubt it really. I just like sharing.

So to guilt secret number 2. This one again is by no means huge, and in fact runs in a similar theme to my Other Post.

Its a movie I watched when I was in first year uni (why do all my guilty things spring from there). Anyway, this was in the days before I had Kate as a housemate, when we were just on the same course but lived in different halls. She had said how lovely the film was, and that she and all the girls she'd lived with had watched it over and over and loved it.
So off I went and downloaded it and watched it one late afternoon/ early evening. It must have been a Friday night for reasons I shall later recount.

The film was panned completely by critics (justifiably so) and falls very short of my ideas of a great film. I'm into arthouse and generally thought provoking cinema. I love advanced and innovative cinematography and as such love films like Sin City, Amelie, Casino Royale and (insert another film which I loved but can't for the life of me think what it was called...ooo this is going to bug me) really draw me in for the beauty of the camera work. This, most definitely is lacking.

Anyway back to this film, unfortunately this falls well into the Chick Flick category and I hate myself for finding it sweet, pure and enchanting. Maybe its because I don't think anyone would ever love me for the monster I am, or maybe just because I quite fancy the lead man...

As I watched this movie in the early evening, I cried and cried and cried, so much so that when my flatmates came to get me to head to the bar I was sobbing uncontrollably face down on my bed. The film had finished half an hour before. Needless to say I couldn't go out that night as my face had unattractively swelled up and I was rinsed endlessly, culminating in them giving me a framed and (fake) signed poster of the movie for my birthday. Thanks a bunch.

In true tradition I'm not going to reveal the name here, just post this link.

Puss, yes, you can disown me and cast me out. In fact everyone who reads this can cast me out.

At least its supercedes my love of the film Speed (the first film I ever loved, maybe just because I was 13 and hormonal when I first saw it) or Top Gun (I was going through a bit of a military phase at the time....!)

Ooooo look what I'm listening to *conspiratorial whisper*

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Now playing: James Blunt - Tears And Rain
via FoxyTunes

Food for thought

2007-09-25T09:20:00.000+01:00

Firstly, congratulations are due to Puss, who has found herself a literary agent. She's a wonderful writer but seems to refuse to believe anyone when they tell her she's just darned great.

So I'm trying to while away the hours until I move into the B&B, and so far I've come up with mostly watching daytime TV (something I never did while unemployed, and haven't done since but I feel like I should take advantage of sitting around all day...); also starting to pack, but I think that's a bit early; blogging, but since I'm not doing much there's not going to be much to say.

So I've made a list of things to pack, and I'm left wondering what the new job will be like.

I've already been signed up to yoga classes - during my medical I was informed by the doctor that I was "unacceptably inflexible for the job" having never been able to touch my toes (a bit odd considering that I'm just going to be sitting at a computer, and not becoming an Olympic gymnast...).
Also family history is working against me. I am ineligible for a full pension, I pay the same as everyone else but I'm not allowed to receive as much as everyone else because of a family inclination towards depression and anxiety. I was very surprised to hear that, and it seems that if I ever get treated for it myself I will lose potentially everything.

I'm slightly upset at that, its not my fault that my family tend towards this and not something I've ever seriously had a problem with, but knowing as I do that 1 in 3 people suffer from some sort of depression in their lifetimes, makes me think that my pension (and my odds) are unfairly stacked against me. I wonder if it would be any different for someone who doesn't have a family history but gets treated for it? I bet they just get a pat on the head and all the money.

I guess I've just got to make sure I never let myself get into that situation, but it's upsetting that if, for whatever reason I fall prey to it, there is little or no safety net for my future. Which seems to me that in a time of need could potentially make the situation so much, much worse.

Unpleasant Investigations...

2007-09-24T16:56:00.000+01:00

Having just got back from having my medical examination for my new job, all I'll say is that a full cavity search by customs would have been less invasive...

Thankfully I passed, so I start on Monday, and move into the B&B on Sunday night for a month. Oh the joy. I'm really looking forward to the job, and meeting new people and generally getting my teeth stuck in. I'm a little apprehensive of how the evenings are going to be to start with, I've got dreadful images of me sitting alone in my room watching TV every night after having dinner for 1 before going to work every morning. I suppose that's more reason to get my arse in gear once I get there and find a flat share.
In some ways I'm also a little bit scared now that the time is drawing near, but then I fully expect that, and it doesn't worry me.

Back to the weekend, I've also decided to take a leaf out of Puss' blog and not turn down any invites, hence Thursday night was spent at the Countryside Club meeting (where the person next closest to me in age was my 51 yo mother...) It was a bearable evening, with a talk from a local vineyard and wine tasting...I can handle that!

Friday night passed sat on the sofa. zzzzzzzzzzzz

On Saturday I headed over to Reading for a flat warming, but went shopping in the Oracle first ( a place I distinctly have missed since leaving Reading), however the crowds were massive and after nearly passing out in New Look (yes I haven't yet abandoned my studenty ways) from the heat, I headed off in search of the host of the flat warming (who typically wasn't at home).
After finding him, and in between picking up another friend from the station and eating my dinner, I got very drunk.
Yes I was on the vino, and indeed was drinking the delightfully ladylike "pints of wine". Ouch.
Needless to say I was on the dance floor when we finally headed out. I even had a takeaway *gags* I never eat takeaway.
It was a good night tho, despite the boys being kicked out of every club, getting home early, finding 12 men asleep on the living room floor and having to join them; and waking up to the smell of stale beer.

All I can think is that I'm only young once, so I might as well try to enjoy it! :D
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Now playing: Kate Nash - Nicest Thing
via FoxyTunes

Guilty Secrets

2007-09-20T15:29:00.000+01:00

I've always been intrigued by the site Post Secret, a fascinating world wide confessional site that is changed weekly (meaning unfortunately if you want to relive any memorable postcards you ahve to buy their book...not impressed)

Anyway it got me thinking about my guilty secret.

This one is not an "ultimate" on the scale of dirty secrets, but stretches back to 2003.

I had just started uni and was very much into my music scene, finally able to be an indie-chick without being rinsed like at school. I came across this singer in late 2003-04 and listened to the bootlegged demos I found on the internet. There were only 4 or 5 songs available at the time and I loved every one. I was however being rinsed at the time for a *shameful* love of Keane, so kept this new man to myself.

Anyway skip forward approx 1 year when I met my boyfriend of the time, I'd lost interest in this singer but at this point he was starting to get some small scale radio play, both boyfriend and I loved his work and listen to it for hours on end. Towards the close of that academic year (2005) we were both so heavily into our work that we rarely if at all listened to music (too poor for iPods, too busy for radio) and it wasn't until we got to Glastonbury 2005 that we spotted our beloved singer on the line up, 12pm on Sunday. Hugely excited, we turned up at the appointed time to find huge crowds come to so OUR singer. We couldn't understand it, but loved his set so much.
Now I'm not a sentimental type, but we were both moved to tears at some of the songs and it left a profound effect.

It was only when we got home and switched on the radio that we realised he wasn't just our beloved singer anymore, he was number 1 in the charts. *Gutted* (yes I'm one of those anal people who hates a band/singer once they become mainstream)

Can you guess what it is yet? (in Rolf Harris stylie)

Yes, my guilty pleasure is this man...

(I'm so guilty about it, I refuse to even name him on here)

Gutted

2007-09-20T15:16:00.000+01:00

My car actually needs a new clutch, at £371.98 + VAT, that's money I quite simply don't have

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

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Now playing: The Walkmen - We've Been Had
via FoxyTunes

Missing

2007-09-20T10:30:00.000+01:00

Last night I got a missed call at 2.40am from a withheld number, and I'm desperate to know who was ringing me (I can sleep through anything, so I tend not to wake up). I've asked all the usual suspects, but to no avail.

So if you know who you are, please tell me :D

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Now playing: Morrissey - Irish Blood, English Heart
via FoxyTunes

Intrigue

2007-09-19T13:26:00.000+01:00

There's a certain image of the west country that can not always be escaped from. It consists mainly of scrumpy, (and therefore scrumping), The Wurzels, Bill Bailey (my favourite sketch is linked there), Stonehenge, hippies and of course the copious use of soft drugs that induced UFO sightings from the military activity in the area. However despite this all there is a certain amount of a laissez faire attitude surrounding most of the west country's bad habits.

I was, however rather shocked at a sign post I saw whilst out driving today; an advert for PotFest, even I thought this might be going a touch too far. But fear not dear reader, PotFest isn't as alarming as it sounds. Check it out here...

Happiness

2007-09-17T13:10:00.000+01:00

Some pretty good things have happened today

1. I got £500 from the tax man
2. I got my official job offer
3. I got my car fixed
4. I got offered another job (and was in the brilliant position to turn it down!)

I'm a happy girl

Amends

2007-09-17T10:56:00.001+01:00

**I've been composing this post in my head for what seems like weeks now, but it'll still probably come out a jumble**

Despite how great it feels to have ones future secure, there's a few things that are getting me down.
I mentioned briefly a while back that I had a friend back, who I'd drifted from. Unfortunately the situation quickly deteriorated and I am no longer on speaking terms with this person, however I am aware of the possibility that they might read this blog, judging from the polite and warm text message I was sent regarding my success in finding a job. So I hope that they do read this.

I have missed this friend a lot over the last few weeks, and my current geographical isolation hasn't provided much distraction to what feels like a gaping hole in my life. I know the things that we both said to hurt each other where in the heat of the moment, and I know that in the interests of both parties it is best for us not to try to speak again for a long time; things tend to get heated and we can not see eye to eye.

