The Widdle Diaries Vol. 2

2010 early round up

2010-01-25T16:35:00.000Z

Wow, I didn't realise that it had been so long since my last post!

Ok, I'll keep this brief, Got back into the swing of work in Dec. After a couple of knock backs, I'm back in the agency fold. I'm now working for a huge digital agency in East London and it feels great. The feedback I am getting sure gives me back the confidence I lost in Nov.

Christmas was great, managed to spend time in London which is always nice and quiet. The freezing snow and ice in Dec and Jan seem like a bad dream now, but at the time it was nothing but a nuisance. "Granny fucking" weather I call it. Had a great house party at Neil's for Dit's 30th, and also had a heavy weekend sending off Greg (22/23 Jan) who is finally on his way to Singapore for his new job. The only news I have is that I have decided to shelve ALL my plans for 2010 and replace them with one uber priority - to buy a flat. This however, is dependent on the job situation, so let's hope I can keep contracting for the rest of the year.

End of Summer/start of Autumn catch up

2009-11-09T11:15:00.002Z

Well a lot has happened of late. Almost immediately after the cigarette incident, a new tenant was found for the flat, so I promptly moved out. It cost a bit, but was worth it. I moved in with LG and Agi. They are always there for me when I want some time out from the rat race. I currently rent their spare room, but most of my stuff is packed away in their loft. Finished my long term contract and then spent a total of 2 weeks looking for work before realising that I don't actually want to work again for a little while. Went up to Toon for a bit then booked a last minute holiday to Amadores in Gran Canaria. It was a lovely 7 days away. Weather was fantastic and the location was spot on, perfect for relaxation. Came home, had 2 hours sleep and started a new job which was offered whilst on holiday. Straight away I knew this job wasn't for me. The project was planned poorly and I was going to have to work with a right egomaniac. This other FE dev was a proper billy big bollocks and frankly, I didn't like the idea of working long hard days for 5 months, having to bite my lip and take a pay cut on top. My free time and sanity is worth more to me. I quit that job after a total of 4 days. Felt liberating. There's been a lot of other stuff in between (such as buying a car) but that's all for now!

Peace and Love with Your Neighbours

2009-09-08T19:12:00.004Z

Hey Widdler, don't stress out and get all angry about your neighbours. Why not invite them over to share some Momo and then wash it down with some lovely butter tea? You'll soon find that they will respond to your peace, love and kindness and will repay you two fold. Either that, or then try Heavenly Ascent (Front- Two-Hand Choke; Arms Straight) from the Kenpo Karate book of whoop ass and then see what happens. Breathe...
Sensei Seagal

Psycho Neighbour Goes Psycho

2009-09-08T18:28:00.004Z

It was a miracle it didn't happen sooner, but here it is. The downstairs neighbours have flipped their lids completely yet again. Here's what happened.

It was a Monday evening. I came home from work, cooked a meal, washed up the dishes. So far, so boring. It was hot in the flat, so I opened the kitchen window and decided to have a cigarette to cool down. Without thinking, I flicked a little fag ash. From then, all I heard was a cacophany of hatred and bile. Windows were shaking and the two downstairs neighbours were in the yard yelling stuff like "Don't you fucking dare do that... this is private property... you're fucking bang out of line... you slam the doors too much(?)..." and so on and so on. So, I took my freshly lit cigarette and immediately put it under the tap to extinguish it. Then I popped it into the bin. So, I leant out of the window to say I had done this, and happened to shake some water from my hand - the one which was holding the fag under the tap. This was another red rag to this pair of miserable pair of bull(shitters). Again, the abuse and screaming started up, but this time much much louder. I took exception to this and started having a go back, asking them who they are to talk to people like that. Anyway, after a bit of shouting, I laughed it off, and they didn't like that. Closing my window, I called them psychos.

One hour later I was visited by two of the Met's finest. Well, one of the Met's finest who was accompanied by a lad who looked like he only just did his GCSE's. Anyway, apparently there were complaints of me flicking lots of ash AND cigarettes out of my window as well as pouring water down from my window! Yes, pouring water out of my window!!! Anyway, I explained the situation to the officers...

I explained how this couple threatened me on the day I picked up the keys to the flat (before I even moved in). How they assaulted the previous tenants in the street in front of the Letting Agents. How they threatened and continue to intimidate my immediate neighbours on this floor. How I complained to the landlord and agents for them to do something. How I took legal advice about moving out. How I took Police advice about nuisance neighbours. I think the two officers responded well to my side of the story. They went to speak to the boys next door and then they said they would speak to the nuisance neighbours themselves again.

There are no winners in all of this. No doubt I haven't heard the end of this, but I'll be fucked if I am in any way intimidated by these wankers. I haven't seen anyone this unreasonably aggressive and angry since I worked for barry Ritchie in Brighton all those years ago. The press dubbed him the "Worst boss in Britian"...

Seagal Proverb #1

2009-08-17T23:03:00.004Z

"Hey tough guy, what do you think you can do to me with that colt 45? I'm just a chef. A lowly lowly chef. Put down that gun, and remember not to do any evil, but cultivate good, and to purify one's mind. This is the teaching of the Buddha. If you don't cultivate good, then I'm just gonna have to put down my filo pastry and Yokomenuchi Kubishime your violent behind. Now don't make me spoil my spanakopita. It's taken me hours to get this pastry mix just right..."
Sensei Seagal

New Editor, New Editorial Policy.

2009-08-17T22:22:00.003Z

I know of only a handful of people that read this blog. Those few close friends that DO read it, know that it is written with tongue firmly in cheek, and not lodged in some wet body part like a panting dog eating its first meal of the year. So, for the psycho stalkers out there that have no life of their own, I have taken the time to ask my dear old friend Mr. Steven Seagal to be the new editor of this blog. Mr. Seagal is a peace loving, Buddhist-chanting no nonsense kinda guy, so from now on, within these very pages, there shall be no more offensive material. No more profanity; no references to sex, drugs, rock 'n roll; no fun, no freedom to express; no music; no sport; no outdoors; no travel and nothing that could possibly offend. In short, this blog will no longer contain any LIFE. Enjoy this new and improved blog. The Widdler (ex editor).

