Pocoyo is a kids TV programme on ITV. It's great.
I might not be their target market (being mid-twenties and without kids), but it's funny, sweet, and narrated by the incredible Stephen Fry. What more could you ask for?
They're 5 minute short cartoons about a boy, a duck and an elephant. Fun TV for all the family. It's probably aimed at the under 5s, but I love it. Innocent enjoyable sweet fun.
We love it.
Pocoyo, we salute you. Pingu for the 3rd Millenium.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
People are lovely
This is going to be a very short post as I'm packing to return to Oxford tomorrow.
It's depressing living in this world. You look at events like murders, crime, vandalism, general stupidity, greed, reality TV, adverts for lawyers and they all make you despair at humanity. If you're cynical, you start believing that society is going to the dogs.
But then, you'll have an evening with your brother where you just talk crap, and catch up. Laugh at your inability to make gratin (having found out moments before you start cooking without a recipe that what you thought was gratin doesn't match with what everyone else (including the cooking elite, like Delia) thinks is gratin). Wear silly hats together. Feel a little sad that the flying visit was over too soon, but happy that he came back to see you in the first place.
Or you might have a day out organised by your sister. Who sorted out lunch with her friends just so you can ask them about their experiences of trying to get into medical school. Who don't know you brilliantly, but are so friendly, helpful, welcoming, sweet and all round brilliant.
Or maybe you could have a friend email you planning a meet up. Maybe that friend is one you thought was fantastic, when you were at university, but general pressures of work and life outside of uni meant you drifted apart. Perhaps when things all go horribly wrong, and you need a sympathetic ear to talk to and to bring you back to life when it all feels like your life is over, she'll be as a new friend, as if you'd never been crap at keeping in touch for years. Maybe even if you interrupt her evenings out with her new geordie mates in dire need of help, she'll do her usual amazing sparkly lift.
People are great. Some people are amazing. Surround yourself with people like this, and treasure them, value them, appreciate them and let them know it.
And on that lecture, good night to you all. Dream easy.
AcidCat
It's depressing living in this world. You look at events like murders, crime, vandalism, general stupidity, greed, reality TV, adverts for lawyers and they all make you despair at humanity. If you're cynical, you start believing that society is going to the dogs.
But then, you'll have an evening with your brother where you just talk crap, and catch up. Laugh at your inability to make gratin (having found out moments before you start cooking without a recipe that what you thought was gratin doesn't match with what everyone else (including the cooking elite, like Delia) thinks is gratin). Wear silly hats together. Feel a little sad that the flying visit was over too soon, but happy that he came back to see you in the first place.
Or you might have a day out organised by your sister. Who sorted out lunch with her friends just so you can ask them about their experiences of trying to get into medical school. Who don't know you brilliantly, but are so friendly, helpful, welcoming, sweet and all round brilliant.
Or maybe you could have a friend email you planning a meet up. Maybe that friend is one you thought was fantastic, when you were at university, but general pressures of work and life outside of uni meant you drifted apart. Perhaps when things all go horribly wrong, and you need a sympathetic ear to talk to and to bring you back to life when it all feels like your life is over, she'll be as a new friend, as if you'd never been crap at keeping in touch for years. Maybe even if you interrupt her evenings out with her new geordie mates in dire need of help, she'll do her usual amazing sparkly lift.
People are great. Some people are amazing. Surround yourself with people like this, and treasure them, value them, appreciate them and let them know it.
And on that lecture, good night to you all. Dream easy.
AcidCat
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Royal Mail are evil
I hate people jumping on bandwagons.
I think the postal service in the UK was pretty good value. The ability to send a letter to anywhere in the UK for about 20p and have it arrive within 3 days? Marvellous. They lost points with me when they brought in their complex size as well as weight formula for pricing parcels, but still.
However, when I complained on Tuesday 16 January 2007 about waiting in for packages, I didn't realise quite how incredibly incompetent the parcel division of the Royal Mail are.
I had waited in all day for a phone to be delivered. Nothing. I just assumed that it hadn't been dispatched yet.
This was until I did the order tracking thing on the Royal Mail site, and found they claimed to have tried to deliver "before 11:44am" and left a note saying they'd been.
This was somehow miraculously achieved when I was sat next to the door at that point, and the "tried to deliver" note must have atomised at some point between the letterbox and the floor.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, they claimed they had, yadda yadda yadda, went to the post office, collected the phone, all fine, if a little annoyed.
Fast forward to today. Came back this afternoon to find the post had arrived on the doorstep.
Helpfully with today's post, 2 days late, they decided to post the little "tried to deliver" note, now claiming that they tried to deliver at 9 am (which incidentally I was still near the door waiting)...
To cut a long rambling post short:
Royal Mail employ monkeys to do a horrendous lousy job. Their incompetence is astounding.
And on that rant, I bid you all adieu.
AcidCat
I think the postal service in the UK was pretty good value. The ability to send a letter to anywhere in the UK for about 20p and have it arrive within 3 days? Marvellous. They lost points with me when they brought in their complex size as well as weight formula for pricing parcels, but still.
However, when I complained on Tuesday 16 January 2007 about waiting in for packages, I didn't realise quite how incredibly incompetent the parcel division of the Royal Mail are.
I had waited in all day for a phone to be delivered. Nothing. I just assumed that it hadn't been dispatched yet.
This was until I did the order tracking thing on the Royal Mail site, and found they claimed to have tried to deliver "before 11:44am" and left a note saying they'd been.
This was somehow miraculously achieved when I was sat next to the door at that point, and the "tried to deliver" note must have atomised at some point between the letterbox and the floor.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, they claimed they had, yadda yadda yadda, went to the post office, collected the phone, all fine, if a little annoyed.
Fast forward to today. Came back this afternoon to find the post had arrived on the doorstep.
Helpfully with today's post, 2 days late, they decided to post the little "tried to deliver" note, now claiming that they tried to deliver at 9 am (which incidentally I was still near the door waiting)...
