It's Thursday and I'm in Munich and I'm almost recovered from the National Television Awards a couple of days ago. I didn't imagine it would take it out of me so much! Did have a great time though. I didn't give any autographs or interviews this year, but the red carpet was busier this time. Also I was having far too much of a giggle with the gang so I wasn't really looking at the crowds. The after show party was excellent as well. I didn't eat much and probably drank too much champagne, but I don't think I harrassed anyone. Highlights for me were meeting Lou from Neighbours (totally nice guy and so down to earth) and Dermot O'Leary who was utterly charming. Also danced with a couple of the really pretty girls from The Bill which was cool. And gave Reg from The Bill my half-finished Vodka-Red Bull. Oh the memories....
It was a struggle getting up the next morning though and really needed a bacon sandwich, but London City airport is a lacking in greasy spoons. Bad planning on my part and I will make sure I'm not going anywhere further than my front door next year!
Going back to London in a bit and then have a busy series of parties and do's for next few days. I can feel the endurance event that is the run up to Christmas already starting. It seems to get earlier and earlier each year.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Munich and the mountains
The edge of Munich with a nice view of the mountains in the background. Again taken from a church tower in town. Also my first attempt with the new 200mm lens that I bought for the camera - I think it works.
Munich
Munich taken from the top of one of the church towers. The two buildings in the foreground are in the town centre and are the main churches. The tall tower in the centre background is the Olympic Park,
Dachau
Dachau concentration camp. A moving and yet also very tranquil place. One of the most interesting visits I've done in a long time.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
National Television Awards night
Going to the NTA tonight which should be fun. Am going through the strange rollercoaster of emotions before going out. Some minutes I'm well up for it, then I can't be bothered and feel tired. Then I'm buzzing once again. We're strange animals! Bought some Red Bull for the girls in the office and put Marilyn Manson on the stereo and they both became well aggressive. Bit worrying. They've now gone to 'get ready'. So I reckon we'll see them in a couple of hours.
Have planned the week quite badly though because have an early flight to Munich in the morning. So might try to get the last train home tonight. Would be good to be in bed by 1am I reckon. We'll see.
Have been eating donuts all afternoon in preparation for this evening and feel a bit sick now. Might go out for some fresh air.
Have planned the week quite badly though because have an early flight to Munich in the morning. So might try to get the last train home tonight. Would be good to be in bed by 1am I reckon. We'll see.
Have been eating donuts all afternoon in preparation for this evening and feel a bit sick now. Might go out for some fresh air.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Thoughts for Friday
I was thinking about my time in the bush in Zimbabwe 10 years ago. and about the profound life change experience I went through during my months out there. I was e-mailing my friend and co-conspirator from that year, Paul, and I started to think more and more.
It's a time I remember very fondly and is certainly a time when I learnt a huge amount about myself, life and others. I still keep my diary from that year with me and read it from time to time. Especially when I'm going through a difficult phase because I find it puts things into perspective. I have one of the photo albums with me in London as well and it does cheer me up. As an aside I think that year was the first time I got interested in photography as well, which I'm getting back into a lot at the moment, so life is kind of doing a bit a loop at the moment.
I've found that I've been very focussed on my career these last few years and it's starting to dawn on me that there is a hole in my life. It's not stopping me from doing anything, but I do think I am missing out on something that I maybe had before. I think there are several reasons I'm starting to feel this. I'm starting to feel the weight of responsibility a bit with the job. Times are tough at the moment and we're having to lay people off and close magazines. It's the harsh reality of life, but it's never easy. Especially as I'm close to some of them. I don't particularly fear for myself, but I guess it subconsciously makes you think about your position as well. As I'm getting older I think I'm realising that work is not everything. It's just a job. I care about what I do and I will push the extra mile for the company, but there is more to life. I'm starting to resent some of the work stuff encroaching on my life. This is also partly because my partnet, Janet, and I are very close and she's good at kicking me in the butt if I get too absorbed in work or myself. Coupled with the fact that we are talking about settling down together and I don't want to be so focussed on something like work that she is neglected. Does that sound weird?
