tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40239830430503789712024-02-07T09:02:55.941+00:00RamblingsA writer now writes.
Woo!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-51973310581641827472008-09-10T22:32:00.002+01:002008-09-10T22:47:52.180+01:00Day TripperAnother day, another evening before a day trip! Yessss!<br /><br />I won't deny, I'm a big fan of the day trip, and we all know it. I'm hoping to get a pen, or at the very least a pencil for my troubles tomorrow, as me and Emily are heading off to Chatsworth House. I've already prepared the CD, and we have a whopping great FOUR CDs, that's right, and that's lucky because last time me and Emily went on a day trip to Hampton Court palace we got lost whereupon I proclaimed 'it's ok, we've got another CD here!' - phew thank god for that!<br /><br />Unfortunately, God doesn't appear to be smiling on me because the weather forecast is a bit rainy tomorrow, but although the rain may dampen our jackets, it most certainly will not dampen my spirits, or my ability to buy pens, so there!!!! You've got to stick it God, make sure he gets the message that you don't care what he's going to do just to spite him!<br /><br />I'm the queen of coincidence, and this means nothing to me. This probably means nothing to you either (apart from you), but I don't care what this means to you (only to you). Ha!<br /><br />Exciting news for you folks - another day trip planned on Saturday! Yes, that's right, one week, TWO new pens!!! It just doesn't get any more exciting than this, and because of that, I won't tell you the details of that day trip just now, it'll only spoil the suspense for you, let's just say that it involves a large castle, and I do like those indeed.<br /><br />In other news, although I haven't stepped out of the house today, I've managed to avoid any supermassive black holes that are meandering around the Oldbury area, and for that we can all be truly grateful, but I have been told to watch out for Spon Lane and Farm Road, I think that might just be a general life lesson for us all though! Spoon Spon, Broom Brom. Let my road to the top of the charts begin with that phrase, you heard it here first.<br /><br />Anyway, before this blog lives up to its name just a little bit too much, I shall sign off now, see you on the other side of the Peak District.<br /><br />Boom!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-70453374690244173152008-09-04T22:12:00.002+01:002008-09-04T22:18:51.024+01:00Voice ControlI have typed over 55,000 words in my temp job this week, just over half of which have probably been 'erm' and 'um', which all have to be typed in minute detail.<br /><br />I managed to pick up a whopping great 64 minute tape to transcribe, which didn't exactly fill me with heady anticipation, but upon listening to the tape, the very considerate man told the woman not to speak at the same time as him to 'make it easier for the typist' - I love him, he's thought of me when he's doing his job, isn't that nice, it makes mine so much easier.<br /><br />I've been sitting next to a robot for two days now. The robot wasn't there on Monday and Tuesday, but she is disturbing me now. I don't know about you, but I've always found it common courtesy to smile at least at a person sitting next to you in an office environment, but not the robot, she just types, types, types staring at the computer screen with such intensity as though it's going to reveal an undiscovered Shakespearean sonnet. I wrote "you are a robot" and put it next to her, of course, I wrote it in shorthand, because I'm a coward, I suppose we don't know if she understands shorthand, I don't know if they have that in robot school, but she doesn't look away from the computer anyway.<br /><br />Tomorrow may or may not be my last day of typing, although it's unbelievably dull, it's gone by quickly, but I can hardly say I'll miss it, or the robot, if I have to leave, I'll miss the money though of course. Some people have been working there for a YEAR. This week has taught me a valuable lesson if nothing else, I can't let this become what I do.<br /><br />I'd have shot myself by now having to do this, day in, day out for a year - there must be something better, there's your incentive, must try hard to get a job with at least two different functions, so as one does not end shooting oneself through tedium and boredom. And I think that's a lesson we can all appreciate.<br /><br />Well that's all for now, I've done enough typing for the day, I don't know why I'm volunteering to do extra ;)<br /><br />xxxAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-40809634548879797422008-09-02T20:16:00.002+01:002008-09-02T20:21:18.016+01:00Naughty Naughty NaughtyIt's so naughty that I haven't blogged in almost a month, what kind of behaviour is this for a journalist?<br /><br />But please be inspired to know that I have at least been writing in some form or another, on the Motley Fool, so you know, from all that I'm just whacked out. Wait a minute, that's no excuse, I take that back. I'm just naughty.<br /><br />I've been temping for two days and my ears hurt and I'm getting RSI in my foot. Oh well, never mind, at least there's a microwave so I can have hot soup and watch half an hour of either Loose Women or Sixty Minute Makeover - oh the excitement.<br /><br />I think Hurricane Gustav hit Cardiff this afternoon, just as I was leaving work because my umbrella (I say mine, but I found it somewhere) has finally bitten the dust, the trees outside the office were bent over double and I nearly got blown into the road. Half an hour earlier there'd been glorious sunshine, God is against me today clearly. <br /><br />I think we can all thank Matt for today's blog, for upon his return I just had to compete really, although his is much better than mine because mine has just been a boring disapassionate list of today's events, which were, all in all, truly unexciting. Oh hang on a minute! I forgot to tell you how they had no minced beef in co-op because they are doing it up, see it's not all dull dull dull in Amyland today.<br /><br />Anyway I best get off, I have to start some research for more advice for the financial inept, if only I had some for myself.<br /><br />Ciao chums. xxxAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-59034622898164546342008-08-04T23:36:00.003+01:002008-08-04T23:45:12.235+01:00Meaning<div align="center"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2733572248_878b568ae1_b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2733572248_878b568ae1_b.jpg" border="0" /></a> If half of what I say is meaningless, does that make the other half incredibly meaningful?</div><div align="center">Well Prudence, I ask you this, dear, don't pass me by. </div><div align="center">Now, because I'm so tired, and it's been a long, long, long day I think I will end this blog, otherwise a revolution occuring somewhere between a scale of 1 and 9 might happen. </div><div align="center">You don't know how lucky you are, honey pie. You're wild. </div><div align="center">Now you've reached the bottom of this blog, perhaps you want to go back to the top.</div><div align="center">xx</div><div align="center">P.S. - If you can guess the theme of today's blog, I shall give you a piece of candy. </div><div align="center">P.P.S - If you've got something to hide, don't speak to me and my simian friend.<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-40117813795836125752008-08-01T23:42:00.002+01:002008-08-01T23:45:15.201+01:00They Call Me Baby Driver<div align="center"><a href="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/3334660.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=4DAA13B573E1BD2F3171DA0E1C05536FA55A1E4F32AD3138"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/3334660.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=4DAA13B573E1BD2F3171DA0E1C05536FA55A1E4F32AD3138" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://brandingadvice.