The Diet Starts Tomorrow...

So, it turns out that my body completely rejects extra sleep by a. providing it when an alarm clock isn't summoned, and b. providing the most annoying headache that can't be subdued by painkillers or laziness...

Other than that, Sunday was a typical Sunday. I got up, I had done all the chores the night before so there were clean everythings and realised that there was in fact nothing for breakfast. It's a dilemma I come across almost once every one and a half weeks when my cereal box empties itself. It's something I'm going through at the moment in fact, but I'll talk you through it in a little bit. 

So Pill, being the hunter gatherer (mostly gatherer) went around the corner and got both bacon and bread. Luckily we had bread, and he went to town on breakfast. Cos we all know that a well balanced breakfast is designed with a piece of fatty protein wedged between two slices of carbs both with some fatty substances spread upon them. I make bacon sarnies sound so appealing. 

The day went on. I restarted Skyrim again (yes I'm a sad mofo) and created Dova for the first time. And then I watched the Fellowship of the Ring again to appease Pill and DarkHorse. They were slightly annoyed that we had watched it without them despite giving us the permission to do so. 

And then Red messaged me suggesting that we get burgers, so I messaged the other two asking whether they wanted burgers too. It was a unanimous yes, and burgaz was had. We went to expensive MaccyD's (GBK) for a bit of a change of scenery, and stuffed our faces with the world's skinniest fries, milkshakes, and burgaz. 

And while we were doing that, all getting back to the breakfast thing, Red told us an idea of dieting right up until Christmas. Not a bad idea at all, I thought, and as Diets always begin tomorrow, and as today is tomorrow, my diet begins today before I load up on all the Christmasy goodness. 

Not bad for a Sunday. Also, my right ankle ached all day, which, coupled with the headache, was a very unpleasant experience. I'm glad the seats were comfortable and the lights were low in GBK...

Carpe diem chaps!...

You Shall Be The Fellowship Of The Ring...

Last night I got to visit Middle Earth for the first time this year (this year) with some people I hadn't seen it before, and some I had and still would. We had pizza, and fizzy drinks, and chips and dips, with garlic bread and some flat bread (carb on carb on carb). I think we all regret that lack of balance. 

I am probably one of the worst people to watch the Lord of the Rings with because I quote, I sing, and I expend knowledge of Middle Earth, the general plot, and boring trivia, that I doubt anyone wanted to hear (sorry guys). I think I even amazed Red at certain points as she turned to me in the questioning manner and simply said 'and you haven't read the books?'

I suppose it is weird being so passionate and knowledgeable about something without foreknowledge of the base text everything is based on (everything!).

It was a brilliant evening, despite my Middle Earth lessons, Cherry and I spoke about Immortality and Elves and Prophecies, Tag got to know a lot more about Balrogs and Fatty Bolger, and Red and I secretly mouthed along to most of the movie (I saw you!). 

It is easily my favourite film of ever. And I look forward to including the Hobbit in it's watching schedule. Could you imagine the length on that? It would go on so long, we could commission a cinema to show them all extended for some sort of charity event. Oh my God, I'm getting tingles just thinking about the prospect. 

I think my favourite part of last night was when Sam found Frodo trying to leave without any of them and he nearly drowned himself. I made a promise, Mr Frodo, a promise. Don't you leave him Samwise. And I don't mean to, I don't mean to. We were all quiet and emotional at that point. Well definitely quiet. But it was a nice gesture towards the movie, that it's still so powerful it can make us shut up and nut up. 

If you want to know more about the History of Aragon's hertiage or what happened to Gollum between the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings then Born of Hope and The Hunt for Gollum is certainly for you. A pair of well paid, low budget, fan filmed, short movies for your viewing pleasure...

I will take it!

Carpe diem, mellon...

I'd Slay A Dragon For Her If Need Be...

And I think that's about the geekiest/not normal thing to say at this juncture. Not sure where I planned on going after that, but perhaps I'll just start rambling and see where that gets me...

Yesterday, after much working, I trudged home to find a Red on my sofa, as I was expecting, and a Pill and Lee in the kitchen discussing plans on how to take over the world. I think I've already said this, but our house is quite the communal one. We're all welcome, whenever. Either way, I was a tad annoyed that she had been left to sit quietly by herself, but little did I know, she had been texting a guy the entire time - the slut! 

Let me add a few details about last night, that Red neglected to mention...

He apparently reads (its good to be literate in this day and age), is a business consultant at the age of 25 (obviously the most boring person in the world), and has clients (which all business consultants should have otherwise their not doing their job). I think it's safe to say I don't like him, so she's probably on to a winner (I said those exact words, but obviously in the present tense, and to her face).

I feel a bit more grown up now. Sort of. Well, I suppose you can't get too grown up after all.

I got my first interaction on POF too this morning. Number 1! (funny story about a ranking system, but I might let Red talk to you all about POF Science). Yeah, the poor girl isn't anything I'm looking for, but then I realised that she had rated me on the 'Hot or Not' POF equivalent, essentially (Hi Tag) saying 'I'd do you.'

All in all, this week's getting to be a busy one, and I do really like it. Reminds me of when we used to do loads of stuff every other day. Bring it on. And I can't wait for freakin' Fellowship of the Ring. It has been too long! I'm getting shivers of excitement already. There's my passion I think. And I also think, it must have to be my most favouritest movie of all time (the whole trilogy). I need the Extendeds (hint, hint).

I'm going to see Catching Fire tonight with the Swingers after work. IMAX yo! (you IMAX virgin!)

But for now Carpe diem you lucky few!...