However through this post I hope to be able to convince this person that I truly am sorry for the way things have turned out, but that I am not under any pretence trying to drag open old wounds. I just want to let this person know, in civil tones, that I wish them all the best in the world, that they are dear to me as only a best friend can be, but that I know we only hurt each other when we are in direct contact.

So I am not trying to renew our acquaintance, or have a dig, or a go, or try to drag this person down, but I don't want to harbour ill will, and hope that they don't either.

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Now playing: Radiohead - The Bends
via FoxyTunes

House hunting

2007-09-16T10:45:00.000+01:00

So I have started the tiring task of looking for a flat/house share in Oxford, and it's trying to say the least. So many people seem really weird, ranging from "I live with 2 chinchillas and a crab" to "I'm a mature art student/yoga teacher, with a eco friendly house and fung shui garden, no vehicles allowed" (I really haven't made those up)

I'm pleased however that work are putting me up for the first month, so I don't have to run round as a headless chicken trying to find somewhere to live!

Friday was spent down in Dorset visiting family, and several large meals later and I was beached in a small cafe trying to summon the effort to stand up and get to the car for the trek back home. It was a lovely day that Mum and I followed up on Sat with an impromptu visit to the beach in aid of cheering her up. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and after stripping down to the bikini I froze to death in the icy wind. Nethertheless we had a lovely afternoon and strolled along the beach to warm up before heading home. Very relaxing

Finally!

2007-09-14T08:39:00.000+01:00

Apologies for not posting an EDW, or indeed joining in on ESW, but I was at a job interview.

The interview went great, and yesterday they offered me the job. Quite frankly I'm over the moon, I got on smashingly* with the rest of the team, loved the site, loved the company ethos, and the pay is far above my expectations. There is also great potential for future development, both within the company and in other agencies as they are one of the heavy weights of this discipline.

I also found out I was the only one of many applicants whose CV was good enough, and they loved my portfolio. Very much the confidence boost I needed.

And I don't have to work at HSBC!

*the choice of word is not strictly accurate but chosen to reflect the comeback of Smashie and Nicey

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Now playing: Foo Fighters - Best Of You
via FoxyTunes

Brilliant

2007-09-12T18:53:00.000+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKoiMiOQvMc

This day

2007-09-11T20:09:00.001+01:00

This photo was what made me remember. I went through the whole of today, blissfully unaware of the significance of this day. Tuesday 11th September, a whole 6 years since that horrible day. I won't dwell on the whys or the whole convoluted history that has since gone, others do it much better.

But what I will say is that time really must heal, for some at least. After all I'd forgotten. No forgotten is the wrong word. But it doesn't affect me any more.

I remember the day I found out. I was standing in my single dorm at school, getting changed after a long day in lessons ready for supper and homework, when Jo walked in and said the (rather wacky) psychology teacher was crying all the way through the lesson because a plane had crashed into a building in NY. I immediately commented that it must have been a light aircraft flying low, but went down to see the TV. I was shocked and appalled by what I saw. I think at that point it was only 1 plane, not the 2. But I don't remember the second hitting. I do remember just sitting there, glued to the screen while the girls around me couldn't understand the significance or loss of life and asked me to come to the dinner hall.

That's all the comment I'm going to make, much more is pointless.

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Now playing: James Morrison - The Last Goodbye
via FoxyTunes

Size

2007-09-10T11:01:00.000+01:00

Something strange has been happening to me for a while now. My head is getting bigger in size. Its either that or my favourite hoodie is getting smaller. I always thought I was good at washing, so I've come to the conclusion that my head is getting bigger. Strange hey?

On a medically related note, I have a lump in my arm which appeared with a mysterious black bruise about 2 weeks ago (I don't bruise, ever, no really I don't). I have seen the doctor (well Practice Nurse actually but I tend to trust them a bit more, they're more in touch with us mere morals than doctors). Anyway the nurse had a stark prognosis for me. If it gets smaller its just a cyst, if it gets bigger its a tumour. Thanks a bloody bunch for that. But being typically British about it, I'm convinced its a cyst, just one problem. It's not getting bigger, OR smaller. At least it's not a blood clot working its way to my heart I guess...

I did "eenie meanie minie mo" and it was a cyst. That's settled then.

I should have been a doctor. Although I doubt I'd have many patients.

On a very unrelated note, I went out with the parents yesterday to a field behind my house, and ate scones with jam and cream, and picked blackberries. I now have a lovely collection of splinters and other thorn fragments stuck in my finger tips, which are also stained purple. What fun

Interviews tomorrow and Wednesday...oh the joy.

PS. Don't go worrying about my arm, I'll be fine I'm sure

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Now playing: James Morrison - The Letter
via FoxyTunes

Looking up

2007-09-07T13:28:00.000+01:00

Firstly the important things in life. Puss asked how to achieve prizewinning pot plants and I now present to you the simple steps that I took. I can't guarantee that it'll work for you (in fact I promise it won't)

1. Go to Ikea
2. Buy pot plant for the bathroom
3. Move back in with your parents
4. Move out again, but move into a tiny place
5. Give pot plant to parents
6. Come back after 2 years
7. Ensure there are no other entries in the category at the show
8. Enter the pot plant in the show
9. Win first prize

Easy, eh?

My interview in Sheffield went well, but I'm not holding my breathe. It's a great job and going to be fought for hard by any designers who get through to the next round. But in my experience the jobs that are the hardest won are the most rewarding. I'm crossing my fingers but trying not to get my hopes up.

I was also called literally a few moments ago by another company requesting an interview, although yet to confirm a time and date as of yet. **UPDATE....Tuesday 11th 10.30am....wish me luck**

HSBC also called me today to confirm my final interview for cashier at my local branch. Quink has advised me never to touch banking, and I would completely agree with his sentiment if I had money in my pocket and the means to live, unfortunately I need it too much to have morals and ethics about it *sigh* at least it will only be temporary!

A friend also called to tell me her boss had received my application for a job at her company and loved my portfolio, haven't heard anything from them yet about a possible interview, but I'm eternally grateful to the tip off! **Update on that one too, just spoken to them and I'm off to see them on Wednesday**

My fingers have never been so crossed in my life

T-Shirt Folding Machine

2007-09-06T14:08:00.000+01:00

Whilst surfing the (design related) web today I came across this gem posted on the Industrial Designers' Mecca that is Core77.com

The Prize Winning Pot Plant

2007-08-31T17:31:00.000+01:00

I don't know what's wrong with me, I just never feel like posting these days and I've fully lost inspiration for EDW. It's a nightmare of sorts. I certainly don't feel worthy of a blog, so maybe just the one post will appease all my non existent readers (despite myself I like the idea that I can waffle away on this blog and be speaking to pretty much no-one. Bizarre eh?)

Let's start with the job front, I've been applying like crazy and have finally lowered myself to applying for "non design" jobs. Don't get me wrong. I'm a terrible snob, however I have decided that I can't be that much of a snob to be claiming dole and that if I really want some money to be able to put petrol in the car and swan off on weekends without having to beg for charity drinks, I must get a job.

So in with the usual design applications crept 3 non design jobs.

1. Cashier at my local HSBC. As far as I can tell I'll have to serve very stupid people and be nice to them, all whilst trying to dredge up my maths skills from the bottom recesses of my mind. On a plus though its a respectable job for "In Between" and they give me a day off in the week if I work a Sat, meaning I can get job interviews without taking time off. I have my initial telephone interview on Monday at 9am, so I'll have to think up reasons why I want a career in banking that don't include "coz I need a job"

2. Careers/Jobs Advisor at a local University. Yes that's right, I, the girl who can't get a job would be advising others on how to get jobs of their own. Not a good idea. On the plus its part time (not good for the money side) but I'll again be able to go to interviews, and possibly use all those contacts to get myself a (better) job

3. This is the one that I can't quite bring myself to apply for, but that I think will be hilarious. Detention Officer in St Paul's area of Bristol. For anyone not from "these parts", St Paul's is rough, spelt R-u-f-f, innit. But I like the idea of flooring big crack addicts and getting to lock them up in the back of my (standard issue) riot van. Maybe not.

On a brighter note I got a job interview in Sheffield on Tuesday which means I get to see Julia and Chris on Tuesday night before driving home. I'm still waiting to hear from Adrem about the Newcastle job, but I forgot to ring this afternoon, due to the major distraction that was shopping with mum in town! Opps, best ring on Monday.

In other news, Stu got a place in college and starts on Monday, well done stinky :D

Oh I nearly forgot, the Corsley Show results...I got First prize for my "foliage pot plant", and a Black and white photo from Italy, and a second for my portrait of mum. Happy days. It was a great day in all, the sun shone a lot and the traffic jam was backed up to the bypass (there's never normally that level of interest...).
I also met some delightful new people, only to be denied a phone number by virtue of being dragged off to do important steward things before I had a chance. I am now on the hunt, trying not to look too stalkerish, I will get his number. I WILL. Ok, slightly stalkerish, but we got on well, giggled about Green Wing (the way directly to this girls heart) and lamented over how hard it is to get a job in creative industries. In reality I really want to make friends round here if I'm going to be stuck here for a while, there's only so much sitting on the sofa watching TV a girl can take.

Tomorrow I go to watch the Mothership dance in a show, and potentially get information on Film Guy...*rubs hand in glee*.

Ok I'll stop now, I'm not a stalker*, honest

*Isn't that what stalkers say...?

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Now playing: Foo Fighters - Free Me
via FoxyTunes

The Corsley Show

2007-08-26T11:35:00.000+01:00

Is is wrong to have strawberries and cream for breakfast? Answers on a postcard please.