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/driver.jpg"></a>I wonder how your engines feel.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-59251049633250775922008-07-28T18:39:00.007+01:002008-07-28T18:48:53.674+01:00QUACK QUACK QUACK<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2711126232_66f0493558_b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2711126232_66f0493558_b.jpg" border="0" /></a> A dialogue between myself and the 49 killer ducks at the lake today:<br /><br />A(standing for me): Mmm, what a lovely day, I have some stale bread here, I think I shall visit the ducks in the park and feed it to them.<br />D:(standing for any duck, they don't have individual names because they are EVIL): QUACK, bread, bread, bread, bread, bread, bread, bread.<br />--- 20 minutes later, arriving at the park ---<br />A: My my, there an awful lot of ducks about today aren't there.<br />D: QUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK. Bread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's got bread, get the bread, get the bread, get the bread, get the bread. GET. THE. BREAD.<br />A: Here ducks, have some bread.<br />D: I want the bread. No I want the bread. Give ME the bread. I am going to peck you. Give me the bread. I want the bread. No, I want the bread!<br />A: Plenty of bread for everyone.<br />D: Quack quack quack, let's all descend on the bread lady.<br />A: Woah, where all the ducks coming from? They're everywhere. Argh. You can have the bread, take the bread, take the bread, just don't hurt me.<br />D: QUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK. Peck, bread, bread, peck. QUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK.<br />A: Oh my god, there's one behind me. AARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR<br />RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHH<br />HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.<br />D: QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCC<br />CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCK.<br />We only care about bread so give us the bread. BREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.<br /><br />-FIN-Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-13376479590532079492008-07-26T20:56:00.007+01:002008-07-26T21:05:59.649+01:00Bazooka<a href="http://www.bertisevil.tv/img/bazooka-bert.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.bertisevil.tv/img/bazooka-bert.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><a href="http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/bazooka.jpg"></a><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">"If you've got a bazooka, and people know you've got it ... you're not likely to take it out". </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">That is a quote I found in this week's Newsweek. I like it - mostly because I like the word bazooka, and also because it could be taken in a number of ways - and you'll know if you're a regular reader about my penchant for euphemisms and innuendo. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Do you know, I've ripped out the quote and I don't even know which story it goes with - that's how reckless I am these days, but I'd like to invite you to make up your own stories, the wilder the better. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />The problem I see with the quote is that, if people know you've got a bazooka, yes, it's right that you might not need to take it out, but if you never took it out - would people not forget about the said bazooka, and then one day you'd have to take it out just to remind everyone that you had one, and then all kinds of crazy stuff could go down. Do you have any problems with the quote?</span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />In other questions today, Captain Cook - hero or villian? With that haircut how could he be anything other than a villian? Seriously, there's no excuse for that is there?</span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />You may have read in the previous blog post that I fulfilled my life's ambition by visiting Barry Island, well I was back there again on Thursday - what is it called when you have already fulfilled your life ambition and you go back for more - is it greed or what? Still, I think I'll go back again. I like sand. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Well after today's blogging extravaganza, I believe that both you and I should be thoroughly blogged out. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />And that's it for today - come back tomorrow to see if there's anything, although judging from the length of today's you might not want to. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Au revoir. x</span></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-54455661116810113742008-07-14T15:39:00.004+01:002008-11-07T04:34:23.457+00:00Ambition<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk4Z9ZtGTtmniDDdQm5avWOlmHERJkhZmkQDZY1tP3AHQ0ddYtX4SYNo2uiLbJUTklbk9o4kegQRTQFLtlJYzSlft7OXw-qTsIu6Qkew0rdPWF3ZG04AeVDeN_qBSDv2Ou-__2-mT-WkN/s1600-h/S5007841.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222879667184864770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk4Z9ZtGTtmniDDdQm5avWOlmHERJkhZmkQDZY1tP3AHQ0ddYtX4SYNo2uiLbJUTklbk9o4kegQRTQFLtlJYzSlft7OXw-qTsIu6Qkew0rdPWF3ZG04AeVDeN_qBSDv2Ou-__2-mT-WkN/s320/S5007841.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> It's not very often you can say you've fulfilled your life's ambition, but I managed it yesterday, and at the grand young age of 21 at that, I can retire now. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />I am of course referring to finally getting to see Barry Island. Yes that's right folks, don't get jealous now, but I also built a sandcastle there too! Now, the only problem is, what do you do when you've fulfilled your life's ambition - it can only really go downhill from there can't it?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />No! The answer is of course... to get a NEW ambition! Yes that's right, pick something else slightly unusual out of the air, and make that the next ambition. Of course the best thing about the Barry Island ambition was that it was always fairly easily achieved, so I think the next one should only be a slight step up from that - I'm thinking perhaps a visit to Weston Super Mare, or somewhere even more exotic like Great Yarmouth or Walton on the Naze. You can keep you Rio carnivals and all that jazz, I'm going to the WOW on the waterfront in Cardiff, because I'm that cool! (Or is it because I'm poor - oh well I'm sure those things go hand in hand anyway...)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />So I'll leave you to think about what your life ambition is, and whether you've acheived it or not. And just to note, that visiting Barry Island isn't my main, overaching life ambition, although it does help with that, because my main, overaching life ambition is simply to be happy - and you can't ask for more than that. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Ciao for now folks, I'm off to research more life fulfilling ambitions - I'll keep you posted on the details of that.... if you like...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Peace out :)</span><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-31394846667018595822008-07-06T21:04:00.003+01:002008-07-06T21:09:34.193+01:00Some thoughts from today.Why do i check the prices of storage units in the Sunday Times style magazine?<br />I don't have enough money to buy stuff to store, let alone £2000 storage units. Has my life been reduced to checking such unnecessary fiddlements?<br /><br />I think the answer can be found in the following conundrum, which is:<br />Have i been watching this tennis match for my entire life?