Sunday, January 28, 2007

Deep Bath


Drew a bath this morning, it was so deep I could of drowned in it. Then as i stepped in my toes were on fire. They were red hot but my hands told me the water was warm not hot. So I proceded to stick my bum in, and it wasn't so bad after all. Except for the water displacement. It rose even higher, nearly up to the overflow hole. Toes just about surfaced out of the water to cool them down a little. Not forgetting to throw in the 'made in China' bath salts which were part of a crimbo present. The instructions said not to get them in your eyes or on your face, but my bum was ok. If I am now hideously scared on the arse no one can see it. At least I'm no uglyier before the bath than after the bath. I laid there a long time. It was hot and relaxing, the problem is my mind is racing.

Quite a non eventful Sunday morning. I got a bow saw and am wondering about cutting some trees down on a small bit of waste land just behind the house. Because then perhaps it would be overtaken by blackberry bushes. They'd be a deterent to anyone who decided to wonder on the waste land and into the back garden. The trees are just killing off the wild plants, because they suck up so much water from the soil. Foxes use the waste ground as a meeting place. You can hear them at night, they cry out like a baby balling it's head off at times. There was once even a couple of hedgehogs who used to wonder into our garden from there. I think they died off. Someone probably laid slug pellets down. They're highly toxic to hedgehogs. At least if you got spikes there's no worries about being ugly. The trees were probably not so big then when the hedgehogs were running about. Hedgehogs eat slugs. Not little boys like the nursery rhyme. Yes so far quite unevenful.

My mind's racing because i'm thinking about having to represent a couple of fishes from the fish factory. In this case I become the ritz man. I suppose it'll only be off my mind once it's all over and done with. I know there's no one is going to lose their job this time round. It would be awful to have someone thrown out of the pond. It's just things encroach onto normal life from the Factory and then they play on my mind. I'm not sure what to do in one case, although I know the outcome has been informally agreed. The thing is I feel a little out of my depth, I shouldn't of been this far out of sea without having been here before on a trial run. It's a let down. Which is probably what's bothering me. It is and it's the big fishes I'm facing.

If only it were possible to draw a bath and wash away vexations thoughts. For some reason I don't think those Chinese bath salts did it. Well I probably smell a lot better. As for the scarred bum, I'll keep it under wraps. After all I don't want the hot baths of this world to feel they are being discriminated against.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Missing Sparkling Eyes


At the moment I'm missing Sparkling Eyes very much. It was her birthday when I stayed and I got her an Oxfam goat. I'm particularly missing Sparkling Eyes this moment. As I checked out her blog and I know she's about but not talking to me doing her girly thing. Sometimes it can just hurt too much, it's something I realised today when someone asked me how it went on my break. I had answered it was "ok" and later wondered. Why was it I had only said "ok?" Because it was more than "ok" it was a wonderful beautiful time I had. The answer was simple it hurt missing Sparkling Eyes and talking too much about i , telling people how I really feel would hurt more and after all they may not really want to know. Recalcitrant Rock Chick, DIY man and everyone else I miss very much so yes it is emotionally painful. I love them all, Sparkling Eyes very much so.


Yesterday I saw Little Monster Boy and gave him a big hug it helps. Monday night is usually a pub night but I really needed to see the little Monster. I managed to get him into his PJ's by bribery. But it wasn't the bribery which worked at first, it was because I said I had to leave. Then he put his PJ's on demanding I stay longer if he did. So I sat down for an extra 5 minutes after which he requested his original bribe. How could I refuse? On leaving I had another hug.


Things are happening at the Fish Factory to the extent today I did little work. One individual needed to see me because her manager had asked her to attend an informal meeting and said she could bring a rep. A second ongoing case I'm dealing with has received a management letter about her absences and is expected to see the biggest fishes in the factory for a grilling. The problem is it's very difficult actually getting her in for her grilling. Being sick an all. Poor thing, they will throw her out of the pond if they can, something I'll not let them do if I can help it.


Dealing with these events all takes up a lot of time. The only way things can be really understood though is by speaking to people, hearing what they have to say, so I always get the little fishes to meet me and chat. As for the informal meeting sounds like a verbal reprimand is on the agenda, but again not if I have my way. Sure hope I can do the Ritz man justice and take as good a position as I have seen him take. Some of those big fish need their fins clipped because of the way they treat the little ones, one day someone may just throw a stick of dynamite into the factory rather than a hook.


Sparkling Eyes you're on my mind wish you'd talk to me, say hi and have a chit chat Right this moment Sparkling Eyes Goat is running around chasing other goats making friends and about to make an even bigger goat herd for her owner. All thanks to Sparkling Eyes generosity. I wonder if I can put in an order for some cheese.


Sunday, January 21, 2007

Bermuda Triangle of BLOGS


Well I posted a BLOG yesterday and it has disappeared. I checked it today and it has gone? It's odd to say the least. My PC has been playing up every so often just disconnecting so maybe this is why yesterdays BLOG went AWOL. Shame because I had put so much effort into it. Some things are just transitory, so it must be with BLOGS.


I saw a film last night about aliens trying to invade the planet it was called Arrival and the main actor was Charlie Sheen. He's funny to watch. This film led me to download some software which uses your computer when it's not doing anything. Like computers do. Go and make dinner or pop down the shops as it were. Which they don't do much off at all. So I checked out the site and downloaded the software to SETI. So when my computer isn't working it's now going to be looking for aliens. Maybe I've been watching too much TV. Sparkling Eyes will tell me it's typical of me. Rock Chick would only think it was cool if I actually found an alien and the alien was a homicidal maniac. Of course then I'd probably be the unfortunate victim to this homicidal maniac and she could then with all confidence write to a lifer. Nice to know I have a potential roll in the Universe. Though not quite the roll I had in mind.


As for my lost BLOG, it's a shame, because I had written about some of the events which happened to me while staying with Sparkling Eyes and Rock Chick, and how I miss them. But be assured girls, I am still here and have not dropped into the Bermuda Triangle just yet, or been at the hands/tentacles/appendages of a homicidal alien. Love ya.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Held Hostage

It's now been 3 days. I've been kidnapped, held ransom to my ability to hang wallpaper. Sparkling Eyes, demanded her room bed decorated. The task had to be done in 3 days because she said so. Not because it might take 3 days, but because it had to bed done in 3 day. It was an ultimatum. Short tempered, short patience and possibly at the end of a short vocal retort if I wasn't compliant. All of course with a big smile. The pressure was on. Fortunately help was at hand from Fat Boy. I became his bitch while he told me what to do. And I did it. Today the third day has reached and the task completed. My bacon has been saved.

I'm knackered. Sleep beckons me. I had a long hot bath Sparkling Eyes had drawn for me. It was wonderful, soaking up all the bubbles to the point of looking like a rapid animal. Put some clothes on with difficulty and slumped into the settee. Lets not forget the wonderful Thai Chicken Sparkling Eyes had cooked. Very, very, nice. I had two helpings. I couldn't help myself. Sparkling Eyes has just pointed out her birthday card to me, saying I look like the rotund panda. Large plack eyes, and very big white furry tummy, a bowler hat on it's head. This picture Sparkling Eyes declared looked like me. For now I'll accept it because I'm tired.

Now she's jealous because I touch type and so she's speaking nonsense while I try and type this BLOG. To put me off typing. I am held hostage. I just can't get away. Recalictrant Rock Chick wants tomorrow off, I am hostage. With luck sleep may come tonight but without it I'll be held hostage while Sparkling Eyes tells me about something and nothing. My attention being drawn into a strange and weird world. They argue with each other, the cat comes in and decideds to join in. HELP. Let slumber come to me, let it knock me out and may I snore loud and keep everyone else awake, while I go into the land of nod. After 3 days I need it. HELP.

Tomorrow is Sparkling Eyes Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. But please just one moment of quite so I can finish this. HELP HELD HOSTATE, 3 days of decorating and I'm going crazy.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

A Different World

This week I am spending in the company of Sparkling Eyes and Rock Chick. In reality it is like being plucked and dropped into a very different world from which I have come. At the moment I am lucky Rock Chick doesn't feel like picking a fight with me, and she sings lines from Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. She has a nice little voice, except when shouting out at me because I've done something uncool. Like give the wrong definition of "queer" because she knows it does not fit the context of what she has in mind. Sparkling eyes has been a little kinder, well a lot kinder, except maybe for telling me to kiss her feet while I was on my knees sanding down some skirting board. Making me buy her cigarettes when I didn't, because I forgot and then telling me I am a typical man. I thinks not. But Sparkling Eyes has kept me well fed and watered. So much, I'm being called "fat boy" quite often. No matter what happens to me or how I become a victim some prank I hold a smile on my face and am very happy to be in their company. However, I'll sure hope the lad who takes on Rock Chick has a bit of back bone, coz if he doesn't she'll tie his back bone into a bow and make him act like a bunny rabbit.

The major power tool in this household is the TV remote control. I have not had to endure so much channel chopping than when Rock Chick has possession of this control. Music rules the house, except for when scarey videos are put on. And when they are I'm often of the opinion they have been picked to scare me more than the girls. One music channel after the other is played, then switched, played, then switched again, again, and again. Something comes on I like, I hear two, words am about to say it's a good song and yes, switched again. I kind of got used used to it. Murder, death, kill comes to mind, but it slowly evaporates until the next switch. Perhaps I'll steal the batteries out of the control.

