Tomorrow is the pregnant workmate's Wedding and I'm pleasantly surprised I'm still invited, it would appear my fears of having my invitation retracted were unfounded. Actually as time went by I was increasingly pleased to hear I was one of only 5 invited to go in the first place and one of only three actually going (out of 40 plus co-workers this is quite a nice ego-trip). I've managed to goad LC into working in my stead (LC - standing for 'Love Child' my nickname for said replacement).
She (pregnant workmate) rang me yesterday to confirm my attendance. And also set me the task of picking something up for her from a flowershop in Burnt Oak before leaving to get to Cardiff (location of said Wedding) for 10AM. Slightly annoyed but since I'm generally such a nice guy I of course said yes. I haven't shaved today as I'll shave tonight - If I'm going I may as well appear semi-groomed - I hate being freshly shaved and quite like the look of slight stubble.
Having very much unlike me decided to find something to wear today instead of tomorrow morning, quite unsurprisingly discovered that I have no clean shirts. So I've switched the washing machine on, rang my mother to ensure her drier is free and am sitting waiting patiently for the cycle to end. I also appears I will be taking my chosen suit to the dry cleaners as well. And then I will turn my attention to what I intend to give her. Damn it I also need a card.
I'll also need to make preparations for this year New Years Party I will be holding at my mum's place. I can't be bothered holding it at mine - I hate clearing up afterwards, plus my mum has a Disk Washer - which I don't. Three years ago when I did host a party it was the end of January before my place looked like it normally does. I also can't be bothered to cook so I need to make sure my local Domino's Pizza will be open which all things considered I better do now whilst I'm waiting for the washer. I've stocked up on drinks, cakes, sweets, & crisps yesterday when I went to Tesco.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Conveyor Belt Theory
When I attempt to picture my or any Indian person's childhood I often picture a conveyor belt in a manufacturing plant. We're all expected to be the same, act & behave in a certain way and strive for identical things. Both my brother and I were expected to be well behaved, polite & courteous as children, we were expected to bow down to elders and never raise our voices or get angry at them. In a similar Sacred Rule as 1 of the Ten Commandments we was taught that 'Our Parents & Guru* are God' (not literally but you should respect them like they were), we were expected to read or do homework rather than watch TV, etc etc etc. Sounds quite dull - but as a child you know no better - and this becomes the norm. If we dared to complain (which we often did) we were told of horrifying stories of how our parents endured life in India/Africa and how we were so lucky to be given everything we wanted and to be growing away from that. When we did not act exactly as we were expected... we would painstakingly bit by bit be compared to similar aged relatives (cousins etc - a most effective form of mental torture!) and put in our places.
By our teens the vast majority of Indian children, after years of brain-washing are barely able to distinguish their own thoughts from their parents. Study and hard work is defining ethos. And truth be told is for the better part pretty damn effective - especially when growing up in a 'White Man's Country' you have a better grasp of English than your white school mates. A limited amount of TV and a huge exposure to books works wonders.
I recall my teens, during my GCSEs, when right bang in the middle of my actual GCSEs examination week my uncle passed away (out of total of 11 exams he died about 5 in). Now I never really got along with my father and moved out of my parents house when I was 8. I moved in with my Aunt & Uncle soon after, so they became like a surrogate mother and father. So when he died I lost the closest thing to a father to me, yet I was expected to put my grief on hold and continue studying/revising for my exams like nothing had happened. The following week was the longest and hardest week I have ever had to endure - I was left on my own whilst the remainder of the family comforted each other and mourned as is the norm for Indians.
Although I may put a negative spin on growing up, it wasn't all bad. We were never hungry and were bathed with love and warmth. But the opportunity cost was our individual personalities.
I recall choosing Maths, Chemistry and Biology for A-Levels, I honestly can't think why - except wanting to choose something my parent's would be happy with. Back then though I didn't give it a more than a second of thought but now in hindsight I can see it was a foolish decision.
Same thing plagues me as an adult now. So many of their thoughts/preachings are so set in that I can barely distinguish them from my own. When the root purpose of living is instilled upon you as 'earning money to support and raise a family' - it is damn difficult to accept that you may be different (ie. not wanting to raise a family) or that you're gay and this is not appropriate. I think this is one of the biggest reasons why I found accepting my sexuality so hard... why it took so long... and why even now after accepting it - I still hate it.
I know that what I really need is to break away and learn to fly on my own but this is so hard when you have grown up so dependent on your family (another Indian Ethos - thou shall love thine family more than life itself) that you can't bare to face life without them nearby. It's just so damn ironic.