U2 at Wembley

2009-08-16T15:58:00.002Z

Managed to score a pair of £85 tickets (each) for a total of £67. Now that's a bargain. Not really a U2 fan but was intrigued by the stage show for this tour. I have to say the whole thing was more of a miss than a hit. They sounded good, but they largely played to the front of the crowd, it wasn't a proper "in the round" experience like Def Leppard and Metallica have put on in the past. Also, the feet of the "claw" obstructed the view for a great number of people. An nice concept, but not the best of stage shows. This also happened to be the largest crowd for a gig at Wembley Stadium, ever.

Seven Sisters

2009-08-16T15:54:00.002Z

Had a really relaxing weekend in Sussex. My sister went on holiday with her family, so kindly let me have the run of the place for the weekend. Used to car to go to Seven Sisters county park, between Eastbourne and Seaford. The walk along the Sisters was beautiful. Was very lucky to have enjoyed fine weather for the 3 hour trek.

Bye bye Brixton Hill Pad

2009-08-16T15:52:00.001Z

We finally moved out of the H pad at the start of the month. We're getting 100% of our deposits back which is excellent news. If only everthing was as easy at the new pad...

End of July

2009-08-11T18:26:00.003Z

Alright, so I moved out of my nice pad with Greg and moved into a hell hole flat on my own. Long story, won't bore you. Big big mistake. Still, there is still hope that another tenant may come on the scene soon and take it off my hands...

Went to see Oasis and Kasabian at Wembley. Great laugh as usual. Think this is the 5th time I have seen the Oasis boys live. Saw the brilliant Jason Byrne at Udderworld, then saw an amazing performance of Waiting for Godot with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Wonderful performances.

Went to Newquay for Will's stag party. It was heavy. Started the trip with a 5 hour delay at Gatwick, spent drinking in the nearest departure bar.

Greg's Dad took part on the Fourth Plinth and that was fun. Also had a chance to catch up with Dan who was on his annual visit to these shores all the way from Perth. Managed to sink several ales before he went back to that part of the World.

FML

2009-07-16T21:01:00.001Z

FML

Quick Round Up of June

2009-07-01T21:10:00.002Z

Went to the Isle of Wight Festival and the weather was glorious. On the day we came back, I went to a sold out Steel Panther gig at the 229 club in London. It was one of the best gigs I have seen in years and years. Went to The Gate for their Wild Food Festival and the food was lush. Saw the amazing Chickenfoot at Shepherds Bush Empire. Had a few drinks for Ad's birthday at Taylors. Crazy Joe and Julie came down for the weekend and we meet up with the Gizzi's and crew to see Neil Young at Hyde Park. Went to The Lotus Chinese restaurant in Millwall Dock for Peter and Andrews civil ceremony chinese banquet. All the family was there. I was hungover after the N Young gig and got blind drunk and fell asleep. Saw Kings of Leon at the O2 on the last day of the month. That's a busy month done and dusted...

Jason's Stag

2009-06-11T13:24:00.002Z

Early on sat 6th, Scatch, George Claudio and I set off from a damp Oxford for Bournemouth via Winchester. We Evetually meet up with the rest of the boys outside our B&B and walk to the train station with 2 minutes to spare. Go to Poole harbour and meet our boat. We went out for a day of fishing. We had drinks and a laugh, and I managed to catch a small bass. However, I think I lost of beautiful solid gold ring with jade stone. Back to the b&b around 6, meet up with more lads there. Good crowd of us. All shower and get ready and then head out. It was a drunken night and a good laugh, although Bournemouth is a right proper shit hole.

Moped Accident and the Dopey 999 Operator

2009-06-02T15:56:00.002Z

I witnessed an accident involving a girl of about 15 years being run over by a woman driving a moped. The girl ran out in the road between two buses and neither girl nor moped could do anything about the inevitable collision. I immediately called 999 and spoke to the ambulance operator. He could not locate the scene of the accident. I was on hold for about 4-5 minutes and luckily, someone else called the accident in. Later in the day I called up the London Ambulance Service and made a complaint. The girl, although in shock, managed to walk away. The woman on the moped was taken to hospital in a stretcher.

Dam 2009

2009-06-02T15:51:00.003Z

So Dam 2009 finally happened. We worked it out, the last time the three of us went to Dam together was back in Nov 2003 when Johnny Wilkinson kicked the winner in the Rugby World Cup final. So, what happened? Well we set off from Gatwick on Friday afternoon and the journey, although trouble free, seemed to last for ages. It wasn't until 8.45, that we were in our first coffeeshop. I have to say, that time has taken its toll. We were all a little jaded from the off. The difference between this and previous trips is that we managed to do an equal amount of walking to coffeshop time. The weather was glorious the whole weekend. Just lovely. On the last night, we left the back door of our hotel room open for some air. big mistake. Paul and I woke covered in mosquito bites. I had them mostly running down my left side, from neck to fingertips. LG wasn't bitten. He's too fat to appeal to mosquitoes.

Summer Starts Here

2009-05-29T10:57:00.005Z

Yep, summer starts here baby, Amsterdam 2009 with the Relentless crew - the hardest rocking dudes to come out of Camberley and Bounds Green. This is the start of a roller coaster 2 months of fun and partying. Bring it on! Many thanks.

Folks visit London

2009-05-29T10:17:00.002Z

The folks came down to London, primarily to spend time with D&M and Liv. Managed to see them on the sat and go for a nice long walk. Other than that, I spent the weekend recovering from a week of migraines and headaches.