Sparkling Eyes puts another load of chocolates in the dish. I have moved the dish at least 3 times into the kitchen to keep it out of my sight. But it's back again. There's a thing about chocolate if it's lying about doing nothing, just minding it's own business, it can often find itself in my mouth. Eaten. Gone forever. A back hole. Stomach is nearly as big as my eyes now.

It is a world most different from the sedentary life of a man in a fish factory, but it is so nice warm and challenging as well. Not that I have to say this because Sparkling Eyes will look over my words and refused to feed me if I didn't, no she'd just put yet more chocolates out and hope they magically disappear. Hope does not come into it, they will, of all things tempting the one thing I have problems with refusing is temptation itself. It's a different world and a warm loving one as well. Should of earnt myself a few extra chocolates now.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

World of Ritz

I have ventured into the world of the Ritz. Going to the Ritz office for the first time and actually being there to do something. However, this ended up with a 3 hour conversation with the new Ritz woman who intends to take over the business. She kept talking and would not stop.

There are some things I can't agree with. Utilising my time to ring up perhaps a 1000 people just to see if they have changed address or not. Is I believe a pointless exercise. Ritz man had warned me about this previously. I agree with him, the clerical should be doing this work. I thought as she went on and on "the more someone talks, the more they need to justify themselves" it just popped in my head. I didn't challenge much, but I know she was missing the point a number of times. Seeing things from her own point of view. When she used the word "we" I'd mentally replace it with the word "I" which was the real perspective. At the bottom of it the real notion however is to build up and support the Ritz shop in a new beginning. I'm just personally saddened the old Ritz man and the new Ritz woman would never get on. They couldn't, it is clear from Ritz man's previous discussions. But with all hand's on deck, the shop would be stronger more representative and worthy. I don't think she should be there. Have I made a big mistake I wonder, should I have come forward first to lend support? I don't know. Should I have been the new Ritz Man when I know nothing of the business?

This evening I had a wonderful converstion with Sparkling Eyes, we laughed and I got told off for yawning. It was a pain because she could see me in the MSN window but Sparkling Eyes didn't have her cam on. It meant, I got told off whenever I yawned or didn't pay attention. I suppose I didn't really care. Because sometimes it is necessary to be told off when your attention wanes. Although, I was somewhat surprised when Sparkling Eyes revealed she had more than one proposal since setting up her BLOG page. Quite frankly I know she is poking me with a stick, and of course the old issue about how many views she gets with only 3 BLOG entries against my 40 odd. Or the number of comments she has against my one. As I say Sparkling Eyes, I'm writing because I like it. But not as much as I like you. I sure can't wait to see you and can feel myself smile, get warm inside and be quite happy.

If I don't like something in the world of the Ritz I must remind myself, I can just walk out.

I met with Long Haired boy today and got him whatever he wanted to eat for lunch. Poor thing was having a bad day. But the lunch I had decided would be a pleasant time. I listened to all he said, supported him in every way I could and then slipped him ten quid. He's a really good kid. I hope he can find himself some work. And get out of having to go to these Job Club places which really are no more than places to depress and devour those who don't have work.

I see so much of this country tending towards the same culture as the US, and I can only blame President Blair. We are not the US, we should never try to be them, and we should cut all ties. The NHS, Education, Crime, Unemployment and Taxes are indelible items of National concern. However, the UK should not treat US policy as good policy. Making people pay for a health service is anathema to me, blaming unemployment on the unemployed is a pointless exercise. The thing is Governments don't reap what they sow during the days of their governing, my belief is it takes about 5-10 years before those laws, budjets and decision really filter down to the people. Sodding ell, on my soap box. It happened before. I'll stop there.

As for the Ritz it will be a matter of watch this space. And don't stare vacantly at the paint drying on the wall. Because it stinks and I'll be overcome by the fumes. Or did those vapours come from some other place?

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Liquish All sorts

A bag of Liquish All Sorts is a bag of mixed sweets. Today has been mixed, though perhaps not all sweets, more a case of lets-pass-the-headache-pills-round. It began with a bad dream. Not a nightmare, just a bad dream. I was in the Ritz Office and running about doing things like a fly on acid round a newly deposited turd. Then I woke up. Somewhat concerned I have put myself in the midst of something I should know better to avoid. A nice way to start the day.

In the Fish Factory, a new Fish machine had been put into the loop. Men from I.T. were running about establishing how dials should be set. But for the poor users, we sat, pulled out hair, then between all of us filled up a couple of divan mattresses. Which meant someone else had to volunteer to go down the market and get a job lot of hats. Seeing as most of us were bald at this time. We now have an improved system, but it takes longer for it to boot up while some programs don't work, this however, allows us to make a cup of coffee or tea while we wait. Slowly I can see the entire Factory becoming more caffine dependent than ever. If I smoked, my usage would go up. Unfortunately I eat and the pot may get pottier if I don't watch it.

To cap this off, Sparkling Eyes has told me she has had a million hits on her BLOG, which she has just started. I said it's nothing to do with the number of hits I write because I like it. She's also had a marriage proposal from a man in Morroco and has had a Pakistani send her an email asking why she didn't answer his previous email, because he thinks she beautiful. There is something to be said for writing a BLOG for the right reasons. For your own selfish reason, to know it might get looked at, but to express yourself. What do I need with men from Pakistan running after me I ask, nothing at all. Unless they happen to be on an I.T. helpdesk and I can understand what they are saying. Sparkling Eyes as also told me more or less I write too much. Anyway it doesn't bother me, I will write as much as I like and bore the hell out of anyone who can be bothered. As for those who can't, then it must be something to do with my hair colour. What is left.

I have prepared a card and small present for my friend the Retired English Teacher, because he has been in hospital and is due out soon. It's odd how when as a growing up child you see teachers and think they know everything. How they can be such a big influence in your life. Even if it happens to be in ways of avoiding their homework. Which of course is a creative talent of sorts. My friend I see now through my eyes as an adult rather than a child. I know he isn't all knowing, I can see his shortfalls, his meanderings and his groans. I can now see the child in him as well. The sometimes apprehensive, wondering child. I have great affection for him but I also see him as a pain in the butt at times. Maybe it's to do with his inability to grasp New Technology. Now coming to think of it, seems like the entire Fish Factory fall into this group, then there's one thing, we're all in good company. So anyone fancy an All Sort?

Ritz Man

Spoke to the man in charge of Ritz. He's a really nice man and cares a lot about his roll, even though it's one of those jobs the Big Fish don't like, because Ritz Man keeps them in control. Or he used to as best as he could. The problem is he resigned as the Big Ritz so now the Ritz office is in disarray.

Sometimes doing a thing can be a good idea at the time. However, later on as more details emerge things begin to change. So it is with the details Ritz Man has been telling me. So I am in a situation where I'm doomed if I do and possible doomed if I don't. Something to think about. I want to learn about keeping the Ritz safe from the Fish but lots of politics abound.

So as time is short for this BLOG, think I'll hit the sack and not dream of Fish and Ritz coz otherwise i'll not dream at all. Where on earth did the cheese go?

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Grey hair and rain


This morning I checked out my face while shaving and there waving it’s hands and doing summersaults was a grey hair. This recalcitrant little bugger had done this before. It always seems to happen when my hair needs a cut. For some reason this loan ranger sticks his bloody head up and wont blend in with the other hairs. No he has to wave the bloody Union Jack. So a date with the Barber was imminent.

The day has been awful nothing but rain. Hard rain, light rain and the very slight powdery kind of rain which just manages to get you wet when you think it is nothing at all, then you’re soaked to the skin. I endured the short journey to my Barber’s in this rain. And when I walked into the shop, hardly anyone was there. It was then I became enlightened. Always get your hair cut on a rainy day. There had been cues here before which had me waiting nearly an hour before I got a seat. But the rain had done something wonderful. It had washed away the general public. I will in future use every rainy day to my advantage and fill them with lots of things I need to do. Even the roads weren’t busy either. Rain, rain come and stay, cos the people go and stray. Or rather lay in bed all day with depression. Great, it only led to my happiness, I must be a misanthropist. Do I care? Rain I how about a big soppy kiss.

The Barber shop is a Turkish affair normally. I’ve seen a number of different hairdressers perhaps their Visa’s run out or they get a job somewhere else. Occasionally I get one who wants to talk to me all the time and try out his English. I don’t mind when this happens because I get to know a different person who I usually will never meet again in my life. You can have some interesting conversations. This time though there stood a woman, white not tanned and had dyed blond hair. As I walked in she had motioned me to sit in her chair. My heavy wet coat off, I then sat down. And casually told her exactly what I wanted. There was an assumption here I had made. I thought she was English. It turned out she was not, I think probably Polish. But she eventually got the gist of what it was I wanted. I didn’t say much at all. I closed my eyes concentrated on relaxing and meditated while she cut my hair. There is something about getting my hair cut which makes me do this. It was wonderful. Except she didn’t know how to burn the stubborn hairs growing out of my ears. Only one Turkish Barber I’ve had has ever done a good job of burning them and I think at the time he practically set my ears on fire, but was quick enough to fan them out. If I ever see him again I’ll be in his seat, unfortunately it was a one off. Shame all Barbers should learn how to burn hairy ears.