My weekend has been short, in terms of my plans. Having spent Friday night in Reading I returned home due to a lack of people to amuse me midday on Saturday. The friend I was visiting and staying with buggered off and left me to fend for myself, so home it was. As it was the preceding evening had been somewhat of a wash out, being home and in bed asleep by midnight. Not what I was expecting.

Needless to say the journey home yesterday was enjoyable, it was sunny outside, I had Amy Winehouse and Mr Hudson to keep me company and I managed a delightful singalong despite sitting in the grockle* traffic for half an hour. On arriving home I was dispatched to Sainsburys for the purchasing of berries for Eton Mess and buns for homemade burgers. I love my brother for his cooking (oh yeah, and because he's my brother I suppose)

Now comes for a mention of the annual village show. My parents seem to be the upstanding kind that get into village life, and indeed help organise the competition side of things at the show. This mainly consists of marshalling little old ladies around a huge marquee, making sure they've put their plum jam in the right place for judging.

I am of course encouraged to participate in the competitions and this year I'll be entering a painting I did of the Mothership and some photos. Normally I'd also enter the fiercely contested world of baked goods, but not this time round. Also due to my ever increasing age, I am now gaining more responsibilities on Show Day, this has blossomed from a runner to data entry for the winners and judging of the classes. Tbh if I whine about it I'm not being honest. I do enjoy spending time with my family participating in the truly innocent and English activity of "Largest Marrow" and "Celebrity Lookalike Vegetable".

And that wasn't me being sarcastic either. No really, it wasn't

* I love that term, its so brilliantly "local" and no-one further east of Dorset knows what it means. Genius
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Now playing: Amy Winehouse - You Know I'm No Good
via FoxyTunes

Neglect

2007-08-23T20:03:00.000+01:00

I apologise, I have been slack over the past few days and weeks, not posting and posting very late indeed. But as most of you are well aware sometimes you just don't want to write.

I have at this moment just got back from the beach at Poole and have that delightfully sandblasted feel to my face, although I have sand everywhere! It was a lovely day and nice to spend some time with Mum, even if she has shocked and appalled me with some of her comments on homosexuality. She brought me up to be liberal, and it turns out that she doesn't believe that gays should have the same "rights" as married heterosexuals. Her argument was hypocritical and disrespectful to so many people from so many backgrounds and walks of life, that I was ashamed of her. I think I have even lost a little bit of respect for her. Nonetheless I love her, and we had a good day discounting the tragic comments towards the end.

The last week has been relatively devoid of activity however now I look back I have been a little busy indeed.

The Friday night/Saturday morning was spend with an old school friend who a year ago joined the RAF. We had some fun in Lincoln before things turned sour by the act of a guy she works with. I'm not going to say any more, but I was upset at the lack of respect he showed her, and I don't think I'll be going to stay with her again whilst she is stationed at Cranwell with him nearby.

Sunday was spent recovering from a horrible hangover and making preparations to see a friend in Reading this weekend coming up.

Job hunting has also started to consume me, I feel myself obsessively checking, double checking and triple checking the job boards all day long hoping to pounce on any new titbit of info. That approach doesn't seem to be working, but I have received 2 communications (a phone call and an email) from 2 companies that seem interested in me. Its early days so I won't speculate, but one is in Newcastle and the other Kent. Not exactly convenient from my current location!

On a similar, however totally unrelated thread of thought, Mum revealed to me that I am indeed 1 quarter Gordie. This came as a slight shock to me, being a born and bred Southerner who has a pathological fear of our cousins up north. And The Way They Talk To You In The Street. Oh well, if I'm going to live there I might as well get used to it and discover my roots...

I've also being filling some time on ebay, which isn't providing me with much luck, so those of you who need a pair of Dune floral wedges in your life, get your size 7 feet over to this item....

I also have a new friend in my life. He's always been a friend, but he's now more of a friend than before. And I like it. So this will probably be my only post of this week as I'm going to see my newest friend this weekend.

And no EDW this week, as I've only just remembered - I'll do 2 next week to make up for it...tho someone might have to remind me to do that...

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Now playing: The Go! Team - Ladyflash
Now playing: The Go! Team - Namnlöst spår 3
via FoxyTunes

New Moto

2007-08-16T11:36:00.000+01:00

If you can't be employed, fill your day with beauty treatments

So Tuesday I dyed my hair, yesterday I extensively exfoliated and moisturised in preparation for today when I fake tanned. I'm not a huge fan of faking the tan, but with a family risk of skin cancer I leave the house in no less than factor 15-20. Generally I do get a light tan on my arms from just being out and about, but my legs never budge from milk bottle white. Not to mention the lack of a summer this year, so I've decided to fake it, just to take the edge off. I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to get coverage on my back yet - I'm also too tight to pay to have it done for me...
So rather than bringing sexy back, I'm bringing white back. Get it. Oh it's tickled me...he he he

I've also found this updated plug in for Mozilla, so you know what I'm listening to. Cool, eh?
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Now playing: Kasabian - U Boat
via FoxyTunes

Elegantly Dressed Thursday: Gwyneth Paltrow

2007-08-16T10:44:00.000+01:00

I have to admit I thought today was Wednesday - the perils of unemployment for you there...

This week I've decided to go modern, and I've nominated Gwyneth Paltrow for my EDT.

She has managed in recent years to remain tastefully silent in an increasingly sensationalist tabloid world, she refuses to be drawn into comment on "celebrity" issues and remains dignified in the face of the world's press - I greatly admire her that she's strong enough to walk the red carpet alone, and that she doesn't feel the need to parade her husband up and down like some sort of trophy.

And although I'm not into the "wife stays at home" mentality of society, I respect that she has made the decision to stay at home and look after her children. I get the feeling she's strong enough now to make these decisions without the loss of any pride and dignity.

Mores to the point, she maintains an elegant poise on the rare occasions that she appears in the press for everyday occurrences, and generally is pulled together on most occasions (we can forgive a PMS ridden Gwyneth for blubbing at the Oscars, I think).

I've noted in my own nominations that the ladies I choose tend to be strong, dignified and elegant in more than just their dress sense, but their attitudes to life, love, work and their public appearances. What jolly Britishness. I think we've rubbed off on Gwyneth.

Money schemes

2007-08-14T12:03:00.000+01:00

Firstly I have a friend back, so thank you :)

When people find out that I'm planning on dying my hair (being a bit of a chameleon in that respect) they are always shocked that I would ruin my lovely warm brown hair. What they don't realise is that I am in reality a natural blonde.

Fair as fair can be, but I have dark eyebrows and dye my hair brown. I found for years that I was treated as stupid being blonde, overnight in subtle ways I was treated better as a brunette. Respected a bit more, and treated like I might actually have something decent to say.

Of course when I muck up I can still say "well I am blonde you know". The best of both worlds.

I also found that on nights out I'd get approached by a whole load of idiots who thought I was stupid, now thank god I only get approached by the idiots who think they have a chance. Good luck to them! (oh and with reference to a conversation with a friend, pinching my bum before speaking to my face isn't going to work either...)

I'm also in the mood for money making schemes, and I have several on the go at the minute. Filing for Mum's company, selling stuff on ebay, playing the lottery and a possibility of trying out fundmydegree.com. Maybe with just £20 to start off with tho...its a bit scary!

so with that I must go and wash off the dye that is covering up the blonde coming through

Only one drawback with the dying regime. The blonde roots appear grey against the dyed colour. I'm only 22 but some have thought I've had a terrible accident and went white with the shock...

Neeeeeeeeeeeeeew Car

2007-08-13T10:14:00.000+01:00

I have come to decide that working is overrated, along with money.

Maybe I'm just bitter that I don't have either, but I'm trying to believe it's just because being unemployed is so much more fun, able to galavant around without having to get up early on a Monday morning.

I can't remember whether I wrote about it at the time, but during the floods that devastated Gloucestershire, I crashed my car, a simple aquaplane into the back of a SportKa had mine written off, and duly my lovely Silver Corolla with a bashed in front was towed away on Tuesday last week.

This Saturday I picked up the new car, a shiny red Corolla with all mod cons. Slightly battered and a smell of cigarette smoke are the only issues, but I reckon a litre of Febreze, a paint touch-up stick and some sewing will do the trick.

YouTube addiction

2007-08-09T17:30:00.000+01:00

YouTube is my new favourite toy. I have resisted for so long, but a combination of Viagra (see below) and The Times' Top 10 Most embarrassing moments in pop, has left me with a hankering for the fun and delights of clips.

Combine that with my love of random humour (Green Wing, Simon Amstell and Bill Bailey) and spoof shows and I found this delight with Alan Yentob. Pure genius.

Unfortunately the BBC have been mean and won't allow me to embed the video, so follow this link, then this one, and finally this one.

I'm sure Americans won't get it tho....

Rubbish!

2007-08-09T11:22:00.000+01:00

Things are getting a bit desperate chez ERA, and it's got to the stage now where I've applied to every design job I can find and had no takers.
I still haven't heard back from the interview on Friday, which I'm taking to mean I haven't got the job, considering they said they'd be in touch by "mid-week".

Gutted.

So today I applied to work part time in Monsoon. I feel really down about it at the moment, nothing is going my way, and because this shop is 20 min drive away, I'm sure one of the more local girls will get the job, despite the fact that I'm polite, clever and helpful.

Despite the blue sky outside, I haven't felt this grey in ages.

And it sucks, big hairy arse style.

Only in America...

2007-08-08T11:12:00.001+01:00

EDW: Elizabeth I

2007-08-08T10:41:00.001+01:00

ok, so an unusual choice I think, and certainly historical in many ways however this lady in my view goes some way to promoting feminism. The pioneer if you will.

