An Education In Life.
I learnt something today. That is that when someone comes up to you and says "he's a handful isn't he?" referring to your young son, what they actually mean is "please stop your child from climbing on the seat that says specifically 'do not let children climb on this seat' and please teach him that when in small, crowded rooms it is inadvisable to start shouting 'I've farted, I've farted' repeatedly whilst the smell fills up the room. Not only is it uncomfortable for our customers, but it is also bloody hard to keep a straight face and thus maintain impartiality."
I was chuckling about that little incident all the way home!
No choir practice this week or next because they're practicing for their trip abroad which is soon. So good luck to 'em!
I saw Torchwood on Sunday. Both episodes. First one set the scene quite nicely - bit of a suprise twist in it aswell! Well, a suprise to me anyway. Second episode was unashamedly raunchy in places - at first I wondered why they were showing it, but I soon realised that it was part of the plot. I think the writer(s) may have been trying a little too hard to set themselves apart from Dr Who. But that's just my opinion.
Other than that, I have been getting to grips with Guild Wars. Good game, lots of depth, enjoyable. A good experience for my first online game.
Anyway, I'm off for some tea. Have fun.
Thursday 26 October 2006
Friday 20 October 2006
Today's day at work can be summrised by the following event:
Still, it's good to be back listening to the BBC radio player now that my PC works reasonably well. I say reasonably as every time I try to install a virus checker, it refuses to start up properly. But I have managed to get a firewall.
Anyway, that's all for now.
I rang a supplier and tried to asked for a lady whose name I just could not pronounce. After several attempts I was put out of my misery by the lady I was talking to just putting me through to her. She did it without laughing, I was impressed. I wanted to crawl into a hole, but I was glad she was professional about it. While I was in earshot at least ;-)
Still, it's good to be back listening to the BBC radio player now that my PC works reasonably well. I say reasonably as every time I try to install a virus checker, it refuses to start up properly. But I have managed to get a firewall.
Anyway, that's all for now.
Thursday 19 October 2006
History Matters.
Tuesday saw a lovely sunrise over the ancient Snowdonia mountain range. As usual between Monday and Friday I woke up at 6am, ironed my shirt for the day, put on the rest of my clothes, tied my tie, had a breakfast of porridge oats and set off for work by car. I have to drive 10 miles, mainly through fields although I would prefer to cycle the journey as it is better for my health.
The part of Anglesey where I live has been enhabited since the Bronze Age and probably before. Many small settlements have been found around this area. Its' close proximity to the Sea probably helped where trade is concerned and the area had much influence from nearby Ireland during the times when the pagans were being converted to Christianity.
However, most of the development of the area was thanks to the Victorians circa 1890 - specifically Thomas Telford who designed and built the main road and bridge that I use to get on and off the island. A couple of the toll houses still exist (now converrted into normal houses) on this road and one has the toll charges still written on the side of the house.
The town that my village comes under is known in short as Llanfairpwyllgwyngyll. The full version of the name is the longest in Britain - a name that I believe was created in the early 20th century to try to boost tourism in the area once the railway had been built. The town also held the first ever Women's Institute meeting which still has a strong membership today.
My work is as an Electronic Engineer, essentially fixing problems with Printed Circuit Boards. This usually involves researching ideas on the internet and emailing/phoning customers and suppliers until a solution is reached. I normally work from 08:00 to 16:45 with 45 minutes of rest spread over the day. However I stayed behind until 17:30 to finish off a couple of items I was working on.
I then drove home and had a quick tea. I cook my own food for the whole month and store it in my freezer - so I had a good choice of foods. I opted for tuna fishcakes with a jacket potato and a tin full of baked beans. I then set off for the rehersal of the male voice choir I have decided to join. I live in Wales but being English I am having to learn how to speak Welsh as most of the songs are in Welsh. The songs tend to be old Welsh hymns or other adapted Welsh folk songs. The choir is also practicing for a couple of performances in Sweden and so I have had to learn how to pronounce the Swedish words as well!
I got back to my rented terraced 2 bedroom house at about 22:30. I got undressed, went to bed and that was the end of my day.