To cut a long rambling post short:
Royal Mail employ monkeys to do a horrendous lousy job. Their incompetence is astounding.
And on that rant, I bid you all adieu.
AcidCat
Mock the Week vs Big Brother
Very inexact quotes, which sadly lose a lot of their comic effect (I'm not a gifted comedian).
"The only programme Jackie (Jade Goody's mum) should be in is "Celebrities get sterilised for the good of humanity". "
"On eviction night in the house, the producers should play a sound effect of silence, followed by a single gun shot."
"Jade Goody is our fault. We've promoted her beyond her abilities, and expected her to have a reasonable opinion. It's like training a monkey as a butler, and complaining that instead of ironing your shirt it just keeps flinging shit around. Of course it flings its shit around it's just a monkey!"
"People in India have declared "Death to the makers of Big Brother" (i.e. Endemol, the TV production company). Won't that liven up Deal or No Deal? If Noel ends up saying: "What's in box 2? Is it 1p, £50,000 or a Tamil Tiger?"."
Mock the Week is a genuinely funny programme which isn't dumbed down, and occasionally enters the boundaries of satire. The host Dara O'Brien is warm and funny, and the guests have an easy rapport.
Compare this to the brain dead Big Brother on Channel 4. I don't really know much about the racism row as I haven't been watching it, but I think the whole programme is an insult to our intelligence, and if we end up with tv covered with programmes like this it's our own fault for watching it. Turn off Big Brother and watch Mock the Week.
AcidCat
"The only programme Jackie (Jade Goody's mum) should be in is "Celebrities get sterilised for the good of humanity". "
"On eviction night in the house, the producers should play a sound effect of silence, followed by a single gun shot."
"Jade Goody is our fault. We've promoted her beyond her abilities, and expected her to have a reasonable opinion. It's like training a monkey as a butler, and complaining that instead of ironing your shirt it just keeps flinging shit around. Of course it flings its shit around it's just a monkey!"
"People in India have declared "Death to the makers of Big Brother" (i.e. Endemol, the TV production company). Won't that liven up Deal or No Deal? If Noel ends up saying: "What's in box 2? Is it 1p, £50,000 or a Tamil Tiger?"."
Mock the Week is a genuinely funny programme which isn't dumbed down, and occasionally enters the boundaries of satire. The host Dara O'Brien is warm and funny, and the guests have an easy rapport.
Compare this to the brain dead Big Brother on Channel 4. I don't really know much about the racism row as I haven't been watching it, but I think the whole programme is an insult to our intelligence, and if we end up with tv covered with programmes like this it's our own fault for watching it. Turn off Big Brother and watch Mock the Week.
AcidCat
Help
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
Now, but now these days are gone, I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find, I've changed my mind, I've opened up the door.
Help me if you can I'm feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me?
But now my life has changed in oh so many ways,
My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
But every now and then I feel so insecure,
I know that I just need you like I've never done before.
Help me if you can I'm feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me?
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
Now, but now these days are gone, I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find, I've changed my mind, I've opened up the door.
Help me if you can I'm feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me?
Help me.
Help me!
(c) Lennon and McCartney
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
Now, but now these days are gone, I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find, I've changed my mind, I've opened up the door.
Help me if you can I'm feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me?
But now my life has changed in oh so many ways,
My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
But every now and then I feel so insecure,
I know that I just need you like I've never done before.
Help me if you can I'm feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me?
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
Now, but now these days are gone, I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find, I've changed my mind, I've opened up the door.
Help me if you can I'm feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me?
Help me.
Help me!
(c) Lennon and McCartney
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Only in my dreams
Last night I had a dream I was in the town where I met The One who Got Away. It's not unreasonable, next week I'm moving back there for a few months. I dreamed we decided to give it another go. It felt fantastic. It was a shock to wake up again, and not really pleasant. I did feel whole again for the time I was dreaming.
I thought I'd got past those dreams. I'd rather not think about it at all, than have these moments of happiness which vanish like a haze on waking.
AcidCat
I thought I'd got past those dreams. I'd rather not think about it at all, than have these moments of happiness which vanish like a haze on waking.
AcidCat
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sublime to the ridiculous
I had my second session shadowing a volunteer at the hospice today.
I was shadowing a wonderful, friendly lady called Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was a recently retired midwife, who had been intensely linked with the hospice from the days when it was just an idea being fundraised for. She is absolutely charming, shiny and sparkly, and I'm sure she was a wonderful nurse to have had.
In the short session, I learnt a lot. One of the things I was worried about with volunteering at an hospice where the patients had terminal illness, was how I should approach them. Should I be cheerful and happy, or treat everyone with the solemn gravitas that the situation might need? She showed me that by being a ray of sunshine (while being aware of the feelings of the patients and their loved ones) it could make the difficult time slightly better.
She is an absolute gem.
I've met so many lovely people there who care so much and are so nice. The hardworking medical staff, volunteers and admin are amazing. The patients are dealing with their situation with dignity and stoicism. Support your local hospice, whether by donating money or time or skills. They are amazing organisations, and you never know when someone you know may need help.
-----
On a slightly more mundane note, there seems to be a bit of a craze with young kids with shoes with wheels in the heels which lets them slide around. As a big kid who should be too old for these things, (but never really grew up), I whinged to my younger brother that these shoes didn't come in my size as the manufacturers carelessly overlooked the possibility that twentysomething people might feel like sliding around like they were aged seven.
Being the computer whizz that he is, he started searching online, and found some shoes on Ebay called kick rollers, that are shoes that transform into skates at the touch of a button.
They arrived today! I've been sliding around happily this evening. They're basically a novelty, I don't think they're very good as shoes or skates, but they're fun! Good for the big kids!
Waiting for the packages is a royal grade A columbian pain in the neck. I really wish these delivery companies would give a more exact time than "Yeah, we'll probably deliver some point on Tuesday some point between 8 am and 6pm. Probably. And if you miss us, you can always pick up your parcel from your local depot 30 miles away. Which is open between 12pm and 12:05pm."