I Am Not Depressed...

Well I was going to talk to you about yesterday where I wandered the realms of Skyrim, walked to the Bay and back, and then ate an all-you-can-eat (not a challenge) Chinese, before Red came over for a cuppa. Though, instead I thought I'd write about something Red mentioned, and I have now watched...

TomSka's new video:

Now, I won't go as far to say that I am/was depressed, or to say that there's something wrong with me, because for all we know, there's not. And as I keep saying to everyone I work with 'everyone has their off days'. But I've certainly been through some things. I've spent days in bed wondering why, I've woken up angry and sad and just mad at the world, I was a very angry child too. And I'm glad that I've grown out that stage, no one likes angry people. Pill says its not good to bottle it up, and Red even said yesterday that arguing was healthy. That makes sense, but I just don't an urge to be angry or to argue. 

On Thursday, I had a bad day. Just one of those days were you wake up and decide everything can go fuck itself. You know, a bad day. I sort of revisited it Saturday lunchtime when I pictured punching a few members of the public, and tearing them a new one. But anyway, my confessor made me sit down and tell her everything. And I did for the most part. She was trying to make sure it wasn't my friends making me this way, and it wasn't, it was just a bad day. In the past when I've had bad months and seasons I've always gone to visit Tag and Cherry, and slept on their sofa and refused to move. They're not the problem, I am. 

And it was suggested to me that I runaway, leave everything behind. Which I know certainly goes into the whole getting away, visiting somewhere new, having somewhere different to explore. And it seems everyone might be on similar pages - who'da thought? I've thought about running away in the past, but I was told that I can't run from life, I should just get on with it. And this time, I wasn't thinking of getting out, I'm not ready to drop everything and leave. I can't. It makes my stomach turn thinking about it. 

We all need a holiday, a long holiday, and I don't expect that we should return. (I am so psyched about Lord of the Rings on Friday!)

That bit where TomSka says that he's lost his passion for life, and everything else. That was me about a year or more ago. I had no desire to do anything. And I was even at the stage where I was thinking about suicide, but I knew I couldn't or wouldn't do that to myself. It's odd when you reason with yourself. But for now, I've got and for that matter, re-found, my writing. And as long as I've got something, I've got something to keep me sane (ish). 

Thanks for listening guys, good talk.

Music helps too.

Carpe diem guys!

Stress Levels...

Do you know some people think I'm stressed? 

Apparently I'm quite cool in the waking world. I know my shit, I can fly with the best of them (and that's not street), and yet I have awful dreams and nightmares, I continue to bite my tongue in my sleep, and I can't eat anything without feeling quite ill. Perhaps I'll just stick to coffee and milkshakes. Who needs food anyway?

Pill, DarkHorse and I went to the pub last night to watch the game. It was nice, and it wasn't too busy. I was nearly asleep in my chair when the full-time whistle was blown. I have no idea why I zonked out so much, but the walk home woke me up for another three hours. 

Everytime I think about writing now it calms me. Well, not calms me. I start thinking about a world that's not our own, and a place that I control, and where the possibilities are becoming more and more plausible each day. They're not, but you know what I mean I hope. It's been the tiniest of sparks in my life of work and play, and it's certainly something new to focus on. 

I know I've started sounding like a madman recently. And 'one of those people' who talk about their books all the time, but I honestly don't mean to. There are lots and lots of scenes in my head just playing over and over, each time perfecting themselves, and the nasty ones get worse. Perhaps that's where the nightmares come from. 

I might go back on the Kalms. We'll see what happens tonight. 

Carpe Diem...

Things I Didn't Know...

Did you know I like to lift my chin and look down my nose at strangers, flaring my nostrils in a primal and subliminal act to intimidate the intruder?

Neither did I.

I had a talk yesterday and I got some good advise: 'Contentment is fine at your age. You're not meant to know what your passions are yet. You're still, for a couple more years yet, trying to find out who you are, and if you're content with how you are now, then be content. But make sure that the contentment doesn't turn into complacency. You've got a good character and I don't think you will. You'll go travelling soon, you'll write more, you'll be happier than you are now. So be content for now, and don't worry what others think of it.'

It was a good talk.

Yesterday I was having a bad day. Did anyone else feel ill after Le Lake Poob Food? I was working my short day, getting in two hours later and leaving an hour later than normal - I felt weird all day. I don't think I did very much all day. But Sunday's coming, and I've decided that I'm not going to walk to Castell Coch - mainly because I want to do that with peeps if peeps still want to, so perhaps I'll just enjoy the park all over again. Starting the day with a nice walk around the park is a good way of starting your day. That and nice coffee, fruit, pastries, perhaps with a roast in the oven for dinner...

Ideas, ideas...

Red came over yesterday for dinner, it was nice with wine and everything. No one else was invited because I was told by everyone else that they had already had plans and there was only one spare bowl of food going, not four. I will admit that I've been very lazy recently. Pill has cooked everything I've been eating for a while now. I will cook Banoffee Pie on Sunday with, perhaps, a small roast shoulder of pork (I love crackling). Though DarkHorse doesn't like Pork. Maybe I won't. Perhaps something new. To the cookbooks I go!

Have a better day than me, Carpe diem you beautiful lot!

Secret Keeper...

When I start something, I tend to like to finish it. Unless it has no foreseeable end, rather like Skyrim or this blog. Though those are both bad examples because I will continue doing them (can you do blog?) because they're addictive and I enjoy them. Though, I find it quite difficult to sit down and start writing a blog at the moment, and I don't think I can not publish this on the same day I wrote it, at 10am as always.