Bluetonic

2009-05-18T21:30:00.002Z

Sunday 17th, felt rough in the evening. I made a full breakfast for our guests this morning, and then had a nap after they had left. Around 7ish, me and Em set off for the Scala to see a Crisis Hidden gig. The Bluetones were the 3rd band on, I was really excited by it. I hadn't seen them since the Cockpit back in March 1996. They played a blinding set and still had it. I was really happy. Had a few cans of red stripe to sort my head out and then catch Dodgy. I didn't have many expectations for them to be honest, but they were v v good. Overall, a top gig. Back to Richmond for a crisp sandwich and a nice hot cup of tea :)

Covent Garden drinks

2009-05-18T21:24:00.002Z

Sat 16th, had my annual eye test, then went out to meet Joe and Julie who were in London to visit a couple they had met on their travels last year. I met J&J in covent garden and took them to the Lamb and Flag. We had a couple and catch up on news. Then on a parallel mission, Noaksey, Matt and a bunch of their mates turn up and there was a good old fashioned big crowd of us having a merry old time. J&J's traveller mates turned up and then after a while, the Oxford crew set off for a curry. J&J, their mates, and myself then take a bus to St Paul's and cross the Millenium Bridge to the Founders Arms at Bankside. Soon Em joins us and we all drink and chat until around 11.30. J&J missed their last train back to Aylesbury, so I invite them back to mine. The 4 of us get a taxi at Waterloo back to mine, where we chill out before bed.

Got the Horn

2009-05-18T21:22:00.002Z

Had to work the weekend after bank holiday. Was up against it with deadlines, so this was the only chance to catch up. On the sat, I did manage to get out in the late afternoon to meet Em and her mates and see the Roni Horn exhibition at the Tate Modern. I tried, but it really was a load of shite. Still, we all had a good time and it was a fun evening. Then me and Em went off to the South Bank for some drinks.

First May Bank Holiday

2009-05-06T21:13:00.002Z

On the Friday, I went to Brixton Academy to see The Doves. There were a lot of people there. Greg, Keith, Roger, Ex, Jen Mike and a bunch of others. It was a good gig, an excellent atmosphere. On the sat, I went up to Little Venice for the 2009 Cavalcade. Met up with a bunch of people from work, chill out on a barge drinking wine. Strange place but quite cool. Then I set off and met LG at Hammersmith for a few drinks at Distillers before we went to the Apollo to see the amazing Gary Moore. His playing was as aggressive and beautiful as it's always been, but I was a bit put out by the sheer number of OAP's in the audience. I'm not talking about old rockers, I'm talking about people of pensioner age, dressed like pensioners and falling asleep many times during the gig. Unreal! After that, me and LG went back to my pad and met up with Craig and Greg and then partied hard until the wee hours. It was the Hatton v Pacquiao fight on at about 4.30am. Craig almost didn't make it until then, and it was hard work staying awake but it was worth it. Pacquiao was awesome. He demolished poor Hatton.
Sunday, I woke early to tidy the flat. Then I made a nice picnic. Roasted veg and houmous wraps and an assortment of goodies. The missus turned up, we had a nap in the afternoon as the weather wasn't so nice, but by around 5, the sun came out again, so we went to Brockwell Park for our picnic. I packed a nice bottle of rose, so that topped off a lovely early evening in the park.
Monday was spent walking around the Spitalfield and Brick Lane areas of East London. Then off to Richmond for a nice home cooked meal and a bottle of Rioja. Great weekend.

Camden Crawl

2009-05-06T21:05:00.002Z

Managed to score a couple of free tickets for the Saturday at Camden Crawl. After another session at Camberley with the Relentless crew, I went up to Camden and had a great day out. Managed to see King Creosote at the Koko. They were a bit plodding. Then went to the Underworld to see The Computers who were really really good. In fact, they blew me away. Then next was Hot Leg. Seen them before. They were ok, the music wasn't much kop, but they were a lot of fun. Better than when they supported Extreme back in Nov.

DC !!!

2009-04-20T21:23:00.003Z

Bought a ticket off eBay. Was having a tough couple of weeks at work so I decided to treat myself. I fucking love the DC. Seen them headline twice before, once in 1991 and once in 2003. What struck me, was that most of the reviews from this gig were incredibly positive, but back in the day, the mainstream press gave the band shite reviews. DC, were always targets for the music press. in 2009 I guess it's a retro thing, a "post ironic" love of all things rawk. Sure the band are a lot more grey and a lot thinner on top, but it was great fun, yet nowhere near the level of intensity onstage as back in '91 or 2003. Sonically, the classics still sound as fresh today as they did back then though. The new ones sounded awesome too. Not back for a bunch of really old timers. Not bad at all.

Easter

2009-04-20T21:09:00.002Z

Well I celebrated Easter in a lovely way. Had a nice quiet weekend at Chez Chan. Clayton was away for a couple of days, so I spent some quality time at home, just chilling out with some nice home cooking, a tasty carrot cake and lots of fun.

On the Easter Monday, I went to Brighton for the day with Em. It was the only day of the entire weekend in which the sun shone bright and hot. It was sweet lying on the pebbly beach under the sun. Had a cool beer and then do a spot of shopping in the lanes before heading back to the beach for some fish n chips.

4 lovely eggs

2009-04-09T12:48:00.005Z

Thursday - on my way to the gym at lunchtime, I saw a man setting up his stall, selling Evening Standards outside Shepherds Bush station. Free with every paper was a Green & Black easter egg. I paid for 4 papers, but only took one. Filthy rag - but lovely chocolate :)

Cancelled Isa

2009-04-09T12:48:00.004Z

I cancelled the isa that I set up with NatWest. I'm still waiting for an account manager to call me back... customer service has been non existent for the last year or so and I am so angry with them. I am actively looking to switch current and savings accounts now. Bastards.

