Imperfections

“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”

I am human, therefore I am imperfect.

Alcohol has something to do with the majority of major fuck ups in my existence. Sleeping with people I shouldn't or wouldn't, injuries (usually involving my back), lost/broken/damaged/stolen items (a last count - three wallets, two jackets (although I did get a "replacement" for one), two jumpers, a shoe, headphones and many pairs of sunglasses), vast amounts of memory loss and not to forget woefully inappropriate statements made to impressively inappropriate people. Disregarding of all of these terrible occurrences, the worst thing that I possibly do is to upset or disappoint those who I love.

I'm going to take some time over the next few weeks to write a personal manifesto. Unsurprisingly, after the previous paragraph, within my intended operational procedure document will include a section on how alcohol is allegedly the solution to, and cause of, most of life's problems. (Copyright Homer J. Simpson.)

Why must our social interactions be centred around displaying these imperfections on such a grossly public scale whilst intoxicated beyond our capabilities?

Conspiracy

There's a conspiracy here somewhere. I'm not usually the paranoid type but when nonsense such as The Only Way Is Essex is winning BAFTAs and One Direction (I have no idea who they are or which direction they're heading) are winning Brit Awards; it isn't beyond ridiculous to consider that the dumbing down of the masses isn't part of a huge plot to bring down society. Before long 'they' shall be giving us our daily dose of Soma and we'll all be drowning in a sea of irrelevance.

British Museum

Usually I trundle around museums or art galleries with a gusto that's usually inspired by the feeling that I should enjoy these cultural jaunts, when in fact I'd rather be outside somewhere, running around. My trip to the British Museum today, however, has proven to be an enlightening and enjoyable experience. Wandering around with someone who has an in depth knowledge of some of the objects opens up doors to a different level of appreciation. The Chinese and Japanese ceramics display were incredible.. In particular the deep blue mirrored vase which stood three feet tall (see picture) and a dish titled 'Dawn' which cascaded from yellow to green to blue in such a natural way that it could've been carved from a precious stone. Other highlights include a viscous looking mace shaped as a Wolverine style claw (which isn't a 'Back Scratcher!' (Family Guy reference) as I assumed) and the spectacular roof of the Great Court. The light inside this space is unlike anything I've experienced before; eerily sedating. The rest of the day has been wandering around aimlessly, breathing in the sights, sounds and smells. Back to work tomorrow after an utterly exhausting (1hour 40 minute! Hurrah!) half marathon yesterday.. Early night tonight, perhaps? Nahhhh :)

I used to abhor getting on trains. The control freak inside me thought that there was no possible way that it was a good idea to let three hundred tonnes of heavy machinery hurtle at one hundred miles an hour on two narrow strips of metal.
Now, after getting on the train everyday for work has created a familiarity; it has brought a certain pleasure. This morning, feeling the heat of the sun pour onto my legs through the window whilst we lazily trundle towards our destination; I don't think I could possibly feel any more comfortable or content.

Skirmish

Life update.

It's good.

Finally, I have had the time to get myself on the move to a humble new abode. This time it's in my home town, five minutes from work and I'll have a GARDEN / PATIO! Where I have been living for the past five years has grown around me; my previous career, friends and all the places that I've become involved with. Although it is depressingly dull when it comes to culture and beauty; it has a curious charm. In the Radio 4 series 'Mark Steel's In Town', I learnt that in the 1880's, local brewers frequently fought bloody skirmishes with the Basingstoke Salvation Army Corps.. One got so out of hand that the Mayor had to read the Riot Act and call in troops. In 130 years, not a great deal has changed. Despite the skirmishes and the lack of culture, I shall miss this place.

In further happy news.. A friend of mine has been able to rejoin his family and home after being away for some well needed rest and treatment. Mental health issues have such an unnecessary and unhelpful stigma attached to them. This stigma often prohibits people from seeking treatment, accepting medication and hampers their recovery. The recent TV adverts which try to demystify responding the those who have been suffering from mental health problems are a good start to bringing awareness to the public. No-one can ever truly empathise with another person's issues, but highlighting that most people don't have the psychological equivalent of the plague if they do run into problems will hopefully help those suffering. Thankfully my friend has an incredible partner and wonderful support network; so this mental health minefield hadn't affected him too acutely.