Today I learnt through another experience there are two things you can not avoid, growing old and getting hairy ears. No, I meant wet in the rain. Now if the Barber were to try and burn my ears in the rain, I don’t think it would work. Pity the rain would put my ears out. Otherwise I’d could run up and down the road like a crazy man ears on fire. Something else which would get rid of the cues no doubt.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Weird Morning Dreams

There's something about waking up in the morning in the middle of a dream. When I'm bound to recall what it is. Whereas if I wake up early morning have a weird dream then go back to sleep again i forget it. I can't help it, the dream just dissipates like a butterfly in a fart.

I'll begin with yesterday's dream. In this a man drove up onto the front lawn. It was the killer Monk from the film La Davinci Code. Except in my dream he didn't have his habit on. The car was one of those old style Morgan's and it was black. Now it's odd because the front lawn in reality is pretty small and could probably take one car and then be overcrowded. But this man got out of his Morgan got on his hands and knees and began to look for a small Evian water bottle. He had hidden it somewhere in the grass and I knew it wasn't there. Suddenly I notice a he searched the lawn, it seemed a lot bigger. He was frantic trying to find the bottle. I knew the reason why. For it held the water of eternal youth. Needless to say, the water bottle was not there. So he now wanted to get in the house. I was scared of him getting inside so went to a bedroom where this big muscle building younger bloke slept. I woke him up and he was dazed and didn't know what was going on. I felt a little guilty sending him downstairs to the mad crazed killer. But heck he'd have a better chance of defending himself than me. Especially with all those muscles. Again this is odd because I don't have a large muscle building bloke living here. I could barely send the cat after him. It was somewhere at this point, where I was scared of being murdered and looking for somewhere to hide or get away from this mad Monk but not-in-a-habit-killer consciousness had saved me.

Today's weird dream, was just as odd. I was up at the Embankment in London and really needed to have a pee, i was bursting. So to relieve myself I entered a pub and went to their loo. It had a pretty awful smell of urine, and it also had large square sink. One of the old types from the 1960s which are not used so much now days. In this sink sticking half out were a pair of legs. Legs!!! They had been cut off a small man. I could tell because mens legs are more muscly and they had some hairs on. Also they were definitely proportioned to be from a small man or midget. I then wondered where the rest of the body was. The notion had occurred to me the legs were put in the sink to keep them cool and they could then be sown back on the person they come off. The next thing I knew was being out of the pub looking for a midget with no legs. I knew who it was, again a midget actor I'd seen in some films. I awoke out of this dream in a kind of curious state of search. Whereas the previous dream was more of a nightmare and waking up out of it saved my life.

I haven't got the faintest conception of what either of these dreams meant, just they were on my mind in the morning and getting up I also had to go to the loo for a pee, which could be why this was part of one dream. As for a midget's legs where on earth did they come from, he could hardly be running about when I went looking for him. Maybe it was the mad Monk who did it, if it were the case I better give the TV a rest and take up something a little less likely to invade my dreams. Lets just close my eyes and think about it.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Mad Enough to Kill

It's been one of those days, the one where just getting through the day is a triumph without killing someone. In a long tortuous way, in fact anyone who puts the next straw on my back. There's a saying I once heard "Don't wake the sleeping bear," which seems to me to be pretty important. Except today I was a bear in a cage with loads of visitors throwing sticks at me. Luckily the cage door was locked. I nearly committed murder.

Standing at the platform waiting for a train I get a text from Silly Sophia saying Long Haired boy has to leave. Little Monster Boy needs his room. Silly Sophia had been speak to someone who listens, and this time she was using someone else again to say what she has on her own mind. I didn't need the text it was the first wind-up. At lunch time I met Long Haired boy and we discussed Silly Sophia. I told him the reasons why Little Monster Boy had to have a room and the woman from Del Monte had Silly Sophia in a neck hold. She'd steal Little Monster Boy away. I felt sorry for Long Haired Boy, he's been through too much at such a young age. He said he felt unloved. I told him we all loved him, I loved him, his nan and even Silly Sophia did, although she didn't know how to show it. You could easily argue there's a good case for test-tube genetic babies rather than have families. Then you never know you could always get a bad batch of genetics, or just a load of loonies you weren't related to, but the good thing would be, you wouldn't have to see them again.

At the Fish Factory I could of killed. I could of killed the manager, because all he ever does each day is talk to people. And I could of killed Tatooed girl coz all she ever does all day is give a verbal diatribe of the next bit of fish gutting she is about to do. I could of killed the the man who is like an old girl sitting behind me, because he just likes chatting when other's chat, he thinks he's in some way a bit more prestigious than others as well. I could probably get enjoyment out of killing him twice, ok, maybe three times. I could of murdered the work man on the floor below our factory where they are constantly drilling. I would of got the drill and stuck it in his ear while he was laying on the floor then just flipped the switch. My paracetamol weren't working. I really needed to concentrate, with work coming out of my ears fish all over the place flapping about crying out for attention. And we have only one more day left of this old electric fish machine because a new one is going to be up and working in 5 weeks time. Given it is compatible because they really don't know. At times I sat at my desk and swivelled on my chair looking away over to a blank wall. All these people were making noise. I needed to concentrate and get on with my fishes. These people wouldn't let me. I wonder if i can cram them all into the lift and cut the wire? The problem is with all these murders it might be quite for a short while but then I'd be stuck in a jail with two fat geezers one called Shirley and the other Fred who fancied something fresh. Kill them, dispose of their bodies in the Thames and blame it one someone else. No, I think I'd really enjoy it. And it would send a message out there to all those people who just love opening their mouths and letting out a load of dribble. Yes. Sometimes there is only so much verbal diareah a person can take, and this may result in death. Yep, they could post up a message on the walls like it's done on cigarette packets. I better keep blunt heavy objects or sharp light objects out of sight. "Chill man, Chill." Yes. I even tried saying those words to myself. They didn't work. But fortunately I am not incarcerated so could write this BLOG.

I eventually got round to doing some Fish work. Then came across a case which took my attention. A youngish fishy mother had to flee her little rock pool. She had 3 sprats, 8, 6 and 3 years of age. Her rock pool had been plagued by her ex fishy partner. He'd broken her nose twice, humiliated her in public and generally been not a nice man. The poor fishy woman then had relatives knocking on her door harassing her. All because she decided she no longer wanted to wear his ring. She'd said to him their relationship had to be filleted. He was very annoyed, violently annoyed. For him, because he came from a hotter fishy climate this would bring dishonour to his family. He and his family kept threatening the poor fishy woman and then he said something which made me want to kill him. He had told her he was going to kill fishy woman and the little sprats and he told her how he'd do it. Poor fishy lady ran off to another rock pool. But it incited anger in me. I wanted to get load of blokes find this man and beat him into anchovy paste, pummel him and give him a warning. The day had been infuriating because of the noise but here had come a real reason to be violent. Luckily I'm not a violent person. I am sure I wouldn't do anything to him if I ever saw him, if I knew what he looked like. However, this incident is one which highlights how cultures from different rock pools don't always mix, especially if the other rock pool is in Pakistan and they think honour killing is acceptable.

I went shopping after work, and wondered if I should get drunk or write a BLOG. This part is done now I have a half bottle of Scotch, a carton of Double cream and a wondering if it's too late to try my hand at an Irish Coffee. Nah, it's probably easier to go sharpen the knives.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Custard Pies

While at a meeting several custard pies were thrown, some this way, some the other way, some on boomerangs. But all they did in the end was just make a mess and everyone who was not involved, who really saw them as tedious. So a vote took place stop the custard tart throwers continuing and they did stop. The meeting had ended at this point.

Anything involving people has a political edge to it. Which will at some time result in a Pie or two being thrown. Because as human beings we take offence, have dislikings and misunderstandings. Of course they can be avoided and so can the pie throwing. But it's very difficult because of human nature. In the end it comes down the the "HOW" of doing something, the manner and way. The protocol. If not written then it's about sensitivity, neutrality and politics. On the other hand sometimes a Pie just has got to be thrown, there's no beating about the bush, and someone is going to get hit fair and square in the face. We all make mistakes though, even an Uncle to his little nephew.

I saw Little Monster Boy this evening and bought him a sketch pad in which he could draw Doctor Who to his contentment. Being a silly Uncle I'd forgotten to get him one when I'd bought him some colouring pencils as part of his Crimbo presents. He told me off, throwing his custard pie right in my face. I was ashamed. My duty was clear - get him a sketch pad. Which he waded into with some zeal. I found though he prefers to use pens and felt tips to colour, probably because they are quicker and have more colour. His big sister wasn't feeling so well and had forgotten to go back to school today. I hope she can get up tomorrow.

This evening I sit wondering whether I should just easily do absolutely nothing or whether I should look at some very important Fish Factory documents, the thing is I begrudge doing this in my own time. And would prefer to listen to music. Or eating the odd pie. In the end we all have finite time, it's a matter of weighing the more important things against each other. Just to say listening to music won out. As for the Fish Factory documents, oh well it'll bite me in the arse at some other time, but hopefully while up to my armpits in fishes not in petals.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Return the Fish


After a wonderful break from the Fish Factory I found myself thrown into work, I wasn't quite sure if I should allow myself to be thrown, so ended up getting up late, then ringing up the Factory just to make sure I was due to come in. I was. No way out now. I was tossed back like a nipper the fisherman thought was too small to be worth eating. Unless you were a pigmy, on a diet in love with Gillian McKeith. Not many of them about I'm sure.