Bastard NatWest

2009-04-06T12:52:00.002Z

Went into a Brixton branch of NW today to open a Cash Isa Plus. The guy serving me was slow, distracted and looked really really stoned. I left after 5 minutes. I did not trust this guy to handle my finances...
Went to the White City branch in the afternoon. The woman who opened my account was on dodgy ground asking me if I had any disabilities. I asked why it was her business. She responded that it was to determine if anyone had a mental health problem which would exclude them from opening an account. I told her that that was a different proposition than the open ended question "do you have any disabilities". That was wrong. NOT however, as wrong as opening the ISA in my name without getting me to double check the details only to find that my personal details were incorrect. I pointed them out, she said that was what is in the system, I told her bullshit. I was told to wait 24hours then call their tax number and sort it out myself. I told them this was totally unacceptable and demanded to see their manager. Eventually I saw the manager and after a brief moment of hostility on her part, she soon saw how fucking incompetent her staff was and made all the right noises about getting this rectified. Fucking banks! Why the fuck are we bailing them out???

Quiet Night In ... In Oxford

2009-04-06T12:48:00.003Z

Popped over to The 'Ford at the weekend to see Scatch, Dits and Noaksey. We started off by gambling lots of money on some glue factory bound nags at the Grand National. We were all quietly confident of picking a placed horse... Back to the house and sit in Scatch's lovely landscaped garden, in the sun drinking Pimms before tackling a HUGE 3l bottle of vodka. Predictably, none of us won any money. A 100-1 outsider romped home. Christ..!

Chickenfoot! Chickenfoot!

2009-04-01T16:46:00.004Z

After a heavy Friday night of drinking vodkas at my local, Taylors (with the Edinburgh crew - Ben, Sarah, Ads and Scott), I came home to find out that a new US "supergroup" has been formed and announced a live London date. Ladies and gentlemen, I present, Chickenfoot - Joe Satriani, Chad Smith, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony!!! I have to say, that I am quite excited by this. I have my tickets for the Shepherds Bush Empire already. June is shaping up to be one hell of a party month..!

Family Sunday

2009-03-24T17:21:00.002Z

Strange day, when I got back from my jaunt into town on Sunday morning, I came home to a full house. Bro was there with wife and kids, my estranged Sis was there with her kids, hubby and family. Really weird atmos. Spoke to oldest nephew was good to talk to him, he's grown up lots, lost weight, can actually talk properly now! Then me and the old man went to the cemetary to visit Mum on Mothers Day. Then I took a trip (via Metro and foot) to Whitley Bay. I wanted to check out my old stomping ground. I was shocked to see Spanish City was a shithole wreck. There was nothing left but scaffolding, one chip shop and one small amusement arcade. What the fuck happened to this place? My memories of this place were all positive and now I see this burnt out place... shame.

Toon Toon, Relegation Army

2009-03-24T17:17:00.003Z

Went up to Newcastle the weekend of the 20th to see the family. Went to St James' for the Arsenal match with my Bro. We heard on the grapevine that the Arsenal squad were suffering from a virus. Still, we knew we were in for a pasting. The first half was mostly positive. We had virtually all of the possession and the crowd were amazing. Martins fluffed a penalty and it went downhill from there. We lost 1-3. Arsenal took the piss in the second half. The crowd seem to be resigned to the fact that we'll be playing Championship football next season. Some funny chants in an otherwise unfunny situation. On second thoughts, it's v funny.

It might take a while to dry out...

2009-03-24T17:14:00.003Z

Tried to get last minute tickets to see England v France last week but alas it was (predictably) completely sold out. However, I did manage to see this car, parked by the side of the river, unaware that the water levels would inevitably rise...

Expensive month

2009-03-14T16:49:00.004Z

Just bought my tickets for the Isle of Wight festival in June. Also bought tickets for Neil Young at Hyde Park also in June. After lots of procrastinating this week from all sides called "GizHom", we finally booked our flights to Amsterdam for the last weekend in May - that's FA Cup final weekend to you and me :)

Scatch Birthday

2009-03-14T16:37:00.002Z

Went to The 'Ford after work to catch up with the crew there. It was a triple, quadruple, possibly quintuple birthday celebration. Went to the Cape of Good Hope and stayed there all night. The place was heaving and loads of different Oxford crews got together. It was Scatch's, Ellies, Harmon's and Claud's birthday. Good to catch up with dear friends I haven't met up with in a while like Jimbob, Jase, Rachel, Ami and a whole bunch. Also good to catch up with the usual crowd Nolan/Helen, Claud, Deets, Will/Michelle, Tim, Matt/Heidi and everyone else who was there. We end up back at Scatch's place and stay up partying till about 5 then simply had to crash out. However, we managed to draw all over Parson's body as he crashed out early on (as usual...).

La Clique

2009-03-12T13:38:00.003Z

I fancied seeing something a little different, so booked tickets to see La Clique at the London Hippodrome. I remember The Circus of Horrors being edgier, like the Jim Rose Circus of yesteryear, but La Clique was still a lot of fun. The performances were excellent. There was a lot of humour and you should go into it with the intention of having a really silly laugh. Great night out.

Bloody Desk

2009-03-12T13:31:00.002Z

I need a new work desk for my bedroom. Being hunched over a laptop on the floor is no laughing matter. Anyway, on Sunday morning, I went to Argos and bought a flat pack desk. Call a cab to bring it home. I swear that I followd the instructions to the letter, however, the nails and dowling, did NOT line up with the allotted holes, in fact, in many important areas, holes did not even exist. Anyway, to cut a long story short, the final result was a mess. I stopped halway through the build to meet Tom and Craig, Greg came along too. Went to the Jackdaw and Rook in Balham to watch the Arsenal game and catch up. Then Tom came back to ours with his power drill and I finished off the table. It's wobbly, it doesn't stay together and I cracked a major supporting join. In short, it's fucking shit. Still, it beats working on the floor.