Rant over.
And I abandoned the ape diet today. I think it was a success. My general digestive system seems to have enjoyed the clean out, I learnt a new appreciation for salads and raw fruit, veg and nuts. I also learnt to really appreciate cooked food.
I broke it with some rice, turkey and cooked sugar snap peas, lightly stir fried.
It was delicious.
I'm going to take some lessons from the ape diet and eat healthier, and maybe go back on it occasional weekends to give my body a light detox.
Keep rolling, rolling, rolling, rawhide!
AcidCat
I was shadowing a wonderful, friendly lady called Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was a recently retired midwife, who had been intensely linked with the hospice from the days when it was just an idea being fundraised for. She is absolutely charming, shiny and sparkly, and I'm sure she was a wonderful nurse to have had.
In the short session, I learnt a lot. One of the things I was worried about with volunteering at an hospice where the patients had terminal illness, was how I should approach them. Should I be cheerful and happy, or treat everyone with the solemn gravitas that the situation might need? She showed me that by being a ray of sunshine (while being aware of the feelings of the patients and their loved ones) it could make the difficult time slightly better.
She is an absolute gem.
I've met so many lovely people there who care so much and are so nice. The hardworking medical staff, volunteers and admin are amazing. The patients are dealing with their situation with dignity and stoicism. Support your local hospice, whether by donating money or time or skills. They are amazing organisations, and you never know when someone you know may need help.
-----
On a slightly more mundane note, there seems to be a bit of a craze with young kids with shoes with wheels in the heels which lets them slide around. As a big kid who should be too old for these things, (but never really grew up), I whinged to my younger brother that these shoes didn't come in my size as the manufacturers carelessly overlooked the possibility that twentysomething people might feel like sliding around like they were aged seven.
Being the computer whizz that he is, he started searching online, and found some shoes on Ebay called kick rollers, that are shoes that transform into skates at the touch of a button.
They arrived today! I've been sliding around happily this evening. They're basically a novelty, I don't think they're very good as shoes or skates, but they're fun! Good for the big kids!
Waiting for the packages is a royal grade A columbian pain in the neck. I really wish these delivery companies would give a more exact time than "Yeah, we'll probably deliver some point on Tuesday some point between 8 am and 6pm. Probably. And if you miss us, you can always pick up your parcel from your local depot 30 miles away. Which is open between 12pm and 12:05pm."
Rant over.
And I abandoned the ape diet today. I think it was a success. My general digestive system seems to have enjoyed the clean out, I learnt a new appreciation for salads and raw fruit, veg and nuts. I also learnt to really appreciate cooked food.
I broke it with some rice, turkey and cooked sugar snap peas, lightly stir fried.
It was delicious.
I'm going to take some lessons from the ape diet and eat healthier, and maybe go back on it occasional weekends to give my body a light detox.
Keep rolling, rolling, rolling, rawhide!
AcidCat
Monday, January 15, 2007
Quick update
Still on the ape diet, but cheated with a bit of salmon. Salmon sashimi (raw salmon) isn't particularly nice without the japanese soy sauce or wasabi to bring the mild flavour out, it's mainly a texture. It was nice plain fried though, but I think that's in part due to being on a raw fruit and veg diet. It fries well in it's own oil, producing plenty to make it brown and crispy, and it's very good to have medium rare which keeps it nice, moist and soft. Eating fish makes the salads considerably easier to eat.
My boss got in touch today, and am planning to start work again next week. Should be exciting.
I went to a first aid evening with St. John Ambulance tonight. It was quite interesting, and could be fun. I plan to do the training when I come back in a couple of months now.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
AcidCat
My boss got in touch today, and am planning to start work again next week. Should be exciting.
I went to a first aid evening with St. John Ambulance tonight. It was quite interesting, and could be fun. I plan to do the training when I come back in a couple of months now.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
AcidCat
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Danny Wallace - What a guy
I've managed to prove myself wrong. This is officially my 11th post, so my prediction that this would go the way of many blogs and give up within about 10 posts is wrong. Small pat on my back time.
I've been a bit of a fan of Danny Wallace since the "Are you Dave Gorman?" project, which I watched on TV, then read the book. I felt that Dave Gorman lost it a little bit with his "Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure", but Danny's solo book "Join Me" was wonderful. It was great as a book, and an incredibly worthwhile project for good in the world. Not bad for a "boy project".
Anyway, I recently read the book by Danny Wallace called "Yes Man". It's been out for quite a while, just hadn't got round to reading it. I found it a bit depressing, as he starts the book having just been dumped by a long-term significant other, which had a lot of resonance for me. It's about what happens when he tries to say "Yes" to every offer and question for most of a year. And follow through with it. I don't want to spoil the book for any of you (and you should all read it if you haven't already done so: it's great), but it's quite inspiring, and even finds the time to discuss a bit of philosophy about saying "yes" and "no" (admittedly pub philosophy, but fun and interesting anyway).
I decided saying "yes" would be a good thing for me to do. Not as insanely as he managed, but more in line to his guru, who issued the simple edict "Say yes more". I think I can manage that. I can say yes more. I can stop making excuses not to go out to stuff and see people. I can be more positive. (Incidentally this moment of lucidity inspired the blog title). I regret things I didn't say "yes" to in my failed relationship, I think possibly all may have been well if I had said "yes" instead of "no" or "maybe". (It's sadly a bit late for this epiphany).
But anyway, I enjoyed the book so much, and found it made such a difference to me, I emailed Danny to tell him.
Unexpectedly, he sent a short email back thanking me and hoping things get better for me.
What a guy! (Incidentally his friend Ian sounds like a really sweet guy, in Join Me and Yes Man. Was he the Talk Radio UK DJ from the 90s or just a namesake.)
Ok, I realise I'm getting excited over a short email, but it would have been very easy for him to just go "Oh, that's nice" or "More junk mail - hit delete". I appreciated the minutes it took for him to tap out a little reply.