I spent the entire day doing a single piece of work, because of a phone call. Each time I looked at the item I noticed something was wrong. Incorrect and had to be solved before the next part could be completed. It was a struggle, uphill all the way, and as I walked up different sources of information were thrown at me and each contradicting the other. In a balance of probabilities and several grey hairs popping up, I did it. Exhausted. This little fish had just swam like a lunatic towards the boat and jumped high enough to get back on. Squelch, didn't think the fisherman would tread there. Maybe I should be paid more for what I do, I thought.

So what happens when we eat up all the fish? Consumed. Berry, belly. Then the fish have to find somewhere else to hide. All I can say is it's bloody lucky I'm not an elephant, because the fisherman would of had a pretty big surprise.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Happy 2007


Today has started with sunlight. It's amazing the effect of prolonged overcast weather and how it's so depressive. But with some sun, all looks different. I think 2007 will be a good year, although I personally saw it in by going to bed. I'll have a glass of Ginger Wine in a minute and celebrate some more.

For some unknown reason I feel happy. Lets try and work it out. Getting enough vitamins - yep. Sunlight - Yep, in love with a wonderful woman - yep, found a friend who had an emergency operation after Christmas was on the mend, sitting up in his hospital bed and even radiating a warmth and happiness himself - yep (made me very happy), long lazy lie in bed - yep, but still some other unexplained factor making me feel happy. Only had one biscuit so far today - yep. Good going.

Perhaps being happy is just difficult to analyse? It can happen for no reason at all, and maybe it's best not to question it but to go with it. Of course there are things I'll need to do or hope to get round to doing for the new year. Tidy up computer room, get fitter, lose weight, tell someone i love them more than I have before. Acquire a new friend. Yes, I'd like to do work on this last point. Learn a song, write a poem, laugh with every muscle in my body, take a long walk, cook a new exciting dish or a simple dish well, have a conversation with a child and marvel at their unknown wisdom. Learn and recite in full the poem Desiderata because it's about time, suck a sweet, clap my hands, dance because I like to, and be there for those who need me. Write more and become as fully as I can the person I am. Stand back when I need to, and not be over stretched.

I found something new today is called the Gestalt Prayer, by some psychologist, it basically says you become acceptant of who you are and be acceptant of people around you. While at the same time learn not to expect anything of them, it's a pretty nice little prayer. I checked it out from Google after a serendipitous find on a BLOG. It's nice to read other peoples writings as well. For just writing because I like it would be unfair if I didn't read what others wrote as well. I mean they have put their writings there for a reason, and as long as they are in English fine. At this time of life I can't see myself learning Chinese, I have problem enough with English people who can't speak English, let alone write it. So where was I? Oh yes, 2007 is going to be a happy year, and I know it because I can feel it right now. So happy new year to all who have cast an eye over my words. And I don't mean have plucked out an eye and thrown it at them, or have just cursory checked it out, I mean have actually bothered, lol oops seems I am bothered. Happy 2007!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Christmas

I had a wonderful Christmas with Sparkling Beautiful Eyes and Rock Chick. And for some reason I have been reminded on how my hormones effect me lately. Any silly soppy thing results in my eyes welling up, I choke and even tears come. It has to be hormonal, starting maybe a year ago or more, when a repeat of E.T. was on the box. What the hell is happening to me? I have difficulty in keeping these emotions in check, it’s like old father Crimbo came down and bestowed upon the freedom to cry at anything. At which I’ve become a whimpering wreck. Even worse than an old woman – not to be sexist in anyway. So, it can be said “men have tears to” except I probably have enough for an entire rugby team. Not to mention the subs, and perhaps even the national footy team. Maybe not, because they really are a load of Jessies.

Rock Chick had a drum set for her Crimbo and about a thousand smaller presents. Although the idea of any teenager having a drum set is distressing, she does have a sparkle of talent. Unless it becomes another little fad thing picked up and put back down as a minor interest, she could be a very budding drummer. I mean it. I can see bands in Dundee seeking her out. I’ll post up a couple of extra packets of paracetemal to Sparkling Eyes. With my love, sealed in a tear of relief. Rock Chick was good though, not one morning was I woken up by a burst on the drums. Very considerate. Must be something coinciding with her 2 a.m. bedtime routine.

There’s something wonderful in going to bed with Sparkling Eyes and just having a good long cuddle. Being able to reach over and just rest a hand on her and feel comfortable, warm and loved. It’s relaxing. Also to be on demand for feet rubs, back tickles and being prodded and made fun off like a voodoo doll. Bliss. It’s chilling. Having long conversations sometimes about nothing, sometimes about the most important things in the world – other people. When I need some comfort, I’ll just think back to this Crimbo with Sparkling Eyes and small moments will return to me like morsels of food to a very hungry man. What the hell do I do about the tears? Maybe get a drum kit. Some paracetmal, and a picture of Sparkling Eyes and Rock Chick. What more could make me happier? Hankerchief.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Booking a Ticket

An act of desperation is booking a train ticket on the internet. Although easy enough, completing the screens and following instructions at the last moment I found something amiss.

Usually I prefer speaking to a human being. For some reason it’s nice, real people are different as opposed to automatic booking lines which work through speech recognition. Computers dehumanise the customer. They can’t answer questions either. Particularly simple questions, like “what are my earlier or later trains? What’s the cheapest ticket? And “tell me the way to San Jose?” You can’t joke with a computer. They are insensitive, autistic things. Cold, and likely to make humans hot, raging hot. How much joy it would give me to see a computer bungee jump without the rope. Microsoft have a lot to answer for.

I booked the ticket but only checked it the day before travel. Just to make sure I knew the coach and seat I would have to find. Alarm bells rang. I had “NO SEAT” reserved. It actually stated on the ticket “NO SEAT.” This could mean enduring a 6 hour plus journey standing up. Because London airports were fogged in over the last few days no internal flights were being allowed to run. This meant 100,000s of people were unable to board the plane so were taking the alternative rail and road. My liking for computers the internet

In addition the Home Secretary made an announcement the UK was now more likely to have a terrorist attack during this time than during the second World War. My comfort zone of security evaporated, a booked seat was banished. Paranoia had become a bed fellow. Unfortunately she has the habit of giving a pretty close hug as well. Sparkling Eyes was going to be more than unhappy if I was not there. I would be dead and the thing is I like my life. Especially with sparkling eyes. Alive or dead, terrorists, reserved seat and computer booking line, something had my cards marked.

Ringing up the help line I spoke to an Indian lady, whose name escaped me, not only did it escape me it flew away like an albatross on an ocean journey. Neither was it going to come back, the pronunciation was foreign to my own tongue. This could only be someone in a call centre half way around the world. A short and frustrated discussion took place, this person did not understand, I wanted a reserved seat, nor could she understand I needed to know what carriage to get on, her reply several times was “there are unreserved seats on all trains.” When I asked her about Heathrow and whether there would be more trains running, the sense I was speaking Swahili to her passed my mind. No this was the UK and I was born in a London Hospital.

The morning came and the train tested how fast I could run, it tested 200 people, we ran like crazed rabbits on LSD, seeing multiple greyhounds chase after our fluffy white tails. I got a seat. Learnt to dance, starved myself of lunch except for a packet of cashew nuts. Had a conversation with an elderly lady, learnt to speak Japanese and then woke up. The hours passed, I then got on a pc and wrote this BLOG. As for fantasies of bungee jumping pc’s now that would be a good way to put Microsoft out of action. But not just yet I’d settle for bungee-jumping-factory-hen-call-centre-not-good-english-speaker to go for a little long-high-drop no garantees of the bungee rope, of course also made in the same continent.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Westminster Abbey and Cathedral

Today I went with some friends to see Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral. One was built for protestants the other for Catholics. As a protestant Church of England not much of a goer, my view is obviously biased to Westminster Abbey. However, the Abbey is more expensive to get into, I was shafted for £10 quid before I'd even had a whiff of some incense. And to tell the truth there wasn't any incense burning either. However, I consoled myself the money I paid was going on the heating, it was blooming cold outside. The ceiling were incredibly high about 4 or 5 double decker buses high or maybe even higher. But it sure is a beautiful church. Except for all the kings and queens. Too many of them and they weren't burried in the floor so you didn't get the satisfaction of walking over them.

I found the story of poor old Oliver Cromwell interesting, and couldn't help wondering if he was one of the first real communists of this world. It saddened me to find he had been buried in the church for only 3 years and then they dug up his rotted carcass and hung it. It was a belated revenge for what he did. Personally, I'd just like the idea of getting rid of the monarchy so much, it's one of those things I will hold with me all my life, and I'm not a commy. If I could go back in time, I'd be fighting for Cromwell and I'd probably give him some advised to kill off all the remaining Kings and Queens and royal lineage. Make the country a republic. It's just obscene how royalty should own so much of the country, take so much of our taxes and not have the hard graft of life like the average Joe in the street. I'd see the queen go and collect her pension from the post office, then for her to pick up the crap from one of her own corgis and later balance her own bank account to see if she's got enough money to pay her winter gas bill. It's a chip on my shoulder, a big one. One so big sometimes I fall over, can't get through doorways or have to spew forth a torrent of abuse at any royal figure of speach. You'll never see a royal cued on an NHS waiting list that's for sure.