Relentless at Camberley

2009-03-12T13:30:00.001Z

Met up with LG, PB and PB in Camberley for another long overdue Relentless session. We discussed a trip to Amsterdam for Spring 2009. It's been too long since we last went as a group.

Another dead iPod

2009-03-02T15:39:00.001Z

The iTouch I bought in NYC last year wasn't finding wifi networks anymore, so I took it to Apple to be replaced. That takes the number of faulty iPods I have ever owned to...

Brutes record debut album at Roundhouse

2009-03-02T15:17:00.002Z

Went to the Camden Roundhouse on sat 28th feb to see the Brute Chorus. They were recording their own debut album live in front of a packed crowd. It was quite exciting.

They were performing at the Freedom studios. Had a couple of drinks at the Worlds End pub first. Greg had an episode. He had his expensive bike locks cut at the Emirates stadium. By the sounds of things, the staff there are out of order. Greg was fuming about it. Exley managed to meet up with us despite having lost his phone at the NME awards on Wednesday. Now that was fun too...

Apologies

2009-03-02T14:30:00.003Z

I haven't updated this site in a while, so I won't attempt to write about all the stuff I have been up to since August last year. With any luck, this blog will be kept up to date again from now on.

Birthday Knees up

2008-08-07T13:21:00.002Z

The folks at work had the usual office drinks thing which was lovely. Then after several beers, Emma, Angelica, Emer (Kim from another dept) and myself went to Notting Hill for a couple bottles of Champers and some double vodkas. We were v drunk. Anyway, Ang was being a nightmare and jumped on me for a light... I smashed my knee and ruined my jeans. Had a massive, deep gash to the knee cap. Woke up (not knowing how I got home) and my bed looked as though someone had smeared their used Tampon all over my sheets. Nice.

New pad

2008-08-07T13:19:00.002Z

Spent the first weekend of August moving out of Greg's old shit heap flat and into our brand spanking new shag pad. It was hard work, but it all went like clock work. It's really nice to have a new place and nice to have all my stuff unpacked in my own bedroom again. The first night (sat) LG came around. He was down about splitting with Agi, so he came over around 9pm, we had beers, smoke, Champagne etc. Good night in the end.

Latitude and Family Affairs

2008-07-30T14:58:00.003Z

Mic was in town for a little over a week. Met up with her a few times for late dinner and chats. Was v nice, but that particular monkey is no longer on my back. I feel totally at ease in her company and no longer want to rip her clothes off every time I see her. My heart no longer misses several beats each time I hear her voice or hear her name.

Went to the Latitude Festival in Suffolk and it was lovely. The scenery was beautiful and it's a nice little festival, v chilled out.

Back in London, Greg and I found a new flat to move into. It's been a busy time of sorting contracts, deposits and all the usual crap that goes with it. The previous letting agency have been giving us crap about the return of our deposit, I have been sending them email napalm and telephone cluster bomb attacks. They clearly do not like me.

Little Liv has been unwell. She suffers from reflux and can't sleep of keep down food, hence she has hardly put on weight over the last 9 weeks. Admitted to hospital for a weekend, they are trying new meds and new milk. Deb is shattered, hardly sleeping. She's been having problems with dodgy in-laws, so the Chan's rallied around. Dawn and the girls took a long weekend off and stayed with deb and looked after them. Dad and the Newcastle crew came down to stay with Peter in Canary Wharf. I spent the week after Latitude busy seeing Mic, the parents and Deb and Liv. Feel shattered.

Another site launched at work (30th July), lots of publicity in the press - Dad's Army 40th anniversary thingy.

Busy week moving (and shaking)

2008-07-16T10:55:00.000Z

Went to the Devonshire in Balham and met up with a load of people for Craig's borthdee. Good night out, was v v drunk.

Next day. Tom came over and helped me to move most of my stuff out of the flat and into Greg's in Brixton. We did 2 trips in the car. Had a good afternoon watching the England v S. Africa Lords test on Sky. Crazy week, packing and moving.

Did another car load on Monday night. Tuesday had a works drinks session at Brook Green in Hammersmith. Weds, due to meet Michelle. She is in the UK for a week on business but also taking some personal days.

Hop Farm Festival 5th July - Neil Young

2008-07-16T10:54:00.003Z

I drive to Kent and meet up with Noaksey and his mates at a camp site. It all worked well at the last minute. Later Leah arrives with her mate Kirsty. Good night. The next day was v rainy. However, it didn't stop the fun. Saw Supergrass, Primal Scream and the amazing Neil Young. Great great day out. Leah left for Bristol, we were caught in heavy rain and make it back to camp and stay up till late. The next day was a struggle to pack up. Home and took ages to dry out the tent.

Last minute Glasto trip

2008-07-16T10:53:00.004Z

At work, I managed to finish off a project early. There were still tickets left on sale for Glasto. I decided to go. Got my act together and then took a train to Westbury to meet Nick and Tash on the thursday 26th. Get to Glasto via train and coach, got caught in heavy rain and was soaked through. Met up with Joe and his friends and family around 11ish. Put up our tents and party through to monday 30th. Emma and Angelica from work were there, but I couldn't get my act together to meet up with them. Great weekend, but a bit of a blur.

Summer Solstice - wet and v cool

2008-07-16T10:53:00.002Z

Went to Stonehenge for my annual pilgrimmage. It rained all night long, but it was tremendous fun. Went with Joe and Julie, met up with Nick, Tash and others there. Soon the Bristol crew turn up. Leah was there. It was a good night and actually, Leah and I managed to talk things over and we ended up getting along really well. We managed to sort a lot of things out without getting heavy. She stayed with us when we drove back to Nick's in the morning. Had an amazing fun night and day. Really glad I came again this year.