Tuesday saw a lovely sunrise over the ancient Snowdonia mountain range. As usual between Monday and Friday I woke up at 6am, ironed my shirt for the day, put on the rest of my clothes, tied my tie, had a breakfast of porridge oats and set off for work by car. I have to drive 10 miles, mainly through fields although I would prefer to cycle the journey as it is better for my health.
The part of Anglesey where I live has been enhabited since the Bronze Age and probably before. Many small settlements have been found around this area. Its' close proximity to the Sea probably helped where trade is concerned and the area had much influence from nearby Ireland during the times when the pagans were being converted to Christianity.
However, most of the development of the area was thanks to the Victorians circa 1890 - specifically Thomas Telford who designed and built the main road and bridge that I use to get on and off the island. A couple of the toll houses still exist (now converrted into normal houses) on this road and one has the toll charges still written on the side of the house.
The town that my village comes under is known in short as Llanfairpwyllgwyngyll. The full version of the name is the longest in Britain - a name that I believe was created in the early 20th century to try to boost tourism in the area once the railway had been built. The town also held the first ever Women's Institute meeting which still has a strong membership today.
My work is as an Electronic Engineer, essentially fixing problems with Printed Circuit Boards. This usually involves researching ideas on the internet and emailing/phoning customers and suppliers until a solution is reached. I normally work from 08:00 to 16:45 with 45 minutes of rest spread over the day. However I stayed behind until 17:30 to finish off a couple of items I was working on.
I then drove home and had a quick tea. I cook my own food for the whole month and store it in my freezer - so I had a good choice of foods. I opted for tuna fishcakes with a jacket potato and a tin full of baked beans. I then set off for the rehersal of the male voice choir I have decided to join. I live in Wales but being English I am having to learn how to speak Welsh as most of the songs are in Welsh. The songs tend to be old Welsh hymns or other adapted Welsh folk songs. The choir is also practicing for a couple of performances in Sweden and so I have had to learn how to pronounce the Swedish words as well!
I got back to my rented terraced 2 bedroom house at about 22:30. I got undressed, went to bed and that was the end of my day.
Revelations.
My voice pitch is baritone. I have decided that that is where I fit best. Thoroughly enjoyed the choir practice and am finding that I'm picking up the various pronunciations rather well. One thing I will say after this week is that it's good to be back. I'll give it a bit of time and then I look into joining an amateur dramatic company or similar - in a technical role rather than any acting. Can't act for toffee!
Have you ever tried clotted cream fudge? It is lovely. Haven't had any for years I don't think. I was just remonded of fudge by typing toffee. Not quite sure of the mental link. Anyway, I remember, when I was younger, going down to Devon/Cornwall and going to the little tea shops for tea and scones with clotted cream. I was only young but I enjoyed it. We also used to go round the fudge-making shops. That is, of course, if I'm remembering correctly.
So I quite like Devon and Cornwall. I've been there a few times. Even driven around the moors. Lovely place. I once stayed at this lovely B&B. It must have been a converted farmhouse as the room I was in had a huge window. You could easily sit on the windowsill and look out across the fields. Oh it was lovely. Can't remember the name of it now, but I'm sure it's in the archives of this blog somewhere.
Anyway, I digress. I wanted to bring up the "National Blog" day thing that happened Tuesday. The general public are invited to submit a fairly detailed account of what they did last Tuesday. You have a month or so to submit your entry and I will post what I say on this blog as well as here. The key thing is to put in the mundane little details that may be fascinating to folk a century from now.
Of course, the cynic in me says that this could all be another elaborate ploy by the government to gather every little detail of people's lives. Thus allowing them to know just how far they can push us before civil war breaks out.
And on that happy note, my homemade lamb and vegetable puff pastry pie is ready. So TTFN.
My voice pitch is baritone. I have decided that that is where I fit best. Thoroughly enjoyed the choir practice and am finding that I'm picking up the various pronunciations rather well. One thing I will say after this week is that it's good to be back. I'll give it a bit of time and then I look into joining an amateur dramatic company or similar - in a technical role rather than any acting. Can't act for toffee!