As for Catholics, I must admit I do have some catholic friends, but I've never liked the way the Catholic religion sees itself above other religions. To an extent the same thing is happening now in Iraq with the Muslim Sunni and Shia branches, each killing the other. If Jesus Christ ever conceived religion would be one of the causes of the worlds deaths, he'd of probably gone back to his old man and said, "dad I've had enough of that, give us a bit of wood, I think I'll stick to making cupboards." We all need a good carpenter, very useful, much more useful than a sitting on thrown useless piece of flesh called a monarch. The other side to it is monarchs can not be Catholics even today because of some Act in 1701. Now here's an idea lets abolish both at the same time. Ship them all over to America. It's about time we shipped some of our crap over there, because after all lets face it Blair does an overwhelmingly good Bitch to Bush Act. Whatever Bush says Blair does. He's jumped through so many hoops for Bush he's become pretty good at it. We all see it now. Anyone in the UK I mean. Blair will go out with nearly as much distaste as Evil Maggie Thatcher did. Except Blair's downfall was the big Con of the UK, suckeringg us into Bush's War. Bloody soap box, I'll fall through it if I keep going on.

So if you fancy somewhere warm in London during the cold weather, check out Westminster Abbey except for the cost. Now what I wonder is, if there's no God can I go back and get a refund?

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Irish Coffee

It's said patience is a virtue, something quite necessary when trying to understand a teenager, understanding any minute facet of the universe and lastly in making an Irish Coffee.

I had this hankering like an itch on my back I haven't been able to scratch. I been reaching round, contorting my arm and hand in all sorts of positions but just have not been able to scratch it. This notion is making my own Irish Coffee. The weather is cold, Christmas is round the corner like a lynx cat about to pounce on it's prey and here I am standing in the snow, wind chill factor of minus 30 with a grocery bag full of ingredients to the perfect winter warmer. Besides of course a hot woman, for now it's an Irish Coffee. Except I hadn't bought real Irish Whiskey, but I thought well it's not really going to matter if it's really Irish or not. Oh and the cream was single, not the thicker double.

The attempt failed, but it didn't stop me from trying. I just could not get the cream to float on top. It was worse than the titanic. Immediately it touched the top it sank down like it had it's very own escalator to the bottom of the glass. But it tasted nice. Well nice ish. To the extent I don't have the real satisfaction of saying I have succeeded in making a true Irish Coffee. Just the second class version. So now I've done a little research and have a few tips to apply next time. Use whipped cream, or cream with a lot of fluffy texture to it, make sure the spoon is hot and of course there must be sugar in the coffee. Like Thomas Edision who believed every mistake he made brought him one step closer to success. So it will be with my Irish Coffee.

Even now I can see the coffee in my mind and what it should look like. Hot, sweet floading on top with cream, and a very nice taste. I wonder if it was the reason for the titanic sinking, the engineers just didn't factor in the Irish Coffee effect. Because all these attempts are going to have one guaranteed effect on me, an expansion of my girth. Memo to self, if this becomes an obsession I had better do some more clothes shopping.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Noise

One thing frustrates me when I am at work or trying to concentrate on something at all, is noise. People chattering inanely about subjects, as close as you can get to watching paint dry. In the meantime having no consideration to those around them who may not want to listen and get on with work. Namely me. Perhaps I have a sensitivity to it, just something I've been unfortunately cursed with, how can I lift the curse I ask myself.

I try everything possible to make it obvious, stick my fingers in ears while sitting at desk trying to read the monitor. But the talkers don't seem to notice this, it's like they not only don't give a damn about their verbal diarrhea but also they've gone blind, as well as autistic. I go to the shops and get a frequent supply of ear plugs. Bright orange foam things they are, and in the worse moments I get my ear plugs in, roll them up squeeze them and stuff them in my ears. As the foam expands they filter out some of the din. But it's like the human voice is processed too well by the brain, because I still hear them. I can't get the voices out of my head. They're not in my head, they're in the mouths and the heads of those around me who can't shut up. How they could all do with a Willy Wonker everlasting Gobbstopper methinks.

So people sitting around me dictate how much work I do. My in tray gets bigger. I get more stressed, and they carry on chatting. I could go absolutely crazy.

More and more I notice how noise impinges on my senses. Just getting up in the morning and going to work, the noise of cars, busses, trains, people talking loudly on their mobile phones, youths with music on the mobiles playing enough to be annoying because you just can't work out what the music is. Sometimes when they do this I may loudly hum along to their music, so they might feel uncool. And of course the banal conversation of people who have nothing better to do but moan about the price of bread. At times like this I could take out my mobile phone and talk loudly, swear, or talk as though I have something important they might be interested in, for example the price of flour makes the price of bread go up but I'm a chemical engineer and we've found substitute flour works just as well. But unfortunately let it out trials of the substitute flour tested on volunteers have made them run round naked and think they were DoDo birds. Just make up any story, as long as I'm talking loud and drown out their inane chatter. And of course I'm talking to no one, but they are not to know.

Noise pollution is something no one can get away from. It is forced upon us, there is no shutter like an eyelid to pull down and keep it out. The only time it goes away is when asleep or in a quiet place, preferably with few people.

So next week I am going to have a party for one. Sit at my desk, sing to myself, chat to myself quite loudly and openly and answer myself. Shout, cry, ball, laugh uncontrollably act in a strange and unormal fashion. And with a little luck, I just might make those people around think I am mad or possibly dangerous to the extent they shut up. Thing is, the men in white coats will come along and drag me off, not because I'm disturbing the peace because there never is any peace but most likely because whatever one sided conversation I'm having is more interesting than those 2 or more people have. Or just maybe they'll find a nice quite room for me.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Catcher in the Rye

For some reason classic literary style books catch my attention. Because if the world says they are a classic then there must be some reason. Something about the author's style, the vocabulary, the story, or even possibly the construction of the English language in words. Although it would seem English is not the world's most spoken language, it just happens to have the most literary sources at this moment. A 100 billion Chinese people will shortly do something about it, mark my words. So for now my choice of classic book is Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, it's American English, not English English.

I am finding it a struggle to read. The story is based in the first person perspective of an egocentric teenage boy (Holden Caulfield). He comes from a middle to upper class american family, who finds life full of phonies. No body is real. They try to be something they are not and Holden sees this all the time. He's lazy at school and lazy at life, drinking, being a teenage kid and thinking he is talking through the eyes of an old and wizened man. Holden sees himself as a non conformist, he doesn't apply himself because then he would be part of the very rat race he despises. He'll go to a phoney club and drink and watch the phoney entertainment or listen to dumb girls. They don't get him and he don't get them, he's a virgin. Saying he's a virgin probably sums it up. Background to Holden's life has him fighting against the expectations from others, because he doesn't apply himself. It's only in the first chapter's the reader gets to see an interaction with a old teacher.

The story seems to be based over a short period between Holden being kicked out of his school and wasting time before he goes back home. Then to face the music. Important figures in Holden's existence are his kid sister Phoebe and his dead younger brother Allie. There are issues of grief Holden hasn't yet come to terms with, and this could be the reason for his self depreciating behaviour. The book skips along from one character to another, like character's once used are shallow items which can be disregarded given Holden has chewed them up and spat them out. In of course, a very cynical manner. The book is indeed about the world of Holden Caulfield, what thoughts go round in his mind. To the point Holden is the Book.

The style is so convincing at times, it is like reading a spoilt brat's diary on life, to the point of nearly putting it down and never reading another page. This is why it's taken months for me to read and I still haven't finished. The plus is each chapter is relatively short, so it allows a lagger to put it down and pick it up quite easily. And then once read I can add this to collection of classics I can say I have read. Unfortunately with any book, I believe you have to read them more than once to understand and fully get what the words say.

The notoriety of this book comes from several sources. When first published it was banned in America. It's difficult to see the reasons why at this time. The decision must of been linked to politics at that time (serialized 1945/46, published 1951). It's author J.D. Salinger is renown for and the deranged man who killed John Lennon that is Mark Chapman. He had asked Lennon to sign his copy. Check the link above for an excellent in depth further analysis.

We are all egocentric to an extent. Except for chickens. Or is that just something someone once said.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Does anyone read this?

I got reminded by Beautiful Sparkling Eyes to write a blog. Having a short break from the keyboard could easily turned into something much longer. Also I was away for a week in the most wonderful company of Sparkling Eyes and Rock Chick. Which reminds me I must never get into any kind of argument with either, I plainly end up lost, battered like a Cod about to go in a fryer or so utterly confused any point of an argument has evaporated like a river running through the Sahara Desert.

Of course there is the other thought? Does anyone actually read this? Am I writing into the ether, a large vacuous Black Hole of blogs taking everything drawn into it. By accident viewers load a page up on their browser enough for the little counter to click over and then scooter off faster than a rabied dog from water, a flea on the carcass of Tukenharmen or an elevator being evacuated after one of the occupants has done a "silent-but-violent" airing? Sparkling Eyes checks them out, the blogs that is not the elevators, thank you darling, my audience of one a kiss for you.