I've got to put the rubbish out.

And there's clearly nothing better in my mind at the moment. Tomorrow (day off) I'm going to explore the Christmas Market and perhaps 'officially' start some Christmas shopping.

I've got a very good idea for some Christmas Presents after some very recent inspiration. And just then I got some more inspiration. It's going to be an interesting Christmas if I pull this off. And provided it's not snowing, I've got my Christmas plans sorted as well. But shhh, Mum doesn't know, and she's either going to be very angry or very happy to see me Christmas Eve. We shall see.

Well it's now Thursday, a whole two days since I wrote all of that, and do you know what? I think I've got things to say now. The first of which being that I am not a rubbish secret-keeper, and it bugs me people saying as such. And following that line of inquiry, we've all got secrets, some that people know, and others that people don't. Secrets exist, and they're not there to annoy others but they will inevitably do so. It's cruel, but it's life. 

But it was not your fault but mine 

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I, my dear?

I did some chores yesterday, like the cleaning and the shopping, before playing Skyrim for a short while, catching up with Master of Sex (controversial?!), before heading out and hitting the park for a little bit. It had been a long time, and it was almost snowing at one point the rain was so fine. I obviously took my camera with me. It was great to see all the world change from green to reds, yellows, and deep, rich, mahogany.

But, as the storm clouds closed in, I chose town and wandered around the Christmas Market, and much to Tag's disappointment, I didn't end up buying him a carved concrete fish named Harriet. Instead I clambered into Waterstones (#watetstones #justsaying) and had some cake and coffee before sitting down and writing about the life of Amy Boatman from Farcliff (I'm not convinced she should be called Amy, but the Boatman bit stays). And it also made me realise that Amy Boatman is Red's character - and Tag agreed. So that question is answered right there. So far the cast reads:

Tag - Thom Gomdar who becomes Rhiss Llesion the freedom fighter.

Cherry - Nellia Senaf, a dryad and woodland spirit of Realind.

Red - Amy Boatman, a Seer of the Future and a resident of Farcliff.

Pill - Nopthom Hill, the Woodsman of Myrddin.

DarkHorse - Nico Evelaas, Wind of the Trees.

HB - Lamia, Lady of the Moon.

GG - Gina Gorbs, a gypsy fortune teller.

Wodge - Resy Whalls, a Dark Elf from Qual.

An interesting array of people I think, but obviously you don't know very much about them. Luckily I've got all your stories up in my head, and on my laptop and places like that. Either way, that happened and then I went to see Tag and we went to CEX before heading for Le Lake Poob. Found our usual spots, and drank waiting for everyone. It was a nice evening, except for my feeling I was getting on everyone's nerves. Paranoia does like to set in when I've been by myself for a day or so. It amazes me that I made it to the age of 24 with the mental state I've got.

It was a memory stick with a Frank Album on it. And it wasn't a Secret. 

Carpe diem Chums!

A Birthday Worth Having...

We went to Jamie's Italian and it was bloody good. I know I said that I was going to stop talking about it last time I spoke to you, but do you know how good Jamie's is? Expensive, the correct portions, and no one went away saying that was too much, and no one was too full, despite Red saying she was but the steak she was eating was just too good to stop eating...

We had about four bottles of Merlot between the four/five vino rosso drinkers. And much merriment was had, chatting, catching up, eating, and photos. Not many, but enough. Everything was lovely. I received no less than three more gifts. An engraved hobbit tankard from Wodge and Obombz, a pair of lounge trousers from Cherry, and a secret gift from Red, that's a secret (shhh...). Am I a rubbish secret keeper? 

Yesterday was a very nice lazy day. Pill and I played Skyrim while DarkHorse slept a lot. And when the couple left, as the couple tend to from time to time, I caught up on Masters of Sex (all up to speed now), and when that was done I did a couple of things I haven't done in a while (and don't take that the wrong way)...

After spamming instagram, I retired to my room and played the secret gift on repeat. I just lay on my bed staring up at the ceiling and listened to the whole thing through, and then listened to it all over again. I thought about life, and fun, and distant lands I'm not even sure exist. And it was quite relaxing. I then did something also rather out of character for me, I sat and read my book - which is called The Written at the moment. It's amazing what I get up to when left to my own devices.

It was also the best night's sleep I've had in a while, no bad dreams, nightmares, or biting tongues. Perhaps I should do that every night?

This morning, while perusing my YouTube feed I found a beauty of a song by Ed Sheeran, that I think is a little out of character for the Hobbit (I suppose they had Annie Lennox do a song in Lord of the Rings), however it's pretty good, and I think I've listened to it about six times now. It's a builder, which an epic finale, check it out...

Thank you to everyone who made this birthday worth having. You know what I'm like when it comes to birthdays, but you guys made it brilliant. Thank you!

Mae govannen, mellon nin. Carpe diem...

History Of A Year...

250 Posts later and I can say that the shop has been open a whole year now, and I've been there a year and 10 days. It's strange how much has changed in that time. I've not even known Red that long yet. that would be 27th February, not that I'm counting or anything...

I've moved, I've aged, I've gotten slimmer, and richer, and overall I think I'd say I'm happier, though I'm not sure on whether or not I can measure that. Life is pretty sweet at the moment, though, and dare I say it, its starting to get on the ordinary and mundane side. The home, work, food, sleep, routine, is starting to get to me and I'm getting the urge to go sploring (#) soon. Though I'm not sure where.