Have you ever tried clotted cream fudge? It is lovely. Haven't had any for years I don't think. I was just remonded of fudge by typing toffee. Not quite sure of the mental link. Anyway, I remember, when I was younger, going down to Devon/Cornwall and going to the little tea shops for tea and scones with clotted cream. I was only young but I enjoyed it. We also used to go round the fudge-making shops. That is, of course, if I'm remembering correctly.
So I quite like Devon and Cornwall. I've been there a few times. Even driven around the moors. Lovely place. I once stayed at this lovely B&B. It must have been a converted farmhouse as the room I was in had a huge window. You could easily sit on the windowsill and look out across the fields. Oh it was lovely. Can't remember the name of it now, but I'm sure it's in the archives of this blog somewhere.
Anyway, I digress. I wanted to bring up the "National Blog" day thing that happened Tuesday. The general public are invited to submit a fairly detailed account of what they did last Tuesday. You have a month or so to submit your entry and I will post what I say on this blog as well as here. The key thing is to put in the mundane little details that may be fascinating to folk a century from now.
Of course, the cynic in me says that this could all be another elaborate ploy by the government to gather every little detail of people's lives. Thus allowing them to know just how far they can push us before civil war breaks out.
And on that happy note, my homemade lamb and vegetable puff pastry pie is ready. So TTFN.
Tuesday 17 October 2006
Wednesday 11 October 2006
Over The Hump...
...as a particular Radio Double One Disc Jockey would say.
Croeso [Welcome], today has been eventful. As has last night. I shall now tell all.
Had the priviledge of going to see a really good Welsh choir. I knew one of the guys there and he arranged for me to join in with them for the second half of the evening. Suffered (and am still suffering) from an inferiority complex - but I know all I need is practice - and practice I shall!
But even during the first half was impressive. I was surrounded by Americans, not that this is a good or bad thing, merely a statement of fact. Most of the 30 or so strong audience to the rehersal was American (The rehersal was done in Welsh just to add complication!).
Anyway, I'm glad they were American because they weren't scared to talk to me like English adults. I met a few very nice people who wished me luck in my quest to join the choir. We also chatted briefly about our singing experiences. Also, the choir seemed relatively pleased (despite my Englishness) and even though I was getting overwhelmed by the whole experience, I think I made a good impression.
At least I hope I did - I'm going back next week
So that was last night's big event. This evening I have been practising and all has gone well. But today has also been good for another reason - I've set up a coal delivery. So now I'm going to have a supply of coal so I can heat myself. That's a big Yay for me thankyou.
So now I'm cooking myself some tea - meatballs with a tomato & garlic sauce - served with a cheese coated jacket potato. Bliss.
Also (yes, there's more!) I'm looking forward to work tomorrow because there are quite a few things I can get done that I've had to sit on for a few days. I like being busy - not TOO busy though ;-)
And now to use my latest Welsh word...
Hwyll
...as a particular Radio Double One Disc Jockey would say.
Croeso [Welcome], today has been eventful. As has last night. I shall now tell all.
Had the priviledge of going to see a really good Welsh choir. I knew one of the guys there and he arranged for me to join in with them for the second half of the evening. Suffered (and am still suffering) from an inferiority complex - but I know all I need is practice - and practice I shall!
But even during the first half was impressive. I was surrounded by Americans, not that this is a good or bad thing, merely a statement of fact. Most of the 30 or so strong audience to the rehersal was American (The rehersal was done in Welsh just to add complication!).
Anyway, I'm glad they were American because they weren't scared to talk to me like English adults. I met a few very nice people who wished me luck in my quest to join the choir. We also chatted briefly about our singing experiences. Also, the choir seemed relatively pleased (despite my Englishness) and even though I was getting overwhelmed by the whole experience, I think I made a good impression.
At least I hope I did - I'm going back next week
So that was last night's big event. This evening I have been practising and all has gone well. But today has also been good for another reason - I've set up a coal delivery. So now I'm going to have a supply of coal so I can heat myself. That's a big Yay for me thankyou.