*Guru = Teacher
By our teens the vast majority of Indian children, after years of brain-washing are barely able to distinguish their own thoughts from their parents. Study and hard work is defining ethos. And truth be told is for the better part pretty damn effective - especially when growing up in a 'White Man's Country' you have a better grasp of English than your white school mates. A limited amount of TV and a huge exposure to books works wonders.
I recall my teens, during my GCSEs, when right bang in the middle of my actual GCSEs examination week my uncle passed away (out of total of 11 exams he died about 5 in). Now I never really got along with my father and moved out of my parents house when I was 8. I moved in with my Aunt & Uncle soon after, so they became like a surrogate mother and father. So when he died I lost the closest thing to a father to me, yet I was expected to put my grief on hold and continue studying/revising for my exams like nothing had happened. The following week was the longest and hardest week I have ever had to endure - I was left on my own whilst the remainder of the family comforted each other and mourned as is the norm for Indians.
Although I may put a negative spin on growing up, it wasn't all bad. We were never hungry and were bathed with love and warmth. But the opportunity cost was our individual personalities.
I recall choosing Maths, Chemistry and Biology for A-Levels, I honestly can't think why - except wanting to choose something my parent's would be happy with. Back then though I didn't give it a more than a second of thought but now in hindsight I can see it was a foolish decision.
Same thing plagues me as an adult now. So many of their thoughts/preachings are so set in that I can barely distinguish them from my own. When the root purpose of living is instilled upon you as 'earning money to support and raise a family' - it is damn difficult to accept that you may be different (ie. not wanting to raise a family) or that you're gay and this is not appropriate. I think this is one of the biggest reasons why I found accepting my sexuality so hard... why it took so long... and why even now after accepting it - I still hate it.
I know that what I really need is to break away and learn to fly on my own but this is so hard when you have grown up so dependent on your family (another Indian Ethos - thou shall love thine family more than life itself) that you can't bare to face life without them nearby. It's just so damn ironic.
*Guru = Teacher
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Confessions
I have a confession.... I'm somewhat of a Virgin
Not in the literal sense (thankfully!) but I've never been to a 'sale'. I've never been one for looking through racks of clothes (a mixture of 'what-was-the-designer-thinking' and them ever elusive so-called 'bargains') telling myself I like something not because of the item itself but more because of the price-tag, nor am I one to be elbowing little women out of my way (which I understand from the 'Mr Bean Christmas Special' is essential for sale shopping).
So I was slightly horrified when my older brother (with whom I was spending Christmas with this year) suggested I drag myself out of bed at 4.00AM to get to Next, Watford Waterfields, for a frightening 5AM to 'check out the Next Sale' as he put it.
Now I'm not sure at what point exactly, or why, but I agreed.
So off we went to the sale. I overslept, unsuprisingly so did he... but we managed to get there for 5.16AM (there was no hour long pamper session getting ready), by which point there were and I'm not overstating this about 500 people running around like headless chickens buying buying buying. I found nothing I wanted (and when I did it would never have fit me - smurf size tends to go quite fast I'll take it) but I did find 3 things, 2 for my niece and 1 for my cousin. I got in the queue at 5.40AM (by this time I could no longer take the elbows or the excuse-me's or the plain rude 'SHOVES' - sadly us smurfs go flying when shoved!). By 6.10AM I had moved 3 feet in the queue which was still 120 feet long. Now I love my family but not enough to wait in a queue with 3 items (none of which were for me) for 2 hours plus whilst everyone else has about 100 items. I'm just not that nice.
Frustrated, as I imagined I'd be - I bid farewell to the woman in front of me (we had started conversation to kill time) I rang my brother (there were too many people to do conventional talking even though he was only 7 feet away) to inform him I'd had enough and wanted out. He agreed (we are more similar than either one would dare to admit except of course he doesn't like men the way I do).
When we left I was amazed to see that people were no longer being allowed in - and a queue of about 100 people has built up outside and it was only 6.15AM. Oh well each to their own.
So that is well the first and last time I ever to a 'Next Sale', or any sale for that matter.
Not in the literal sense (thankfully!) but I've never been to a 'sale'. I've never been one for looking through racks of clothes (a mixture of 'what-was-the-designer-thinking' and them ever elusive so-called 'bargains') telling myself I like something not because of the item itself but more because of the price-tag, nor am I one to be elbowing little women out of my way (which I understand from the 'Mr Bean Christmas Special' is essential for sale shopping).
So I was slightly horrified when my older brother (with whom I was spending Christmas with this year) suggested I drag myself out of bed at 4.00AM to get to Next, Watford Waterfields, for a frightening 5AM to 'check out the Next Sale' as he put it.
Now I'm not sure at what point exactly, or why, but I agreed.