I think that may be a reason why I'm diving into photography and the blog. It's something new, but linked to my previous interests. And yet it's still something creative and interactive. I'm also reading a lot more books again which I think is helping me to expand my mind and horizons.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I'd love to pick up the journey again. I guess I'm a little worried that I may not be able to get as into it as I did all those years ago. Or maybe I'm a little worried that I may realise that what I'm doing is not what I'm destined to do, which is a little scary.
Just a few thoughts and stuff that those concerned might want to know about. To them I say thank you.
It's a time I remember very fondly and is certainly a time when I learnt a huge amount about myself, life and others. I still keep my diary from that year with me and read it from time to time. Especially when I'm going through a difficult phase because I find it puts things into perspective. I have one of the photo albums with me in London as well and it does cheer me up. As an aside I think that year was the first time I got interested in photography as well, which I'm getting back into a lot at the moment, so life is kind of doing a bit a loop at the moment.
I've found that I've been very focussed on my career these last few years and it's starting to dawn on me that there is a hole in my life. It's not stopping me from doing anything, but I do think I am missing out on something that I maybe had before. I think there are several reasons I'm starting to feel this. I'm starting to feel the weight of responsibility a bit with the job. Times are tough at the moment and we're having to lay people off and close magazines. It's the harsh reality of life, but it's never easy. Especially as I'm close to some of them. I don't particularly fear for myself, but I guess it subconsciously makes you think about your position as well. As I'm getting older I think I'm realising that work is not everything. It's just a job. I care about what I do and I will push the extra mile for the company, but there is more to life. I'm starting to resent some of the work stuff encroaching on my life. This is also partly because my partnet, Janet, and I are very close and she's good at kicking me in the butt if I get too absorbed in work or myself. Coupled with the fact that we are talking about settling down together and I don't want to be so focussed on something like work that she is neglected. Does that sound weird?
I think that may be a reason why I'm diving into photography and the blog. It's something new, but linked to my previous interests. And yet it's still something creative and interactive. I'm also reading a lot more books again which I think is helping me to expand my mind and horizons.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I'd love to pick up the journey again. I guess I'm a little worried that I may not be able to get as into it as I did all those years ago. Or maybe I'm a little worried that I may realise that what I'm doing is not what I'm destined to do, which is a little scary.
Just a few thoughts and stuff that those concerned might want to know about. To them I say thank you.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Is it just me????
.. or does Blogger take on a life of it's own sometimes and just randomly decide to not work. Or change links and stuff. For some reason bit's and pieces on the blog aren't working. Unfortunately haven't got time to sort it out today. Maybe if I just leave it (like I did last time) it'll just fix it itself?!
Janet and my blog
Just found out that Janet has been reading my blog. Which is worrying. Maybe I need to be careful what I write in it now. But that would defeat the object of a diary. But if I want it private why do I put things online?
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Same shit, different day
Another week is drifting by. Slowly. For some reason I've been feeling shit since Monday. I still can't decide if I am actually ill or not. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. It may be that I've had too much of my boss this week. I normally manage to avoid him for three days of the week at least, but he has been hanging around a lot recently. A bit unnerving and extremely irritating at the same time! And I've just found out that he's not going back to Australia until December (he normally goes early November) so we're stuck with him for an extra month.
House/flat/mortgage/rent thing is not really progressing either. Several people have come to the flat, but no-one has made an offer yet. It is early days, but I need to sell the flat to still go through with the house. I don't think I'm stressed about it, but maybe I am? Maybe that's why I'm edgy at the moment. I even got into a fight with janet last week about nothing. Which also pissed me off.
Maybe I'm SAD (seasonally adjusted disorder). I need more light.
So, to try and cheer myself up I've bought the Marilyn Manson Greatest hits CD. I'm confident it will have same effect as when I play my Metallica CD's - I always think that they are suffering more than me and so I feel better. I've also been looking for a full-sized Stormtrooper uniform to buy. So far no luck, but if anybody knows where I can buy one that would be much appreciated. I just quite fancy driving around London in Lolita in full Stormtrooper uniform. I'm pretty confident I can derive many hours of pleasure from it. And the uniform would be great for parties. I was thinking of Darth Vader, but he's a bit passe now. And white is the new black anyway.