Say "Yes" more.
On an aside, watched the Kylie "Homecoming" tour on Channel 4 last night. Kylie is lovely. She looked fantastic, particularly in the cat costume and boxing gloves ensemble she wore for "Red Blooded Woman". Kylie, if you read this (unlikely, I don't think anyone is), I'm so glad you're better, you rock completely in every style of music you turn your hand to (except rap, those moments were shaky, so "Vogue" suffered a bit), all the songs sounded brilliant and fresh (I preferred lots of the live songs to the studio sets) and you look awesome.
(I'm a bit of a fan of Ms. Minogue Sr.)
(Another aside, great line when Al Murray was interviewing Jason Donovan, the gist of which being:
Last year was a bad one for Kylie, when we all found out her terrible news: She was seeing a french bloke.
Ok, it made me giggle...)
OK, starting to ramble now, so I'm going to stop here.
Love to you all,
AcidCat
I've been a bit of a fan of Danny Wallace since the "Are you Dave Gorman?" project, which I watched on TV, then read the book. I felt that Dave Gorman lost it a little bit with his "Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure", but Danny's solo book "Join Me" was wonderful. It was great as a book, and an incredibly worthwhile project for good in the world. Not bad for a "boy project".
Anyway, I recently read the book by Danny Wallace called "Yes Man". It's been out for quite a while, just hadn't got round to reading it. I found it a bit depressing, as he starts the book having just been dumped by a long-term significant other, which had a lot of resonance for me. It's about what happens when he tries to say "Yes" to every offer and question for most of a year. And follow through with it. I don't want to spoil the book for any of you (and you should all read it if you haven't already done so: it's great), but it's quite inspiring, and even finds the time to discuss a bit of philosophy about saying "yes" and "no" (admittedly pub philosophy, but fun and interesting anyway).
I decided saying "yes" would be a good thing for me to do. Not as insanely as he managed, but more in line to his guru, who issued the simple edict "Say yes more". I think I can manage that. I can say yes more. I can stop making excuses not to go out to stuff and see people. I can be more positive. (Incidentally this moment of lucidity inspired the blog title). I regret things I didn't say "yes" to in my failed relationship, I think possibly all may have been well if I had said "yes" instead of "no" or "maybe". (It's sadly a bit late for this epiphany).
But anyway, I enjoyed the book so much, and found it made such a difference to me, I emailed Danny to tell him.
Unexpectedly, he sent a short email back thanking me and hoping things get better for me.
What a guy! (Incidentally his friend Ian sounds like a really sweet guy, in Join Me and Yes Man. Was he the Talk Radio UK DJ from the 90s or just a namesake.)
Ok, I realise I'm getting excited over a short email, but it would have been very easy for him to just go "Oh, that's nice" or "More junk mail - hit delete". I appreciated the minutes it took for him to tap out a little reply.
Say "Yes" more.
On an aside, watched the Kylie "Homecoming" tour on Channel 4 last night. Kylie is lovely. She looked fantastic, particularly in the cat costume and boxing gloves ensemble she wore for "Red Blooded Woman". Kylie, if you read this (unlikely, I don't think anyone is), I'm so glad you're better, you rock completely in every style of music you turn your hand to (except rap, those moments were shaky, so "Vogue" suffered a bit), all the songs sounded brilliant and fresh (I preferred lots of the live songs to the studio sets) and you look awesome.
(I'm a bit of a fan of Ms. Minogue Sr.)
(Another aside, great line when Al Murray was interviewing Jason Donovan, the gist of which being:
Last year was a bad one for Kylie, when we all found out her terrible news: She was seeing a french bloke.
Ok, it made me giggle...)
OK, starting to ramble now, so I'm going to stop here.
Love to you all,
AcidCat
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Start of the ape diet
Hi guys,
Been doing this ape diet since this morning. I was going to track my blood pressure to see if it made much difference, but there were two flaws in the plan. First, when I read it this morning as a pre-diet value, it was already in the optimum band for blood pressure (scoring 114/73), so it probably won't shift much. Secondly, I don't think I'll be able to maintain this diet for very long at all.
Lunch today was painful. I'm not a salad person normally, so all of it was a bit of a shock. I made a big bowl of salad from carrots, radishes, celery, spinach, baby sweetcorn, sugarsnap peas, asparagus tips, and it tasted terrible. The saving grace was when I added avocado, spring onion, pine kernels and sunflower seeds, making it bearable. It was a true effort though, tiring out my jaw, and making me feel bloated without being full. The last few forkfuls had to be forced down.
For dinner, I slightly cheated and had grilled mackerel fillets plain, with a little more salad (using yellow pepper, cucumber and spinach. The mackerel was used on the ape diet when they hit the fishing era of evolution. It really hit the spot, and was really enjoyable, particularly after the rabbit-food lunch.
Anyway, am feeling full even now. Have definitely managed the government prescribed 5 portions of fruit and veg for today; having seen the portion sizes prescribed, I'm probably up to about 50 portions.
Will try and do at least one more day, but my will power is starting to slip already.
AcidCat
Been doing this ape diet since this morning. I was going to track my blood pressure to see if it made much difference, but there were two flaws in the plan. First, when I read it this morning as a pre-diet value, it was already in the optimum band for blood pressure (scoring 114/73), so it probably won't shift much. Secondly, I don't think I'll be able to maintain this diet for very long at all.
Lunch today was painful. I'm not a salad person normally, so all of it was a bit of a shock. I made a big bowl of salad from carrots, radishes, celery, spinach, baby sweetcorn, sugarsnap peas, asparagus tips, and it tasted terrible. The saving grace was when I added avocado, spring onion, pine kernels and sunflower seeds, making it bearable. It was a true effort though, tiring out my jaw, and making me feel bloated without being full. The last few forkfuls had to be forced down.