This weekend we'll be running a warm up half marathon around Eton boating lake.. And Sunday will be spent pondering the history of humanity in 100 objects (or thereabouts; as they've taken a number from display) at The British Museum, which I've been looking forward to alllllll week.

I hope you all have a good one.

Happy Valentines

http://instagr.am/p/G_XC0fgDEM/

Broken freight train

You keep me away
from my grey sofa,
Sainsburys risotto,
the smell of weed that
wafts invitingly upwards
from the chav downstairs
and the worn away carpet
smoothed down after
three years of traffic.

Twelve percent of my
battery remains along
with my patience,
counting the liquorice
All Sorts pattern
on the seats,
flicking eye contact with
the heavily made up girl
four rows away.

Ten percent and the
first growls of hunger
strike and I growl
back fiercer
roaring inside
outside the same patch
of gravel and discarded
bottles stare back at me
blankly along with my face
the reflection of the
scorned commuter.

Wokka Wokka

How parents do it day in, day out bewilders me. This afternoon was spent in the sole company of my friend's three (adorable) children who I took to see The Muppets Movie (incredibly twee, occasionally vomit inducing but a thorough rib-tickler). Despite being impeccably behaved before the film, during the film and afterwards in Giraffe (the staff in there are incredible with kids); the feeling of exhaustion is overwhelming. It was incredible spending time with all three of them. Each of them are quick of wit and as sharp as a knife; they had me in stitches all afternoon. Seeing them grow from tiny creatures into little people is mind boggling.

Dream

I see the sweet and innocent twin girl who I found encapsulating as a young man standing in a dark red dress with angelically curled tussled hair. We embrace and I can smell the delicate flowery perfume of her hair; not changed in twelve years. We are standing outside a church (Sonning? Wokingham?) and I am wearing shorts and a tee shirt. I'm told a certain hymn is playing, which tells her I've only got a short time to run back and get changed into my suit. I run back to an unknown location, change in no time at all, then start running back to the church. I can feel myself running in my sleep; the pressure on the balls of my feet reverberating through my spine. Making it through the doors of the church just in time as I awake, before my alarm sounds.

I Was An Eagle

A new song (as yet untitled but has been given the name "I Was An Eagle") from the one and only Laura Marling. It's given me goosebumps each and every time that I've heard it; which is twenty five times in two days at the last count...

Enjoy.

(Skip forward to 2:09 if you want to cut out the (adorable) waffle. Yeah; I'm completely smitten.)

Severe

It's been a hectic few weeks, hence the lack of fingers to keyboard (or screen) recently.

So, what's been going on, I hear you ask..

Work has taken a new twist of interesting-ness with the severe weather. By severe I mean C-O-L-D. We've been out getting food, making packed lunches, buying camp beds, pillows and blankets with the aim of getting people off of the streets and into the hostels. Not for a second am I going to say it's been tiring, as any whinging I do pales into insignificance compared to what street homeless are going through in these conditions. My central heating just clicked on; an apt reminder of how lucky I am and you probably are as well. My colleague will be on ITv Meridian news tomorrow morning extolling the virtues of the work we're doing in Reading; be sure to watch.

The rest of the past few weeks has been spent getting to know people better than I thought I would. We've ended up in a curry house with tapas style dishes, served on what can only be described as prison lunch trays (highly not recommended). Following this by a few games of pool in a lesbian bar and the last train home; you've got the makings of a pretty classy evening. A pub quiz (which I am SHIT at as it goes) and some interesting weekend goings on have equalled an enthralling past few weeks, all in all.

A flat that I was interested in buying wasn't quite what it was made out as in the brochure.. Back to the drawing board. There will be something out there that'll be perfect; I just have to be patient.

Today has been perplexing for a variety of reasons.. Further updates to follow.

Watch this space.