Ok, so she didn't marry, and she viewed the ordinary woman's place in society in a very traditional way. But she proved that a woman could rule, and rule well. For 45 years. Certainly a long time in today's era of monarchy at any rate, let alone in Tudor times. She secured a house for her dynasty (albeit removed on her death and replaced with the Scottish Stuarts). And forced her image to transend from mortal to god.

She encouraged exploration and in those days, with Protestant England paling into insignificance against Catholic Spain, she held our corner well. Her navy defeated the Spanish in battle. Her political moves out foxed Philip of Spain many times (and had the paintings to prove it).

She ended up with an iron rule over England and her colonies, and through all this was the centre of the English fashion world. Women wanted to be her, men wanted to be with her. she was fierce and fiery, fashionable and beautiful (ok so we might not think so now)

But who else could pull off collars like this? And who else could get away with wearing a white mask when all her skin had rotted off from the lead make up? Who indeed could wear that beautiful hunting outfit at the top without looking like a plonker? (Ok I concede that anyone of that era could, but how fabulous to be able to wear that??)

And I love the fact she gave her half brother this portrait of herself when she was 13 for his birthday! As if he could forget her!

Observation of the Day

2007-08-07T19:43:00.001+01:00

When eating melon, one should always sit in a bath

Ohhhh so tired...

2007-08-06T10:52:00.000+01:00

God what a long week, plus every time I sat down to post, I just didn't feel like it, so I'm here today for much grovelling to my dear readers - don't abandon me now!

Last week was boring - much time was spent preparing for my interview on Friday, and sorting out my Jobseekers allowance.

I'm really sick to the back teeth of central government. I went on Aug 1st to sign on for my first session. When I turned up they claimed they had no record of me, or my claim. Thankfully there was a member of staff free who look up my claim. Unfortunately the first woman I went to see for my initial interview had been new and misinformed me of my first appointment, so I had missed it and my claim had been cancelled. Being a terribly designed system they couldn't override the closure and reopen my claim. So I had to start again. I still have no money coming into my account and I'm owed 5 weeks of benefits. And I'm not likely to see them anytime soon.
At least the man I saw the next day to sort it all out was understanding and civil, almost verging on the helpful (shock horror).
More fun was to be had at the Job Centre as some 17 year old chav kicked off and the police had to be called. From what I gather the money hadn't been paid into his account so he couldn't pay his phone bill. He didn't seem too worried about how he was going to support the pregnant girlfriend and 3 other children...

The interview on Friday went well, I arrived 45 minutes early, thanks to AA route planner telling me it would take 2 hours, not the 1hr 15 it really took me. I went in, showed my portfolio, he asked barely any questions and we chatted about his holiday, my degree show and then had a tour of the office. Needless to say I was back out of the door 15 minutes later and on my way. Sounds bad, but in fact was really positive. Crossed fingers.

I then headed over to my old office and caused havoc for the rest of the afternoon, distracting people and generally being a nuisance to anyone trying to work...much fun, especially when you don't have to worry about them ever employing you again :D I also discovered they've changed all the company names, which isn't confusing for me, but I imagine for any outsiders probably would be.

And then out on Friday night to what seemed to be a dead and lifeless Reading. Hardly anyone was out, Bodie got incredibly drunk and pretended to lose his keys (great joke by the way) and in fact lost his phone, and we finally got home at 2am. Good fun tho, and it reminded me how much I like reading - this job in Uxbridge would be really good for me in that way. I could live in Reading, commute on the train, or drive, and still have all the friends from Mars I made in my placement.

So fast forward to today, and after a loooooooong sleep I am ready to tackle the delights of the day. Being unemployed that includes (but not limited to) tidying my wardrobe, hanging out the washing, reading "Dyson: Against the Odds" and sunbathing.

It really is tiresome. No really. It is.

Oh and I've been attacked my mosquitoes and I'm covered in itchy red lumps. Bastards.

A Birthday Message

2007-08-02T11:29:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to you,
You stink like Poo,
I smelt you on the loo-oo,
Happy Birthday to you.

that only took less than a minute. I'm quite proud of it.

Happy Birthday Stu.

Meme

2007-07-31T10:45:00.000+01:00

Whilst getting dressed and browsing the internet (yes I do both at the same time) I came across this on Ms Puss' site....

So being entirely self centred I thought I'd fill it in...

You look up your birthday on wiki and fill it in....

Three Events (from the sublime to the ridiculous):
1559 - Elizabeth I crowned Queen of England in Westminster Abbey. (I once said in an interview that she was the historical figure I respected the most. I got the job, despite listing the reasoning behind it to being that she burnt more Catholics than Bloody Mary burnt Protestants, and she got away with it)

1910 - Opera was broadcast on the radio for the first time — Enrico Caruso singing from the stage of New York's Metropolitan Opera House.

1957 - Wham-O Company produces the first Frisbee.

Two Births:
1334 - King Henry II of Castile (d. 1379)

1997 - Marius Borg Høiby, son of Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway

(the first and last listed on wikipedia)

One Holiday:
In UK, as proposed by comedian Bob Mills on BBC Radio 5 Live's Fighting Talk this is the day beyond which the penalty for wishing someone a Happy New Year should be death.

(that one really appeals to me...)

Then you take this list, remove the title of the blog at the top of it and add the title of your own blog to the bottom.

Medication Time
The Expatriotic Expatriot
The Morning Meeting
The Pole Affair
The Terracotta Pot

Rectifying the lack of Relevance

2007-07-31T10:26:00.000+01:00

Well today has dawned bright and sunny, the first time in months. I'm convinced that this bad weather had something to do with Rhianna being No 1 for 9 weeks. The evidence is certainly compelling...She becomes no 1, it starts raining. It rains continually for 9 weeks. She gets knocked off the top spot this Sunday gone, and the sun comes out.

So I think it's ok to dance about singing "Ding, Dong, the witch is dead" don't you?

Stu's birthday is coming up on Thursday so I'm taking him into Bath for present shopping and for me to grab some other bits and pieces, which'll be a nice excursion out. I've also decided that I really should upload some of my work onto here, considering I bill this blog as one on Industrial Design, at the moment it's fairly sparse on that, and more about Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, (not that that's a bad thing, obviously).

I also have a fairly busy weekend coming up involving whizzing around Reading seeing people, and a birthday party. Should all be good fun tho, especially as I haven't had a social life for the last 3 years of being a student (and oxymoron if every I heard one).

So later on today I'll upload some work, and put it in different posts for the different categories, then maybe I can justify calling this blog Industrial design!!!

Time for a Change

2007-07-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

I've decided on an appearance change, I don't like any of the templates enough, but I don't know enough HTML to make my own, so I'll add some changes and edit it a bit, but not today as I'm off out with the family

xx

Bees

2007-07-27T19:05:00.000+01:00

Whilst browsing the internet, I came across some wisdom and general information from Robert Baden-Powell, some of which tickled me somewhat.

Like this observation on Bees...

They are a quite a model community for they respect their Queen and kill their unemployed.

I stopped giggling when I remembered that I'm unemployed.

Employment and other things

2007-07-27T11:32:00.000+01:00

Well the employment side of my life is looking up, I applied to 9 companies yesterday (although I made some small gaffs like forgetting to put a title in the subject line) and I got 1 reply, requesting more work to be sent, explaining that he'd make a decision on my application early next week, fingers cross then!

The company is a good one, I respect the guy from my course who did a placement there - his work improved greatly, and I hope that it could have the same effect for me.
I have also now abandoned the plan to temp for 8-9 months and then travel, instead I hope to work for 2ish years and take 2-3 months off before finding a new job. Not the ideal, and it'll be hard to get back in, but no harder than it is now, plus I'll hopefully have a far more advanced portfolio and possibly a far bit of money behind me. I also think that although its not the normal path in your career, you can do anything you want to and that if it all goes tits up I know I'll be able to find my feet again. Its not like I'll have any commitments back at home.

The weather is getting me a bit down at the moment, not because of the rain (I've been known to go on holiday for 2 weeks and rejoice upon my return to the UK and the rain that greets you from the moment you land. I love the rain). No it's the cold that's annoying me. I went for an early even walk yesterday with Mum and Stu, and I was in a coat and scarf and had cold hands by the time I got home. That's just not right. It's July 27th for Christ's sake. My family and I have been lamenting the baking weather of last year, where we all sweated profusely and baked in glorious weather.

Oh well. Maybe I should emigrate to Oz.

And on a slightly different note, I'm worried about the goldfish in the pond. One had died and the others look sad and dejected. Maybe they don't like the weather either.

**UPDATE** Got an interview next Friday with that company...EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKK :D

EDW: Emma Watson

2007-07-25T13:52:00.000+01:00

It seems only yesterday that I was nominating Aishwarya Rai for EDW, and this week, I am yet again stuck with who to nominate.

I'm going to keep in the tone of the last few days (no, not horrendous flooding), but Harry Potter.

And I'm going to nominate Emma Watson for the EDW this week. I think that despite her young 17 years she manages to look an awful lot more elegant than girls of a similar age (I'm thinking Charlotte Church when was 17, falling out of pubs).

Consequently we've never seen her doing silly things, and she attends her premiers in tasteful and beautiful dresses (again not revealing all her flesh).

Maybe it's partly to do with her French heritage, or maybe just that she "were brung up well".

Oh yeah and she happens to be incredibly intelligent (apparently she is on a path to become a lawyer, although I dare say she'll find it dull) and isn't letting the fame go to her head.