So tomorrow I'll take a mental picture of any small incident happening, to will write something. And tomorrow is the first day of December 2006. Another memo to myself, even atheistic teenage girls believe in Christmas, I really can be stupid (shakes head) and this memo is important because if I don't take heed to it, I been told I'll get battered. Great, again. Wonder if Father Christmas can send me a suit of bubble wrap it should make it pass a little gentler.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Big Fish at the factory

I have found in chatting to the big fish they are no different from other fish who have their sardines below them. One higher level of big fish can be quite similar to one middle level. With their limited vision and opinions. This could mean I'm actually a little Sprat. LOL funny. Truth is in a little pond with big fish the personalities of the big fish are in fact no different from the personalities of other fish before them.

Because big fish are so big they don't know what life is like for the little fishes of the world. This happens even if at one time the Big fish used to be a little one themselves. Then they have nostalgia of how life used to be for them as a little fish. But of course relating this nostalgia to events today, becomes spurious, hey BIG FISH, THE WORLD CHANGES!!! Big fishes are prone not to see what is under their noses. Which could mean they have pretty big noses, to go with their pretty big egos, pretty big salaries and pretty little real work they do. Now I can hear a big fish somewhere swinging his tail out of the water in protestation of saying something like "pretty little real work they do," being steamed up and taking umbridge to it. However, put it like this, when a little fish leaves the pond, the immediate effects are more profound than any sudden disappearance of a Biggy. It's like removing one sardine from a tin. Because they are so tightly packed suddenly the tin becomes roomy. The tin gets moved about from shelf to shelf then all the other sardines inside start to disintegrate. The very presence of a tin of sardines which has one sardine missing is anathema. Although I speak litureatively this is all very true of a pond.

Big fish because of their size, go about slowly but sometimes they can get heated up over things, especially if the sardines don't do something in the way they expected it to be done, or if the sardines have quite valid contrary points to make. Big fish don't like being wrong. They have a problem admitting it, it's an affront to their ego, being quite egocentric, and they may end up taking incredibly large gulps of the pond so as to eat up the little fishes and shit them out. The poor little fishes can go manic at this point, swimming about like headless chickens, if they knew what a chicken is, and try jumping into other ponds. Some successfully do, others just get sick and of course a number remain.

So it is with good reason in any pond like place, democracy does not hold water. When the little fishes either die off or can get to jump to other ponds, the big fish would be left on their own. They wouldn't have any little fishes to boss about, and because all the fish were big their own petty squabbles would spill over, but of course this would never happened because there are always many millions more little fishes than big fishes of this world. But note this, take the big fish out of their pond and drop them in another, miraculously they shrink down to nothing. An ego with no place to go, sardines can swim around them and see the big fish is nothing but air, they may chose not to give them the time, look at the previously big fish with disdain and see them for what they are. It's unfortunate some big fish will never hold respect by other fishes when out of their own pond, but then maybe they get what they reap. Now where did I put the olive oil?

P.S. some little fish don't like being eaten up, they're called Piranahs.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Autumn Sun


Today I met up with Green Car man and went to Greenwich. It was beautiful, the sun had decided to come out in one of those few days which autumn allows. It was as though to say a final goodbye for winter is imminent. Sunlight is a source of vitamin E, I think? So it's important to get it while it's here. Before the depression of long nights descend. The day was so clear looking down from Greenwich over the City of London. Even St Pauls Cathedral could be discerned. The City had spouted forth the first tall building developed by Olympia and Yorke who had gone bust, because of finance, it reaches 44 floors. Nothing in comparison to the sky scrapers of New York, but for London it is a travesty. The sky line is now changing dramatically. The beauty of old London becomes gradually dominated by what Prince Charles would call Carbuncles. However, looking down on the Maritine Museum and the old Naval college is wonderful.

We chilled out walking around Greenwich Market, and I bought some baklava, hmmmm delicious. Coffee and a small red change wallet, which I am sure will later be appropriated next time I see Sparkling Eyes. But I really wont mind. There was too many people about, but they all had the same idea of getting out to enjoy the day. I wanted to check out for some more American car number plates but couldn't find any on the stalls. Regardless, I'd rather be out on the last blessed days of autumn then stuck indoors.

I've got a thing for the Autumn Sun and the effect it has on trees, or rather I mean the light. It's the way it backlights the greens, browns and yellows. Not forgetting leisurely walking through fallen leaves. Crumpling below foot, and being tossed up and to the side with each step, they make a fluttering light sound. If only I had a camera in my head and could take these photographs and download them. Then maybe they could clutter out all the things I don't need. I could sit at a desk and work while simultaneously having my very own slide show. Autumn, I thank you.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Pumpkin Jack

In the run up towards Halloween children become excited. Further adults become excited to, they prepare the ground work for children. Making Witches hats, scary costumes and often carving pumpkins. Personally I like a little pumpkin pie once in a while and for me this is probably the best time to eat it. Or is it the idea of telling ghost stories, with a lamp light, a torch, a candle, a puppy dog's tail and a cat nearby. Because of course cats are said to have magical powers, others may think it's not true. But it is. And they do. Not magic as in the spooky uncanny kind. Perhaps in long inherent blood line, or their patience. Just as it is known to those in the know, pumpkins are not of this natural world.

Rubbish. If so, how come there is no other squash like a pumpkin? None as large or as orange in colour, non which grows in quite the same way. Fact pumpkins grow in 6 out of 7 continents, and one other continent kept out of the fact books. In the last 3000 years pumpkins were eaten to celebrate the ending of the summer, and the beginning of the winter. Or rather season of the night of the dead. It seems odd a pumpkin should be the victim of human hunger. When previously it was humans who were the victims of pumpkin hunger.

For it is said pumpkins were never orange in colour to start with, they were albino, but through thousands of years of growing in the fields of the dead their roots sapped the rotting seeped soil from bodies on top. In the time when sacrifice was common to appease the Nights of the dead. Ironic, such tribes of people would chose an innocent from amongst them and give this person up to the dead. Families did it willingly, because they didn't want to anger the Night. In choosing it would be a member who had caused them the most trouble, a sarcastic child, one who was stubborn or talked back. This in turn would keep all the other children of the tribe quite for the winter months. Before Father Christmas was invented, and the notion of blackmailing kids to be good had caught on. They used the reality of the Night of the Dead. So to return Pumpkins are orange because of the stained bloodied soil from which they came and had drunk. So it's a shame in some sense many people don't eat them as a kind of divine retribution.

I heard of 2 young girls once in a house not so far from a major river up North who considered a pumpkin as a light things to joke about. It had a candle in it and was christened Jack. Unfortunately, a combination of events can do something quite bizarre to pumpkins even in the 20th century where beliefs are few between. One even recently was the movement of the earth through the residual tail of Hailey's comet. This happened only 2 days ago. Shooting stars appear in the atmosphere, these are very tiny minuscule particles, when they burn up they look bright and awesome. However, being of extra terrestrial origin they have content which can awaken the most dormant of genes. One speckle has only to touch the skin of a man and he will never be the same again. More than one and he may never be seen again, being transformed, and pulled through interdimensional time to when the night of the dead was very real. Because these speckles of space dust, are thousands of years old. Their qualities excite and change ordinary everyday objects into what they really were like, those thousands of years ago.

The pumpkin played with and toyed with, giggle at and the but of many childish jokes, called Jack had been touched. Unbeknown by these unlucky and very unfortunate teenage girls. To them the world of soft cuddly toys, mums who made pasta and chocolate on tap would change over night. Pumpkin Jack was now in a state of change born again to his old self.

As the night wore on, Pumpkin Jack metamorphosed. It was not the little changes which matter, in his case it was the big changes. Ones which couldn't be missed no matter who you were. Long slender tentacles developed long enough to be legs. Slightly shorter ones as arms. With this came mobility. His arms and legs moved around as though they were quite natural. Because they were, 3000 years ago! When fresh red dark blood was drunk from the ground he grew in. He knew this, and as his genes had now awakened Pumpkin Jack, felt the hunger. Except no tribe was there to supply him with an obnoxious teenage child. This time he'd have to look for himself. And not so far away upstairs slept 2 such girls. He could tell, they had a kind of sweet smell to them. Nice and juicy, his roots would suck away their blood while they slept. He would become stronger and go on to find the rest of this night's menu.

Asleep in a dream world was Teenage Rock Chick and her friend Emily oblivious to their visitor. With ease Pumpkin Jack stealthily climbed the stairs. He pushed open the door and his head turned the corner. He still had his candle burning inside his head, and upon the walls caste a shadow of pointed teeth. He ran his tendril over the quilts as the girls slept. He reached up towards the face of one. And he could feel her breath over his slim rooted fingers. Slowly his string like hand reached down under and around her neck, it began to close. He knew if he constricted to slowly she would feel him. So quickly he tightened his grip. Rock Chick awoke and stared up. Fear in her eyes, trying to gasp and to shout but she could not. A whimper barely let lose. She fort with her hands pulling hard at his vines, struggling to tear him away. Emily began to stir, Jack was not quick enough and she let out a small scream before he had his second vined hand around her throat as well. His grip tightend, though weak because of his recent birth, he held on. The two girls struggled for their life as breath weeped away from their lungs. Their faces turning red, they struggled hard but it was not enough.