For dinner, I slightly cheated and had grilled mackerel fillets plain, with a little more salad (using yellow pepper, cucumber and spinach. The mackerel was used on the ape diet when they hit the fishing era of evolution. It really hit the spot, and was really enjoyable, particularly after the rabbit-food lunch.
Anyway, am feeling full even now. Have definitely managed the government prescribed 5 portions of fruit and veg for today; having seen the portion sizes prescribed, I'm probably up to about 50 portions.
Will try and do at least one more day, but my will power is starting to slip already.
AcidCat
Friday, January 12, 2007
Public service announcement - volunteer!
I've been thinking of applying to read medicine for a while now. I've started volunteering at the local hospice, which looks after those people with terminal illnesses. I had my first session there yesterday, shadowing an experienced volunteer.
I enjoyed it. It was only my first session of 3 hours, but it did show a few things. Firstly, it emphasised one of the main points of work experience for medicine applicants: it ain't as glamorous as ER. It's pretty menial (I realise that as an unqualified volunteer the tasks are less interesting, but still, it's not rock and roll) and hard work. It's not easy being around very ill and sad people, and it makes it harder to feel relaxed.
One of the things I realised though was that it's easy to make a difference. Just making tea and coffee for the relatives visiting (the main task for the volunteers as far as I can see) seems to make the visit easier for them, and anything to help at such a difficult time is worthwhile.
If you were thinking you've got nothing to do, try volunteering. There's so much you can do, if you are more into animals, help at a cat shelter. If you like being outdoors, there are lots of placements helping in nature. Whatever your interest: young people, law and order, administration, advice, gardening, people, animals, conservation, music, dancing, cooking or something else, there's a good placement for you, all over the country.
Convinced? Look into volunteering now!
AcidCat
I enjoyed it. It was only my first session of 3 hours, but it did show a few things. Firstly, it emphasised one of the main points of work experience for medicine applicants: it ain't as glamorous as ER. It's pretty menial (I realise that as an unqualified volunteer the tasks are less interesting, but still, it's not rock and roll) and hard work. It's not easy being around very ill and sad people, and it makes it harder to feel relaxed.
One of the things I realised though was that it's easy to make a difference. Just making tea and coffee for the relatives visiting (the main task for the volunteers as far as I can see) seems to make the visit easier for them, and anything to help at such a difficult time is worthwhile.
If you were thinking you've got nothing to do, try volunteering. There's so much you can do, if you are more into animals, help at a cat shelter. If you like being outdoors, there are lots of placements helping in nature. Whatever your interest: young people, law and order, administration, advice, gardening, people, animals, conservation, music, dancing, cooking or something else, there's a good placement for you, all over the country.
Convinced? Look into volunteering now!
AcidCat
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Eat like an ape
Hi guys,
I've been watching the BBC documentary "The truth about food". I was astonished by the success of the people with high cholesterol on a raw fruit and veg diet (called the Evo diet), designed to mimic the hunter-gatherer origins of our predecessor's food sources. After 12 days on the diet, it had made significant improvements to their health, comparable to using medicine to control the symptoms.
I have therefore decided to have a stab at the diet. I don't suffer from high blood pressure, or diabetes, I'd like to feel healthier and more energetic though, and hope this might help. I've tried faddy diets before, particularly a detox one where you eat nothing, and drink water and fruit juices for 3-5 days. I've never done Atkins, as I think it's unhealthy, and I have some objections on animal respect grounds (I'm not veggie, but I agree with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's disgust at meat becoming the next "diet coke", the animal deserves better).
I'll have a stab at it, probably starting Saturday, and see how it goes. I love cooked food, and love meat. Salmon sashimi isn't out, but as you're not allowed salt, it rules out soy and wasabi which will spoil it badly. I'm going to suffer. On the plus side, I don't really drink tea or coffee or eat chocolate, so ruling out caffeine isn't going to be hard, and being nearly teetotal, not having alcohol should be a piece of (raw carrot)cake.
Will let you know how it comes along.
Love
AcidCat
I've been watching the BBC documentary "The truth about food". I was astonished by the success of the people with high cholesterol on a raw fruit and veg diet (called the Evo diet), designed to mimic the hunter-gatherer origins of our predecessor's food sources. After 12 days on the diet, it had made significant improvements to their health, comparable to using medicine to control the symptoms.
I have therefore decided to have a stab at the diet. I don't suffer from high blood pressure, or diabetes, I'd like to feel healthier and more energetic though, and hope this might help. I've tried faddy diets before, particularly a detox one where you eat nothing, and drink water and fruit juices for 3-5 days. I've never done Atkins, as I think it's unhealthy, and I have some objections on animal respect grounds (I'm not veggie, but I agree with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's disgust at meat becoming the next "diet coke", the animal deserves better).
I'll have a stab at it, probably starting Saturday, and see how it goes. I love cooked food, and love meat. Salmon sashimi isn't out, but as you're not allowed salt, it rules out soy and wasabi which will spoil it badly. I'm going to suffer. On the plus side, I don't really drink tea or coffee or eat chocolate, so ruling out caffeine isn't going to be hard, and being nearly teetotal, not having alcohol should be a piece of (raw carrot)cake.
Will let you know how it comes along.
Love
AcidCat
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Depression
Finally got round to watching Stephen Fry's documentary on manic depression from about a month ago.
I'm not suffering from manic depression, I don't have the huge highs that accompany the lows. A lot of it did ring true though. Just like the interviewees, I was pretty resistant to getting help,
and only sought treatment when I recently had a breakdown and really couldn't cope. Even then, I had to be told to by various people. I didn't want to admit how serious it was, and was really against the idea of medication. Mental illness does have a stigma attached, even internally.
Unluckily, the first GP I saw was a complete waste of space. He basically implied it wasn't a real problem, I was just feeling a bit upset. He said to take a few days off and then carry on. Thanks. So basically I soldiered on until my boss basically said I was being unproductive and needed to get serious help, and maybe take an extended period of leave.