So off we went to the sale. I overslept, unsuprisingly so did he... but we managed to get there for 5.16AM (there was no hour long pamper session getting ready), by which point there were and I'm not overstating this about 500 people running around like headless chickens buying buying buying. I found nothing I wanted (and when I did it would never have fit me - smurf size tends to go quite fast I'll take it) but I did find 3 things, 2 for my niece and 1 for my cousin. I got in the queue at 5.40AM (by this time I could no longer take the elbows or the excuse-me's or the plain rude 'SHOVES' - sadly us smurfs go flying when shoved!). By 6.10AM I had moved 3 feet in the queue which was still 120 feet long. Now I love my family but not enough to wait in a queue with 3 items (none of which were for me) for 2 hours plus whilst everyone else has about 100 items. I'm just not that nice.
Frustrated, as I imagined I'd be - I bid farewell to the woman in front of me (we had started conversation to kill time) I rang my brother (there were too many people to do conventional talking even though he was only 7 feet away) to inform him I'd had enough and wanted out. He agreed (we are more similar than either one would dare to admit except of course he doesn't like men the way I do).
When we left I was amazed to see that people were no longer being allowed in - and a queue of about 100 people has built up outside and it was only 6.15AM. Oh well each to their own.
So that is well the first and last time I ever to a 'Next Sale', or any sale for that matter.
Friday, December 22, 2006
10 Things I love beginning with J Part 1
Denim Boy has most annoyingly tagged me with the letter J. I am meant to name 10 things that I love beginning with the letter J. What the fuck can you love that begins with the letter J.
The first thing that came to mind was Jam - I don't even like Jam. This was going to be tricky.
J I thought - what a crap letter - but the more I thought about it - the more I REALLY began to love the choice. Here goes.... in no particular order.
I can't be asked to write an essay just a short bit - so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
10 things I love beginning with J are:
1. Josh Wald - Despite my excessive flair for non-appreciation of most things in life – I am most thankful for male models. Most especially Josh Wald who I had the fortune of drolling over in many years back when a friend emailed me with a picture of him (let’s just say nothing was left to the imagination) – absolutely scrumptious. Yummy.
The first thing that came to mind was Jam - I don't even like Jam. This was going to be tricky.
J I thought - what a crap letter - but the more I thought about it - the more I REALLY began to love the choice. Here goes.... in no particular order.
I can't be asked to write an essay just a short bit - so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
10 things I love beginning with J are:
1. Josh Wald - Despite my excessive flair for non-appreciation of most things in life – I am most thankful for male models. Most especially Josh Wald who I had the fortune of drolling over in many years back when a friend emailed me with a picture of him (let’s just say nothing was left to the imagination) – absolutely scrumptious. Yummy.
2. Joseph Sayers – Another male model. Also introduced to me via an email picture in a very arousing pose. Joseph is just HOT HOT HOT. A real Hottie. I know some people prefer builders (real men) – I don’t. I prefer the Adonis look. Give me a male model over a Fireman anyday – particularly when they look like this.
3. Justin Timberlake – What to say of Mr Trousersnake? Rumour has it – well no-holds barred – is WELL ENDOWED. I use to like Cameron Diaz – well now she is on my hit-list. Poor Britney Spears didn’t know a good thing when he had him – substituted him for Kevin of the losers! Blimey what a fool! First came to my attention with N*Sync (If I’d pretend to not have liked N*Sync back then I’d obviously be lying – but JT never stood out – I’m glad he decided to go Solo – now he just needs to go GAYO)
4. John Abraham – Men don’t come more sexier than Johnny here. First came to my attention on a Hindi Soundtrack Video. Prior to that he was a model – so there are some really sexy pictures of him about. Now he is a fully-fledged Hindi movie star – well he is one of my biggest motivation factors for watching Bollywood Movies. In Paap (Evil) he was as close to naked as possible. A true masterpiece.
5. Jay Hernandez – My my. My boy Jay. I saw him in Crazy Beautiful. He was beautiful. He stole my heart and I didn’t even know his name. I saw him hacked at and bloody in Hostel but he was still so fine. A truly strikingly handsome fucker. My dream man. Mmmmm.
6. Jake Shears - Jake is not really the type of guy that I would consider to be my type. But his presence is just note-worthy. Yes I completely fancy him – he has this allure that is indescribable. He makes me want to dance day and night. His bitchiness and sex-appeal is probably the reason why I love him so. People tend to favour Kylie and Madonna as true gay icons – the Queens of POP – I don’t – I think Scissor Sisters deserve to steal those crowns. Who could get away with singing ‘Oh I could throw you in the lake, or feed you poisoned birthday cake, I wont deny I'm gonna miss you when you're gone’. Fan-fucking-tastic.
7. Jensen Ackles – I’m not sure exactly when Jensen first crossed my path. I think he did numerous programs but the first thing I recall seeing him in was Dawson’s Creek, Dark Angel and recently in Smallville. Nice body, nice face. Another one of my imaginary boyfriends.