In the next room on a bed slept a black and white cat. His ears had popped up, alert. He let out a meow loud enough to wake the neighbours, but it wasn't for the sake of the neighbours for inbred within the make up of cats is a virus which kills rampant pumpkin carnivores. This lion with curiosity pounced into Rock Chick's room, behind him Beautiful Sparkling Eyes had awoken, she was alert and for some reason sensed all was not well. The small scream had penetrated her sleep, she began to hear the sound of thrashing arms as the girls fought. Sparkling eyes would take on anything in her way. The noise of two teenage girls fighting for their lives was clear, not shouting but clawing, punching and pounding at Pumpkin Jack. They hit with all their strength, but being weakened with breath they were become less and less effective.

The door sprang open. Fearlessly the cat clawed at a tendroned limb of Pumpkin Jack, cats enjoy such games. His claws stuck deep. Sparkling eyes jumped on the orange headed monster. It collapsed on the bed and as it did so his head turned around. Like a horror movie it turned to where it's back would be. The candle flickered at Sparkling Eyes. She took a breath and blew hard. The light went out. This cat like all cats, harboured in his make up a virus. Only known to exist 3000 years ago. Now it became active. The a cat's scratch infected green blooded Pumpkin Jack. He became weaker, as he had not had his chance to feed from the girls blood. Sparkling eyes threw a fist at the pumpkin head of Jack. It took flight and hit the wall rolling on the floor. It was heavy, but so is the might of a woman protecting her child. Jack’s body soon withered, becoming no more than a dusty green layer. In turn this layer disappeared and no evidence was left.

Just the hollowed out head of Jack. So next time girls you decide to make fun of a pumpkin think twice. You'll not be warned again.


Happy Halloweeennnnnnnnn

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Pick the best bits and harvest them inside

Beautiful Sparkling Eyes sent me a text message, I've been reprimanded for not communicating so am in trouble. Sorry, been extraordinarily busy today.

After have a conversation with the chair of a the butchers he told me how, the boss had been pocketting monies which should of gone on the shop. Monies which meant the shop was a bit dilapidated. The butchers had also been losing customers as well. Because the boss had been spending his time in the papershop. Although he was paid by the butchers for his own reason the boss preferred the papershop.

However, a man from the independent butchers association is looking into things and the boss is probably committing something close to fraud, except there were no formal rules on what the boss should be doing with the monies. Except some kind of unspoken agreement half he could pocket and the rest were meant for the shop. This boss however was greedy, it all went in his pocket. To top it off, he'd decided to go off on long term butcher's leave. Perhaps not to come back again. Unfortunately the gravy boat is still running and he's probably financially a very happy man.

A day in the factory was like a day climbing a sand dune, each step I moved upwards my foot, ankle and leg sank in, I then found myself slipping backwards and down. Very literally nothing got done.

Lunch turned out a fiasco, I walked into 3 seperate cafes and walked out again. The first was a Chinese, I sat down began to look through the menu then a lady came up to me and said she had been sitting there. She'd given her order and had popped back from the loo. In the second cafe, I sat down and looked through the menu, no waitress about. Five minutes later she turns up, walks past me and goes and serves someone else when I'd sat right at the front as well. Lastly in the third shop, I entered, no body was behind the counter. A TV was on with Bargain Hunt. I waited no one turned up, I walked out. Unfortunately lunch was pie and chips, though I expect the pie and chips didn't mind as much as me.

It's been a busy day, but I did see something wonderful. As I began the morning, I could see autumn descend. Tree leaves were falling and those on the trees were multiple shades between green and yellow, a beautiful cascade of colours to the eye. In a short while the trees will be bare. But for this one captured image throughout the whole day, it may have been uneventful and busy. But then it couldn't really be so uneventful if I'd been chastised by beautiful Sparkling Eyes, I smile inside. Indeed another wonder to my day.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Finding Time

Odd how time goes by, or rather how it's used and then passes. For instance staying indoors on a Sunday, watching the box for hours on end, playing internet games and all the while saying to myself I will fit gym in later. Later comes, but gym or that little walk, or cutting the overgrown prickly bush at the front of the house do not happen. The day passes with a wisp of sadness as procrastination and the can't-be-bothered effect kick in.

The alternative is having lots of things arranged at a time and something very important comes along, but because it's short notice it can't be fitted in. Things like this can tear me up. Especially when it's one of the highest things on my list of important things. Very high. If I'd of had enough notice I might of been able to shuffle about, make arrangements, fit the most important in, but I can't. No time to put plan B into action, plan A has too many people relying on me and saying "hey Buddy you're already committed to slicing the bread!" The breads waiting and the knife is ready, I got to turn up, like it or not.

So I get torn up inside, hurt even, on the verge of tears because I can't see Beautiful Sparkling Eyes and I need to. It's a bit like worrying over something you can't stop yourself worrying about even though you know it's no good. I know Sparkling eyes will be disappointed, and knowing this hurts me again. So now I have 2 lots of hurting. I want to shrug it off like it's a layer of rain clinging to my coat, but it don't roll of so easily. The beautiful smile on her face, and the look of those so wonderful eyes, I'm not going to see just yet. Not in person. But if I think really hard enough I can see it now. First contact after a long time opening the car door, and looking over to the smiling, warm, happy and mischievous Sparkling Eyes. I just want to tell her how beautiful she looks. Kiss her on the cheek and tell her I love her. I calm while Teenage Rock Chick throws a verbal joust my direction. Keeping as best I can my tongue still, bite it hard though I do like the odd joust but in a car with Sparkling Eyes at the wheel I get told off. It's all playful fun a missing each other hello. Light, cheery and significant because right now my tears tell me so.

The thing with time is making sure it doesn't pass without memories. And what better than memories of important people. Saying hello, being happy in their company even if I happen at time to be the butt their jokes, it's all in fun. I care with fondness, as I step back and recall; for instance being made to laugh so hard in the kitchen while swallowing a drink it shot out of my nose; being duped into eating half a dozen anchovies when I thought it was just one and even told once I'd got man boobs. Though I really am trying to get rid of them, hopefully I'll lose the training bra next week.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Rushing about

Had to hit the factory this morning, a Saturday of all days, but if they want to pay extra for putting sardines in tins, who am I to argue, though some of those little nippers can get a bit slippery.

So rushed to the train station, thinking of Sparkling Eyes and hoping she was feeling better. But found my self short of time because the train was due in. Went to the ticket machine and some woman had just walked in front of me to get there first. Went to the counter service and some silly arse was taking their time with the teller. At this moment I hear the train come rumbling in. Now what do I do? If I don't get on it, the next will be 30 minutes and I'll be late. A guard at the barrier lets me through without a ticket, good. On the train now, no ticket thinking I could get caught fare dodging, fined and held up. An idea comes to me. Get off the next station and walk. I know the next station is hardly ever manned, should be no problem because my stop is after and it's a shortish walk. The train rumbles through the station. Great! Now am thinking how can I dodge this fare or get past without getting nicked? It shouldn't be a problem I tell myself, because there's been building work at the station and the side gate has been open for builders. Well, get off the train, the side gate is closed. Oh dear, not looking good. Last possibility I consider. The barriers might be open after all it's early Saturday morning and a number of mornings I've had a ticket and they have been open and wasted paying for a ticket in my mind. Climb up the stairs to the barrier and it's closed. Bollocks!! The quick thought of jumping over the barrier occurred to me, but I need to be a bit fitter and could of been caught on CCTV. I go to the gate and call over to the inspector. Tell him my plight and with a relief he just told me to buy a ticket from the teller there, which I did and handed directly back to him.

This probably means I am not cut out for a criminal background, with a guilty conscience and perhaps plans doomed to failure. Alternatively, being of nefarious mind I might consider this an opportunity rather than a problem and think of a better way to get past when I don't get the chance to pay for a ticket.

Yes got it. Simple put on a Burkha wear all black jump over the barrier and mingle with the nearest group of Burkha wearers. Pretend I'm nuts, ask the inspector the way to San Jose, and tell him about the thoughts in my head to kill every free running chicken I happen to see. No maybe not. Got it. If it's a bloke tell him there's a woman on the platform acting funny, maybe this will distract him. Nope. Get the next train back down the line and walk. Wait to see if the builders will open the gate. Tell the inspector I have a genetic disposition which makes me look like I am 40 years old but I'm really only 4 years old so don't have to pay the fare. Oh yes the solution. Buy a ticket, I'm sure it will work every time.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Que for a Sub


I decided on a sub for lunch. This is a kind of long roll 6 or 12 inches, which is then filled with lovely fresh salad and/or meats etc. While in the que a girl in front began to sing along to a song being played over the speakers. I didn't know the song, and part of me was thinking how dare she do that. Because why on earth should the world be inflicted with the talentless vocal chords of people who thought they were pop stars.

It always occurs to me, where can you run or hide if someone is singing? Simply you can't. There is no strategy of avoiding a fake pop star, or should I say pop start. Eventually the song stopped and this person could no longer sing along to a song she obviously liked, and didn't know or perhaps like the next one.

However, (big smile) the following song was one by Lilly Allen, who at this time I'm fond of, so I begin to sing in my own way, humming, mumbling along, as I do. Oh yes, I was noticed, the girl turned to see who brought forth such beautiful eloquent NOISE, because I don't know the words and can only just about chip in with some of the chorus, but it was retribution. If you out there fancy-yourself-talentless-pop-stars and think you can sing, I'm going to think I can sing to, and I tell you what, my vocal chords are even worse!