<br />During this tennis match, i managed to walk to Albany Road, look around at and photograph various graffiti art, walk around Woolworths, checking everything in minute detail, walk around Bargain Wonderland, or whatever that's called, walk back, read the entire Sunday Times, cook and eat my dinner, get changed, straighten my hair and upload about 100 photos on flickr. From that estimation, I do indeed conclude I was watching this from the moment of conception. or at least it feels that way.<br /><br />But having invested so much time, I can't stop now? can I? What if it never ends, and this game will go on and on and on, with the eventual loser being the one that dies first, and the score being 157 games to 156?<br /><br />New Balls Please.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-68371670796216819642008-07-04T21:17:00.002+01:002008-07-04T21:23:32.032+01:00Suspense!<a href="http://www.moma.org/images/collection/FullSizes/WeberSmalley_Suspense_2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.moma.org/images/collection/FullSizes/WeberSmalley_Suspense_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Ah! </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Did you like what I did there? I had this much anticipation, so I made you wait as well. </div><div></div><br /><div>Then again, I think pretty much everybody who reads this blog knows the result anyway. In case you're wondering what the result I'm referring to, I am of course talking about my degree result. </div><div></div><br /><div>Well, I have to say it's a big anti-climax, both for you and for me. I think because I'd already pretty much figured out what I was going to get, actually seeing it on the wall didn't really do much for me. It was interesting to have a nosy at what other people got though. I'm shocked at some people's cleverness, and intrigued by other's apparent lack of it. I myself am sat squarely in the middle, and that's better than being on the wrong side of centre, so I'm content. </div><div></div><br /><div>I'm not particularly happy with what I got for my dissertation, not sure if it was worth it all in the end. Actually yes it was. Gives you something to talk about I suppose. Never mind. Time to move on. Must try harder and all that jazz. Or not try harder and have a life - it's a tough choice, hard to make, it tends to make itself for you. I will try harder... fancy coming out... er yes OK then. </div><br /><div></div><div>So that's that. And that's me, the graduate. Fancy that.</div><br /><div></div><div>Until the next time I feel a ramble coming on - Au revoir. </div><br /><div></div><div>Oh - I got a 2/1.</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-17006835056211519792008-06-24T23:38:00.003+01:002008-06-24T23:45:13.216+01:00Anticipation<a href="http://rtmulcahy.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/anticipation2.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://rtmulcahy.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/anticipation2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So tomorrow is the day that everybody (in JOMEC) has been waiting for - yes degree results day.<br /><br />The kind people of JOMEC Admin are pinning the names of us all on the wall so we can all have a gawp (and possibly) guffaw at other people's grades. How nice. If I ring them up though to ask about my own degree result, I can't know because of confidentiality. Go figure.<br /><br />I wasn't nervous about the results after having spent a frantic few minutes calculating the exact scores I needed to get particular grades. I thought that shouldn't be too difficult. Then Julia and Miranda asked me if I was nervous and I don't know if this set the ball rolling or I've just been watching too much Lost but last night I had some pretty disturbing visions in my sleep.<br /><br />I dreamed that I only got 11% on my magazine module which meant that I got a 2:2, but I told everybody I got a first. There was then some sort of weird postgraduate meeting, although all my friends from home were there - they apparently are now wanting to do postgraduate courses at Cardiff perhaps? - and I had to reveal that I hadn't done very well at all and got shockingly low on the magazine module. To top it off, on the statement of results they had rather lovingly written in big letters: THIS IS THE WORST ANYBODY HAS EVER GOT!!!!. Even the people at JOMEC aren't usually that callous.<br /><br />So here's hoping that doesn't happen.<br /><br />Jen pointed out however that if this does happen, I have an incredible gift for telling the future, which is worth more than any degree. And Miranda said that it would be a good time to re-evaluate my life choices. Both good points. Damn then. I can't stop thinking about this big black letters. They will haunt me for a while.<br /><br />So anyway, I'll let all my fans know the outcome tomorrow, I know you'll be dying to know.<br /><br />I'm off to have more terrifying dreams about letters.....<br /><br />xxx</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-91101741379814018642008-06-18T20:20:00.003+01:002008-11-07T04:34:23.768+00:00Reflections on a Fortnight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45C_O3MJQcV1HiXncfPy3Px1psmK9VxcZxiqc2tTtRwBFbGUq7bybeNaNiJDcoFbhMYaFp_7V2XYVMrBovGqsZI0_lmbAqT28eCocV8Jag1915uoyzqJEIoScf4gTdqh_6Y6OBy2Qs8Ng/s1600-h/S5006873.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213305030801172546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45C_O3MJQcV1HiXncfPy3Px1psmK9VxcZxiqc2tTtRwBFbGUq7bybeNaNiJDcoFbhMYaFp_7V2XYVMrBovGqsZI0_lmbAqT28eCocV8Jag1915uoyzqJEIoScf4gTdqh_6Y6OBy2Qs8Ng/s320/S5006873.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>To make up for the fact that I haven’t blogged in a couple of weeks, today’s blog is extra long for your reading pleasure. And I’ll try to get back to normal as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I take your suggestions for topics to cover. If you want to hear my unique take on anything (and I mean anything) just let me know!<br /><br />A review of the nice times I’ve had since the last blog post:<br /><br />Friday 6th June – Saturday 7th June<br />Possibly one of the longest and best just a little bit longer than 24-hour periods of the year so far. Making the drive from Birmingham and after declaring what only seemed like fifteen minutes in to the journey ‘The Welcome to Wales’ sign is just around the corner, around almost every corner, the jubilance that was felt when the sign really was just around the corner was insurmountable. I’ll try to get it right next time.<br /><br />Anyway – to get back to the point, me, Emma and Clare packed a lovely picnic and headed off to the equally lovely Roath Park. I did my usual trick of attracting a couple of freaks. We all realised that taking a loaf of bread into the middle of the lake on a pedalo to feed the swans only results in the entire seagull population of Cardiff descending on said vehicle.<br /><br />Next it was time to test out our newly refurbished garden with a barbeque. We got on the wine pretty early and got my <a href="http://ramblersrambling.blogspot.com/2008/05/1-hour-19-minutes-and-23-seconds.html">soundtrack CD </a>blasting out. Lovely sausages. Then it was off to Barfly, taking the scenic route (because I forgot my head), where the DJ tormented me by refusing to play Day Tripper until gone 2.30. The cad.<br />Made it into bed circa 4.15am – and shockingly managed to emerge from the pit before noon, whereupon the remaining sausages had to be finished off. In the midst of all this came the stunning news that even during the ever forceful credit crunch, the food for the entire weekend (including picnic and bbq), pedalo hire, and a night out to Barfly came to the grand total of £14. Get in.<br /><br />RATING: Splendid.<br /><br />Monday 9th June<br /><br />It was time to visit Fun Factory – the Monday night club night at the Union, for my very first (and most probably last) time ever. Apparently it was exceptionally busy and half of JOMEC where there for one last hurrah. It’s nice to know my fans are still following me as I have this effect on lots of places I visit.<br /><br />RATING: Super.