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So. It’s here. Christmas. You may be reading this on Christmas day. What are you doing on the Internet on Christmas day? Family sucks? Guess its the problem a lot of people have. Understandable. Boxing day? Again, why aren’t you opening all those boxes? Not believe in Christmas? Again, Family suck? It’s okay, I understand.
Yeah Christmas has come once again. It always comes quicker than expected. It’s really only in the last two or three years that I have begun to realise the real meaning of Christmas - though I can’t help but put a pause in that sentence and ask for a hands-up for all those who really celebrate Christmas today? Very few of you, I’m not entirely surprised. I’m not big fan of the real meaning behind Christmas, though I am a fan of the fact that family will always play a big part in the meaning of Christmas for me.
Though in this Christian country and time of Christian celebration I feel that it would be a good time to think of all those who will not get presents in this time of giving. Yes, lets take some time to reflect all those who will not be given gifts by their loved ones. Lets think about the non-Christians.
It’s a strange thing to think about, though having recently, be-friended someone of a non-Christian up-brining, it has made me think about those who don’t know of Christmas and the traditions that revolve around it. I have never known someone who didn’t know of Christmas and the ways in which it works. Simple things like Christmas Crackers - I was even asked what the meaning was behind them. I’m going to guess it’s just a part of the celebration, happiness and so forth - and probably of pagan origins.
I believe we should spend time reflecting on those who don’t have anything to celebrate on this Tuesday…
Well, in the last week or so there have been a few gigs, I had my last few days of work until this Friday, a whole week off work, and general partying. Having spent the the last three nights drinking, plus tonight if you include the wine I polished off.
On Thursday I made the decision to go to Gifted in the Empire. Starting promptly at 9:30pm, Geoff Gatt got the small crowd warmed up for what was to come, with a full band, so to speak; camel on lovely vocals and occasionally gazing lovingly into the eyes of Geoff as he sang songs likely to have been inspired by her. He was also joined by Bongo John on the bongos and Cully of the Delawares on bass guitar. This was I’m sure an attempt to create a fuller sound for the Empire’s large hall, though so early in the night and with so few punters through the door as would soon cross the threshold it wasn’t as well received as it one day will be, though none of that could possibly have taken away from the Geoff the great entertainer.
Cat Malojian, were next to the stage, hailing from Lurgan they have a brilliant sound which I have longed to hear since first seeing them perform in May of this year as part of the NIMIC CD launch in Custom House Square. They were great.
I hadn’t heard of Kryon and The Strangels before just a few weeks ago, though having listened to their Myspace tracks a few days before the gig I found myself singing along, which was nice, and doesn’t often happen. Check out the tune ‘Walking My Dog’!
The Delawares. Not to seem blasé about them. In fact not in the slightest. If I ever say ‘they were as good as ever,’ I mean that with the deepest respect and love. For I do love their music immensely, and each time they play I don’t understand why they are not bigger that they are. Well in a way I do, if analysed, maybe something to do with the fact that it’s not completely ‘mainstream’ music. But that is the idea. Their music is not mainstream at all. They never claim to put under that huge umbrella of ‘popular’ music. But someone please see the large audience, and potential audience they have!
On Friday Boathouse played at Common Grounds Café. They were superb as always.
Serpentine Smile also played, I’ve only managed to see them since beginning a few months ago. Paul’s song writing is great and the music that goes with it is enjoyable to listen to. He likes to keep busy with various projects, this one is an odd mix of guitar, vocals and drums, though you can’t go wrong with Bongo John’s drumming.
Saturday was spent at my own house, when the crew from Common Grounds, as I live with 2 current employees and one ex-employee, I guess it made perfect sense.
On Sunday I began my Christmas shopping. Went to a party. Left my phone there. Went to Auntie Annies for Cutaways, Panda Kopanda and Clone Quartet. Such a great lineup.
Soon it was Monday. Christmas Eve. Hard to believe. I woke up, hungover, and with less than 50% of my shopping complete, I had to get into to the city centre as quickly as possible. Within three hours of leaving the house, I was back again and chillin’ with two of my house-mates, with a beer in my hand.
I could finally relax. And here it is. It is Christmas Day. I hope you all have a great one!
Having all of last week away from the horrid office workplace environment, I had to go back. I remember back in both primary and secondary school wishing that time would go so much faster. Now that there is no more school there just aren’t enough hours in the day for all the things I want to do.
I spent much of my week attempting to ‘get my life on track’ and be like those extremely organised people - by organising my bookmarks, firefox extensions, feed subscriptions and reading a few productivity websites such as the incredible Lifehacker, Lifehack. These sites always gets me motivated to start organising my normally very disorganised computer/hard drive/file system.