A true role model for today. Shame the kids don't look up to her like that do the other coke-sniffing, binge drinking ladettes we have now.

Oh and Stu will love these photos...won't you? hehe

Further proof of elegance...

2007-07-24T14:06:00.000+01:00

Further proof that I am elegant, in the face of adversity...

I had to drive 8 hours through the floods to get to my grad ball, was 2 hours late and got changed in the car park.

Oh and I crashed my car on the way there and had to stand in calf high water in the torrential rain to do insurance details - consequently my hair was ruined.

So excuse the hair, but I still think I managed to look pretty elegant...

Panic, Potter and Pretence

2007-07-24T12:46:00.000+01:00

1. The safety and warmth of home after surviving the nightmare of the Midlands whilst not believing we'd get out before it was too late

2. "Harry Potter" pictures in our gowns

3. Pretending I know the ending to the new Harry Potter book, and standing in the middle of Waterstones and shouting it out. (And running out very quickly)

BA (Hons)

2007-07-20T09:11:00.000+01:00

This weekend is full of endings and I'm not quite sure if I should be happy or sad.

I'm heading up to Lufbra for my graduation weekend today, which kicks off with the grad ball tonight. It should be fairly fun, and hopefully a fair few of my friends will be there - I know a few aren't, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem, I hope. The ball itself is a James Bond themed extravaganza, with and SAS stunt team, casino etc, which I hope is going to be a little more interesting than the ordinary.

The dress is also sorted, I opted for the floor length dusty purple gown I have, instead of a cocktail dress - far more Bond, and warm (considering the temperature is supposed to plummet tonight. I'll be sure to get heaps of photos too! (if I can find my camera...)

Then there is a weekend of partying and socialising before my ceremony on Monday, where I cease being Ellie Hyde and become Ellie Hyde BA (Hons). The family are coming up for the day, and I'm convinced that I will fall over receiving my award...great

So I'm heading off soon.

Have a good weekend folks!

EDW: Aishwarya Rai

2007-07-18T20:34:00.000+01:00

Yes, the keen eyed of you will notice that this blog post wasn't actually here on Wednesday. In fact it is Thursday and I'm posthumously posting my EDW.

I've been struggling with coming up with EDW, call it what you will, but the likelihood is that I'm just not as cultured as the rest of the EDW contributors, nor as creative in my nominations.

Even as I type this I still don't know who I'm going to nominate....

This could be tricky....

Ok it's been 15 minutes of browsing the internet, and I've come across my favourite Bollywood actress. Admittedly I haven't been able to watch too many of her films (being mainly in Hindi) but her English ones have been great.

To Aishwarya Rai!

She's currently the face of Rolex (and not a bad choice at that) and generally has an air of mystery and elegance. So not much I can really write about her, other than that she seems dignified and down to earth (apart from marrying an obscenely rich man...who wouldn't?)

10 beautiful things (because I've been rubbish and not done any in ages)

2007-07-17T09:26:00.000+01:00

1. My parents having a brilliant day on their 30th wedding anniversary.

2. Phil thinking that wearing a Borat mankini for his 40th birthday was a good idea. I wonder what his poor children will think in the future. Pictures to embarrass your children anyone?

3. Seeing my friends and family again. Sometimes it feels like the only people I see are my mum, dad, brother and the people on TV...

4. Being requested to bake the infamous chocolate and Guiness cake for graduation and the family

5. The upcoming arrival of 2nd Cousin No. 6. I want a girl. The parent's want a boy. Damn it. (Being the last girl born into my family over 22 years ago means we're overdue a girl. Well that's my logic anyway)

6. The sun just bursting through, even if it's only for a second, before fading away again

7. Next door's house finally being sold. Maybe we'll get some nice neighbours....

8. My old landlord not noticing that I accidentally took the supplied office chair home with me, saving me losing my deposit...

9. Getting an iTrip and listening to Amy Winehouse at full volume in the car

10. Hearing from Steph, a long lost friend, and arranging to meet up in August

Mr Hudson and The Library

2007-07-17T09:22:00.000+01:00

First heard them at Glastonbury, a very good mix of sunshine and urban beats. To be highly recommended by an indie bunny like me is surprising, but worth a listen.

They are mate's of a mate's mate, so maybe I'm biased...?

The Adventures of a Country Girl in the Big City

2007-07-17T09:01:00.000+01:00

The last few days have been spent whizzing around, and now I'm quite tired!
On Friday I headed up to London for the New Designers exhibition and caught up with all my lovely course mates. The train was a monster - a 3 1/2 hour journey which can normally be done in 1...wasn't that impressed, had to keep reminding myself that I only paid £9.20 for it, not the normal £33...
Well anyway, after an annoyingly long queue for cash at Paddington, and the tube ticket machine subsequently deciding that it wouldn't accept the notes I'd just got out, I eventually made it onto the tube and decided to have a little fun...

So I pissed off every person on the journey to Angel - I read over shoulders, I smiled at people (my favourite form of attack on the tube) and even "dared" to speak to some people. They were not impressed (*snigger*), I love it how Londoners think that it's absolutely absurd to communicate with others. Anyway I had a great time on the tube.... :D

The show itself was good, Tom managed to get me a free ticket which saved some more money, and the Loughborough stand was suitably impressive and had a huge presence that the adjacent stand couldn't muster (I got the impression they were fed up of being near the frankly outstanding Loughborough stand).
I stayed around for a fair amoutn of time, chatting to my friends and wondering around the stalls, to be honest the only other universities that even remotely competed were Brunel and Northumbria. The guys at Brunel were, however, frankly hilarious. Identi-kit black suits with no tie, identi-kit bleached blonde hair, and they looked bloody knackered. I heard that they'd been forced to be in 10am-6pm every single day, whereas the Lufbra lot were casually and individually dressed, and attended the show appropriately, whilst not draining themselves. I was also disappointed at the lack on impact in Brunel's displays. Their artwork was small and "un-impactful", it did however look professional, but I know employers were a little disappointed that their models didn't actually work, unlike Lufbra's ;)

Northumbria had a wonderful stand, however I was disappointed not to see more of their prototypes. They are definitely an upcoming university to watch for design graduates, they certainly seem to be getting stronger every year.

The other exhibitions were good as well, I was particularly impressed with BCUC's furniture, some absolutely stunning and forward thinking pieces. And I have to admit I kept heading back to it just to admire their work.

After the show we all headed out for a drink and on to a tapas bar which was good fun, and I think were finally headed home at about 2am, to be followed by a rather restless night in the stiffling heat of the Elephant and Castle digs that the guys had rented for the show.

I was back in Wilts by 2pm on Sunday, and napped before heading to my cousin's 40th birthday. We got there late and didn't stay long as Stu was driving and was very tired, but it was nonetheless a great night.

On a job related note, I haven't heard back from my latest potential job, I really want this one as well, it;s exactly what I need being a junior industrial design job. The agency said they'd chase it up for me, but I still haven't heard from them. I'm also waiting for my first dole cheque, having been to the delightful offices in Trowbridge. Without wanting to bitch about it, they've said I have to apply for at least 3 jobs a week, unfortunately they don't quite understand that Design jobs don't come up at a rate of 3 a week...1 per 7-10 days is more like it.
So do I fake my records...or do I start applying for shitty jobs that I have too much dignity to work in?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

EDW: Paul Smith

2007-07-11T13:14:00.000+01:00

This week, I've decided to nominate a distinctly modern man. Charismatic and charming, this man has developed of a wardrobe that tailors a distinctive look and matches his personality.

This Paul Smith, however doesn't design shirts with stripey linings.

Thank god.

This Paul Smith is of the singing variety. I am well known for my love of Maximo Park, so I felt it only fitting to dedicate today to the elegance of Paul Smith.

In the early days of 2004, he sported what was described as "tatty second hand suits" however he always managed to look dapper on stage - I have to say I know of few front men who regularly perform in full suit including tie.

This ensemble was set off with a styled, if not severe 1920's style side parting, and trademark flick...not what some might call sexy, but elegant nonetheless

It is somewhat remarkable that he manages to maintain this elegance since the second album when he decided to grow a messy mop for hair...luckily he's taken to covering it with a (rather dapper) bowler hat...

And even when he commits the cardinal sin of navy trousers and a black shirt, one can forgive him, as those trousers had a sparkly seam.

So, I salute you, Mr Smith, may musicians like Razorlight take lessons in dressing from you.

Down time

2007-07-10T17:05:00.001+01:00

The last couple of days have been lazy. I finally awarded myself a couple of days off, and started to really enjoy them - I've no idea why I didn't do that earlier, just been working away much as I used to. So after the interview yesterday I did some filing for the family business and cajoled stu through the entire 2 and a half hours...he was entertaining, if a little whingy...

The interview itself went really well, I even got thanked for a confident and self assured interview, they also liked my portfolio, however the job just wasn't for me, both they and I could see that, however rather than being rude and abrupt (as so many people can be) they were charming and friendly. It really did go well, however I won't be getting the job I expect, and anyway I'm not really interested in being a supermarket designer in Moscow....the opportunity would be really exciting for someone with a couple of years experience, who'd be happy to work on their own on a multi-billion dollar project. I'm really looking for more of a junior position, almost "apprentice"-like so that I can hone and develop my skills.

Mum also returned today, so Stu and I whizzed round the house to hoover and clean and generally look like we have been looking after the house in her absence, testament to our skills at stealth cleaning, she didn't mention a thing when she got back...

I've also just booked my train tickets to London for the New Designers exhibition to see all my course mates who where chosen to exhibit. I look forward to seeing the cream of the industrial design graduates, however with somewhat of a heavy heart...I will pale into comparison with these people, they really are the big fish. I, clearly, am not.