House/flat/mortgage/rent thing is not really progressing either. Several people have come to the flat, but no-one has made an offer yet. It is early days, but I need to sell the flat to still go through with the house. I don't think I'm stressed about it, but maybe I am? Maybe that's why I'm edgy at the moment. I even got into a fight with janet last week about nothing. Which also pissed me off.
Maybe I'm SAD (seasonally adjusted disorder). I need more light.
So, to try and cheer myself up I've bought the Marilyn Manson Greatest hits CD. I'm confident it will have same effect as when I play my Metallica CD's - I always think that they are suffering more than me and so I feel better. I've also been looking for a full-sized Stormtrooper uniform to buy. So far no luck, but if anybody knows where I can buy one that would be much appreciated. I just quite fancy driving around London in Lolita in full Stormtrooper uniform. I'm pretty confident I can derive many hours of pleasure from it. And the uniform would be great for parties. I was thinking of Darth Vader, but he's a bit passe now. And white is the new black anyway.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Site update
Have managed to do some work on the blog and I think it looks gorgeous. Please let me know your comments.
Dom's week from hell
My bad week started off with things all going wrong at work. Biggest issue of our biggest magazine and I couldn't get the biggest item of the issue produced. Lots of stress, liberally mixed with swearing at people who couldn't answer back (unfair, but necessary unfortunately) and then putting on brave face to the outside world. Sort of succeeded on the final bit because everyone still thinks I am their rock (to coin a crap expression!)
Got that sorted by Tuesday evening. Cue much sighing of relief. Was tempted to drink to celebrate, but resisted.
Wednesday was amusing to begin with as Munich airport was fog bound. I was the last of four people to leave London (0930 flight for Dom - no getting up at 0430 for me this time!!), and somehow the first to arrive. The others had been diverted to all sorts of airports around Germany to wait fog out. I waited in business lounge in Heathrow. Spot the mugs!!
Day then got significantly worse when buyer of my flat pulled out. Bastards. Which left me completely in the shit because I still really want to buy the house I found.
Cue three days of running around trying to find alternative solution to still keep house process moving. Have been given some options and will analyze them to see if I'm comfortable with them. Everyone around me has given advice (which I'm grateful for), and I still have no idea what I'll do.
Bad week also got to me and caused me to be a shit to Janet and 'bit of and atmosphere' last night. We kissed and made up, but I was a bit of a shit really. I seem to have a great ability to push those I care for most away for the most stupid reasons. No idea where this skill came from, but seems to be in the genes or something. Maybe I was a shit when I was young? Must ask parents/family/friends about that one.
In between all of the above have tried to keep job going, laid off three people (which didn't help the situation) and bitten my tongue.
Roll on the week-end and some r'n'r!
Got that sorted by Tuesday evening. Cue much sighing of relief. Was tempted to drink to celebrate, but resisted.
Wednesday was amusing to begin with as Munich airport was fog bound. I was the last of four people to leave London (0930 flight for Dom - no getting up at 0430 for me this time!!), and somehow the first to arrive. The others had been diverted to all sorts of airports around Germany to wait fog out. I waited in business lounge in Heathrow. Spot the mugs!!
Day then got significantly worse when buyer of my flat pulled out. Bastards. Which left me completely in the shit because I still really want to buy the house I found.
Cue three days of running around trying to find alternative solution to still keep house process moving. Have been given some options and will analyze them to see if I'm comfortable with them. Everyone around me has given advice (which I'm grateful for), and I still have no idea what I'll do.
Bad week also got to me and caused me to be a shit to Janet and 'bit of and atmosphere' last night. We kissed and made up, but I was a bit of a shit really. I seem to have a great ability to push those I care for most away for the most stupid reasons. No idea where this skill came from, but seems to be in the genes or something. Maybe I was a shit when I was young? Must ask parents/family/friends about that one.