This problem stems from the fact that I have a few too many interests. Of course, having lots of interests isn’t a bad thing, it’s just finding the time to pursue each one that causes the problem. Photography, music, science, psychology, business, travel, chichés, programming, books, movies, travel, the internet, journalism, philosophy, procrastination, media, finance, environment, google, podcasts, technology, health, scrubs, greys anatomy, house, weeds, heroes etc etc.
Prioritise you say? That I try. It appears as though the only thing I truly desire right now is time itself, and so I have made it my goal, to manage better that which I have been given.
Why is it that when my bank calls me they insist that I attempt my ‘password’ at least twice. I don’t generally forget passwords, the sort that I type, but those crap ones that have to be spoken over the phone I always forget. I put it down to the fact that it will always be completely different from any of my typical passwords for the obvious reason that it will be spoken and anyone may hear it. For this reason I try to make it something I will remember, though it definitely doesn’t help that it would only be every 6 months or so that I need to use it…
They called yesterday.
“Could you give the first and last letters of your password please” said the voice.
“No, sorry, I never remember it.”
“I’m sorry I’m going to have to ask you to attempt it.”
“I haven’t a clue. Can’t you ask me something else”
“I have to get an answer from you”.
“Yeah, could you call back later?”
“You said now was convenient”
“It’s not anymore.”
Banks can be a pain in the ass. I could tell them everything else they needed to know about me, hell I could tell them the last time I got laid if they asked (great quote from a friend who was in a similar situation recently).
Since then she has called me four times. I have ignored the call.
I was going to quit smoking yesterday but I got pissed off in work so it didn’t happen. Today, however, I haven’t had a cigarette. I want one, oh how I do want one…
A lot has been going through my head lately, mainly about how the hell I can get out of my current job. I’m getting scared. I’m 22. I’m getting old. These dreams that I have to travel the world and get to know another country, city, as well as my own may just become a pipe dream…
Friends come and go, I’ve noticed it happen lately. Its just nice to have people to be yourself around and to talk to.
I have to do it now, before I end up with a house, mortgage, car, kids and all that other crap that destroys lives.
I feel like I’m trapped in a cycle: get up, generally very tired, rush to get to work on time, have a shitty day in work, work on photographs/browse the web, go to gig, get back later than I should. It doesn’t end, and I don’t know what to do. My one year anniversary of being in my current job is coming up next month. I will decide by then what I will do.
I have begun to clear up my room and all the crap I have accumulated in the last 12 months. I definitely won’t miss this room, though I do hope my next room won’t be any worse.
Clothes currently get dumped on the floor
I won’t miss this beautiful crack
Gotta sort this lot out
hmm curvy
lots of soap; essential
I’m outta toothpaste
As long as I get the internet I’ll be fine
Friday was, as is the norm, not without plenty of drink and photos to go with it. A truth revealing, thought provoking, musical night; of course I slept on the sofa again.
Before the afternoon arrived, I found myself at home, watching Heros; my latest obsession. Tonight I finished watching episode 12. Over the next few days I plan to get through the following 11 episodes, completing the first series, and all that has been aired so far.
The highlight of the day, however, was the Italian BMT I had in Subway.
My brother and father recently discovered a love for a fairly unusual hobby: archery. I have never seen either of them play before, so today (sunday) I went along to watch my father taking part in a competition, which he didn’t win in the end.
Whilst there, we found some very tasty wild berries, which we are going to sell for 10p each.
Chris also learnt how to find the ‘biting point’ of the clutch
We listened to my new favourite radio station on the way home; U105
This week I don’t have many plans. Tomorrow Kitty and the Can Openers are playing alongside Robert Holmes and Eoghan Colgan, Northern Ireland born, Glasgow based Dr-cum excellent musician. Lavery’s Bunker.
11 days, 22 hours to go ahhh!
Theres that buzz, the inability to think about anything else, wanting to do lots of nice things; trips to the beach, sip cocktails - its all there, but i’ll be damned if it ever did any good.
My search for a Summer Girl has been going a little better than originally expected - all that’s needed is sun, ice cream and Botanic Gardens - and time is running out. Summer is running out! Its been quite a shite summer too in terms of the weather. Alas, it is not yet over.
16 days until my trip to the States then 3 weeks of bliss, mayhem and madness, and I still haven’t done any preparation. One thing I have to do is start and finish a presentation on Ireland for Amy’s class of 10-12 year olds, I must dispel any beliefs in rainbows, gold, fairies, leprechauns, endless fields and sheep. Its all about the roundabouts, traffic lights, brick houses, 3 door cars, no overtaking on the inside lane, no 25 pence coin, we eat crisps not potato chips, chips not french fries, its jelly not jello and we don’t all like U2.