It was only then, when I went home and saw a doctor away from Cambridge that things started to improve. The GP I saw at home had time to speak to me, treated me like a human being, instead of just making me fill out a numerical form to diagnose my mental state, suggested medication and course of treatments, and emphasised to see him whenever, booking a double appointment if necessary if I needed to talk things over.
This made all the difference. If you're having problems with depression, I really would suggest getting help as soon as possible. I tried braving it out for a while, taking St. John's Wort. I think if I'd got help sooner, I'd have felt better sooner. The St. John's Wort meant I had to wait longer to start the more standard medication (Prozac) as it's unclear how long you need to leave between taking them (all that's really known is that taking both together at the same time is BAD!).
Also if you're GP isn't taking you seriously or isn't helpful, just see someone else. You really shouldn't have to put up with it.
Anyway, goodnight everyone, and good mental health.
AcidCat
PS. If you're looking for somewhere to waste a few minutes try DonutGames. I've been playing around with their puzzle games. Their "Funny Faces" and "Legend of Aladdin" are worth a go, and their "Reversi" is fun if a little easy. For a change of pace I've enjoyed "Spikey's Bounce Around" and been wasting a lot of time on "Laser Trap", which is a bit like the game "Qix", but I'm failing to get past level 9 on it. If anyone has helpful advice for it other than "Be less crap", I'd be interested...
I'm not suffering from manic depression, I don't have the huge highs that accompany the lows. A lot of it did ring true though. Just like the interviewees, I was pretty resistant to getting help,
and only sought treatment when I recently had a breakdown and really couldn't cope. Even then, I had to be told to by various people. I didn't want to admit how serious it was, and was really against the idea of medication. Mental illness does have a stigma attached, even internally.
Unluckily, the first GP I saw was a complete waste of space. He basically implied it wasn't a real problem, I was just feeling a bit upset. He said to take a few days off and then carry on. Thanks. So basically I soldiered on until my boss basically said I was being unproductive and needed to get serious help, and maybe take an extended period of leave.
It was only then, when I went home and saw a doctor away from Cambridge that things started to improve. The GP I saw at home had time to speak to me, treated me like a human being, instead of just making me fill out a numerical form to diagnose my mental state, suggested medication and course of treatments, and emphasised to see him whenever, booking a double appointment if necessary if I needed to talk things over.
This made all the difference. If you're having problems with depression, I really would suggest getting help as soon as possible. I tried braving it out for a while, taking St. John's Wort. I think if I'd got help sooner, I'd have felt better sooner. The St. John's Wort meant I had to wait longer to start the more standard medication (Prozac) as it's unclear how long you need to leave between taking them (all that's really known is that taking both together at the same time is BAD!).
Also if you're GP isn't taking you seriously or isn't helpful, just see someone else. You really shouldn't have to put up with it.
Anyway, goodnight everyone, and good mental health.
AcidCat
PS. If you're looking for somewhere to waste a few minutes try DonutGames. I've been playing around with their puzzle games. Their "Funny Faces" and "Legend of Aladdin" are worth a go, and their "Reversi" is fun if a little easy. For a change of pace I've enjoyed "Spikey's Bounce Around" and been wasting a lot of time on "Laser Trap", which is a bit like the game "Qix", but I'm failing to get past level 9 on it. If anyone has helpful advice for it other than "Be less crap", I'd be interested...
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Unsweet dreams
I dreamed about her last night.
I dreamed she decided to come back to me. Everything was happier, but I think in the misty dreamlike state I still was aware that it wasn't quite real. It wasn't quite the nasty horrendous shock on waking as it all was straight after the event.
I think that maybe my subconscious has been waiting for me to feel a bit better before making me confront it slowly. I think it's forcing me to confront everything to make me heal.
People told me it would take time, and would have it's own natural rhythm to heal, and that I couldn't force it. I didn't believe them until now.
Anyway, receiving the lovely emails from the dance teacher made me realise how much a kind thought can affect the life of someone. It felt great. So, if you're reading this, get in touch with one of your friends, maybe one who you never have time for but is wonderful. Tell them how great they are and make their day. It might even make your day.
Till the next time.
AcidCat
I dreamed she decided to come back to me. Everything was happier, but I think in the misty dreamlike state I still was aware that it wasn't quite real. It wasn't quite the nasty horrendous shock on waking as it all was straight after the event.
I think that maybe my subconscious has been waiting for me to feel a bit better before making me confront it slowly. I think it's forcing me to confront everything to make me heal.
People told me it would take time, and would have it's own natural rhythm to heal, and that I couldn't force it. I didn't believe them until now.
Anyway, receiving the lovely emails from the dance teacher made me realise how much a kind thought can affect the life of someone. It felt great. So, if you're reading this, get in touch with one of your friends, maybe one who you never have time for but is wonderful. Tell them how great they are and make their day. It might even make your day.
Till the next time.
AcidCat
Monday, January 08, 2007
You can never go back
Hi again,
I've been away to the place where I studied as an undergraduate and first met The One who Got Away. It was a seriously weird feeling. Everything was similar, but different. You can never go back and have those same happy experiences and have those great times, and you just have to make new ones.
Anyway, it was weird returning. It was quite nice returning to the group and seeing everyone for the first time in months. Everyone made me feel welcome and as if I'd been a bit missed which was nice.
I also got an incredibly sweet email from my ex-dance teacher saying she hoped she'd see me again even though I've left and saying it was fun. She's lovely.
Anyway, I don't know what to really say, so I'll leave it there.
AcidCat
I've been away to the place where I studied as an undergraduate and first met The One who Got Away. It was a seriously weird feeling. Everything was similar, but different. You can never go back and have those same happy experiences and have those great times, and you just have to make new ones.
Anyway, it was weird returning. It was quite nice returning to the group and seeing everyone for the first time in months. Everyone made me feel welcome and as if I'd been a bit missed which was nice.
I also got an incredibly sweet email from my ex-dance teacher saying she hoped she'd see me again even though I've left and saying it was fun. She's lovely.
