Sparrowmaticus And Sickly Liz Thoughts...

About 2 weeks ago, Sparrow stepped in a thorn on one of our rambles around the country park. We removed the thorn, he hobbled for a bit but then seemed to be all right. We didnt' give it any thought but then a week and a bit ago, we noticed him limping quite badly. FG examined the little paws and we found this odd kind of growth between his claws. It looked raw and inflamed. We poked and prodded and cleaned it out, thinking that a piece of the thorn had stayed behind. It didn't heal so I took him to vet - what trauma, on the train, two stops down the line and after a cursory exmamination we were given some antibiotics.

We fed him the antiobiotics for seven days, twice a day, but no luck. The little wrinkled raisin-like inflamed thinghie just sat there. So we took again on Friday afternoon and he got booked into the vet for surgery today. In fact, he is probably going through the surgery now, to remove the piece of growth/inflamed sack of stuff.

It is so weird, sitting here, at home, without the hot little breath next to me. I unlocked the door after dropping him with the vet, expecting a fuss to be made of my return, but then I remembered I just left him with a strange man with sharp tools and was racked with guilt. Poor pup.

He will have to wear a doggy shoe to prevent the bandage from getting wet and from him worrying at it. I am to ring at around half two to find out what time I can collect him from the vet. I am a bit worried about the bill too, but am relieved that the insurance does cover it and we will be paid back.

Gosh. I know it's for his own good but you just end up feeling so helpless.

What's made matters worse is that I picked up a stinker of a cold before (literally, that Saturday) Christmas. I was rotten with it on the day, and this whole week past. I've now had it for more than a week already and feel utterly drained and awful. My voice has changed, I have a smokers' racking cough and my face is constantly swollen from sinusses. I'm breathing through an open mouth but that is becoming worse because I have a raw-red and sore throat. There is no party for us tonight, purely because - as FG puts it: "You are still unclean" - and I agree. I fade in and out of conversations. Doing anything takes absolute ages. Making tea takes about ten minutes, then I forget to drink it.

So, it's been crap. Feel sorry for us - poor FG trapped in a house with sickly wife, pawly pup and crappy tv. Knowing him he'll probably celebrate by killing things online. Bring on 2008.

December thoughts

And so Christmas has come and gone in a flurry of good food, visits with friends, cool pressies and very little visits to the shops.

I am genuinely pleased it is over and am looking forward to a skinny frugal year for 2008. I know I've not overdone it, foodwise, these past few weeks, but I've not been to gym as much as I would have liked. This is due to work-commitments, icy cold weather and wotnot - but yes, these are excuses.

I am due to lose a further 2, and at a push, 3 stone this year. I am setting goals and with FG's help, both of us will be slinky. We are very keen. And we are also going to have a helluva lot on our plate next year, with both of us being focussed on work, me on my uni-course, general writing for both of us, going to gym, outdoors excercise and general frugality.

But it is a challenge and we are quite happy to do it. The only things stopping us are ourselves.

I have a nightmare of an assignment to get out for the 3rd of January. I've worked on it today at work for a bit and am convinced I am about 98% there. In fact, I've worked so hard on this thing, that I've gone past caring. I'm going to make sure my "i's" are dotted, it's formatted perfectly and that my appendices are up to scratch. Then I'm going to close my eyes and say "fuckit" and submit it. I've done it three times now. Fourth time lucky, right? Right? Here's hoping for another 75%. In all honesty - on this one - if I pass, I'll be thrilled.

Mist and Frost

Loving the new slr! See the pretty pictures!

Time Lord

Well now - utterly blown away by coincidences.

I have got four watches. All of them Swatch. I've had them for about....seven years now. And they all died. Round about exactly the same time. Bearing in mind that they have been bought separately, over a few years' time.

I would like to think I am very brand loyal...but looking at some of the things Swatch has come up with lately, I am thinking that I will maybe veer towards a Fossil when the time comes for me to buy a new watch (around my b'day time in Feb) . I am not fussed about it at the moment. I've come to realise I don't really look at my watch that much. As long as my mobile is working and my computer / deskphone is on, at work, I'm sorted. I purely used to use it as a weapon. No kidding. Big, bulky, huge - it saved my arm many times as people tend to shove and push, not expecting to connect quite so metallic and hard to be worn on an arm. Grins evilly. Especially as I am that specific height where I am the perfect target for taller people who think they can happily muck you about as they run to and from work on pavements.

I like my big bulky watch and feel pangs of jealousy when I spot someone else with one even bigger than mine. It is almost not possible, but some serious divers' watches do give mine a run for its money.