Lots of photographs have to be taken before I go, around my house and neighbourhood where I grew up and where my parents still live, of my family and generally interesting things in my own life.
I also cannot spent a penny unless it’s for food. The deposit was paid today for the new place I’m moving into in Sept leaving me with not a great deal of dough. So… if anyone wants a photoshoot :)
As mentioned above, this summer has sucked. I mean, things are good, life is good, yes, but the weather, seriously - what the fuck!? So here are some summery pictures I took this summer and last to make things a bit brighter around here.
A work colleague of mine who lives in Larne told me on Friday that there was photographable stuff happening in the town. A car show and other outdoor activities. Even though I ended up having a late night, I got up early and got the 10:06am train. I had never been to Larne before, or been on the Larne railway line. The scenery along the way was beautiful.
When I got to the town I followed the signs and the traffic cops to the town centre and Main Street where there were lots of people enjoying the sun and going about their business or whatever they do in small towns when its sunny. Over the course of June the town is host to ‘Larne Alive‘, a small festival celebrating… well Larne really. Various family and children orientated activities simply celebrating being Larne.
I caught the tail-end of the first parade.
I followed them to the car park of the adult education centre where they were all parked.
Shortly after that the first performance by The Barren Carrousel began in the square, or Broadway as its called.
Then a photographer sat right in front of me. Hoping to get a better shot, thankfully he didn’t stay for long.
I thought about asking the other photographers why they were there, I’m assuming it was a local paper thing. I made the most of their presence though and stole their promo setup shots.
When they had finished, two “statues” appeared nearby. Their costumes were brilliant and they pulled it off well, moving occasionally, and generally entertaining the younger kids. The light trees around them made a great backdrop too.
Soon after lunch was the second car parade.
Followed by the second performance by The Barren Carrousel.
Later I got to drive in a nice 1996 Toyota in the third and final parade.
This was followed by a 10 minute tour of the town before my train home. The strangest thing about this town are the paintings on the side three apartment blocks.
Yes, that is a plane on the side of this building! Hindsight is a great thing.
To most people Larne is just a harbour which leads to Stranraer via ferry. We just happened to be at the right place at the right time when this one was approaching.
I had a good day, and although I put on some sun cream, and had it with me, I still managed to get a little burnt on my nose and cheeks. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday. Where to next?
I woke up yesterday morning with an itchy armpit… Eventually it stopped itching. Around the time that I left work and had that brilliant walk home. Another one of those glorious days. I was sweaty. On my way home I passed Botanic Station and asked how much it costs to get a train to Larne. I heard form a colleague that there is a motor show there today with lots of classic cars doing laps of the town, finally stopping to be gawked at, and photographed.
Of course I can find no one to join me - but again, its their loss, heh.
I had my first weekday hangover in quite a while. Though it was quite mild, with not much drink drunk, my head still hurt a little. Its just one of those things thats done every once in a while. All you want to do all day is sleep. Instead I played pool during lunch, and lost, of course. On the way home I sang the Eels ‘Losing Streak‘.
“Meeting every day with the rising sun
Looking up it’s looking like
My losing streak is done”
Getting a tattoo is something that has occasionally floated around my mind, normally around the time a friend gets one. I sometimes say or think to myself that it would be cool to get one someday. So that when I am 40 and driving around in my chopper I might look a little bit cool.
As for the tattoo idea. If I was to get something I would, like everything else, have to put a heck of a lot of thought into it. It couldn’t be something arbitrary, a name of a band, a symbol, or something really generic like a barcode or heart with the word “mother” inside, or a tribal design.
There is really only one thing that has been constant for in my life for long enough to mean anything; music. Everything else changes frequently. So maybe a musical note or two? Though that is a little lame and unoriginal. If I could get something that moved I would get the globe, but until that is invented I wouldn’t want the same half of the earth on my skin for ever, what if I get bored with that half?
Moods change, tastes change, beliefs change, people change.
Thats not to say that other people don’t choose some great tattoos. For a cat lover like my good friend Sarah, a paw print on each foot was the perfect idea for a tattoo.
As for me. I will have to think about that one for another few years.
Have a great weekend!
“The biggest global experiment to take place on the internet” is the idea of Denis Bystrov and Michael Taylor, they have proposed tomorrow, 24th March 2007, as International Shutdown Day, challenging the world to switch off their computers for a whole day. In this age of computer dependency is this possible for many people to do?
The website has two buttons, “I can” and “I can’t”. Its safe to say that “I can” is in the lead. But will it work?
How sneaky to have it on a Saturday. No work, so more time to spend online. I was hoping to have a camera to play with tomorrow, and to take part, though there was a slight problem with my order, so although the camera has arrived and is safely in my parents house, I have no lens until next week. I will be using my computer.