Castell Coch perhaps. Just 6 miles up the cycle path, walk up there and back Sunday morning before lunch. It could be done, if the weather's okay. I don't mind the weather being rotten, but I think my camera might, or any companions who accompany me. Barry Island Fish and Chips? Penarth Pier with the finest Steakhouse in Wales with a cold pint in the Custom House on the way back?

Summer's not here anymore, but why should that stop us? I fancy checking out more of the Wye Valley too, though I'd need a car for that. I would say Gower, Cardigan, Pembroke Coast, Brecon Beacons, but my childhood was mainly spent rambling those places, I even fell off a small cliff in Gower into a field of Gorse Bushes. Not a nice end to the day I'll tell you. I've been swept out to sea, and delivered minutes later by the water to the sands, but that was Ogmore I think. I've broken a leg and walked home on it, but that was school.

Where was I? Ah yes, band photos. Let's face it guys, we can look sexy as fuck, and band photos are practically the only way we can capture that slow-mo strut without Tag's iPhone. Although, saying that, we do require to make a movie I think.

Reading trees are hard to come by in the winter, although a pub with a fireplace, and and afternoon tea menu could be fun - like a proper Sunday afternoon off, though we hardly get Sunday afternoons.

Everyone's coming to Jamie's Italian for my birthday this evening! I swear this is the last you'll hear of it. I'm not used to this choosing places and making plans for me malarkey. And that's an odd thought in itself I think. Shouldn't you be able to know what you want to do?

I want to visit a new place. I want to spend the day, week, or month there. I want to know its history, traditions, accent, and experience it was my friends. I want to sit and write something worth writing in my mind, it's got to be epic, fun, possibly dark, emotive, and fantastical. And I want to be happy, and I think I've got that mostly covered. Everyone has their off days...

Carpe diem guys!...

The Twelve Trials Of Big Tom...

Yesterday was my birthday, and it went up there with one of the greats. Admittedly there were too many people, the Christmas Market was over saturated, and the Christmas Lights were already switched on, but when we went to the pub we could sit and catch up. There's still time for Massive Frankfurters, Admiring the Lights, and shopping in the Market, without the crowds and hordes of people there were last night. 

And as it was a birthday, there were presents, and lots of those. Apparently today I receive my brother's and Saturday I get El's and Wodge and Owen's. Birthday's are fun. I got a percolator and some coffee from my parents, as well as a crocodile onesie, Iron Man 3 from my Sister, Arrow Series 1 from Clareg, a nice scarf and a notebook from Clareg's family, a hand crafted broadsword from HB, a notebook with one of the lines from Real Magic 2 from Tag, a companion cube of my companions from Red - plus spare instergerm pics for it, and a Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff t-shirt from Pill and DarkHorse which reads:

Working my Puff into Tuff

And I love them all, that you very muchly. I accidentally threw Red's present up in the air and it came apart. That was entirely my bad, and I think I really pissed Red off, so much so that drunk Red and I bickered like the married couple we will inevitably become about anything and everything, and she also made me realise I can't answer the question: 'what are you passionate about?' without some proper long thought...

But now it's a new year, and my 25th one at that. I've been thinking I require to do something more with my time, so I'm going to set myself 12 tasks for the 12 months between now and then. Some might be easier than others, but I hope I'll sort them all out. So without further introduction and in no particular order:

1. Write the first story of Farcliff and Real Magic 2 and 3. (Tag's already helped there.)
2. Cook/Bake something new once a week. (Pill will let me!)
3. Explore somewhere new every month. (Anyone want to come? Doesn't have to be around Cardiff - roadtrip?)
4. Finish Vin Diesel. (End Him!)
5. Read the Lord of the Rings. (Pahahaha...oh, you were serious?)
6. Read more in general.
7. Travel to Places You Think About.
8. Learn How to Draw again.
9. Learn a new Language. (I was thinking French or Italian, though Welsh might be a good start.)
10. Do something memorable. (Venice was a year ago, Uni was 2/3, we need new memories that we're all apart of.)
11. Live Healthier.
12. Enjoy Life, Yourself, and Your Friends.

As I said, some are easier than others. And I'm quite certain that half of them are naff and immeasurable. But I'll figure it out. I didn't want to put something like Skydiving on there because a. that's scary as shit and the thought of falling is making my palms sweat even now, but b. I wanted it to be something that we could all potentially do together at certain points. Without the risk of death. If we wanted.

It's going to be a good year already without me adding more things to it, so bring it on. I woke up to this today, Carpe diem guys! x

P.S. I'm passionate about my friends. Their quirks, thoughts, personalities. Their overall characters create my own, and their jokes, stories, and lives keep me going. I enjoy capturing their best and worst qualities in my writing and drawing, and I wouldn't change them for anything in the universe.

You're Thor?!...

We bested the Bonfire Night without the use of Hot Dogs or Soup believe it or not. We ventured, both the fun-vee and the hum-drum-vee to Barry Island or all places, Barry being a place I wished never to go back to, to view some fireworks that were somewhat none-existent in Cardiff Town on actual Bonfire Night, strange. The display was pretty-ful and Barry itself was pretty full (see what I did there?). I got a running commentary of the fireworks from Red, while the couples did what the couples do. The display itself was awesome, and yes, we should do a Lympics Opening Ceremony for the display - Rio here we come! After the display was walked to the Island they call Barry for some refreshments, and my did I get the biggest and greasiest cheap burger in the place. I was so glad. 

Yesterday was my day off, but that didn't stop HB texting me at 7am waking me up. If that's any way to put any one in a bad mood, it's that I reckon. I didn't do very much productive with my day, I shopped a bit, I played video games, caught up on some TV, did the ironing, and cleaning, and generally relaxed and organised a cinema trip.