8. Jason Mamoa– I never watched Baywatch, so I never realised Jason starred in that. He first came to my attention in Stargate Atlantis (one of my favourite TV shows) – unfortunately he is almost always covered up – but his rippling muscles leave me breathless, as well as other things!
10 Things I love beginning with J Part 2
It would appear each blog can only accomodate 8 pictures... so my list continues here.
9. Jared Leto - Really made my list of absolutely hot men when he starred in Highway (see why in this picture from Highway). His Mexican looks, bronze skin and bare chest left me in pieces. Man oh man. Love him more than words can detail.
9. Jared Leto - Really made my list of absolutely hot men when he starred in Highway (see why in this picture from Highway). His Mexican looks, bronze skin and bare chest left me in pieces. Man oh man. Love him more than words can detail.
10. Julian Rios - Simply put - he's a porn star. Sadly he is straight so I can only imagine him as my Boyfriend. Well endowed - well actually HUGELY endowed. Fit. How can you not love him?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
In Hindsight
Looking back on the events of yesterday - I'm surprised I avoided a 'paki bashing'.
I'm also surprised that I didn't leave that encounter with a knife in my gut.
I'm also surprised how irrational my reaction and response was.
Note to self: You must avoid getting yourself into dangerous situations.
Final note to self: It is not wise to attempt to provoke 4 tonk men (each who probably lift 6 times your weight in the gym) when you're the size of a smurf.
I'm also surprised that I didn't leave that encounter with a knife in my gut.
I'm also surprised how irrational my reaction and response was.
Note to self: You must avoid getting yourself into dangerous situations.
Final note to self: It is not wise to attempt to provoke 4 tonk men (each who probably lift 6 times your weight in the gym) when you're the size of a smurf.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Growin' up in the 'hood
As someone born and bred in the UK is goes without saying that I grew up around white people. Therefore my thoughts, ideologies and opinions tend to be quite ‘white’ as my parents would say.
I once heard someone, a very very long time ago, derogatively call me a Coconut. It was only after a few days did it actually dawn on me what they meant - white on the inside & brown on the outside. I never really took offence to that – instead I wore it like a badge. I was a Coconut, and have almost always since that classed myself as a Coconut. Truth be told whether or not it was meant to be an insult - it describes me rather well. The other insult I’ve come across is being called a ‘Paki’. When I was young I use to explain to people calling me a PAKI – that I was (a) not from Pakistan & (b) nor was I Muslim – so I was definitely no more a Paki than he or she. It never worked obviously. There was always one distinction I wasn’t white and usually they were. So that meant I was a Paki (whether or not they knew what a Paki was).
I’m not stupid enough to think I’m white – a look in the mirror acts as a daily reminder (in the unlikely situation that I forget). But I was almost shocked to hear the word ‘Paki’ aimed at me when I walked pass a group of white guys earlier today. I’d thought more people knew the distinction now since 9/11 - Whether or not I was a Paki was ultimately irrelevant - if that silly little word was meant to insult me – they obviously failed. I’ve been called far worse before. I’ve even been spat at, had cold water poured on me, been given a black eye, had a knife held against my throat, kicked in the ribs and thrown in a filthy canal (all thankfully in my youth - I’m not sure I could bare the indignity of enduring that now). I grew up in Stonebridge – where the ideology is ‘If it don’t kill you – it makes you stronger’ – And I am much stronger a person having endured all that. Besides the truth of the matter is I did my fair share of retaliating – I recall breaking Michael’s nose with a well aimed punch (the guy responsible for the majority of those) - I’ve not forgotten those things happened but a lot has changed since then. People have become much more accepting. And it surprises me when I’m on the receiving end of racial comments now. I always face it head on just like I did back then.
I think I really surprised them when I burst out laughing. Me alone - them 4 white guys. Actually them 4 tonk white guys. I suppose they expected me to look down and walk on faster without looking back. Instead I stopped. And walked towards them, changing the direction I was walking. I was quite pleased with myself for holding my head up as I did so. And it gave me great pleasure to see one of them looking a bit worried, they didn’t have clue what to expect. I walked right up to them, stopped for a second as I checked my watch, continued walking, stopped again maybe about 30-40 yards away and tied my shoelace, all in all I think I added an extra 10 minutes to my journey from the change in direction but it was pretty satisfying nonetheless. I think they might think twice the next time they feel the need to call someone a Paki.
I don’t know if I wanted to get into a tangle with them coz I really can’t think of what I was trying to prove. Maybe that I wasn’t afraid! Maybe I just wanted to provoke them or maybe I wanted them to provoke me further. I think I wanted to punch one of them. Maybe just maybe that old Stonebridge gangster side never really went away like I thought it had.