It’s not that I can’t cope a whole day without my computer, when I have something planned I can, and often do. It just so happens that I don’t have much planned for this weekend.
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I could probably find something else to do. But I don’t really want to. I spend lots of time offline (and will do it plenty when I get camera). I will be clicking the ‘I can’t” button this year.
Can you do it? Can shutdown for a whole day?
I never did really get st. patrick’s day, and I still don’t.
After the two drinks I had in the afternoon made me feel like crap, I decided to give it another go at 9pm. I managed to blag my way in the side entrance while there was a massive queue for the main door. They were all pretty drunk. Luckily they were about to leave to a house party we had all heard about. After much drunken skipping around the subject of ‘what’s going on’ we left to the off-license, which naturally took much longer than it should have.
Then it started raining.
The house wasn’t too far away. We sang songs. I pretended to be drunker than I was, you know, shouting and talking much louder than necessary and generally being more enthusiastic than you should be.
There was a keyboard, a huge marshall amp, some expensive looking gadgets with longs of knobs and pedals, and various guitars lying around. Then beer was spilt on the keyboard. I could be blamed. In an attempt to be sensible I requested the can was moved off of the keyboard. No don’t try lifting two cans in one hand! Then Chopsticks was attempted on the keyboard, but of course one was always too drunk to get their part right.
Then the real fun started. The party we had all been looking forward to (ok, I was just going along, almost preferring my bed at this point) was almost canceled. The friend of the host of the party had suddenly decided he was no longer in a party mood. He wanted to sleep. Thankfully he was persuaded; his mind was changed, taxis were ordered; everyone was happy. Until our taxi got lost and cost 3 times what it should have.
The party sucked so we left shortly after arriving. 20min walk of course took much longer. There was another party. I didn’t feel like going. I went home.
I have only spent multiple hours back-to-back in a bar on St Patrick’s day once, 3 years ago. I got a short glimpse of bar-life twice yesterday. I won’t be doing it again.
The first thing I read this morning was “St Patrick wasn’t a Saint”. This came as quite a shock to me, so I read on, and followed the link to the Wikipedia article:
For most of Christianity’s first thousand years, canonisations were done on the diocesan or regional level. Relatively soon after the death of people considered to be very holy people, the local Church affirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as saints. As a result, St. Patrick has never been formally canonised by a Pope, but he is still widely venerated in Ireland and elsewhere today.
Aw well, we’re all still going to get drunk aren’t we? Though unless things change a little, I won’t be.
Strange as it may seem, I’ve gone off alcohol lately. In the last few weeks (maybe even month or two) I haven’t felt like drinking much. Drinking during the week is totally out, although I haven’t totally cut out all drinking at the weekends, I want to.
I do love to drink - sometimes a bit too much. On the other hand - I did go for 4 months with not a drop of alcohol (not counting the margarita I had on my birthday). If I can do it once. I can do it again.
The plan was to have one single Guinness today. Obviously I knew that would never work. I had one at 3:30, then another about an hr later in a different bar. But I felt crap. I didn’t even finish the second drink. Then I got a serious case of the hiccups, which I think I have only just managed to get rid of, I do hope they don’t come back if I have another drink.
So, yeah, I love to drink - but the idea of spending all day in a bar never has filled me with much joy. I left the bar at about 5pm, back to the shared house (where I have been away from all week). I got a call from Ronan an hour ago (and 3 missed called 5 mins ago while I was having a crap) telling me to go to the Bot, where he was planning on spending all day.
I will go out in a few mins, and always had planned to - but I doubt I will enjoy it or any other bar in Belfast. I would never go to the bot on a normal day, let alone a Saturday, and I doubt it will be much different today. Plus theres the rugby. I feel I could be the only one in the whole of Ireland who has no interest in this sport. There you have it; my predicament. If I was to spend all day in a public house I will end up drinking lots (which I think could make me quite sick) and smoking lots. Everyone will be facing the large tv screens, occasionally yelling, willing on the players.
Last year was fun. I followed the parade in Belfast and took photographs of everyone as they stood on watching the biggest load of balls happening on the stage.
As for now. I’m going to go out and make the most the day and partake our great national pastime: drinking(!)
Bock the Robber has hit the nail on the head - what did St Patrick achieve?
What exactly did St Patrick achieve anyway, that we’re all so proud of? Well, I suppose he brought with him the love of rugby football that kept many an Irishman going in hard times. (Although, admittedly, the league hadn’t a very big following in those days, and Richmonds had no club house. Not much change there, then.) But apart from rugby, what did he achieve? Christianity? Oh right. Christianity. Wasn’t that the religion that would later give the world the mass slaughters of the crusades.
Happy Death Day St Paddy!