May

2008-05-29T15:04:00.004Z

Mel left Dare but I couldn't make the leaving party.
Sonia had her hen night, everyone was invited, except me of course. I wouldn't have minded, but I had plans and then al lof a sudden, those people I was to meet, ended up going to Son's impromptu party.

First bank holiday, went to Trowbridge for Nick's birthday celebrations. Nice house party, but the first few hours were awkward with Leah being there. Then when she was shit faced drunk, it all came out. She became very emotional and clingy. It was a tough tough weekend. Drove back to London after 2 days and was pretty relieved to be out of there.

Flew to New York again. This time I did Brooklyn properly and checked out more of the Upper West Side. The Van Halen gig at East Rutherford was amazing. The band were ON. I was quite drunk and had a brilliant time. The 2 trips were well worth it after this gig. Spent a fortune on clothes and iPods.

Went to Newcastle and did a charity Zip Slide from the Tyne Bridge to the Gateshead side. Raised about £350 in a short space of time. Real good buzz.

Started Spanish night class.

Went to Sheffield for Sean's stag weekend. It was one of the heaviest days of my life. As soon as I got back to London I met Marie and Jo in a bar in Finsbury park. Felt soooo bad.

Deb gave birth to her first, a girl which they named Olivia. My cone-tract was extended by another 6 months - it's a credit crunch buster :)

To End of April

2008-05-29T15:00:00.003Z

Had a massive weekend in Newcastle for the home match v Sunderland. We pissed on the dirty mackem filth 2-0 and celebrated by drinking all day and night until I caught a flight back to Stansted for work the next morning. Boy did I feel rough that day.

Went to the filming of Question Time London Mayoral Election Special. Laura had to stand up and ask a question. She was scared that me and Scott were going to play up.

Went to the Love Music Hate Racism festival at Victoria Park in East London, it pissed down with rain all day.

Been a long time, been a long time...

2008-04-14T19:57:00.003Z

Alright, so it's been almost 2 months... sorry. I'll keep this brief and then promise to update more regularly from now on.

In March I went to New York for the first time. I spent 5 days at the lovely Hudson Hotel in Manhatten. Was supposed to see the reformed Van Halen but Eddie is back in rehab, or hospital or whatever. Ended up seeing one of my favourtie stand ups, Doug Stanhope.

The parents came to London for a weekend and stayed with my heavily pregnant sister. We took the folks to see the most bizarre west end show - it was a one off performance from the Beijing Eldery Dance Society or something. It was the most surreal thing I've seen. We were close to the stage in a row in front of diplomats from the Chinese Embassy. They were being rude and noisy and I very nearly decided to make a sudden protest about Tibet but decided wisely against it. The audience was full of English dignitries also...

Went up to Newcastle, was expecting to see my brothers 2nd baby as she was due at the start of the week. When I went back down to London, the baby girl (Madi) was eventually born :)

Keep being extended at work in White City which is cool. I like working there and the people are real nice to work with. Scatch, Noaksey and some others came down 9th April to see the Black Crowes. Brilliant band, pedestrian set list but we made up for that back at my place after the gig. On a school night too!

Sat 12th, Crazy Joe was back in London after nearly a year away travelling. Great to see him. Laurence came over too and we spent the afternoon drinking and getting mashed. At 9.30 we arrive in Morning Crescent in a cab. At the pub we meet up with various of my crew, Scatch, Dit, Will, Michelle and Claud from Oxford, Greg, Slayer, Dan and Emma from London and Tom and Jamie from my Toon crowd. It was a quality night. Went to Koko to see Roots Manuva and it was messy. Me and Joe were last men standing and left at kicking out time.

Sunday, saw Joe off and then Greg came over with beers and we watch Arsenal throw away the championship at Man Utd.

Alan Yentob was in the queue behind me in Starbucks this morning. He kept moaning to a colleague about the press reports over the weekend... He wasn't happy.

Cold February

2008-02-19T22:17:00.005Z

Ok, these posts seem to becoming less and less frequent. I shall have to change that. So, where were we? Saw the amazing Brute Chorus at the 100 Club at the end of Jan.

Rhys and a load of his friends came down to London at the start of Feb for a night of triple word score scrabble (1st). As expected it was a heavy heavy night. Good fun. The following day was Iain's fancy dress birthday session. Scott and Ads went as Ghostbusters and their home made outfits really were a good effort. I went as a Mexican. Iain went as Indy Jones, the rest bottled out. Stayed at the Bedford all day, did the comedy thing and then home. Met Gill at Natural History Museum, but we both had incredibly heavy weekends, so it was a bit of a washout.

Found out that Reed were cutting short my contract by 6 weeks, basically because I finished all the bloody work. Just as well, as it was becoming tedious. Nice people, but the atmos and the environment was killing me inside. As soon as I reposted my CV, the phone wouldn't stop ringing. Was almost immediately offered a short contract at the BBC. Also interviewed for the people behind lastminute.com. It was a surreal interview, didn't get the job, but if I simply lied about being interested in js, then I reckon it was mine for the taking.

Atmos at home has not been good. Bryan and myself were talking about moving out - mainly because of piss head Laura and her ways. I won't go into it, but Laura was conveniently out of town for the last 2 weeks, so whilst I was viewing flats and holding off our current letting agents until we decided what to do, we managed to calm down and realised that we want to keep the flat on. However, it's Laura we need to lay the law to. Poor Scott is stuck in the middle, but she can't keep doing what she's doing. She knows that Bryan and myself need to talk to her, but as yet, she's not back yet to face the music. If she doesn't like what we have to say to her, she (and if need be, Scott as well) can move out. Bryan and myself can keep the flat going between us.

Had a surprise leaving drinks thing for Kate in Westbourne park (8th). Got horrendously drunk. Also went up to Toon for Chinese New Year. Was good to see the old man and family. Started work at the BBC. They are disorganised, but I really like the atmosphere and the environment. Nice place to work. Hope I get extended. It seems like the Producers and the designers are kinda disorganised, but luckily I managed to keep things on the right track and get my head around the problems quick enough.