I once heard someone, a very very long time ago, derogatively call me a Coconut. It was only after a few days did it actually dawn on me what they meant - white on the inside & brown on the outside. I never really took offence to that – instead I wore it like a badge. I was a Coconut, and have almost always since that classed myself as a Coconut. Truth be told whether or not it was meant to be an insult - it describes me rather well. The other insult I’ve come across is being called a ‘Paki’. When I was young I use to explain to people calling me a PAKI – that I was (a) not from Pakistan & (b) nor was I Muslim – so I was definitely no more a Paki than he or she. It never worked obviously. There was always one distinction I wasn’t white and usually they were. So that meant I was a Paki (whether or not they knew what a Paki was).
I’m not stupid enough to think I’m white – a look in the mirror acts as a daily reminder (in the unlikely situation that I forget). But I was almost shocked to hear the word ‘Paki’ aimed at me when I walked pass a group of white guys earlier today. I’d thought more people knew the distinction now since 9/11 - Whether or not I was a Paki was ultimately irrelevant - if that silly little word was meant to insult me – they obviously failed. I’ve been called far worse before. I’ve even been spat at, had cold water poured on me, been given a black eye, had a knife held against my throat, kicked in the ribs and thrown in a filthy canal (all thankfully in my youth - I’m not sure I could bare the indignity of enduring that now). I grew up in Stonebridge – where the ideology is ‘If it don’t kill you – it makes you stronger’ – And I am much stronger a person having endured all that. Besides the truth of the matter is I did my fair share of retaliating – I recall breaking Michael’s nose with a well aimed punch (the guy responsible for the majority of those) - I’ve not forgotten those things happened but a lot has changed since then. People have become much more accepting. And it surprises me when I’m on the receiving end of racial comments now. I always face it head on just like I did back then.
I think I really surprised them when I burst out laughing. Me alone - them 4 white guys. Actually them 4 tonk white guys. I suppose they expected me to look down and walk on faster without looking back. Instead I stopped. And walked towards them, changing the direction I was walking. I was quite pleased with myself for holding my head up as I did so. And it gave me great pleasure to see one of them looking a bit worried, they didn’t have clue what to expect. I walked right up to them, stopped for a second as I checked my watch, continued walking, stopped again maybe about 30-40 yards away and tied my shoelace, all in all I think I added an extra 10 minutes to my journey from the change in direction but it was pretty satisfying nonetheless. I think they might think twice the next time they feel the need to call someone a Paki.
I don’t know if I wanted to get into a tangle with them coz I really can’t think of what I was trying to prove. Maybe that I wasn’t afraid! Maybe I just wanted to provoke them or maybe I wanted them to provoke me further. I think I wanted to punch one of them. Maybe just maybe that old Stonebridge gangster side never really went away like I thought it had.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tug O' War
If you recall I mentioned some time back that I had a change in management, when Mr P from Harrow went to Wembley, and Mr G from Wembley came to Harrow.I thought I was clever and aptly was able to avoid being caught in the middle of the resultant WW3. Well how stupid was I. It appears I merely delayed the inevitable.
I heard a rumour (these flipping things tend to have a element of truth) that I was being transferred to Wembley. Mr G (now at Harrow) as influential as he is managed to bring the best of the staff (Ms P) from Wembley to Harrow. Which wouldn't be the worse thing but now Mr P wants to take the best staff from Harrow to Wembley (I don't want to boast but that unfortunately is little old ME). Now Mr G having worked with me knows this and is resisting let's say quite forcefully. So what happened last night..... well I received a call from BOTH Mr G and Mr P. Both want me to choose their side.
I'm beginning to wonder what happened to my stress-free wonderful pre-planned Christmas enjoyment I was expecting after 4 gruelling months of hard work and exams.
Well I think I'm just going to not choose to take anyone's side and let whatever happens happen. I know what will happen though Mr H (Local Director) is gonna call and ask me what I want to do. Stay at Harrow or go to Wembley.
Oh well I'm just gonna make the comment that I live in Harrow so Harrow is convenient to get to. But that doesn't mean it's really difficult to get to Wembley either.
Oh fuck these God-Forsaken Christmas blues are back (and they went away yesterday - I brought a Nintendo DS - who says money can't buy happiness?)
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Xmas Blues
I think I've finally 'caught' (do you see how I use caught as though I'm describing an illness?), I think I've finally caught this negativity regarding Xmas. I had the first of my Xmas workdos yesterday. I have NO hangover (I was driving), I have no voice & my throat aches (from all the shouting at the DJ for the crap he was playing) & I do no remember more than 8 songs I danced to (ALL WERE REQUESTED) - and the scary thing was that music started from 8PM until late - at 1.30AM I could not longer take the music and bid my farewells clearing 90% of the group with me.