Despite my claims that I've been having a break, I've really been up to quite a lot...

Cramming

2007-07-07T22:25:00.000+01:00

Not much has happened in the last couple of days, apart from immense amounts of cramming on 3ds Max, ready for Monday, I also went in search of the company for the interview and couldn't find the office at all so tomorrow, Dad and I are going to have a wonder around a bit and dig them out from whichever hole they're hiding in!
And for a change the weather has been sunny, previously with all the flooding and Sheffield being under 2m of water, I don't think anyone thought we'd get some sun. So today was a nice change.

Many, many things to do tomorrow, so a proper post then, not now when I'm completely shattered!

Weariness

2007-07-05T16:09:00.000+01:00

I'm really really tired, and I'm considering going to bed for a nap. One might be caught thinking of what luxuries I live in, but really it's either a mixture of boredom, weariness or maybe just because I was up from 2-6am this morning sneezing and tossing and turning, coupled with the previous 3 nights of restless.

I normally sleep like a baby. Close my eyes and wake up the next morning. Even when stressed I usually manage to switch right off. I don't know what's keeping me awake at night. I've stopped drinking tea, and don't drink coke, I have evening meals early, and I don't snack late at night.

Well after a brief consultation with The Silver Fox, I think that I'm going to try and push on through to a "decent" time for bed and avoid sleeping. Only one problem, my bed looks very tempting now...

This morning/lunchtime I went into Bath and had a haircut for free with a very expensive hairdresser, always pleasant! I got this free cut because he screwed up my hair all the way back in January.
I think karma caught up with me though, as the moment I stepped out of the hairdressers, the heavens opened. By the time I got back to the car, my trousers and shoes were soaked through and my new haircut....drowned rat.

I also had a call this morning from the recruitment consultancy, they're looking for a 3D Studio Max operator for a temping position at an international supermarket designers, crossed fingers... (even though I'm self taught and not very good at it...subsequently I'm downloading the 30 day trial and the tutorials and hoping to give myself at least a tiny headstart/ crash course before Monday (the potential start date))

EEEEKKKKKK!

*Oh and The Silver Fox also declared that I was a sadist last night...cheers*

Further Update...I have an interview Monday 10am with the above company...I have 3 days to become a pro...

EDW: Myself Part Deux

2007-07-04T16:40:00.000+01:00

Well a few weeks back I nominated myself for the EDW, and this week I will add the photos that will hopefully validate my claim to the title...

The Degree Show opening. Here I am pictured in that delightful spotty dress from a post months ago...This picture was taken exactly 35 minutes after I had been running around putting the show together with Nikki here, we were mightily impressed with ourselves to be able to finish the set up, go home, shower, eat change and be back in under 30 minutes. Now that's what I call damned good. Especially as I managed to look fairly clean and sparkling. Elegantly Dressed methinks.

See below for pictures of the before and after of the set up - just under 7 hours of graft....

From this....

To this... -->

Anyway I'm diverging from the point. I am elegant.
So let's look for further evidence....

Glastonbury 07, The final day.
Ok so some might not believe that the wellies and poncho look is a good one, however after 5 days of camping in the mud, I am still wearing a delightly chic poncho, and I am remarkably free of mud, all considered. And don't miss the scarf, what appears to be casually thrown, is in fact engineered for best affect versus the elements, and the sunglasses, well I'm a fashionable gal.

Ok so what we haven't really done is establish that I'm very elegant. We just went through some photos I wanted to post.

So shoot me.

(and I thought I did quite well at Glastonbury)

Glimpse, ineptitude (my new favourite word) and pretty

2007-07-04T14:09:00.000+01:00

1. Going into the kitchen to try and get a glimpse of the new goldfish at the surface, before they see me and drive down into the murky depths of the pond

2. The ineptitude of the JobCentre...one has to laugh really....

3. Getting my portfolio work started, and it looking really good

Jobs

2007-07-04T11:52:00.000+01:00

Today has dawned warm and muggy, not the best for trying to be cool calm and collected.
Yesterday I worked on my portfolio, which I will also be doing today, hopefully with the aim of getting my CV and work online asap, and getting a presence. Even if nothing really comes of it, at least I'll have all my work in order and ready to show to potential employers.

Today I also hope to be heading down to the Jobcentre, to get on the dole. Easy one might assume, but also quite difficult to bring oneself to doing. It's like accepting defeat. But more scarily the office is in Frome, renowned for it's pointy headed residents with webbed fingers. I just don't want one of them to be working behind the desk!

I'm also going to work on a brief for a competition with a recruitment consultancy, even if I don't finish in time for the deadline which is fast approaching, it'll hopefully be a nice thing to add to my portfolio.

Plus somewhere in all this I need to find another job, just something to tide me over. I have too much dignity to go back and work at the pub over the road for almost less than minimum wage...

hmmmmmmmm

Updates

2007-07-02T16:45:00.000+01:00

Two weeks have passed since my last entry, mainly due to Glastonbury, but also due to the countryside's inability to hold a decent internet connect...back to the Middle Ages anyone?

So I'm at home now, as I have been for a week now since Glastonbury, mainly recovering, sleeping, unpacking and moving furniture around, trying to get myself organised really. Tomorrow I start the arduous task of CV writing and refining my portfolio. I had hoped to get a job back at my old place but they've already filled the position I wanted, I will keep trying as I haven't managed to get through to them yet, but I'm not holding out much hope.

The show (all those weeks ago) went fairly well, I spoke to the guy who was interviewing for his design consultancy, but he was rude, and nasty about me work, tbh it wasn't what I needed on the opening night. Needless to say everyone bailed for the night out after the opening, and I ended up on my own in the union. I walked home with Julia's boyfriend Chris, who nobly supported me on my killer heels all the way home. Normally I take flip flops to walk home in, but some delightful girl in the queue stole them and ran away with them promising to hide them for me...I never saw them again, shame, as I liked those ones...
Oh yeah and I accidentally left my party dress at the show (there was going to be cunning clothing changes, but that never happened). Not the best night out!

The rest of the show went by quietly, I wasn't feeling up for selling myself to passing employers and just let them walk past to be trapped by the more confident of my peers, whilst generally drowning my sorrows in cheap and nasty instant coffee.

It was however, very nice to see some friends who made the effort to come and see my work, Claire and Nat from Masterfoods; Julia, Chris and Tegan and my parents and brother, it's always nice to have supportive people, but a bit of a shame that none of them are designers to be able to really cheer me up. My friends on the course have been suspiciously quiet when it comes to praising my work, with the exception of Tom, however I don't trust that he's not just saying nice things to make me feel better.

Results were released on the Tuesday and my tutors also obviously didn't believe in my work, and I scored a massively below standard 59% for the project, further confirming my belief that I should maybe give up designing and do something else. If you can't be great at something, why bother?
Needless to say I went to Glastonbury with a distinctly bitter taste in my mouth, I tried to enjoy myself, knowing that I'd been waiting 2 years for it, and that it was the celebration of the end of my degree, however my mood was in general that of a loner, and I spent a lot of time away from the others, not able to face their enjoyment and happiness. I spent a lot of time aimlessly wondering around the site, not really engaging in anything, and thus missed the majority of bands I wanted to see, and not really discovering any other fun things going on around me.

By Monday I was drained and just wanted to curl up in my own bed alone. The girls came home with me however, and after a 6 hour journey from the festival site (I live 20 mins away on a normal day) we all fell into bed, not even realising the flooding in Sheffield had taken place. Thank god I was home, the poor girls had 10 hour long train ride home, not knowing whether they'd be able to get any further north of Derby. they did however finally get home.

So now I'm home. Mum has been on my back about getting a job, I had only been home a day before she's barged into my room and demanded to know what I was going to do with the rest of my time. I mentioned how I wanted to travel before getting a "real" job which didn't go down too well. I have breathed an inward sigh of relief that she's gone on holiday for a week today, so I can get myself together and rested without her vicious and nasty attacks.

I think I envisaged this post being super long, but really it's difficult to think back 2 weeks with much clarity that you feel at the time. Needless to say I did enjoy a bit of Glastonbury, the Show wasn't that bad, and I can't wait to leave home already.

Oh and I got a 2:1 in the end...

Bye for now

2007-06-19T08:33:00.000+01:00

I'm heading home today, so I'm just about to pack up my computer and thought I'd do one last post!

I'll be at Glastonbury this week, so I probably won't post anything for ages, but I shall return with tails of hippies, the Show, and my results (released later today).

So until then, keep safe, keep smiling, and think of me in all the mud...

xx

Mania!

2007-06-15T07:43:00.000+01:00

Out again last night, for a meal with all the crew, Rich is leaving for America and Tom and I are heading to Glastonbury all on tuesday, which happens to be the last day of the show so there won't be any time left to say good bye - its strange really, I hope I see some of this lot again....

Needless to say yesterday's exhibition activities went well, however me with a hangover, pro-plus and a focus to get things done put the fear of god into some people. Having said that I was nice to everyone, didn't snap and just zoooooooomed around all day, getting home and being completely knackered.

I saw that boy last night in passing in a pub and then again in the street 5 minutes later. I think to say I was well and truly blanked is an understatement...and as Rich pointed out I've been dropped by a fresher!! haha anyway I'm not too fussed, it was highly immature and makes me realise my decision to just stop making contact was a good one (a decision that seems it was mutual too).

Anyway I now have to head into uni to make the exhibition happen. I'm thinking some before, during and after photos might show how much has been done in a day!