Anyway, I don't know what to really say, so I'll leave it there.
AcidCat
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Heartbreak Hotel
Still feeling a bit melancholy today. I had more dreams of her last night. I also remembered another relationship that fell victim to the curse of 2006; one of my workmates who had been engaged had the girl break it off. 2006: officially the year of the girlfriend bitch.
Picked up a guitar for the first time in a while today. Was leafing through my Beatles songbook, and was surprised at how many songs that are depressing post-breakup. Love is a bitch. Sang the beautiful "Here, There and Everywhere", which again is a bit depressing, but even through my rusty playing and dodgy voice is almost spiritual. That and "Here comes the Sun" are the best Beatles songs. Sadly, I don't have the skill to play the latter, but I think George Harrison was a genius.
Am currently listening to Bright Eyes - "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning". Possibly the best album to listen to when recovering from heartbreak. Let's you wallow in the misery, with a hint that things might get better eventually. But to be honest, anything that doesn't remind you of the person who ripped your life apart, and shattered your heart.
Things I recommend for recovering from having your heart trampled on:
However, I think "Scrubs" is possibly the finest TV program going. For starters, it's a sitcom which doesn't have a laughter track (good start). Secondly, it blends a lot of random types of humour; a fair chunk of slapstick, some very good verbal gags, visual jokes, some predictable but still funny innuendo (props to The Todd), and some great characters with great running jokes (like the violent amnesiac).
It is fantastic. It has very sympathetic characters, who you feel for and want to succeed. They may be a bit cartoony, but most have depth, particularly the excellent Dr. Cox. It's soapy and sentimental without being schmaltzy.
And it can make you forget all your problems and all the ills in the world for a little while. Which is reason enough to watch it all on its own. Just make sure you have it on tape, or they're showing a double bill, as one episode just isn't enough. I'm deeply sad to hear the end of the programme is likely to happen as Zach Braff apparently doesn't want to do more Scrubs after the ones he's agreed to, to pursue his movie career. I just hope he reconsiders.
Anyway, as this list is taking a long time, and I've still got a lot more to write, and it's late and I should probably go to bed soon, I'll end this list here, and continue in a later post.
G'night y'all
AcidCat
P.S. Finished my tax return today! Yay! It's a hell of a relief.
Picked up a guitar for the first time in a while today. Was leafing through my Beatles songbook, and was surprised at how many songs that are depressing post-breakup. Love is a bitch. Sang the beautiful "Here, There and Everywhere", which again is a bit depressing, but even through my rusty playing and dodgy voice is almost spiritual. That and "Here comes the Sun" are the best Beatles songs. Sadly, I don't have the skill to play the latter, but I think George Harrison was a genius.
Am currently listening to Bright Eyes - "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning". Possibly the best album to listen to when recovering from heartbreak. Let's you wallow in the misery, with a hint that things might get better eventually. But to be honest, anything that doesn't remind you of the person who ripped your life apart, and shattered your heart.
Things I recommend for recovering from having your heart trampled on:
- Listen to "Bright Eyes - "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning".
- Watch "Scrubs".
However, I think "Scrubs" is possibly the finest TV program going. For starters, it's a sitcom which doesn't have a laughter track (good start). Secondly, it blends a lot of random types of humour; a fair chunk of slapstick, some very good verbal gags, visual jokes, some predictable but still funny innuendo (props to The Todd), and some great characters with great running jokes (like the violent amnesiac).
It is fantastic. It has very sympathetic characters, who you feel for and want to succeed. They may be a bit cartoony, but most have depth, particularly the excellent Dr. Cox. It's soapy and sentimental without being schmaltzy.
And it can make you forget all your problems and all the ills in the world for a little while. Which is reason enough to watch it all on its own. Just make sure you have it on tape, or they're showing a double bill, as one episode just isn't enough. I'm deeply sad to hear the end of the programme is likely to happen as Zach Braff apparently doesn't want to do more Scrubs after the ones he's agreed to, to pursue his movie career. I just hope he reconsiders.
- Feed the ducks
Anyway, as this list is taking a long time, and I've still got a lot more to write, and it's late and I should probably go to bed soon, I'll end this list here, and continue in a later post.
G'night y'all
AcidCat
P.S. Finished my tax return today! Yay! It's a hell of a relief.
Friday, January 05, 2007
2006 - a bad vintage year for relationships
Me again.
Just thinking about the past year today.
The main reason that 2006 was so particularly, spectacularly bad for me was that the love of my life, the girl who I really thought I'd grow old with, and above all, my very best friend (in fact probably my only really close friend outside of immediate family) decided she didn't want to be with me any more. It hit me so hard that I'm only just starting to come to terms with it now.
Anyway, to help me get my life back on track, I have spent more time emailing and speaking to friends than I did previously (bringing my social contact level from appalling to just very bad). There were a few people in particular who have been supporting me really well and showing concern, and just helping me get better (including my extremely patient boss). I emailed one of my friends who has been fab to me to wish him happy new year. I just received a friendly reply, but he's having a shit time too. Towards the end of 2006, his girl decided she didn't want to be with him either, which he is devastated by too.
Anyway, it just got me thinking. This is really wooly thinking, but both of us had significant, long relationships end last year, and one of the few married couples I know separated and started to divorce. I just wonder if 2006 was an horrendous year for relationships. I'm massively sceptical about most mystical things, but it does make me wonder if there is anything in dates and horoscopes (especially as around the time I started going out with The One who Got Away there were a spate of relationships which started around then).
So, if you're reading this and are lucky enough to be with someone you love, make sure you give them a hug and/or a kiss, let them know how much you love them and how much they mean to you. You really don't realise quite how lucky and special your life is, and how little the petty things matter, until it's all taken away from you.
And on that happy, cheery note, have a good weekend y'all.
AcidCat
Just thinking about the past year today.