These 8 songs were:
1. Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls
2. Livin' La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
3. Rock DJ - Robbie Williams
4. Reach - S Club 7
5. I Don't Feel Like Dancing - Scissor Sisters
6. Reach - S Club 7 again (he accidentally played it's intro & quickly changed it - announcing it was a mistake - so we moaned and groaned until he played it again)
7. Dirrty - Christina Aquilera
8. Hung Up - Madonna
So here I sit on Sunday morning trying to recall the most exciting thing that happened... I'm bringing absolutely nothing back. Which I think means FUCK ALL happened.
Even Emily who normally wears something barely covering herself up was wearing a polo-necked top with not even a boob in sight. I do recall about 30+ pensioners though - one who was dressed like a call girl.
So the morale if this story is: Avoid The Belair restaurant, Northwood, like the plague. A truly unspectacular evening. But if you're into pensioners and crap music well you'll love it.
My next Xmas workdo is on Friday here's to hoping that one is better.
These 8 songs were:
1. Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls
2. Livin' La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
3. Rock DJ - Robbie Williams
4. Reach - S Club 7
5. I Don't Feel Like Dancing - Scissor Sisters
6. Reach - S Club 7 again (he accidentally played it's intro & quickly changed it - announcing it was a mistake - so we moaned and groaned until he played it again)
7. Dirrty - Christina Aquilera
8. Hung Up - Madonna
So here I sit on Sunday morning trying to recall the most exciting thing that happened... I'm bringing absolutely nothing back. Which I think means FUCK ALL happened.
Even Emily who normally wears something barely covering herself up was wearing a polo-necked top with not even a boob in sight. I do recall about 30+ pensioners though - one who was dressed like a call girl.
So the morale if this story is: Avoid The Belair restaurant, Northwood, like the plague. A truly unspectacular evening. But if you're into pensioners and crap music well you'll love it.
My next Xmas workdo is on Friday here's to hoping that one is better.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
With Co-Workers Like These Who Needs Enemies?
I’ve just returned to work after 5 weeks and I’m not pleased at all, especially since I was really looking forward to it after all those blasted exams. I got to work very much awake, full of energy and believe it or not despite it being only 8am I was smiling. That good mood very quickly dissipated and I turned into the cross-my-path-and-you’ll-be-sorry kind of guy that mows you down without blinking.
Firstly I discovered that some bastard has stolen the printer out of my office in my absence and replaced it with something that doesn’t even have a power cable or ink or paper – I knew I shouldn’t have left my key in the door. See how showing even a small amount of consideration for others bites you in the arse.
My slim LCD monitor had been replaced with a monitor from the early 90s - one that weights more than six times what I do. The indignity of it! I think this is the worse of it all.
My beautiful expensive photo-frame is missing. Although I wasn’t as bothered about this as I should have been.
And there seems to be a stain on the carpet that looks suspiciously like a vomit mark, either that or someone mistook the distance to the loo. Eek.
I’ve given my manager Mr G an ultimatum – if my office is not back to it’s original standard within 24 hours – I’m going to take his office instead. I can’t imagine the look on my face at that moment (I was so furious) because he didn’t dare even open his mouth to say anything. I think I may have come across dead serious for once in my life. He was always telling me to be a bit more assertive back when he employed me. I doubt he’ll ever say that to me again.
Hell hath no fury like a Gay Man vexed.
Firstly I discovered that some bastard has stolen the printer out of my office in my absence and replaced it with something that doesn’t even have a power cable or ink or paper – I knew I shouldn’t have left my key in the door. See how showing even a small amount of consideration for others bites you in the arse.
My slim LCD monitor had been replaced with a monitor from the early 90s - one that weights more than six times what I do. The indignity of it! I think this is the worse of it all.
My beautiful expensive photo-frame is missing. Although I wasn’t as bothered about this as I should have been.
And there seems to be a stain on the carpet that looks suspiciously like a vomit mark, either that or someone mistook the distance to the loo. Eek.
I’ve given my manager Mr G an ultimatum – if my office is not back to it’s original standard within 24 hours – I’m going to take his office instead. I can’t imagine the look on my face at that moment (I was so furious) because he didn’t dare even open his mouth to say anything. I think I may have come across dead serious for once in my life. He was always telling me to be a bit more assertive back when he employed me. I doubt he’ll ever say that to me again.
Hell hath no fury like a Gay Man vexed.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Meow Pussycat indeed
Neesh replied:
Smiley you are such a swine.