So now I'm cooking myself some tea - meatballs with a tomato & garlic sauce - served with a cheese coated jacket potato. Bliss.
Also (yes, there's more!) I'm looking forward to work tomorrow because there are quite a few things I can get done that I've had to sit on for a few days. I like being busy - not TOO busy though ;-)
And now to use my latest Welsh word...
Hwyll
Monday 9 October 2006
Monday - The Day Before Tuesday.
Good evening.
Today the big brown snowdon mountain range looks like a big barrier between me and English-tolerant folk. Of course, this is all in my head, but right now I feel isolated. Still, I have good friends and I'm sure they'll perk me up when I chat to them.
I have a biggish day tomorrow. And as usual I'm getting my pre-going-out-in-public nerves. And as usual, everything will be fine.
I am looking forward to Thursday. That's bin collection day and my bin REALLY needs collecting. There are many flies out back and I'm suprised the neighbours haven't complained yet. The smell is mostly of rotting fish. Haddock to be precise. £8 worth of it.
Work has dragged today - me being tired and thirsty hasn't helped. I must look after myself better. I've already (and continue) to be told off about living in the cold. But I have very kindly been given the name of a coal man - or Dyn Glô in Welsh.
I was listening to the (Welsh) radio and came across a song called "Mobile Phones a Danedd Gwyn". I enjoyed it though I haven't the faintest idea who Danedd Gwyn is and why mobile phones are involved. Quite a similar thought process occurred around the song "Lisa, Majic a Porfa" which I also have no clue why Lisa, magic and fields are related. If anyone could help I would be most appreciative.
Diolch yn fawr.
Good evening.
Today the big brown snowdon mountain range looks like a big barrier between me and English-tolerant folk. Of course, this is all in my head, but right now I feel isolated. Still, I have good friends and I'm sure they'll perk me up when I chat to them.
I have a biggish day tomorrow. And as usual I'm getting my pre-going-out-in-public nerves. And as usual, everything will be fine.
I am looking forward to Thursday. That's bin collection day and my bin REALLY needs collecting. There are many flies out back and I'm suprised the neighbours haven't complained yet. The smell is mostly of rotting fish. Haddock to be precise. £8 worth of it.
Work has dragged today - me being tired and thirsty hasn't helped. I must look after myself better. I've already (and continue) to be told off about living in the cold. But I have very kindly been given the name of a coal man - or Dyn Glô in Welsh.
I was listening to the (Welsh) radio and came across a song called "Mobile Phones a Danedd Gwyn". I enjoyed it though I haven't the faintest idea who Danedd Gwyn is and why mobile phones are involved. Quite a similar thought process occurred around the song "Lisa, Majic a Porfa" which I also have no clue why Lisa, magic and fields are related. If anyone could help I would be most appreciative.
Diolch yn fawr.
Wednesday 4 October 2006
Hello AGAIN!
Yes, computer screwed up and I've had to reinstall windows. Then I tried downloading the Flash Player but that screwed everything up again. So apologies for my absence.
In other news, I've had a really good day today. I've found out about some upcoming big projects I'll be involved with so I shall be looking forward to those.
Cooking meals for the month is going well. Though I did accidentally dip my fingers in the frying pan. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. Well, maybe a few select people from my past ;-)
Anyway, no big point to make today. Just apologising for not being around. I hope to make some impulse purchases on Amazon/Play soon. Should be good. I also hope to start playing an online game - but more about that another time.
So for now, take care and I'll see you all soon.
Yes, computer screwed up and I've had to reinstall windows. Then I tried downloading the Flash Player but that screwed everything up again. So apologies for my absence.
In other news, I've had a really good day today. I've found out about some upcoming big projects I'll be involved with so I shall be looking forward to those.
Cooking meals for the month is going well. Though I did accidentally dip my fingers in the frying pan. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. Well, maybe a few select people from my past ;-)
Anyway, no big point to make today. Just apologising for not being around. I hope to make some impulse purchases on Amazon/Play soon. Should be good. I also hope to start playing an online game - but more about that another time.
So for now, take care and I'll see you all soon.
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