The group, plus HB this week, wondered into the Bay to begin our Wednesday Night traditions again. It seems like ages since we last did something like that. Perhaps Sundays will begin again (the Saturday night thing only works if I've got the Sunday off I think, because I'll always be in work at 9am on a Sunday)...

We went to the Eli Jenkins, a nice little traditional pub, a cheeky round, plus a massive starter that was consumed without any want to know the calorie count, molten mushrooms. And then it was movie time. Red left her bag in the pub, and I ran with her back to our table to find it still resting there. And there we were ready to see Thor 2. Every time I hear Thor, I remember a joke Chris Hemsworth told on Radio 1 back in the day of Thor 1 which went a little like this...

The Norse god Thor decided to become a mortal for a while and went down to earth. He met a beautiful girl and they spent the evening together. In the morning Thor decided to reveal his identity to the woman. "I'm Thor" he said. "You're thor!" she said, "I'm tho thor I can hardly thit down!"

The movie itself was superb, better than the first in so much Lord of the Rings in Space sort of way. The Dark Elves were captured rather like the bad versions of the High Elves in actual Lord of the Rings, and so much badass and actual boners (let alone lady ones) were had when Tom Hiddleston (the only guy for me) came on screen. The trailers beforehand were epic, jumping from The Hobbit (13th Dec), to Catching Fire (21st Nov), to Ioan Gruffudd doing his epicly brilliant inspirational speech again (the rest of your life).

And afterhand...wards Red was so impressed by Hiddleston's performance that I said she should see him do Shakespeare. And he has played Henry V in Henry IV before on the tellyscreens last Christmas I think. But for your eyes only...

And he was just epic throughout everything in all of that. And most of the things that I have seen with him in. Imagine him in Middle Earth. Hello!

I've had a bit of a thought about my birthday as well. And in a way to step out of the limelight for once, I've decided to share it with Christmas, how modest of me don't you think? On the 14th it appears that Cardiff's Christmas begins, Christmas Markets, Christmas Lights, and Winter Wonderlands. And if we can fit in a round of drinks and a meal somewhere in there, that would just be swell. 

Also, let's start talking about a holiday next year. And I know your idea of Bluestone was well intentioned Cherry, but Holidays for me mean somewhere new, not West Wales...

Carpe diem...

P.S. I found something even more amazing to add to Hiddleston's repertoire for acting, dancing, and sexiness...

Havana Kavana

What a wonderful phrase,

Havana Kavana, ain't no passing craze...

It means I regret everything

For the rest of my days...

So, it seems Pill and I have been, for the latter part on our behalf gaming, and generally watching Disney films. Sunday night, coming back in the rain most of us broke out into spontaneous song, the Circle of Life, and once we, Pill, DarkHorse, and I had retired for the evening, and changed into PJs, Dressing Gowns, and Slippers, Pill requested that we watch The Lion King, and what a good suggestion that was...

Jeremy Irons singing gives us chills, and as we had already clarified the the house was indeed empty, we sang along to every song. But is his song only second to Hell Fire, in Hunchback of Notre Dame? I wouldn't say they're the best Disney songs, because I do love a catchy and upbeat tune, although they are the best bad guy ones. I think Be Prepared is better, what do you think?

Anywho, last night we moved on to Hercules, and started talking about puns, Greek Mythology, Jewish race wars, and stuff like that. You know the us'ge (usual). I love Hercules, and Mulan, and Lilo and Stitch. And they've all got great songs, but I think we all know what my favourite Disney film is, so I'll leave it at that...

Fireworks tonight, and they're going to be epic. We're actually travelling out of our way for them so I've decided that they're going to be epic. Plus Hot Dogs, Soup, and V for Vendetta for afters if there's time. Is Bonfire Night one of those evenings with traditions, or am I just making up the whole Hot Dog and Soup thing?

See you shortly after this long intermission, Carpe diem...

The Three-Day Weekend...

Well that was a busy old three-day weekend. What's that? You didn't know I had a three-day weekend? Well sit up straight while I tell you mostly about it...

I've just discovered why they don't let you walk around with drinks in libraries and book shops. I just dropped my cup of coffee on my copy of The Game of Thrones. PLEASE DRY OUT OKAY GOD OF BOOK DRYING!

Friday, the first day, I spent mostly at home, cleaning, shopping. I went to the post depo to pick up Red's parcel, and that was about it, until the evening, when I donned my Angry Bird Hat (so warm), and ventured to the Big End for Lady Kate's Halloween Party. There was so much food, and it was good to catch up with the home friends for a short while. Lady Kate is an actual feeder, i.e. when I wasn't eating something she physically rapped my face with food. There's an image for you. I was quite shattered as well and I took a couple of short naps in the dark living room with a CD that kept playing Women's Screams every 5mins. Either way, it was soon time to go home and I stayed at Mom and Dad's. 

The next morning I was up early, apparently - although I wouldn't say 8am was early anymore. Despite going to bed at 1am. I went food shopping with Mum, and she bought me and Pill some things as she thinks we're still students and require that extra food. Then we woke up Ben and went suit shopping, to which I spent "£*£$)O*U and the tailor himself congratulated me on my weight loss, but sided with my Mother when we said that my former suit was too larger because of it. I'm so inconsiderate. I met HB after her work, and we went, into the storm along the train tracks, picking Cherry up on the way and homeward again, where everyone was gathering. 