Halfords sent me a shitty letter saying they aren't paying out for my damaged car, so I got Iain to help me draft a letter threatening them with action. Good strong letter. CC'd their Chairman. Hope they do the right thing.

Exley's birthday drinks on Friday (15th) at the Dragon bar. Drank a lot of vodkas. Then went to Life for TVH's "tea party". We left shortly then went drinking and playing pool in Farringdon. Went home horrendously sick, but had to wake up, go to Oxford and do it all again. Arrive in Oxford at 4pm, go to Neil's back on the horse and then out for a session. I was really struggling all night. Went to the new Carling Academy, what a horrible place. The old Zodiac is sorely missed.

Been thinking about a holiday. I need to take a break from work and get my head straight. Basically been off my face non stop since I came back from Gib at the end of Nov. Not good at all. Think I will go to New York at the start of March. Was initially thinking of sun, but I fancy something a little more exciting. It's expensive, but it's a massive playground if you have the cash - I need some different kind of fun, that's for sure.

Singing the Right Toon

2008-01-29T12:24:00.000Z

I haven't updated for a while. Not a lot to report. Been working diligently at Raynes Park. Have also been partying hard at the weekends.

Sam Araldite is out of Toon and King Kev is back! Now the players are really crapping themselves. No more dossing and no more taking the mick. Kev is the only person in the World who will command the full patience and support of the Toon, so Duff, Owen, Carr, Viduka et al will need to pull their socks up and start earning their keep.

Went to the Emirates to see the Toon get beaten 3-0. Despite the scoreline, the performance was a million times better than anything under Araldite. All day drinking, session in Angel, bed 6am wearing funny fake permanent marker pen taches... Love it.

Christmas and NY - the end of 2007

2008-01-07T13:49:00.000Z

My lack of recent postings is probably indicative of the hectic life I have been living since my return from the rock. Instead of listing all my social engagements, I'll cut to the chase. Christmas was a on event for me. As I don't have children or a partner, I decided to opt out of the usual festive goings on, by spending the day alone doing something constructive. This Christmas I volunteered for the Crisis Open Christmas campaign. I worked 3 night shifts (around 11 hours each) which included the 23rd, 24th (into Christmas day) and the 30th. It was hard work adn a real eye opener. I would deffo do it again. Met a lot of really interesting and decent people - guests AND volunteers. New years celebrations were rather muted. Was supposed to go to Brixton Academy but I was so full of cold, I slept all day then went to Gregs' to catch up with some friends and stay up all night doing the usual celebration thing. I also managed to go to Brighton to pick up a car, a Rover 214. It's in excellent condition, so I couldn't say no. However, a week later I took it to Halfords to get a new stereo fitted and as soon as they did that, my car wouldn't start. So, I had it towed back to Brighton and then had to take a series of trains to make an appointment in Oxford, where I was around 7 hours late. I am in the process of getting the car fixed and making a formal complaint to Halfords for compensation.

Round up on General Madness

2007-12-17T14:23:00.000Z

5 weeks of Gib was good relaxing fun. I can honestly say it was worthwhile from a personal point of view. However, zero work meant that I was keen to get back to Blighty before my notice period set in and I became stranded on the rock twiddling my thumbs over the Christmas period. I handed in my notice and got a job secured back in London. My last day was the 30th and Chris the dev manager had a nice chat with me where he said he'd like to get me back to Gib once they get their act together. I'd like that too. Sometime...

Flew back to Gatwick and when I arrived it was raining so hard, I thought I was in deepest Russia or some other strange dark place. Arrive home, quickly get ready and go out to meet Greg and Slavka at the Academy for the Ian Brown gig. Had a pint, meet them in the crowd and then left before the end as his voice was terrible. I mean it was shocking. Chill out at Gregs and home late. Next day, I woke early, did all my admin, timesheets and the like, bought a new phone, got my sim activated and all that jazz. Did some shopping in the west end and met Deb and Mike for lunch. In the evening, I went to Katies house party in Clapham North. Met up with Dan, Greg and Slavka. At the party, Marie, Simon, Tom VH and a host of others were there. It was a cool party and get suitably trashed until the early hours on Sunday. The following 2 weeks were a blur of going out, party, trashed. I was making up for lost time in Gib. Other highlights include, Scatch coming to London, getting trashed with Craig in Balham, An Ale Team meeing, Bowman's last session at Dare, our Hatton v Mayweather party, having sushi with Gill, reuniting with the relentless crew at LG's, Miranda's "non"-party, party at Waterloo and watching a load of footie on a Sunday in a pub on Acre lane when all I wanted was my bed. Oh, and I saw Newcastle finally win away at Fulham with Tom P. It was freezing but well worth it to see the boys pick up a clean sheet and an away win at Craven Cottage - makes up for the wet and miserable defeat I saw there under Sourpuss.

Dad suffered from food poisoning and he wasn't well at all. He's better now, so I should really try to see him in the new year. I will need to be in London over Christmas as I have volunteered to work 3 nightshifts at one of 8 temp Crisis shelters for the homeless. Hope to find out soon if they accepted my application and where and when I will be working. Apparently I have to do 3 shifts in 7 days. About time I topped up my credit at the moral bank.

On a personal level, the calm and peace I felt when I left Gib has been displaced by the usual madness and full speed action that I have come to expect from London. Although I feel tired, I also feel like I have the tools to manage it better now.