I spent absolutely ages deciding what to get for you. Everyone I asked suggested that and claimed it was good. But I guess you’re just not classy enough for them. It was a really good album. Had you given it a chance you would have liked it. Honest! I guess I should have got you a second copy of Future Sex Love Songs huh? I had your Aunt read me out what you have. You have absolutely everything that would have been my first choice. So I blame you for not leaving me with much choice.
I'm thinking she didn't appreciated the gift swap. I can’t seem to think of anything witty enough so I’m just not gonna bother actually commenting!
My reply:
Did you just email me? I just receieved a blank email from you. Was it important?
Smiley (",)
Her response:
Fuck you. I bet you haven't even brought me anything yet.
Smiley you are such a swine.
I spent absolutely ages deciding what to get for you. Everyone I asked suggested that and claimed it was good. But I guess you’re just not classy enough for them. It was a really good album. Had you given it a chance you would have liked it. Honest! I guess I should have got you a second copy of Future Sex Love Songs huh? I had your Aunt read me out what you have. You have absolutely everything that would have been my first choice. So I blame you for not leaving me with much choice.
I'm thinking she didn't appreciated the gift swap. I can’t seem to think of anything witty enough so I’m just not gonna bother actually commenting!
My reply:
Did you just email me? I just receieved a blank email from you. Was it important?
Smiley (",)
Her response:
Fuck you. I bet you haven't even brought me anything yet.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Meow Pussycats
Now that my exams are officially over I’ll not spare them even a shred of thought, until that is the dreaded 19th February 2007 arrives, when the nice people marking the thousands of transcripts will kindly inform me (via email – very technical) how badly I’ve done.
On a brighter note on my way home I decided to see if I could do something with that shitty present (Denim Boy - Il Shitto sounds about right) and lo & behold I now have a copy of the Pussycat Dolls instead. I must email Neesh to thank her for the Pussycats. A well picked present I think. I’m going to conveniently forget she dared to buy me something as dire as Il Divo. I also left with a copy of the Best of Girls Aloud and Nelly Furtado’s Loose too. Christmas just got sweeter. I didn’t have my Credit Card so I have to finish the shopping trip tomorrow, I have a nice long list of stuff I want. I was annoyed no-one has the Nintendo Wii. My Christmas presents first then I’ll worry about everyone else. Oh well maybe the DS will do fine until they have the Wii that is.
And all it just took a bit of shameless flirting with the boy on the counter. Who cares if he looked like the back of a bus – he swapped my Il Crappo for Il Pussycat Fabuloso – I now have the immensely popstatic ‘Don’t Cha’ blaring out my stereo and me dancing around in bliss. He asked me if I’d have a drink with him, after using him I felt obligated so I gave him my number but I did happen to very subtly let it slip that I might be seeing someone so it would be nothing more than drinks. Yippee me. Damn I’m so glad I’m a flirt.
On a brighter note on my way home I decided to see if I could do something with that shitty present (Denim Boy - Il Shitto sounds about right) and lo & behold I now have a copy of the Pussycat Dolls instead. I must email Neesh to thank her for the Pussycats. A well picked present I think. I’m going to conveniently forget she dared to buy me something as dire as Il Divo. I also left with a copy of the Best of Girls Aloud and Nelly Furtado’s Loose too. Christmas just got sweeter. I didn’t have my Credit Card so I have to finish the shopping trip tomorrow, I have a nice long list of stuff I want. I was annoyed no-one has the Nintendo Wii. My Christmas presents first then I’ll worry about everyone else. Oh well maybe the DS will do fine until they have the Wii that is.
And all it just took a bit of shameless flirting with the boy on the counter. Who cares if he looked like the back of a bus – he swapped my Il Crappo for Il Pussycat Fabuloso – I now have the immensely popstatic ‘Don’t Cha’ blaring out my stereo and me dancing around in bliss. He asked me if I’d have a drink with him, after using him I felt obligated so I gave him my number but I did happen to very subtly let it slip that I might be seeing someone so it would be nothing more than drinks. Yippee me. Damn I’m so glad I’m a flirt.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Il Divo Il no-care-oh
I got my first Christmas present yesterday. Now I admire people who actually wait until Christmas morning to open theirs but no sooner had it arrived in the post did I rip it open. I knew it was a CD even before I had opened it. I also equally admire people who are able to get their Christmas shopping done before the middle of December especially when I'm to be on the receiving end. I absolutely love Neesh - she is so organised.
As soon as I opened the present I was gutted. It was a CD. It was by some random group of people I didn't know from well John Bladdy Doe. Now if it was Britney or Christina I'd be deliriously happy (despite having all known albums to exist) - but Il Divo - who the fuck is that? A quick wiki search and I realized they were a Platinum CD selling group created by Simon Cowell and is in the Top Ten right now - oh well at least it's not a £2 CD out of the bargain basket at HMV. So much for hoping to get something a little more poptastic. Instead I got a CD featuring non-english opera singers although they are all good-looking.