Nearly an hour and a bit later, we were all looking Sexy as Fuck and hit Cardiff Bridge with the rest of Cardiff to witness the Fireworks in the Park, to which we all huddled and sheltered ourselves from the cold, wind, and rain, until it got a bit much. Then town beckoned. We bumped into Smeccles in Le Lake Poob and Red was somewhat abducted by a slimy individual and then we had to disperse. The night was not yet morning when half the group decided that they couldn't walk any more, and the other half, spurred on my Tag went to Revs, but upstairs Revs. It was weird, creepy, and Cherry had a freak-out. Alcohol, oy-vey. I was concerned that we had lost Red at one point, and I sent Cherry after her. Soz guys, my bad. And then Midnight dawned and the tiara was placed upon the head. It's Red's Birthday (YAY!). Cherry got Sambucca (everytime?!), and Red and I slow danced to Nicki Minaj, or so I'm told. 

We soon left as the club got a bit pushy, and realised we could have been downstairs most of the time. Chili Shots yo! I carried Red to mine, and we all slept, more or less, well. Until the morning, and Tag's Mango Chundering. Which then Tag, Red, and I went for a walk around Bute Park before Breakfast, and he painted the Park a bit. Presents were opening in my Bedroom, Breakfast in Spoons, before a lazy day of cleaning, and gaming, and then Pizza Express for Red's Birthday Meal. 

I had a lovely time, all things considered. Happy Birthday Red...

Carpe diem...

Day 9 Of 11...

There's nothing quite like the tiredness you get from 11 Days of working, in my opinion (with the exception and foreknowledge that I haven't ever done anything Wodge is currently going through, and I know we've all got our bad experiences, so ignore me if you will)...

To be fair, I'm almost to the end. Today will be day 9, and it's not a real full time 11 Days, but it has certainly given me the inability to not switch off, so I wake up tired, gain a tremendous sense of deja vu every walk into town, start work, clean up, repeat. 

I don't have a good firm grip of the English language, I've decided. It's more a soft glace in English's direction when ever I open my mouth. I don't know why, but my brain does like to try and over complicate things, a. in life, and b. in the way that I talk. 

Like I was telling Cherry last week, and more for the most part, if you know me, I sound far better in text format than I think I ever will verbally. I've been through a few speech therapies in my life, mostly to remove a stutter and restore some self confidence. It's an odd thing to try and explain, but going from crippling public speaking problems to the job I have now has certainly been quite an existence. 

So just try to understand me if I get my words around the wrong way, or I'm trying to explain something but I'm going the wrong way around it. Some of you already do that, I know. You can understand the nonsense that I drivel sometimes, and for the rest of you, you'll get used to it, and perhaps one day you'll also hear me sneeze. But not too soon, we require some mystery I think.

It's Red's birthday on the weekend and the order to dress up 'Sexy as Fuck' is certainly one I hope to adhere to. And although I shall endevour to accomplish my goal, I shall possibly fall short if everything doesn't arrive before Saturday. We're hitting the town, and before we do there's gonna be fireworks outside the house and down the street. I think a group on Cardiff Bridge watching fireworks from Bute Park would be epic. But I might be wrong. The fires start at 7pm. They're the big people ones. I'm not sure why there are kid ones and adult ones, and the concept even sounds amusing. Perhaps they'll set the car alarms off again they were so big/loud. Apparently it'll be the biggest display in Wales and one of the largest in the UK. I suppose we'll have to see it to believe it...

Have a tremendous day, and I look forward to seeing us all again, Carpe diem...

Talks...

Yesterday was a day of talking, and a lot of talking at that, to lots of different people. I grew, I developed, and I learnt new things about myself and the others around me. It was a very productive day, so much so that waking up to the darkness of morning was a hardship of mental exhaustion...apparently.

So there it was Coffee with Tag and the almost drunken slurs of tired people, mumbled across the beverage fumes. We didn't talk about much, just work, and writing, and life in general. Accepting that we had grown up and looked at ourselves, even at the start of this year, knowing the Starbucks staff members and pretending to be adults having coffee before work. A series of memories that just continue to be made. And then he went to work, and I went home to await my work start time.

In the meantime there was an argument with Cherry, and a discussion with Wodge. Both very productive, and nice catch-ups. But I was playing GTA at the time so conversations didn't continue for very long, until Pill and DarkHorse arrived home and I knew I had to go to work. A 5-8, weird shift wouldn't you agree? It was a staff induction for the new Christmas Temps. And I had a whale of a time. And then I returned home where Pill and DarkHorse had waited for me to serve the dinner. It was nice, and we watched TV while Pill Rimmed the Sky (nice image).

And then came bed where the conversations with Wodge and Cherry continued. I messaged Tag and Red too, but to no avail. The chatting continued long into the night, and I even got to watch a few more episodes of Downton Abbey - don't worry it's almost over...and then I can watch it live on telly.

So remember, don't listen to the voices, don't over think, and above all, don't picture any number of possibilities and get your tail in a spin. I seriously think some of us need to consult a head doctor at one point or another.

4 days down, only 7 to go. You guys keep me sane. Keep doing that, and I'll keep pretending to be a needy sonofabitch.

Today's feel good song is...

Surrender to the Strawberry Ice Cream and have a superb day, you brilliant people! Carpe diem...

Reconsidering...

I think the likelihood of me living with Pill next year has dropped dramatically since he announced that Caerphilly might be an option. I don't know whether he was being serious or being a dick, but either way the amount of one bed unfurnished flats for under £500 in the surrounding area is a bit scarce, but that's just within a quarter mile from here. How nice is this place?