<br /><br />Friday 13th June<br /><br />Certainly wasn’t unlucky for me. Another first – The Summer Ball. I found myself prone to several of my moments upon seeing everybody suited and booted. I was overwhelmed by how fantastically organised the event was.... a bar queue rather than the usual scrumhuddle. Well I never. Deluxe Portaloos which included a sink and a framed picture – what that added to the experience I’m not sure. The free dodgems provided a notable incident – tainted by the naughty pushers in (I JUST DON’T GET THE FACE! – P.S. I still don’t). Hannah applauded my driving skills; I have to say I was particularly impressed with the driving while simultaneously bending down to pick up a bracelet manoeuvre. My bag went flying off and I didn’t even notice. What can I say other than I was in the zone...<br /><br />It was a tad scary in the dancing area, had some scary moments, but Zane Lowe played some classic tunes to make up for it so it was all worth it in the end.<br />Hannah and Miranda rescued a poor drunkard called Graham outside the Castle Gates. I was proud of my friends.<br /><br />RATING: Splendiferous.<br /><br />Saturday 14th June<br /><br />Feeling like a truly wild child, I took up Hannah’s offer to go to Swansea for a night out. I was tired at first, but ended up having, as Luke might say a ‘quality’ night. More moments ensured, as well as utter disbelief at having a proper sit down curry at 3.30am. I’m still in disbelief over that. There was much dancing to be had, although I won’t pretend to be able to contend with Luke’s Duracell stamina.<br /><br />RATING: Spectacular.<br /><br />And lastly...<br /><br />Yesterday (Tuesday 17th June)<br /><br />Me and Jen spent the day re-enacting our childhood by crafting and baking fairy cakes. I made an elephant named Amé (naturally) – which didn’t match up to the box but was fun none-the-less. Hours of entertainment provided by the wonders of the £1 bargain from Hypervalue! Here’s a handy tip – Banana Icing isn’t worth the experiment.<br /><br />Jen gave me her soundtrack CD, which I listened to while writing this blog on my bed, and it is, quite simply, fantastic.<br /><br />RATING: Spiffing.<br />The ends of eras are upon us. It’s the end of Uni, the last ever Baitshop on Thursday, and Harold Bishop left neighbours today. Everything’s changing.<br /><br />Everything changes but you.<br /><br />Until next time - The End. x. </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-8794209879473869372008-06-04T23:31:00.002+01:002008-11-07T04:34:24.387+00:00Going back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE998Cp_Am7SeSejdEcjJF_39DcQSQTDiCz63JP6kN38fDdW4cu1QfBQKUck5R1KrJvBqZefJwF72khcYzPqY4GFUZm0V8AG6Bxa92oa8Va_0LsBc6Agf2YK7uKAeE6og1LJNUjFaXYgRO/s1600-h/hancocks+(3).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208158085231728578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE998Cp_Am7SeSejdEcjJF_39DcQSQTDiCz63JP6kN38fDdW4cu1QfBQKUck5R1KrJvBqZefJwF72khcYzPqY4GFUZm0V8AG6Bxa92oa8Va_0LsBc6Agf2YK7uKAeE6og1LJNUjFaXYgRO/s320/hancocks+(3).jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:georgia;">I have always been fond of looking at old photos and thinking about the past. I'm not sure why, I think I find it hard to believe that at one point in time I didn't exist. I know that the world was probably a worse off place without me, but judging from old photos, they all look to be having a wail of a time, so maybe I'm wrong on this one. </span><br /><br />After looking through all these old photos, I have already earmarked the names Ada, Dinah and Minnie for any future children I may have. I'm not sure what I'll do if I have a boy. It may end up a bit like the Johnny Cash song, with a boy called Minnie. Either way it's gotta be better than naming your kid blanket.<br /><br />It's fabulous that the fifty+ year old photo albums have been kept so immaculately. I really appreciate the captions. You can almost hear a voice in those words. Then again, the fact that I like words shouldn't really come as a shock to anyone.<br /><br />Also another revelation from today. I've been telling people I've got Welsh credentials. Turns out I was wrong. I'm more English than anything. Whoops. Don't tell anyone or I might get stoned in the street. Only kidding - I'm hoping after all these years spent there to become naturalised.<br /><br />I think there's something special about black and white. I might start getting my photos printed in black and white. That, coupled with the pictures of me dressed in Sixties clothing is sure to confuse my kids in 40 years time, and that's all that anyone can hope for.<br /><br />And lastly a sad note to those people in the photographs who remain unidentified. Who are these people? Why are they unidentified? The older ones are especially intriguing, long forgotten names and faces, left to lie in a box. I should stop all this, depressing thoughts. It's been a happy day.<br /><br />So here's to Minnie, Ada and Dinah, my ancestors, and my children.<br /><br />Peace out kids. xxxAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-68520739876787099822008-06-01T18:44:00.004+01:002008-06-01T18:49:07.898+01:00An Ode to Pessimism<div align="center"><a href="http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/ibn0001l.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/ibn0001l.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#006600;">The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised. - </span><a href="http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/38892.html"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#006600;">George F. Will</span></a></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">I haven’t got the greatest of hopes for today’s blog, but we’ll see how it goes. </span></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This entry was inspired by iGoogle’s quote of the day (above), and as per usual, a rather a lot (too much) thinking has been involved ever since. To aid my thinking I picked up my philosophical dictionary (it’s a dictionary of philosophical terms, not literally a dictionary which is philosophical – we could get in to a whole heap of mess and metaphors carrying on at this pace...) </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Under ‘pessimism’ in the dictionary there were three different entries. Well that’s an optimistic start to help with this blog at least. Under one of the entries for pessimism were several associated words; sorrow, pity, gloom, despondency, hopelessness, absurdity, pain, death; however the most interesting point of this entry was the idea that these things are not just possible, but inescapable. Before I slit my wrists right there at the kitchen table, I looked up the entry for optimism. Much to my chagrin, the opposites of these words could not be found. Which I thought was a great shame. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Flipping back to pessimism, I noticed that there were metaphysical entries. (Once again, not in the literal since, but entries about metaphysics). Schopenhauer says that this world is the worst of all possible worlds, because if it was any worse than it was, it couldn’t exist. This is interesting, but I’m wondering if Schoppy considered that this is the only world? What does that mean then? I bet he did slit his wrists at the kitchen table having thoughts like that all day long. Cheer up love, so long as there are fruity cakes and peach melba in the world, it can’t be all bad can it? </span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="center"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The most famous pessimistical (is that a word? I hope so...) metaphor we’ve all encountered is the glass half full/empty metaphor. I’ve always believed that the state of fullness or emptiness is entirely dependent on the state with which it started. If someone brought me a glass full of water and I drank half of it, I would then say it was half empty. If, on the other hand, they bought me an empty glass and poured some water in, I would then say it was half full. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I’m guessing however, that in the analogy, we don’t know what the glass started off as. This is why I think I will say that the glass is half full because we can presume that at some point it has indeed been empty. Maybe this just proves my optimism. One thing’s for sure, it proves my pedanticism. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">So how to conclude today’s blog. I think I’ve decided throughout all this thinking that I am indeed an optimist. But I do worry that I should be a pessimist, because then, much like George F. Will, I’d never be disappointed. So if I’m an optimist who worries, what does that make me? I think I must be a post-modern optimist. ;)</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Ciao chums, I’m off to fill glasses half full with water. xxx</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-65533546045685063282008-05-29T20:58:00.004+01:002008-05-29T21:02:47.991+01:00Post Feminist Fashion Guilt<a href="http://frillr.com/files/images/Dior%20Couture%20Spring%2007.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://frillr.com/files/images/Dior%20Couture%20Spring%2007.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">It’s one of the biggest clichés of modern times. To be a woman is to have a passion for fashion. Or at least a passing interest. </span></div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">To some this is completely normal and only what is to be expected from the girlies. However in a post-feminist era, some sectors of the female population (namely me) have been feeling guilty for embracing such obvious feminine qualities.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">To be interested in fashion acknowledges the fact that appearance matters. We are constantly sold the contradiction that it’s what’s deep down that matters, while at the same time making sure we are a slave to the fashion industry. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">How is anyone supposed to make sense of such double standards? Not only is the acknowledgement that appearance matters present, but there’s also the startling fact that an interest in fashion suggests that it is important. Aren’t we supposed to be more involved in weightier matters such as politics, economics and whatever passes for real news today?<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">And hence, we have the guilt. We shouldn’t be interested in fashion, because it’s shallow, because it’s cliché, and at the end of the day it’s a triviality that doesn’t matter. Then again, maybe it does. Maybe it’s a welcome distraction from all the rest of the nonsense that goes on. It’s nice to look at pretty pictures of pretty clothes. Nice patterns. Nice colours. Nice nice nice. </span></div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">To delve into more seriousness and still keep up the clothes quota, think about the history of the fashion. The rise and fall of hemlines to reflect economic prosperity (or lack of). The corset, the (entirely fabricated) bra-burning incident. The freedom of the flapper girls. And so on ad infinitum. I could probably add more to this, but I’ll admit I often get distracted by the pretty pictures and so don’t read up too much on the details, but you can. If you like.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">So in the post-feminist world, don’t worry if you like fashion. If you also demonstrate your intelligence through other arenas, I think you can just about get away with it. That’s what feminism should be about anyway – the freedom to be how you want to be and not be judged for it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">So I say, like fashion, or, don’t like fashion. Your choice, my choice, everyone’s choice.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">The funny thing is, I don’t even like shopping. </span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-57183403295564717362008-05-28T17:26:00.003+01:002008-11-07T04:34:24.871+00:001 hour, 19 minutes and 23 seconds.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_Vjdcg9bA2TqWoLt1lJBg6OSoBqPWoSH2BmFPSHrcpwbpP8eJ7qN9Ococ6l9h6RPz1vdg2fiJvvPkyzwOfGzfgQkYsAD2VZhBQu64oDWSbKh0rdJeKeSrp2vygeonlxK80Tl8fN1mD-I/s1600-h/S5006410.JPG"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205466325684760226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_Vjdcg9bA2TqWoLt1lJBg6OSoBqPWoSH2BmFPSHrcpwbpP8eJ7qN9Ococ6l9h6RPz1vdg2fiJvvPkyzwOfGzfgQkYsAD2VZhBQu64oDWSbKh0rdJeKeSrp2vygeonlxK80Tl8fN1mD-I/s400/S5006410.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> I finally finished my CD which epitomises my music taste (or does it epitomise me - not quite sure about that one). A lot of songs had to face the chop, and making the final 25 was hard, so if you're one of those songs - congratulations. Check out my abstract greetings to a song?!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Well, for those of you eager to know, these are the songs that made the final cut, along with an explanation as to why they're there - enjoy! Any of my special fans who would like a copy of the CD - please let me know! :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1. Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby – Dinah Washington (1956)<br />I suppose one of the main reasons why I love this song is because it shows a blatant disregard for grammar, and that’s something I strive for in my everyday life.<br /><br />2. Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis (1957)<br />It’s very lively, and along with the next song, it symbolises the big changes that were coming.<br /><br />3. Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry (1958)<br />Because I’m not sure the rest of the songs on this CD would exist without it.<br /><br />4. Cheek to Cheek – Frank Sinatra (1959)<br />Because knowing this had made it on to the list would make my Dad happy, and that’s nice.<br /><br />5. Stand By Me – Ben E. King (1961)<br />This was no. 1 on my birthday. I was not born in 1961. I was of course born in 1853; I think you will agree I look remarkably good for my age. I look 120 at most.<br /><br />6. Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles (1961)<br /><br />I’ve always found it a bit of a shock when that woman comes in with “Don’t care if you do!!”.<br /><br />7. I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself – Dusty Springfield (1964)<br />I did think about putting “Son of a Preacher Man” on, but I thought that although brilliant, it’s a bit cliché and everyone’s probably heard it a million times. Nobody wants to hear a song a million and one times, look what happened to Peter Andre. This song was covered by The White Stripes, and I like them a bit too. Multi-faceted.<br /><br />8. My Generation – The Who (1965)<br />This was a fairly late admission to the CD, and it is here because with it, this section of the CD basically encompasses the Sixties, and that ain’t no bad thing. We all know I should have been around in the Sixties and not now.<br /><br />9. You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes (1966)<br />This is here in spite of Phil Collins bastardizing it in the Eighties. Despite his attempts to ruin it for all music lovers, it stays on the list because it’s a nice message of hope for everyone. One day when I get the band together, I think we’ll release this first. I also like the tune, and the sound of Diana Ross’ voice.<br /><br />10. Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks (1967)<br />Because I like to imagine Terry and Julie wandering about. I wonder what they’re doing now. I like the backing vocals on this because they are a bit ethereal. And what a lyric “chilly chilly is evening time.” They don’t write them like that anymore do they? Oh and isn’t paradise a nice word?<br /><br />11. Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite – The Beatles (1967)<br />Choosing a Beatles track is, for me, like choosing my favourite crisp product. That’s right, nigh on impossible. But I chose this one because it’s an album track, so there’s a chance not everyone has heard it. This song has an interesting back history, and is actually based on a real circus. Henry the Horse dances the Waltz – a classic line. I must admit I do sometimes get a bit scared by the surreal sounding circus music, but in the end I think you should always be slightly scared by your music choices.<br /><br />12. Ride A White Swan – T-Rex (1970)<br />Because this is just the beginning, and I think it epitomises the seventies. And it’s not I Love to Boogie, which some people think is the only T-Rex song.<br /><br />13. Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones (1971)<br />Another hard choice. I went for Brown Sugar because it was from the seventies, and I wanted a nice representation of the seventies. I think their sixties stuff is a bit too similar to the Beatles.<br /><br />14. Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie (1972)<br />I will admit this one made it on to the CD because of the track length fitting perfectly, and it’s not ‘Let’s Dance’ which is quite frankly an abomination. Also, as an afterthought I like the words ‘star’ and ‘dust’.<br /><br />15. Superstition – Stevie Wonder (1972)<br />This was the only song that was a definite from the word go. Something about this song just makes it simply stunning. I think it’s the guitar sound.<br /><br />16. Heart of Glass – Blondie (1978)<br />I like Blondie, but I have to admit the main reason I chose this is because it’s my top scoring song on SingStar. I think I was particularly good on the “ooooooooooh oh oh oh”. Plus Blondie is pretty hot in the video – I’d have certainly given her a go. Another good one to represent the Seventies as well.<br /><br />17. Lucky Star – Madonna (1984)<br />There are numerous reasons why this song got chosen. Obviously we have the star references again, but also the sound at the start that continues in to the background of the song is just divine. Also, check out the groovy dancing in the video, it’s awe-inspiring.<br /><br />18. Raspberry Beret – Prince (1985)<br />Need I say much more than ‘She walked in through the out door’? In special homage to this song, I walked out through the in door of the library. WILD.<br /><br />19. Song For Whoever – The Beautiful South (1989)<br />Another lyrically inspired choice – ‘I love you from the bottom of my pencil case’ is one of my all time favourite lyrics. I also like the acknowledgement that songs are written to make money. Nice.<br /><br />20. Married With Children – Oasis (1994)<br />A good one if you find someone a bit annoying, as the lyrics fit very well to that situation (mentioning no names, obviously). I like how it’s quite jolly sounding despite containing much vitriol. I do of course like the more popular songs of Oasis as well, but as previously mentioned nobody wants to hear a song a million and one times. I used to watch Married With Children quite a lot; maybe it reminds me of that a bit as well.<br /><br />21. Country House – Blur (1995)<br />I suppose I really wanted to encapsulate the nineties without the need for all the ridiculously cheesy pop that now sounds terrible, and this for me does it. The lyric ‘I’m a professional cynic, but my heart’s not in it’ helps too. Oh and the reference to Oasis. Nice work.<br /><br />22. The Bartender and the Thief – Stereophonics (1998)<br />This is another one which tells a story, and I like songs that do that. Also it has some nice manly foot-stomping about it. Plus, something Welsh has got to be on here somewhere.<br /><br />23. Hella Good – No Doubt (2001)<br />Partly because I always think that Billie Jean is about to start and partly because of the awesome bass-line. Plus this was made in a simpler time when Gwen didn’t go about yodelling like a banshee.<br /><br />24. Toxic – Britney Spears (2004)<br />Brilliance. Or... as a guest contributor says...<br />“A song of such magnitude is unfortunately overlooked in these judgemental days of demonization of anything considered "pop"”<br />Another song that was made in much simpler times. I generally also like words with x in because they make a nice sound when you say them.<br /><br />25. Once More With Feeling – Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly. (2006)<br />This song just reminds me of my years at University. I’ll probably hear this in ten years time and still think of Uni. Ten years time is a subject of hot debate, I’m always thinking about what’s going to happen in ten years time. Also I saw him in Bridgend, and that’s gotta deserve a special mention anyway.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-48461771552017432362008-05-26T22:06:00.002+01:002008-05-26T23:09:00.482+01:00Inspiration - or the lack of<a href="http://runningthroughrain.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/inspiration.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://runningthroughrain.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/inspiration.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Regular fans of this blog may have noticed it's gone a bit quiet lately. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some of you might be deluded enough to think this is because I've been out having a life, or perhaps doing some work. Well you'd be mighty wrong. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think after essay time last week, I lost the spirit to write, coupled with the fact I was only reading literature based on media events and so on, wasn't condusive to a great blogging atmosphere. But I'm going to come back, and this time with a vengeance - just as soon as I can, I promise. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Me and Jen have promised to make a CD previewing our music tastes, it has to fit on to one audio CD - I don't know how to cram my 9 days worth of music into 80 minutes, I'm not quite it's possible. I've been faced with quite a few possible conundrums - what if I pick a song that I like, but I don't like the rest of the artist's catalogue - does this suggest that I do? Plus, today's choice could be very different from yesterday's choice, and a million times different from tomorrow's. I don't think it can ever truly be narrowed down. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Secondly, I'd like to make this blog more interactive. If anyone has a good topic for me to write about, please let me know by commenting on this blog, or by just emailing me or phoning me, I promise I do want to speak to you as well, I love you all. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So give me coffee and TV, I'm off to read something for inspiration. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Peace out. x</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-65811436296908837752008-05-22T18:04:00.004+01:002008-05-22T18:13:08.546+01:00I'm free, to do what I want at any old time<a href="http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/images/iranian_freedom_2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/images/iranian_freedom_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">As of approximately 1pm yesterday, cry freedom could be heard ringing through the Bute building as I, after a long an arduous night was finally free of my degree. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />And how does it feel? Am I running through the streets yelling praise be and jumping up and down with glee? Well, no not really. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. As a carthartic release, I decided to immediately list all of my no-longer needed textbooks on eBay in the hope of raising a few quid. Now they're all sitting, rather sullenly in a box, packed up ready to go when and if somebody else wants them. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />I should use this time to read all the books, watch all the films and listen to all the music that I ever wanted to do but didn't quite have the time, because I was busy doing work. I should make this blog the most fantastic blog you have ever read, I should tidy my bedroom, have a big clearout and just generally do fantastic things. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />But the mountain of books I want to read just keeps growing, and it would be impossible read them all. I might have a go at watching The Shawshank Redemption though. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />Then there's the job I should find, I will look for one, I promise, I need one.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />I thought I'd have a few days off, not doing much to celebrate the fact that I don't actually have to do much, but I'm not sure it really works like that. I'm already thinking "shouldn't I be doing something?"</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Oh well. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />As you can tell, because I haven't been blogging for a while, the quality has gone down. Well I've got no excuses now, hopefully there will be better ones to come. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />That's all for now, I'm off to read every book ever written. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><br />Peace out x</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-83536137365322561212008-05-19T22:43:00.001+01:002008-05-19T22:45:24.378+01:00No Girls AllowedBecause nobody sees the show until my heart says so, check out Matthew's blog, because today's post is the bestest one I have ever had the pleasure to read.<br /><br /><a href="http://earlywhiterabbit.blogspot.com/">Let's go, Eskimo. </a>(Matt's Blog)Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-56977160439580826142008-05-19T21:41:00.002+01:002008-05-19T21:46:07.270+01:00Back in a bitch<div align="center"><a href="http://www.lastplace.com/DOC/Cybpntgs/disco99.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.lastplace.com/DOC/Cybpntgs/disco99.jpg" border="0" /></a> Just to let all my fans knows that I have not died, contracted malaria or taken a leave of absence and disappeared off to France. I have in fact been stuck in the crazy world of essay writing. It's a biggie, and it's the last one. Probably the reason why I've managed to stretch it out for so long. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Anyway, I have to use all my creative energy to make that semi-readable so I'm afraid the blog has taken a back seat for a while. But NEVER FEAR! I have been doing other readings and such like, and as of Wednesday/Thursday, normal blogging service resumes. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Until then, here's small philosophy problem for you:</div><div align="center">Does this blog only come into existence when you load it onto your browser? Discuss. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Until the next time, ciao chums. xxx<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-81832966244848573362008-05-15T23:15:00.004+01:002008-11-07T04:34:25.513+00:00Emma is Brilliant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTmCvej-T9cLrWEZ5b9zxzD7FyQbbpikBDjDt7xmnvvZzu13Nk9IrItJYF3LyFQCqa68-q-51usZGMApWyE7NKVq4GRKSesbE0t7G076XOC25XbVcox6yPV8_SxFsAOCceCpemOzOV70z/s1600-h/Budapest+Saturday+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200731999953248530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTmCvej-T9cLrWEZ5b9zxzD7FyQbbpikBDjDt7xmnvvZzu13Nk9IrItJYF3LyFQCqa68-q-51usZGMApWyE7NKVq4GRKSesbE0t7G076XOC25XbVcox6yPV8_SxFsAOCceCpemOzOV70z/s320/Budapest+Saturday+069.JPG" border="0" /></a> <blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>You could always do a blog called "Emma is Brilliant" - I won't mind. </blockquote><br /><br />So here it is. Emma helped me yesterday, she likes to look after me because she is a good sister. It's nice to have a good sister.<br /><br />Here she is in Budapest, doing well not to look like a maniac (her words not mine).<br /><br />So everybody say hooray for Emma because she is a nice lady.<br /><br />Yay!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-84362557842381840962008-05-14T23:59:00.004+01:002008-05-15T00:11:38.385+01:00I'm contemplating thinking about thinking<span style="font-family:georgia;">During my existential crises over the past few days I've been doing some more thinking. I'm going to need a lie down after all this. I don't think I can handle it that well. More to the point where is it all coming from? Scary stuff.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Anyway for your delectation, here are some of the debates we had last night at the poor poor quiz (bad loser alert). But hey, what's the point of a quiz where you could get all the answers right and still manage to lose - pointless. Just play bingo instead. Bah. Humbug.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Debate #1 - Is it easier to argue about politics than about religion. Does religion ultimately seem a bit too personal? Whereas politics you can take a more standoffish POV, see the other's, and perhaps just agree to disagree. Doesn't seem to be the case with religion so much. You run the risk of hurting people's feelings and that's just not very nice is it? Oh well. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Jesus loves us all, I had a leaflet about it today so it must be true.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">#2 - The importance of media education - and am I too cynical? Does Rupert Murdoch want to control us all? Is it all one big marketing lie to get us to buy things we don't need that will <strong>eventulaly</strong> kill us all? It's important we all learn about these evils so we can fight. But what are these evils? Hmmm... perhaps too cynical.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">#3 - Sex and the City - is it feminist or anti-feminist? See my media blog for more full thoughts on this.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">#4 - Lastly - and this was more of a debate with myself. Why the sudden desire to learn more and consume more knowledge? Is it because of this blog? Is it a cycle, the blog means you need more to write about, so you start reading more, start thinking more, then the thinking makes you blog and so the circle is complete? I like circles. I suppose then anything that gets you thinking is good really, hmm. But then too much thinking and your brain explodes, and nobody wants that. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Well that's all for now. My head hurts. And so does yours by now probably after this week, so here's a nice picture of a butterfly to take away all that pain. I like to think about rainbows, when it gets bad. You got to think about something to keep from going mad. (Thanks Gwen). </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/photos/2007/08/butterfly_yellow-flowers_01.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm off to try not to think. Don't think about purple elephants. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-67272363334366460582008-05-12T22:27:00.007+01:002008-05-12T22:59:13.615+01:00Thinking<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2434308156_75fe4469d8_b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2434308156_75fe4469d8_b.jpg" border="0" /></a> It is quite frankly simply amazing the ping-pinging that your brain can do. Jumping from one topic to another with the greatest of ease, and picking up on the subject that was three topics previously.<br /><br />Today was a day for much thinking, hopefully I won't turn into Rodin's statue with all this thinking because I can't imagine that would be much fun.