Socialising

2007-06-14T08:19:00.000+01:00

I decided in the end to forward my CV to that guy and ask him to visit me at the show, hopefully something might come of it!

Out last night, and it was hot, sweaty and generally busy. Claire and I had a laugh but due to my intolerance of gassy drinks and her hayfevery eyes we had left the building at 1.30am and were steadily winding our way through the streets of Loughborough on the nightbus. I've never taken the nightbus before, as I've always just walked with friends, but it's run by the union, and for 50p will drop you off at your door and wait outside until you're safely in before moving onto the next person's stop...nifty, eh!

Anyway the real build up to the show starts today, with the removal of all the projects and the dismantling of all exhibition screens. It's going to be a hard day of lifting and I'm not sure going to bed at 2am was such a good idea....hmmmmmm

Yesterday I was also one of the lucky chosen ones to meet for lunch with the external examiners and have a general moan about the course, set things straight for years to come etc. It was a catered event and I have to say I spent more time at the buffet trying to make up for my missed breakfast, than much else.

Right to uni I go, I think I should make an appearance!

Decisions...

2007-06-12T19:48:00.000+01:00

I'm having a crisis of confidence, again.

I've been sent an email from a guy recruiting for a consultancy, it looks great, the job is just what I want, I know that it would be a fantastic opportunity for me, but I'm so scared

I don't know if I should bother, I'm not convinced I'm good enough for it. Plus it's here in Loughborough, I think if I am going to seriously apply then I should be prepared to stay here. Its weird having been here for 4 years I won't have any friends left here, and its not exactly a thriving social scene to find new friends...

I don't know, maybe I should just go for it to get the experience of trying?

Bragging

2007-06-10T19:59:00.000+01:00

Well I'm not one for horoscopes telling me what is going to happen in future, but I've found one that suggests something you could do today that might make you a bit happier. Now I always like things that make me happy, so when it said today

Don't be ashamed to admit that you're proud of your accomplishments. Feel free to share them with others today, but don't brag too much.

I thought I'd better pay attention.

Well my achievements are that I have finished my degree, I will get at least a 2:1, I have been appointed Artistic Director for the upcoming Show and my work is being prepared at the printers nearly as we speak.
The Show Booklet has been uploaded on the internet, yours truly is on page 53 of the PDF.

My DesignWeek project was also reviewed by the owners of the material, who I can now exclusively reveal was Boots. They said my designs (which I still can't reveal) were "fresh, simple and clean to use" and "would look good on shelf across all brands". I like to think that someone who knows what they are talking about wrote that, but I'm well aware it could have been anyone.

I hope that shows how quietly proud of my achievements I am, I don't want to brag, and rarely do, but I thought today I'd make an exception...

Licking, Flipping and Sipping

2007-06-09T10:26:00.000+01:00

1. The weather getting suddenly warm and again, giving the excuse to buy ice lollies and sit in the park

2. Teenage boys doing back flips to impress the girls, who are paying no attention whatsoever!

3. Cooking up a massive dinner for Tegan, Julia and Chris, drinking a bottle of wine, then going to the Orange Tree for more cocktails and lots of chatting...shame I'm stuck with the washing up...

Disaster

2007-06-07T20:20:00.000+01:00

I'm sure I had photos of me looking elegant for EDW, but I can't find them! I think my only option is to make sure from now on I have shots that encompass more of my clothes, rather than just my (lovely) head...so updates on that, as and when!

Flirtation, Milk and Indulgence

2007-06-07T09:36:00.000+01:00

1. The feeling of giggly elation when flirting goes your way (although I obviously don't giggle...)

2. Finally looking less like a milk bottle when out in the sun - I heart fake tan!

3. Staying in for the first time in over a week, cooking up a beautiful dinner and sitting down with a glass of wine and enjoying it without having to work afterwards

Elegantly Dressed Wednesday: ERA

2007-06-06T18:20:00.000+01:00

It's been a few weeks since my last EDW, and this week I found it hard to choose, not because of an extensive list of possible candidates in my mind, but rather an (alcohol induced) apathy on my part.

So today I have decided to nominate myself. Indulgent I know, however I have (nearly) always attempted to dress well and for my shape; to project a classy demeanour and rise above the rest.

Although I don't necessarily pull off the drop dead gorgeous vamp style of dressing, I certainly hope my attempts at simplicity and elegance don't go un-noticed.

Unfortunately, there is one issue hampering my claim to this week's EDW...my hard drive is not playing ball today, taking with it all my photos. So I hope to substantiate the claim in the next few days...

Relaxation

2007-06-05T09:52:00.001+01:00

I'm not really doing much at the moment, mainly relaxing, cleaning, doing washing, all highly domesticated activities and I'm absolutely shattered...I'm thinking its the come down of finishing and suddenly having no stress whatsover, or it could be the constant partying in the evenings...

Needless to say I'm trying to enjoy my time "off" and take it as a little holiday, but in reality I'm so used to working all day and most nights and all weekends that I don't know what to do with myself (although I'm sure I'll get a little bit used to it soon).

Yesterday was my final presentation, it went as well as could be expected, I have no issues with standing up and speaking, but the tutors were confrontational, and one sat there in silence yawning...did I mention I was the third person to present to them out of 40...they really should have made more of an effort to attempt to be interested...
For the rest of the day I just hung out with Nikki and Kate after her first exam, before heading out with Nikki in the evening to the Orange Tree (my favouritest haunt). Lovely.

I am however receiving a fair amount of banter about my Friday night activities with a fresher! The guys think it's hilarious and the girls are quite surprisingly excited about it and keep going on about it...anyone would think they've got nothing going on in their lives! Nonetheless I don't think I'll be living that one down for a while!

Right I'd better make myself decent and do some shopping, before heading down to the park for "some Jars and a BBQ" as one of the guys described it (mid-afternoon I'll be ditching them for the far more important activity of Tea and cake with Tegan and Julia...)

ahhhhhh this is the life...

I'm back

2007-06-03T10:44:00.000+01:00

So, after a long while away, I return.

The end of my project was stressful beyond words, but it's over now and I have handed in all my work for the final time, all's left is the handing in of library books and a presentation tomorrow (for which I have done nothing....)

I honestly don't think I could have completed the last week of the project, last Sunday I had several panic attacks and wound myself up incredibly well, culminating in phoning home and Dad taking the (brilliant) decision to come up to Lufbra and look after me for the final week. He kept me sane and I managed to finish a fair proportion of the work. I think I would have fallen to pieces without him. As he rightly points out I now owe him a lifetime of brownie points...

Thursday night (the night of the hand in) it was straight down the pub - 2 snakebite blacks later (the disgustingly traditional drink of Lufbra, affectionately known here as a "Nasty") and I was strolling home to see Dad who was waiting to take me to dinner...

half a bottle of red wine at the Indian and then on to the Orange Tree to meet the other 100 people on my course. It was complete madness but I managed to escape to bed at midnight and awoke feeling completely terrible. I am no longer built for drinking!

Friday was spent mooching about, lunch with Nikki after waving off Dad, then into town where Primark was raided and many a tiny short dress bought.

Friday night was a BBQ at Rich and Rob's and then on to the uni (in the afore mentioned tiny tiny tiny dress). Needless to say I got chatted up by a rather lovely, and surprisingly confident 18 year old. However it did make me feel really old.... especially when I worked out that I was starting uni when he was 13...

Now I am just chilling out, and trying to work out what the hell to do with my life...

11 days...

2007-05-19T11:10:00.000+01:00

This week has just flown by, I've spent the entire week with a sanding block in my hand rubbing down my project - it is the most mind-numbing experience, oh and combined with car body filler I've lost the first few layers of skin on my fingers - it really isn't very attractive, so I'm going to get some Swiss hand-cream. I think that'll do the job - that or a I should just climb in a giant tub of aqueous cream.

The project has been moving forward, but not as quickly as I'd have hoped. Friday saw a disaster hit, my own fault really, because I hadn't squared up all the pieces before I started glueing - resulting in a nice 1 inch gap in the sides of my chair. Cue a frantic search for my tutor, the borrowing of mallets, clamps, the nailing down of batons, leverage and some brute forcing to impose 90 deg angles on the thing. So that was a day wasted. At least all the parts should fit together and it won't be on the wonk...

This means I have 11 days left - my project is still in pieces, the electronics aren't finished, I haven't finished modelling the CAD for it, I have no user evaluations, and the report isn't written.

Oh and I'm shattered, although I have an over developed right arm from sanding.

Thankfully, all doubts have been pushed to the back - I have no time for them.

(there was no Elegantly Dressed Wednesday this week from me purely because I was working away from computers all week)

Doubts

2007-05-15T19:51:00.000+01:00

I'm not having a good time of it lately. The work is really getting me down - I spend whole days working away, trying to get everything on that day's to do list done, but only ever seem to scratch the surface. I'm becoming disillusioned and demoralised - silly really considering I have 14 days left to prove my worth on my degree and qualify as a BA Industrial Designer.

Only I don't know if I'll make it, I've got so much to do, and so little time to complete it in. I don't think I can recall a time when I have felt this stressed. This is worth so much - if I do poorly in this one project, that will be my entire degree ruined. And ok, I know the class of your degree isn't the be all and end all, but after 4 years of long days, long nights, tears, pain, stress and hope, I find that I have a lot invested emotionally in doing well.

This is my life. Design. I can't imagine doing anything other than this. I couldn't do anything other than this. But what if? What if I can't complete this project? What if my output is poor?

What if I fail?

I guess that's the biggest issue for me. I have never failed at anything that ever meant anything to me. Driving tests, GCSEs, A Levels, I got the university I wanted, I have got every interview I ever went for. Maybe this is the point at which I learn that important lesson. Failure.