So it's about time every Tom, Dick and Harry who walks down the street and has to put up with the noise from teenage wanabees, or religeous freeks who believe Jesus walks with them while they hold the bible, step forward. Yes, throw your head up high, breath deep, and belt it out, loud, proud and for fuck sake make them wish they had ear plugs.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

An Exciting adventure for Sparkling Eyes

I have been told by Sparkling Eyes not to refer to her as Cake. Also I have been told my life is boring and hers is not. To demonstrate I was sent a text along the lines of Tony Blair going to St Andrews tomorrow, the Anti war movement has got a demonstration up and I'm going. Further Sparkling Eyes, told me she might get arrested. And again her life was more interesting than mine and she should do her own BLOG. Of course the first words of greeting I had were not "hello, how are you?" but "hello you dirty bastard," of course she had reason which I will not go into. I asked if Sparkling Eyes would be taking Rock Chick Teenage Girl, no she wouldn't.

I could give the story of the time Sparkling Eyes hosed down the remains from an overflowing broken sewage pipe, with a high pressure hose. Or How Sparkling Eyes went to the Glen Eagles conference and saw first hand the clashes of protesters against police and how she is helping the community with the building of a community centre in the neighborhood. But perhaps one of the stories I heard and liked was when she walked into a pub with her friend and a band was on stage, one of the members made a derogagory remark over the mike as they walked in. It may have taken a couple of hours but Sparkling Eyes manourvered herself to a close enough point she could kick the man in the ankle and not be noticed. Though I am sure he would of felt it, and if Sparkling Eyes was feeling unkind he'd of probably been unable to walk for a week or two.

Perhaps in comparison my BLOGS are a little bland. But sometimes a little calm is a good thing, like the old saying goes "still waters run deep" which is more aliking to my own disposition. So the moto is, be passionate about life but be very careful with high pressure hoses.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Little Monster Tears

This evening I left Little Monster Boy in tears, I am ashamed of myself. It was all a matter of going to bed. Silly Sophia was trying to get him into a routine, but try was the word. 'He was persistent in finding his way back downstairs from his bedroom' she'd say, or he'd stay up all night and end up falling to sleep in school. This was not a good situation to be in for a growing monster. Though with family life unsettled this behaviour may even be considered normal in the circumstances. So tonight I had a go at putting Little Monster Boy to bed and learnt the meaning of bedtime battles.

I asked him at least a thousand times to put his PJs on, I rationalized the importance of getting a good nights sleep, it was necessary to grow I stated. I even argued when Little Monster Boy goes to school he needs to be fresh and bright to learn things. At which point his reply was "I know one add one is two," it wasn't quite what I had in mind. He deviated the conversation, told me he wasn't listening, avoided eye contact whenever I spoke of bed or PJs, continued playing with his toys, spoke out loud about nonsense things, and re wrote the entire book for nearly 6 years olds on how to procrastinate going to bed.

This led to action. I took him upstairs on 4 occasions, carrying him on two and gently dropped Little Monster on bed. Unfortunately it was also time for me to go, but I'd already given him a kiss and said "Good night." Just as I was leaving Silly Sophia told me the Monster would be up in 5 minutes after I left. I thought ok, I'll go out side and then count to ten and knock on the door again. At which point she would say to Monster Boy, Crazyfridayman was here. The door closed. I stood there counting, and heard speaking behind the door. It opened. Little Monster Boy had opened it and he had tears in his eyes and on his cheeks rolling down. He was so very sad about having to go to bed. But he also wanted to say goodnight and hug me. I held him, told him I loved him and it was very important to get sleep. With one finger I touched a tear on his cheek then smeared it away. He played with the arm of my glasses. Then I left.

The emotion of children is there for all to see, they are in this sense an open book and have difficulty in hiding both happiness and sadness, but that's one of the most wonderful things to love them for. Now if only we were all open books perhaps the world would be better. However, mostly speaking Little Monsters are open books, but were all Big Monsters there wouldn't be much space in the world to house us, being that there is so little land and so much sea. It was then it occurred to me. The seas were so big, because many people had shed tears throughout their life.

Hey I got a life vest with my name on it, and have the name of a man who can get them whole sale, ring me on ............

Friday, October 06, 2006

Smarties

Sometimes nothing happens, other days lots of things happen, so many it could be called a smarty day. Each different colour an item, each little chocolate something to dwell on. Other days the smarty box is empty and the day seems a complete and utter bore, it somehow passes by, bed followed by sleep and a new day.

In democratic society we have the freedom to chose whatever smarty we want, we can talk about them, eat them and even think about them. We may share those thoughts with others or keep them to ourselves. But of all things, the thoughts which go through your mind are your own. Further which can be an ass is they may even be difficult to control. For example someone says "don't think of the colour red" and you think of it. But it doesn't mean you want to be red, live life in red, taste red, throw a party in red or swim in the red sea with your mouth open. Thinking about something is not the same as doing it. Nor is writing about it. But it is your freedom to do this. When someone says "I didn't like it because you thought of red" what can you say? There is no answer because how can you stop your thoughts? They are not censored, held at ransom or stood up before a wall to be shot at dawn. Democratic society allows freedom to think as well. To the extent it even allows extremists or moderates or indifference to think of any colour they like. To tell someone they should stop is not going to happen. Because thoughts are free things. Like the random fluttering of a butterfly on a hot day, being tumbled around by gentle breezes. The thoughts don't matter it's the realities which do. So perhaps it's sad some people chastise us for our thoughts, yet if we were to say what are your inner thoughts, tell me. They may not say a thing, it's their privilege.

Oh I dropped my smarties on the table there for all to see, they are multicoloured and I'm sure some people don't like the red ones. If they tell me fine, but if get upset about it then consider this, "let your own thoughts be critiqued and how would you feel?"

Maybe I should take my smarties, eat them in a quite cupboard where no one can see me, hear me or have any notion of what my favourite colours are, of course I'm only going to know when I turn the light on, and then it's not a matter of thinking about them but rather eating them. Coz thinking about a smarty is definitely not the same as eating a smarty.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Battle for Cable Street

Had the day off. No factory, just me and an appointment with the hair dresser a little walk away, which I needed because of my lack of exercise. A youngish Turkish bloke, who even put a hot towel round my face. Perhaps he thought it would change my appearance, but when he removed it, I was the same. Seems like plastic surgery is still going to be on the wish list. However, to make up for it he gelled my hair. I was then a handsome hunk but looking decidedly thin on top. But with hair. Not bald, but maybe a little thinner, yet still nearly handsome. I enjoyed the experience to say the least for the end result. I'll just have to wear my hat the next week or so, even indoors.

I met a friend on my way to the hair dressers and found myself passing time chatting. It must of been all of an hour later I pealed myself off and managed a walk to the hair dressers. His mother had cancer. She was in hospital and now it was only a matter of time. She had seen specialists in Harley Street and done everything to no avail. It seemed genetic because her two sisters had died of it as well and they were younger. I felt sorry for my friend, especially his daughter who I know was practically bought up by his mum. He also complained about his knee and getting old. Fortunately at this moment my hair wasn't shorter so I looked ok otherwise I'd of made my hair complaint. At least we both had our life.

The news today had an item about Cable Street, it had been 70 years since Mosley and his fascist black shirts had been prevented from having demonstrating down this road. It's an area in the East End of London at the time had a significant Jewish population. Mosley wanted to walk with his followers down this street and through the Jewish areas after his crowd had heard support from Hitler. The authorities proved to be an ass. They allowed the demonstration to go ahead, even though a 100,000 petition had been presented to the Secretary of State. The people of the East End, Jews and Communists decided it was not going to happen. I saw an interview on TV take place and an old man who was there. He said they had a young medical student passing messages to the Communists from the authorities, telling them what the police intended to do. This insider knowledge was pretty valuable I suspect. So Mosley had 5,000 blackshirts begin to walk, they were minded by 10,000 police officers. But Cable Street residents and anti fascist supporters numbered 350,000 needless to say the event did not take place. The man interviewed said police offices just gave up trying to get through the baraccaded road. Residents were throwing the effects of their chamber pots out of windows down on them. It must of been awful. Not something to go home to the Mrs to and ask for a good snog and a hug because work had been stressful. Poor police officers. A bloody nose was given to the fascists in central London from which they would not recover. I can't understand why the Secretary of State would allow the march to take place, this was 1936, when fascism and Nazism was a real threat to Europe (Spanish civil war). Politicians can be such asses.



I realised one thing fascists no doubt dislike nearly as much as minority groups, had got to be ice cream. Because there is no such thing as a black ice cream and white ice cream on a black shirt just wouldn't have the same image as all in black does. Oh yes, not forgetting dandruft, snow, confetti and the contents of chamber pots. I'm glad I'll never be a fascist, I like ice cream too much amongst other things.

Sunday, October 01, 2006



When deciding to have a long hot bath, don't forget to take a towel. Because otherwise this could lead to an embarassing moment, where I do the impression of a cat on a hot tin roof, dripping and bouncing from ball of foot to ball of foot trying not to get the carpet soaked and finding a towel. Although not one of those esential items which should be packed at birth, a towel has a useful place in society. So memo to self, don't under estimate the usefulness of a towel.