Quiet week

2007-11-20T10:10:00.001Z

More people have joined the Casino Integration team now, but they are java devs. I still have had nothing to do. Waiting for a working build apparently... It's been so boring. My experience here literally has been like a paid vacation and I think that I am done now, I feel like I want to go home. I can't knock the experience, but there's no work and I now feel rested and ready to take on the big bad City of London again. Decide to buy a Spanish sim card and mobile and get in touch with some agencies again. Have a lead, but may have priced myself out of the market. Still, if you don't ask, you don't get. Went out friday night for drinks and then met Emmmie the recruitment agent who took a several of us out to dinner. Went to a nice fish restaurant on Catalan Bay but the food was ok, not as good as I had hoped. Spent the Saturday just walking for miles. Went up the Upper rock, saw the monkeys and walked all around then to the Moorish castle. Then back down to home, had lunch and then off to La Linea to check out the street markets. Then hop on a bus to Algeciras, but it was crap there, so home around 7pm. Had a few beer and chill with international football.

Sunday was a beautifully sunny and hot day. I took a long rambling walk to the far side of the Penisular to Europa Point where the famous lighthouse is. From the Point you can see stunning views over the Med to the Atlas mountains in Morocco. Took a bus back to town, had sunday lunch and then off to internet cafe to check the news. My legs were in so much agony from the walking that I end up having 2 hot baths to relax.

Barca Unbelievable

2007-11-20T10:09:00.001Z

Met up with Benji in Barca and it was great to hang out with him again after all this time. It's like we rolled back the years. Barca is an incredible City and I think I fell in love with the place. We got royally trashed on the Friday night and went clubbing at 3am but were home by 5am. The next day we both had majoy hangovers but managed to get out and about and cover a lot of tourist ground. Later that evening, we met up with a friend of mine, Peter and his mates. We drink in the Q Bar, a funky place we liked. Had 2 hours kip before I had to get up to catch a plane. I was so mashed still that I lost my phone on the way to the airport! brilliant weekend.

Barca Calling

2007-11-08T15:47:00.000Z

I'm off to Barcelona tomorrow to meet Benji. We're both getting island fever and need to hit the City for some beers, nightlife and good company. Well, I do anyway. Can't wait.

Weekend in Tangier

2007-11-07T15:27:00.000Z

On Friday 2nd, I left work at 5, and went to the port in Gib. After some to-ing and fro-ing back to the old port office, I eventually got my ticket confirmed and I left on the 6pm ferry to Tangier. It was weird trip, full of weird people. During the journey, all the Muslim men got down to pray, it must be a 6.30pm (sundown) thing. That was cool to watch, and not wishing to offend anyone, it made me realise (even more) how ridiculous ritualised worship is. That's done it, I'll have a death warrant out on my life now...
I had pre-booked into a guesthouse the Dar Jameel and instead of taking a petit taxi from the port, I did the most ridiculous thing possible. I decided to get my bearings by walking from the ship to the guesthouse, in darkness. Now I wouldn't think of doing that in say Southampton or Portsmouth, so why Tangier? The place is full of chancers and people waiting to rip you off at every turn. I must admit that it was intimidating and the place was FULL of dodgy people, but I just ignored most of the them and ended up asking directions in my rubbish French and end up seeing most of the Kashah/Medina area.

Found my Guesthouse eventually around 8pm, and I was sooo grateful. I check in, and the place was awesome. It was in the middle of mad town but was quiet, safe and beautiful. Perfect. Then I pop out again to brave the crowds, and find a brilliant restaurant - just what I needed cos I was hungry and tired. It is called Hammadi's on 2 Rue d'Italie and I heartily recommend it. Home around 10.30pm and was ready to chill.
Next day, I had arranged for a guide. Had a brilliant breakfast of traditional foods, and then the guide arrived at 11am hungover. He looked like Saddam Hussein's brother. Anyway, because I had already seen most of the old town, there was little nearby he could show me. In fact he was amazed I did alone, so was the guethouse owner. Instead I was introduced to some shopowners who talked about their goods, or about local herbs and medicines and basically learnt a lot about local trade. Then I was bundled into a merc taxi and was driven around the outer city, saw all the royal residences (from outside only - v opulent) and taken to a spot where the Atlantic meets the Med. Also went to Hercules cave. Tour ended around 2pm. I was dropped off in the new town and I grab lunch and end up walking for the rest of the day. Home around 6pm, then sit reading on roof terrace as the sun set. Beautiful. Went out for dinner to nearby Hotel Continental. the prawn gratin and the swordfish main was good but the veg was all microwaved shite.
Woke early on Sunday at 7am so that I could take some photos withouth being hassled. Walk around the grand and petit soco and took my pics. If I tried during the hustling bustiling hours, I would have been hassled to death. It really is THAT bad for travellers. Still, I am a big boy and ended up having a little fun back at them. Left on sunday at 11.30. I needed have bothered. My ferry was the 3 hour slow to Algecrias in Spain and was due to leave at 1pm. In fact, I boarded at 2pm and the fucker didn't leave until 4.30pm cos it took so long to check all the goods lorries. At least the local police found a couple of stowaways so that was entertaining enough. Arrive in Spain around 8pm. Find the bus station in Algeciras and then take the 9pm bus back to La Linea. Walk on foot back to Gibraltar. Long day and a long weekend. Did a lot of walking.

Blue Pill or Red Pill

2007-11-01T10:09:00.000Z

Ok, I know I have been very bad at keeping this up to date, but the last few weeks have been insane. Saw out my notice at Dare. During the last week, I had 3 job offers. All very good. In the end, I decided to take the job abroad. It's like the scene in The Matric when Morpheus offers Neo the blue pill or the red pill. The way I see it, GMT beckoned. That meant cold days and nights. Long commutes on sticky, stinky trains. Expensive evenings down the boozer, or fighting in Sainsbury to get food. That's why I took the red pill. It's a path unknown.

So to cut a long story short, I had a massive blow out on the friday the 26th with close friends. 2 days later I was on a plane. Arrive in Gibraltar (4 days after accepting the job), I was in my own flat, all fully kitted out. The weather was still nice. This has been my first week, and although work has been slow so far, the whole week has been so chilled out - a complete opposite to London. It's probably what I need at this point in my life.