Now if I take my logical side of the brain, switch it on, and use it properly, I'd know that I already have enough marks in the bag to pass my degree. Even if I got a zero in this project I'd still come out with a 45. A Pass.

But I don't want a Pass, I want a 2:1. If I'm brutally honest I want a first. I don't think I'll get that, and I won't hold my hopes up for one, the best I can expect is a 2:1. But I'll hold out for a 2:2...then I can't get let down by myself.

Maybe that's it. I might have let myself down. Well I've come too far to change the nights when I've gone to bed not worked through. Too far to change that I have made things difficult for myself. Too far to change that despite my tough outer shell, I'm petrified of talking to people, asking for help. Too far to change that I will procrastinate to put off having to do things that I haven't done before. Too far.

15 days. Or 14 if you count that today is almost gone.

14 days until there is nothing left to change my fate.

But do I have the strength; the inclination; the will to put that much more effort in? Will putting that effort in increase my emotional investment, make the pill that much tougher to swallow, if I do badly?

I don't know.

But I think I'd better figure it out soon, before it's too late.

If only I could believe in myself

Depression

2007-05-14T08:26:00.000+01:00

The weekend was miserable, weather-wise - just poured down all day long, which unsurprisingly gives the day an air of depression. I didn't get much done in total, I managed to get a few engineering drawings started, and get more done on my models, however yesterday afternoon was mostly spent watching TV, as I ran out of work to do.
Today however I will be back in uni for a full day in the workshops, a day of sanding, soldering and hard graft...yay.

17 days left until the end of my degree and I'm never going to finish in time...
I promise after that, that I'll start putting up proper posts that aren't at all just quick notes on the content of my depressing weekend.

Yesterday

2007-05-11T08:01:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was very good, I managed to complete my electronics and attempted to produce a PCB, which didn't go too well, however I'm going to complete it today...hopefully

Anyway early nights are the order of the day - ridiculously early, 9.30pm last night, and I'm not so refreshed as I would have liked, I don't think I've ever been so happy for it to be a Friday, not that the weekend will be any better, filled with computing and CAD ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Anyway, put my smiling face on...

3BT
1. Getting to the point where I'm finally starting to "get" electronics, I really should have done it in my second year

2. Tony Blair finally leaving office, I detest that odious man, although I'm inclined to believe that he was the frying pan, and Brown is the fire

3. Rain, that is so needed, it's light and doesn't drag me down

Elegantly Dressed Wednesdays

2007-05-09T08:02:00.000+01:00

I few days ago I found this link, and it reminded me of how poorly people dress nowadays - where has class and elegance gone??
So to celebrate the new EDW, here's a picture of a very elegant lady herself

Maria Callas

Simple, classic elegance; something I aspire to, although I know I rarely achieve it.

Willow, Handy and Tipsy

2007-05-08T18:29:00.000+01:00

1. Walking down by the nature reserve and letting the new willow leaves brush over my face, instead of ducking

2. Getting an unexpected lift to Halfords and a hand with 2 tubs of car body filler

3. Seeing my old housemate Pippin, I haven't seen her for nearly 2 years and we laugh at how quickly the time has flown, and get a bit tipsy

Angry sunshine, smokey sausages and being a morning lark

2007-05-06T23:02:00.000+01:00

1. Sitting in the sunshine, in my sports casual look, dust mask, sanding away to the Foo Fighters

2. A small BBQ with Kate and Sam's mates, they're good people and interesting to chat to

3. Being up ludicrously early but still having the energy to complete a report before 9am

Infatuation

2007-05-05T20:26:00.000+01:00

ok ok ok, I know it's very sad, but I'm infatuated with some music (is that really possible...?)

Anyway, I will save the gushing tribute style that I've done before and just say this...

I've listened to this album continuously for the last 10 days, for about 13 hours a day, and I'm still not bored of it.

Maximo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures

Buy it

Now

(oh yeah, I've decided I'm moving to Newcastle and marrying the lead singer, either him or Kevin McCloud or Derren Brown...although I imagine Derren would be a nightmare - start an argument and he'd convince you he was right, that he'd won, and that you didn't have a leg to stand on...nightmare)

New beginnings, dinner, pink

2007-05-05T12:26:00.000+01:00

Apologies for not posting yesterday, my computer decided that it wasn't going to turn on yesterday, but miraculously decided that it would today - typical!

1. Hearing from Tegan that she got the job in Newcastle

2. Nikki cooking dinner for me after a long week of toil, yummy

3. Toying with the idea of putting a pink streak in my hair - I used to be pink all over, and I'll probably never do that again, but it'd be nice to have a change.

Toil, Home again and fresh

2007-05-03T21:10:00.000+01:00

1. Working all through the day for 13 hours, there's something deeply satisfying to toil for a long day performing hard manual jobs

2. Finally moving into my room properly, despite that smell

3. Fresh air and a breeze after a day with a dust mask on, inhaling particles

The last few days

2007-05-02T11:12:00.000+01:00

I've been in the workshops all day everyday and coming home to a topsy turvy house - where the painter still didn't show up on Monday - consequently I have been living in the Lounge at the moment, and I'm sure my housemates aren't too pleased about that. Hopefully the god-awful man will be finished by tonight and I can at least move all my stuff back into my room, even if I don't sleep there tonight for all the paint fumes.

I have also had a really productive week so far, I will post some photos of the work I have been doing when I get my computer back up and running (I'm in uni at the minute for this post).

Today has been accident prone to say the least - I have already cut open my hands 3 times before it was even 10am, so in true survivalist style I got the super glue out and sealed myself back up. I then stowed the glue away in a safe place (my pocket with Kate's safety goggles in), and off I went to the bandsaw to cut out some wood. On went the safety glues and off they came very sharpish...I came within about 3mm of pouring an entire bottle of superglue in my eye - I could feel the fumes and heat coming off the inside of the goggle lens - a close shave.

Last ngiht Nikki and I went to the pub after working all day to have a drink and sat in the sun - very nice...except on an empty stomach - luckily I had some left overs when I got home and didn't having to attempt Tipsy Cooking :D

3BT
1. Getting pretty much all my gluing completed

2. Tom finally settling on a design with minimal time left, its been a big push for him, mostly with my cracking the whip, so well done.

3. Home made potato salad - I love potatoes in all their forms, and potato salad just makes me think of summer time when I was a child

Grumpy

2007-04-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm not happy...

The painter didn't turn up

I am getting a cold and feel rubbish

I had to stay in yesterday and work, and it was lovely outside

I've woken up way too early

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

The week

2007-04-28T11:03:00.000+01:00

I've been terrible at blogging again, but I do have a few excuses!

Tuesday night was good, the Americans seem to be able to sink more than us, I have a sneaking suspicion they're trying to take advantage of the low age laws for buying alcohol here, as they were all under 21. I bailed at 2am, but I heard Mannington didn't get to bed until 7...ouch!

Needless to say Wednesday was therefore slightly unproductive, I got pretty much nothing done, however I'd also forgotten that I was going to see Maximo Park in Nottingham that evening. After meeting Jonah and Nadine at Blockbusters and wondering up to the station we discovered that Jonah's new swatch was about 10 mins slow and we missed the train, causing a rather long and tedious game of "I-spy" for the next hour.
Once in Nottingham, we headed up to the Rescue Rooms for a (non-alcoholic) drink before heading into the venue where I promptly lost Jonah and Nadine in the crowd.
Art Brut were on first and were interesting and witty, although not really my cup of tea, but we had a good vantage point which I promptly lost by moving an inch the wrong way.

By the time Maximo Park came on it was packed, and I could see the grand total of bugger all, so off I trotted and managed to scoot in next to some rather nice (if a little drunk) skin heads who decided that they'd look after me (I didn't have much choice at this point) but they did have harsh words with a man that fell into me, and let me stand so I could see the stage (which was nice considering I was about a foot taller than them)
Maximo Park were brilliant as always - its the second time I've seen them, and they are truly fabulous so much energy, and catchy songs and thankfully they seem to attract a slightly older and more intelligent crowd so we weren't packed out with kids.
A brilliant, if exhausting night, and I slept all the way home in the taxi!

The days for me have been taken up with my project, I've managed to get the majority of my 200 parts cut, and the test assemble went surprisingly well considering I've lost 4 pieces....
Consequently I've been knackered from hauling around huge pieces of MDF all day and have come home shattered - which equates to not much work getting done.

Today I'm still exhausted but I need to crack on with some design for the manufacture of my seat (I had a particularly productive meeting with a concrete expert) however I should be working in the living room as the decorators are in my room today. I say that but its now 10am and there's no sign of them, so it looks like I've packed up my room for nothing - not impressed.

Hopefully a proper service will resume on Monday, with daily beautiful things and posts...
Bye for now

Upbeat

2007-04-24T19:00:00.000+01:00

Today has been a good one, I've been very productive, everything from prepping slabs for concreting, to returning library books and de-stamen-ing my lilies.

I am happy now, but knackered, however we've got some American students over at the moment, doing workshops etc, and we're heading out tonight - I feel a bit sorry for them, they've only just become legal in their own country to drink and we're going to be showing them the wonders of Guiness, cider and flatliners...I doubt many of them will be up tomorrow morning...

Anyway, this means I need to get ready so a better post tomorrow...

3BT

1. Walking home in just a t-shirt

2. Finding a smell that I can't quite place, it takes me all day to realise that its the smell of the summer, that fresh, warm smell

3. Being up and in the workshops for 9am, and working through the entire day.