I think it's a bit odd thinking Caerphilly, although quite nice (I've passed through it on occasion), is a possibility. I have friends from there who have difficulties getting to work due to train and public transport problems and just think it's only 20 mins away by train (he said sarcastically). And if they do move there I can see them becoming more and more detached from our little sect. Which I suppose, as they are engaged now, would have probably happened anyway. Either way, the announcement has certainly made me reconsider his motives. 

He's also started this thing of seeing how far I'll go to help out or be generous to my friends, and enjoys telling me I've failed every time I do something useful. I believe he's testing me, or conditioning me, I'm not entirely sure. I don't think he likes how I said I was going to get everyone something for Christmas anyway. I do every year, so I don't know why I should stop now. And I don't even know why we still do Secret Santa if we all have money now. I doubt I'm going to stop being myself but he's starting to make it difficult. 

He's also started pushing me a lot (I'm not sure whether that's for my own good or not), saying I should probably start writing again, and when am I going to start writing again, and what am I currently writing, and just stuff like that. I keep telling him that I haven't stopped writing, which is true in a sense, and not so true in others. I am currently planning a NaNoWriMo I think, though I'm not sure I'll get much time to do anything in November - but all, I'll say is Real Magic 2: Magic Just Got Real, might be a thing...

I was really quite tired and laidback last night, so to have all this conversation and all the while speak with Lee (a nice guy), Pill's Mentor, about life, life stories, and radiation, gave me a headache and I actually went to bed early (about 10:30)...

I'm really enjoying all the Imagine Dragons songs I've been linked too (thank you Red, you were right). And I've also realised that I've heard some of them before without actually knowing they were Imagine Dragons. Who knew?

It's raining rather dramatically at the moment. I'm concerned that the river might swell too much a wash this place all away. I hope not. Have a brilliant day guys...

Carpe diem...

P.S. Has anyone noticed that this last month's blog titles could be seen on the back of an Album? Perhaps I'll write and sing all the songs...

1. Waking Up Alone
2. An Odd Quickie
3. Nothing At All
4. Bangers And Mash And Zombies
5. Over-Achieving Blowjob
6. Cinema Grill
7. Drugs Help
8. And I Will Always Be With You
9. Quiet Contemplation
10. Bay?
11. If I Ever Stray
12. The Birthmas List
13. Bute Wall

Nothing At All...

I remember being asleep, and expecting to wake up very early on into the night. I don't know why, perhaps I was just uncomfortable, but then this morning I woke up, into the darkness of an October morning thinking about Marriage and Minecraft...

Tis an odd one I hope you agree, unless of course you know the connection between the two, because I sure as hell don't. I think three couples I know have become engaged this year, with a potential two more on the way. Which, to put that into perspective, before this year, I had only been to two weddings (counting my eggs before they've hatched), and probably five funerals. So in just a few weeks they've given me the potential to go to just as many weddings as funerals, if not more (do wedding receptions count?)...

And any way, Minecraft, I was thinking of moulding a castle and battling some spiders or some shit like that. Good gracious, why aren't my blogs about anything at the moment? I wonder...

Perhaps I feel my writing ability has somewhat become dulled by this repetition and routine, although with routine comes perfection (well, not really). It's certainly not dull. By most people's standards I live quite a remarkable and extraordinary life. I go for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, cinema trips, telly days, different apartments and houses, all with people I love (j'adore), adore, and admire. And after all, for writing's sake NaNoWriMo's around the corner (should I do it again?)...

There's going to be an opportunity for me to attend a party thrown by my Big End Friends soon, but I don't think I can go. It's funny how we can all swim in different circles but then come together as if nothing in the world has changed and everything is perfectly fine. That's why I like seeing Wodge, that and she's always got a story, a jiggle dance, or a panda to show us.

And then I was thinking of publishing a list of girls I had fancied throughout my life and trying to figure out the link between them all, apart from all being pretty, but then I realised the list was far too small for a man with my reputation, and a reputation this good took me 23 years to build after all. I can't have people thinking that beneath this callous, rapey, and oddly-attractive exterior lies a warm, pleasant, and pleasing to the eye individual. Wouldn't you agree? Quite right...

Perhaps next time I won't talk so much shit...

Carpe diem...

Bangers And Mash And Zombies...

And he's gone silent for a couple of days. Who wondered where he had gone? Who even cared? Well, not me, I was playing GTA and hanging out with friends trying to find, shag, and kill hookers...

So, I accidentally bought Grand Theft Auto 5 the other day, and because I had two days off in a row, I decided I would play it. I've not been a fan of GTA since 3 - though saying that, I haven't played the others - but so far I'm enjoying myself, and I'm understanding why everyone's so crazy about the game...

But anyway, apart from going completely psycho on the game, killing rednecks, flying planes out of military drugs compounds, and pulling off a jewelry heist, I've been living a pretty normal life. The guys came over last night for bangers and mash and a movie. I made Apple Crumble too - I thought the crumble was far worse than the bangers and mash (What is this? Oh you didn't put cinnamon in this did you? Dick!) I do put cinnamon in my crumble, when All Spice isn't around. And occasionally (always) I enjoy putting raisins in there too. But normal, straight, apple next time I feel. 

Thankfully Red decided to stay when food was eaten and cooked. I hadn't watched all of Jackass with you guys at all! And we put World War Z on instead. Action, Action, and Action, with a bit of tense zombie scene, and a drizzle, but not too much, of family plot...

It wasn't lads night. I was expecting Lord of the Rings and a quiet time. Not so much the vest tops and cargo trousers, but I'm glad I now know how to dress like a douche. That shirt was so thick.