<br /><br />Nancy and Stacey make their return today. Nancy revealed something about Stacey to an nearby listener and Stacey didn't think this was very nice. Stacey wished that she could storm out, but then she realised that wasn't in her nature. Stacey thinks that the green-eyed monster is still lurking in the air, but can do nothing to confirm this. Stacey doesn't like this but needs to move on.<br /><br />The next ping on the stop after the digressions of Nancy and Stacey's morning play was the subject of destiny and fate. I can never remember why I wanted to come to Cardiff in the first place, but I'm certainly glad I did. I would not have done my dissertation if I'd have gone to Leeds or London, probably never even given it a second thought. I would not have been to Roath Park and seen the ducks. I would not know the people who I know, I would not know Nancy, or for that matter, Stacey. Stacey would not exist, perhaps Tracey would. It's something I will never know, and something I don't think I want to know. What made me pick Cardiff? Was it fate, destiny, coincidence or something else? Woah... too much thinking. I better stop before my brain explodes. What a mess.<br /><br />After we depart from this station, we got to questioning whether if you were being written about would you realise?. Assuming pseudonyms and abstract situations are used, would we ever be aware. Certain parties in this conversation seemed to think so, but I would like to credit them with more cerebral functioning than other people. Maybe it's just because they know that it happens that they know. Who knows? Certainly not me that's for sure. You're so vain, I bet you think this blog is about you.<br /><br />The next stop on the list was time travel and alternate dimensions. Now this is the seriously heavy duty stuff. Physics and all sorts. I said that I didn't think time travel was possible because if it was then people from the past would be here saying hello to us. My conversational opposite said something about alternate universes being created when the time travel exists, which is exactly the same as this one, so we wouldn't know about it anyway. Well this just blew my mind. I also said I'm frightened of paradoxes. I don't understand them. If you go back in time and do something to prevent your birth, then you die... but if you don't exist to go back and alter the time line, then it's a paradox. It was at this point that my brain actually did explode and a team of Paramedics rushed on the scene and shouted "What the hell has been happening here then? STOP THIS DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AT ONCE!".<br /><br />I had to have a little break from the thinking (after the disastrous results of the last time) and I think the last notable discussion I had was about the Mozart effect. This was with another conversation partner, I have well and truly been a debate whore today. My partner proposed a new effect called the Beethoven effect. In case you're not as sad as me and know about stuff like this, the "Mozart effect" basically states that listening to Mozart enhances your intelligence (when compared to listening to nothing or 'relaxation' music.) I want to recreate the test but with my favourite song of all time "Smack my Bitch Up" and observe the results.<br /><br />Well, with all this thinking I might have to go and lie down in a darkened room for a few years, you might feel the need to do the same after today's marathon. Or if you feel you can continue, head over to my media blog for a tale about another debate I had about mens and women's magazines.<br /><br />Today really has been about the mass debate (read in to that what you will...)<br /><br />x<br /><br />P.S. I'm extra proud of today's blog picture, because it was in fact taken by my good self in Paris, circa 2005.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-3370773431442571272008-05-11T22:14:00.001+01:002008-05-11T22:14:17.545+01:00There and Back Again, A Johnny Borell Tale<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyd87/2471496135/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/2471496135_9663b2a7ce_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyd87/2471496135/">Empty</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/amyd87/">amydavies87</a></span></div>Sitting in my bedroom, <br />Looking at the sun, <br />Thinking about the park, <br />And all it's fun<br /><br />But it takes 20 minutes to walk <br />And oh oh oh<br />What if I can't get my spot?<br />And oh oh oh<br />What if I get too hot?<br /><br />The long walk to the park<br />It didn't seem so long today<br />Why is that then - hey?<br /><br />Get to my spot and it's free. <br />Lots and lots of space for me. <br />And all my crap<br />I've got too much stuff<br />Here and at home<br />Oh what to do. <br /><br />The trouble with the park<br />Ohhhh the trouble with the park<br />Yes, the trouble with the park<br />Too much time<br />Too much time<br />Yes far too much time <br />For <br />Contemplation <br />Oh Oh Oh. <br /><br />Falling asleep in the park <br />Like being a tramp<br />But only the best part<br />The sleeping part<br />I bet it's no fun being a tramp in winter<br />Oh to be a summertime tramp<br /><br />Oh oh oh <br />A summertime tramp. <br /><br />Walking back<br />Doesn't take as long<br />It never does<br />Why doesn't it take so long?<br />Not so much stuff<br />It's all gone, devoured, gone. <br /><br />Oh oh oh. <br /><br />There and back again. <br />There.<br />And Back Again. <br />There and Back. <br />There and Back Again. <br />There<br />There<br />There<br />AND<br />Back Again <br />Back Again Back Again Back Again. <br /><br />-FIN-<br /><br />I would thank the inspiration for today's blog, but I know he won't like that so I won't.<br clear="all" />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023983043050378971.post-44091466439449266372008-05-10T22:02:00.004+01:002008-05-10T22:13:35.065+01:00The (British) Bovines Returneth to the Abode<a href="http://www.fourmilab.ch/fourmilog/archives/2007/09/22/cortege_vaches.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.fourmilab.ch/fourmilog/archives/2007/09/22/cortege_vaches.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Even though yesterday was officially the hand in date for the dreaded dissertation, I could still talk about national identity until the cows come home. </p><p>I found myself in a pub with two Welshmen and an English woman (and myself of course - it would have been hard to leave myself behind really - I've tried it before, very messy business). I'm not quite sure how it happened but we got onto the subject of national identity, as it turns out the Welshmen have nothing against us individually, but more like as a whole nation. </p><p>The ladies explained that its nothing personal really, it's just a collective cultural ability to dismiss the other nations, probably as a result of an Anglocentric media or something. It was quite a heavy discussion after several rounds of drinking and I'm sure it was past midnight. I think that's pretty impressive. Then again, maybe it was impressive because of the drinking, not in spite of it. Perhaps the conversation actually went something like this:</p><p>Person A: What about this er, er, Welsh/English thing then?</p><p>Person B: Yeh. Damn it. God damn it. </p><p>Person A: Yeah, totally. You're so right. Why didn't I think of that. Nothing personal. HSIHKJFHSKJDGHKJFG. Definitely. Culdkjshftual diffs and that. </p><p>Person B: I lovvvve you. I bloody do. We're all British aren't we? Errrrrrrrrrr................ [something incomprehensible]</p><p>Person A: Not really. </p><p>Person B: OK, but I still bloody love you. </p><p>Person C: You know what I think? No no, it's gone. But I bet it was an excellent point. I bet it really was. </p><p>Person D: Whose round is it?</p><p>It's just another one of those things we'll never know I'm guessing - unless someone in the pub has a recording of it? </p><p>Let me know, I'm off to consider what the hell a media event is. </p><p>x</p><p></p><p></p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14388665326242440764noreply@blogger.com0