The main reason that 2006 was so particularly, spectacularly bad for me was that the love of my life, the girl who I really thought I'd grow old with, and above all, my very best friend (in fact probably my only really close friend outside of immediate family) decided she didn't want to be with me any more. It hit me so hard that I'm only just starting to come to terms with it now.
Anyway, to help me get my life back on track, I have spent more time emailing and speaking to friends than I did previously (bringing my social contact level from appalling to just very bad). There were a few people in particular who have been supporting me really well and showing concern, and just helping me get better (including my extremely patient boss). I emailed one of my friends who has been fab to me to wish him happy new year. I just received a friendly reply, but he's having a shit time too. Towards the end of 2006, his girl decided she didn't want to be with him either, which he is devastated by too.
Anyway, it just got me thinking. This is really wooly thinking, but both of us had significant, long relationships end last year, and one of the few married couples I know separated and started to divorce. I just wonder if 2006 was an horrendous year for relationships. I'm massively sceptical about most mystical things, but it does make me wonder if there is anything in dates and horoscopes (especially as around the time I started going out with The One who Got Away there were a spate of relationships which started around then).
So, if you're reading this and are lucky enough to be with someone you love, make sure you give them a hug and/or a kiss, let them know how much you love them and how much they mean to you. You really don't realise quite how lucky and special your life is, and how little the petty things matter, until it's all taken away from you.
And on that happy, cheery note, have a good weekend y'all.
AcidCat
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Tax returns suck
Hi everybody (Hi Dr. Nick!)
I've spent today trying to sort out filing my self-assessment tax return before the deadline on January 31. I know I should have sorted it before, I know I had since April to do it, I just didn't get round to it.
It is EVIL!!!
Seriously, so much hassle. Going through all your bank and building society accounts and stuff, working out your interest. The website is constantly overloaded and impossible to get onto. The tech support guy from the Inland Revenue blamed it on things that I knew blatantly weren't the problem (First he tried to blame my use of the superior Mozilla Firefox and tried to get me to use the stodgy, bug-ridden, festering pile of turd that is IE. Then he blamed the fact I had auto-complete on despite me telling him it shouldn't matter). After this he said he couldn't hang onto the line any longer, and then buggered off. Not good for blood pressure.
Anyway, also spent time emailing a few of the people who I neglected this Xmas period. I emailed them to say hi, and to say thanks as they were all people who helped me through some of the shit I've been through over the horrendous past few months.
Seriously, if any of you were the people who have been helping me recently, I can't thank you all enough. My life was pretty desperate, and although it's not all roses now, you've all helped me realise that I might have some future ahead of me. You're all amazing and I love you all.
I've spent today trying to sort out filing my self-assessment tax return before the deadline on January 31. I know I should have sorted it before, I know I had since April to do it, I just didn't get round to it.
It is EVIL!!!
Seriously, so much hassle. Going through all your bank and building society accounts and stuff, working out your interest. The website is constantly overloaded and impossible to get onto. The tech support guy from the Inland Revenue blamed it on things that I knew blatantly weren't the problem (First he tried to blame my use of the superior Mozilla Firefox and tried to get me to use the stodgy, bug-ridden, festering pile of turd that is IE. Then he blamed the fact I had auto-complete on despite me telling him it shouldn't matter). After this he said he couldn't hang onto the line any longer, and then buggered off. Not good for blood pressure.
Anyway, also spent time emailing a few of the people who I neglected this Xmas period. I emailed them to say hi, and to say thanks as they were all people who helped me through some of the shit I've been through over the horrendous past few months.
Seriously, if any of you were the people who have been helping me recently, I can't thank you all enough. My life was pretty desperate, and although it's not all roses now, you've all helped me realise that I might have some future ahead of me. You're all amazing and I love you all.
New start
Hi guys.
I bet there's a huge spike for people who start blogs around now, just after new year. And then give up one or two posts deep.
So here is me with my good intentions. I'm planning on blogging small amounts infrequently, but then again I'm sure so are most other new bloggers round about now.
Anyway, lets start.
I'm in a big period of change in my life at the moment. I've had the shittiest year of my entire life last year, and am hoping that 2007 is a darn sight better. Seriously, last year was one to forget. I ended up deeply depressed and am only just getting over it all. I ended up having to take months off work (which I wasn't enjoying either) and now I'm looking forward to getting back.
Anyway, if anyone works out who I am, please feel free to contact me, you'll probably have my email address, and I'd love to hear from any old friends who lost touch and fancy catching back up.
And if anyone fancies being a new friend, I could always do with another ;)
Anyway, if you got this far, thanks for reading, please leave a comment to let me know I'm not just shouting to the abyss (no matter how brief {but preferably polite!})...
Love to all, and here's to a good 2007!
AcidCat
P.S. I'm typing this listening to Celebrity Big Brother. Davina McCall must die! I think this bunch of Z-list celebs are going to be pretty irritating.
I bet there's a huge spike for people who start blogs around now, just after new year. And then give up one or two posts deep.
So here is me with my good intentions. I'm planning on blogging small amounts infrequently, but then again I'm sure so are most other new bloggers round about now.
Anyway, lets start.
I'm in a big period of change in my life at the moment. I've had the shittiest year of my entire life last year, and am hoping that 2007 is a darn sight better. Seriously, last year was one to forget. I ended up deeply depressed and am only just getting over it all. I ended up having to take months off work (which I wasn't enjoying either) and now I'm looking forward to getting back.
Anyway, if anyone works out who I am, please feel free to contact me, you'll probably have my email address, and I'd love to hear from any old friends who lost touch and fancy catching back up.
And if anyone fancies being a new friend, I could always do with another ;)
Anyway, if you got this far, thanks for reading, please leave a comment to let me know I'm not just shouting to the abyss (no matter how brief {but preferably polite!})...
Love to all, and here's to a good 2007!
AcidCat
P.S. I'm typing this listening to Celebrity Big Brother. Davina McCall must die! I think this bunch of Z-list celebs are going to be pretty irritating.
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