This post has been successfully short and about nothing in particular. There was a congratulations card for Pill and DarkHorse's engagement, a comment made about present cheating couples, and more raping with Cherry (more?). But now, here's something funny I found on the internet...

(...do you think they should make iPhones for babies, cos I do...)

Carpe diem...

Over-Achieving Blowjob...

So, where were we? Ah yes...Friday Night. After a much accomplished day of work I traveled to the homestead to begin preparations for the much needed drunken debauchery. The guys arrived soon after and we were out and about again by about 8:30. Somewhere in the inter-meaning time the Boiler broke and someone arrived to fix it again...

We found ourselves in Borroco (is that how you spell it?) with Cocktails, Tag and I spoke with the Bar Maid, I got ID'd (it's so weird being told I look young), and I pretended to check out the room from the bar, in my blazer looking sexy as. Admittedly we were all looking hot, and I mean hot hot (just saying). We moved on through town, Brewery Quarter, Mill Lane, Le Lake Poob, and we sort of lost it at about Missoula - I know there were two toilet breaks after that in Revs de Cuba and Live Lounge - but they're so close together? - and there was lots of reps trying to entice us into their clubs, only two of which I can remember - Hayden a jolly chap who got paid £6 an hour (under minimum wage) and the skinny guy who was trying to get us into Floyds Bar. There was a lot of hand holding, hugs, general affection, and finally to Revs to pop Red's Rev's Cherry (as it were). There was where the night ended, there was where the night could have began, and we danced and celebrated. Had some free Chili Shots (they didn't go down well - Tag's idea), and then Tag bought some White Chocolate Shots (I suggested them and they were tasty). Cherry mugged Red for cash for a final pitcher, and we danced and mingled and danced some more. Red and Cherry got hit on my a few guys and Tag and I waded in to see if assistance was required. Needless to say, a short while after that we ended up home, after a short bought of carrying a few people, barefootedness, and then complaints that we didn't go get chips...

I don't think it would have worked that well if there were more of us, but then we'll never know...

And then came the morning after. I woke up and threw all my pain pills (got pills here) at the others who were somewhat feeling a little rough around the edges and then got them to go to Truffles via Primark for breakfast. It was nice in there. Food was required and some of us felt much better for it, and some of us didn't. Cherry and I walked Tag and Red to work, and we started the day rightly.

I went home to visit the Famille on Saturday. It was more or less the usual stuff. Talk about things I've already talked about, watch a movie (it was B-list but it was good), watch some Grand Prix, and eat too much. Mother and I went out shopping, and I bought a new jacket (you guys have got to wear this thing. It's like being in bed), and I searched endlessly for a cheaper version of GTA 5 - I think I'm going to buy it today. My sister has decided that she probably won't go to the interview I stuck my neck out to try and get her, and I've decided I'm not going to try and help that selfish bitch again. You know the sort of relationship I and my family have with her. Anyway, I got to see Clareg and in fact the whole Clareg famile plus Clareyloo as we had popped over to drop over some cards. Clareg's Mother (my Italian Mama) demanded to know why I hadn't seen her in such a long time, and I couldn't leave until I promised to come back and visit her on her birthday (which I fully intend to do). It was really nice catching up. It was warm when I last went home, and now winter is well and truly on its way.

Anyway, Sunday evening rolled by, and I came home to visit the Thompsons, before going out with the guys to go see Dan Sloss and Kai Humphries down the Bay in the Glee Club. I laughed harder and harder, and I was sure I was starting to annoy a few people in the audience (probably the guys too). But since then I've been thinking about Holidays next year - making actual solid plans - and doing the Bull Run. Could you imagine the experience? Kai Humphries can, google it. It was just nice, and even better, it was a completely sober evening too. We can tolerate each other for long periods of time without alcohol (we are friends, we are laughing). And we even got some Free Hugs from the acts afterwards too (who am I to turn down a Free Hug?), and Dan Sloss was making a lot of eye contact with almost all of us from what I could tell.

And that concludes this round of The Extraordinary Life of the Swingers, but I hope and undoubetly believe that there will be more to come. Just keep your eyes out and your nose to the ground...

Have a superb day...

Carpe diem...

Cinema Grill...

I have to say, my blogs haven't really been about very much recently. Life, or my concept of it at least, as plateau'd waiting for the extraordinary to happen - and do you know what? The extraordinary happened...

There was a cinema trip, and a night out, and tonight there's dinner and a show. Things be coming up Milhouse. But anyway, starting from the top and finishing some time tomorrow (as work begins in just 15mins) Let's say that the cinema trip was a lovely way to wind down Hump Day. 

Catch a car ride with your friends, travel all the way to the Bay and hang out in a small and quiet pub, that's friendly and well stocked enough that we could have easily stayed to play cards. We drank and ate our fill (actually a lot more than our fill) to which some of us regretted it. Large Mixed Grills aren't the way to go. Tasty, but I couldn't have one every week. And yet Hot Dogs? Either way, we downed pints (bad idea) and ventured out into the brisk night air. Red discovered that she could hide, quite well inside my jacket, bag and all, and we found seats in the cinema to see Filth...

Now, I enjoyed that movie, it was funny, dark, and dramatic, a brilliant role of Mc-Cavoy's. It even showed you more, and less, than you were expecting to see all most all of the time. There was also a whole thing where all of the music was a cover of something else and some underlying themes stretching throughout. I would get all studenty on it, but I'm not a student, so fuck-it. And now we all know the definition of Furious Masturbation.

But I digress. Time has now run out, and I require to tell you all about Friday Night and then tonight also. Please stay tuned for the next installment of The Extraordinary Life of the Swingers...

Carpe diem...