Next year I'll just have to make sure I send Neesh a PLEASE BUY.... DON'T YOU DARE BUY LIST.
As soon as I opened the present I was gutted. It was a CD. It was by some random group of people I didn't know from well John Bladdy Doe. Now if it was Britney or Christina I'd be deliriously happy (despite having all known albums to exist) - but Il Divo - who the fuck is that? A quick wiki search and I realized they were a Platinum CD selling group created by Simon Cowell and is in the Top Ten right now - oh well at least it's not a £2 CD out of the bargain basket at HMV. So much for hoping to get something a little more poptastic. Instead I got a CD featuring non-english opera singers although they are all good-looking.
Next year I'll just have to make sure I send Neesh a PLEASE BUY.... DON'T YOU DARE BUY LIST.
Friday, December 08, 2006
A long long long forgotten communication
I woke up this morning to find two most unusual things:
1. The post has arrived before 9AM
2. That I had received a letter - not the normal array of 'post' (bills, bank statements, junk etc) but an actual letter - a hand-written letter.
I thought things like that died out around about when the dinosaurs did. Who in this day and age has time to take a pen to a piece of paper and write to someone.
I jumped to the end to see it was an old friend of mine - someone who I went to Primary School with - someone I'm quite surprised had a forwarding address for me. She started the letter with the lines... I hope you get this letter.
Not only had she spent time writing the letter but she wasn't even sure I'd get it. How sweet but equally weird. Thankfully she's enclosed a telephone number as well as her address, so I can give her a ring to acknowledge receipt and say hello - God forbid I might have had to write back - the last time I wrote a letter to someone was probably in the 80s when mobile phones were the size of briefcases. A lot has changed since then - I've replaced one of my ears with a mobile phone blue tooth.
1. The post has arrived before 9AM
2. That I had received a letter - not the normal array of 'post' (bills, bank statements, junk etc) but an actual letter - a hand-written letter.
I thought things like that died out around about when the dinosaurs did. Who in this day and age has time to take a pen to a piece of paper and write to someone.
I jumped to the end to see it was an old friend of mine - someone who I went to Primary School with - someone I'm quite surprised had a forwarding address for me. She started the letter with the lines... I hope you get this letter.
Not only had she spent time writing the letter but she wasn't even sure I'd get it. How sweet but equally weird. Thankfully she's enclosed a telephone number as well as her address, so I can give her a ring to acknowledge receipt and say hello - God forbid I might have had to write back - the last time I wrote a letter to someone was probably in the 80s when mobile phones were the size of briefcases. A lot has changed since then - I've replaced one of my ears with a mobile phone blue tooth.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tax Fucking Tax
I had my Tax Exam today.Not only am I expected to pay tax - I'm also expected to know tax and be examined on it.
Which ultimately won't be that bad - if the examiner was human that is. But I discovered today during my exam that bastard really needs to get in touch with his human side coz the exam he set... well... suffice to say it's gonna have a pretty high fail rate. Coz it was a real bitch.
There... that's my rant done. Time to revise for tomorrow's exam. Here's to hoping that at least that one goes well.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Distraught
I told myself I'd not blog until at least the 14th December, by which by exams will be over and I'd have nothing better to do. However yesterday night changed that. Once a month some mates get together at Nick's mansion (by mansion I mean inhabitable 1 bed flat) for MOVIE NIGHT. Normally this is quite enjoyable - the lads are always rowdy and fun always ensues. I made the fatal suggestion some weeks back that I wanted to watch Hostel (the idea of watching Jay Hernandez for a couple of hours is delightful) but didn't read what the film was about - I just knew it was Horror and rated 18. What I expected was jay Hernandez and I'm delighted to say he was definitely engaging, most especially when shirtless. Now at someone who watched 18 rated horror movies at 8 I'm pretty immune to horror movies. Hostel was not so much Horror as torture (slicing, sawing, hacking, burning, etc).I can't get the image of the back of the guy's feet sliced in two, blood oozing out and him unable to walk. Or the scene where the guy uses a power drill to drill a hole in a guy's shoulder. Or Jay Hernandez's fingers getting chain-sawed off. Argh.
I was so shaken I refused to drive home (which normally wouldn't be a problem but I had borrowed my brother's car who who need if for work at 6AM next morning) - but I just wasn't in any state to drive. I for the first time in my life was actually wanting to spend the night at Nick's place. Suffice to say I couldn't close my eyes without picturing that blasted movie. And I'm dreading it happening all over again tonight.
But well at least every few seconds an image of Jay Hernandez pops into my head. That's makes the next few seconds of torture that much more bearable.