In between all of the above have tried to keep job going, laid off three people (which didn't help the situation) and bitten my tongue.
Roll on the week-end and some r'n'r!
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Finally back up and running
I won't even begin to tell you about the week I'm having. I'll save that for tomorrow when I plan on not having a lot to do. But have finally managed to redo the blog. Retyped in all of the bloody settings and everything and hopefully it all works again now. So I'm chuffed about it actually. And I plan to try and keep it more updated. Am also back in Munchen so will upload some more pics hopefully.
Conkers
Never try to teach a German to play conkers! Chidhood education is very different in the two countries!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
I'm having a nightmare (again)
For some reason my blog is not behaving and when I add links and things it starts not showing posts and stuff. Don't understand why and it's giving me a serious heache trying to work it out.
Aaarrrrggghhhhh! Noooooooo
For some reason my blog seems to have dissapeared. Most of the template seems to have been deleted. Don't think it was me. Might have been. Surely not though. Am gutted though. am hoping that if I leave it then it'll come back. I still seem to have all of the posts on my settings bit though. very confusing.
New Additions to the blog
I've added some links which you can click on. Please leave me a message or drop a pin on the map. Please ...
I'm crap - really I am!
I've been working on my blog, but not posting anything for ages now. Still waiting for the changes to all appear, but hopefully things will be cool when they do! To the extent that even my father has wondered where I've gone! I'm still here though. It's been a tough few days at work which has left me stressed, drained, pissed off, and extremely hungry for some reason. I've always claimed to be a bit different, but I've never been hungry through stress before. It normally has the other effect!
Janet came over at the week-end and we went all arty taking photos of everything and everyone. We also went and tried some exceptionally fine wines at Vinopolis which was most agreeable. Hopefully wine tasting (or drinking if I'm being honest) will become a joint hobby when she comes across next year. I've joined Vinopolis so we can go back as much as we want for the next 12 months. One of the staff even recognized me from the last visit so I'm not sure what to think about that. Do I go too regularly or was I really pissed?
Also finally caught up with an old friend in Sweden who is going through a big life change moment. I just want to say that I think this is totally the right thing for you to do, Paul. And I wish you all the luck.
Am off to Munich again tomorrow for a few days. Apparently it's snowing in Bavaria already which is cool (or cold!). Hopefully Janet and I will get some skiing in soon.
Finally I've been most rash and entered the Nike 10km run in London at the end of November. It's a night race around the centre of town. Should be a laugh (like the London Marathon!!), and I am looking forward to it in a very sadistic way. Nike are organizing training runs every week, starting tonight. So I've brought my leggings and slinky jacket (style over substance obviously!) in and I'll be down there at 6pm on the dot. Apparently it's 'only' 5km! so that's Ok then. It will be fun running with others though. Update soon if I survive tonight!
Janet came over at the week-end and we went all arty taking photos of everything and everyone. We also went and tried some exceptionally fine wines at Vinopolis which was most agreeable. Hopefully wine tasting (or drinking if I'm being honest) will become a joint hobby when she comes across next year. I've joined Vinopolis so we can go back as much as we want for the next 12 months. One of the staff even recognized me from the last visit so I'm not sure what to think about that. Do I go too regularly or was I really pissed?
Also finally caught up with an old friend in Sweden who is going through a big life change moment. I just want to say that I think this is totally the right thing for you to do, Paul. And I wish you all the luck.
Am off to Munich again tomorrow for a few days. Apparently it's snowing in Bavaria already which is cool (or cold!). Hopefully Janet and I will get some skiing in soon.
Finally I've been most rash and entered the Nike 10km run in London at the end of November. It's a night race around the centre of town. Should be a laugh (like the London Marathon!!), and I am looking forward to it in a very sadistic way. Nike are organizing training runs every week, starting tonight. So I've brought my leggings and slinky jacket (style over substance obviously!) in and I'll be down there at 6pm on the dot. Apparently it's 'only' 5km! so that's Ok then. It will be fun running with others though. Update soon if I survive tonight!
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