However, as a research project, I've gone to have a look at the Fossil site and this one, I think shows promise. Also, the mere fact that you can build your own watch is pretty cool.

As I said - I am not fussed about a timepiece at the moment. I'll ring up Swatch to see how much a replacement battery costs for one of my favourites. It's lasted me seven years. I am gorram sure it has another seven or so in it. In the meantime, I can look at all the other shinies.

Remember. FRUGAL year. Frugal.

Christmas Lights

I love my new camera.

Squee.

A very quick brag

I received results on Friday on my second assignment for Techinical Communication and am pleased to report a resounding distinction, a pass of the first class, with 75%. Which, in theory, doesn't look to be that much. (She says with a slightly smug look.)

However! This is the rub: no one else thus far has reported receiving higher than 60% for this on the online Blackboard forums. Which makes me squeee inside.

Ta dam, ta dam...

Some Paris Pics

Not been well since I've been back from Paris so I've stayed at home Wednesday and Thursday. Am working on my assignment at the moment but thought I'd take a quick break and post some of the pics I took over in Paris on Monday.

Contemplative

FG and I stayed awake last night to watch the Hatton/Mayweather fight and I am quite glad that we did. It was awesome to watch. We staggered to bed just before six and slept till eleven when I stumbled to the kitchen, opening windows for air and feeding the pup some breakfast.

Whilst making breakfast scones (what diet?) I contemplated how our lives have completely changed this past week, forcing us to consider a helluva lot of things about our life together. How we've made a combined decision that next year (yep, look away now, NY resolution happening long before NY) will be our frugal year. We want to save up for so many things but have to be realistic about things. Which is where the frugality comes in. I really pray to the Verse that we can pull it off.

These are my decisions relating to frugality:

1. No more books from Waterstones/Amazon (unless ridiculously cheap)

2. Visiting the library, that odd place where you are allowed to take books away...for FREE.

3. Supporting the local secondhand bookshops and charity shop, specifically the giant bookshop on Drury Lane run by one of the large charity shops, I've completely forgotten what it's called.

4. Spend more time a) studying for the DipSurv course and b) when I am not studying, working on a story I would like to have polished enough to send onto various publishers (watch out Wordweaver, I am likely to bribe with banana breads and a smattering of doggy kisses from Sparrow for help) and see what happens with that. Who knows, eh? Neither FG nor I have anything to lose.

5. Oh yes, and to lose the next 3 and a bit stone. Smiles bravely.

So that is my few ideas for next year. Have already started on them, to be exact.

Taps the table. And that's all, folks.

Tomorrow is Paris - hurrah. Tickets, passport, money, camera all in my bag...and of course the biggest question is: which book do I take with me for the day? To read on the trainjourney, that is? Apart from my moleskine to write in...goes off to examine the bookshelf.

Proudest Auntie in the World

I've not been back to SA for an absolute age and have therefore not met a few of the newest additions to our family - on both FG's and my side of the family. I got a text from my sister Elize today, she is the oldest of the VDM brood and she sent me a selection of photos of her grandaughter's birthday party this weekend past. And I have to say, my niece is one of the prettiest kids I have seen in a very long time. Just look at this! She's the one with the dark hair and eyes - not sure who the other little girl is with the crown, but the little boy is her older brother.

Paris!

Paris!

I'm going to Paris!

With work, admittedly, but it is for our Christmas function and shopping!

Hurrah! I'm going to Paris, I'm going to Paris!

Roll on the 10th December 2007.

Beowulf

We've been to see the newest version of Beowulf at Beckenham Odeon this afternoon. I've come away from it feeling a bit taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. My love for the story, the original, that is, is abiding. It is one of my five "if you are ever stranded on an island and you can take five books with you" books.

I've not encountered this style of photography before and was convinced I would hate it. But after a few moments, like in 300, you don't notice it anymore.

The characters are larger than life, Beowulf's character dominates the screen. He is the Hero of the story, you understand his quest for fame and glory. Like Achilles in the Illiad he is overbearing, full of himself, setting himself up for a big fall. You can almost smell the mistakes he makes.

Grendel is excellently portrayed. The language he uses with his mother is just at the limit of your understanding. It makes them both unusual, enigmas to pursue.

A few things had to change to pull it off but mostly the story sticks to the story. An interesting twist towards the end and the most amazing dragon fight at the end. Both Neil Gaiman and Roger Avery as screenwriters did the story proud.

I would definitely recommend it heartily. Yet another example of mythic story telling.

New Toy!

Some photos taken with the new digital slr I purchased today.

Beams.

Eddie Izzard is a genius

Okay, having come to the genuisnes of Eddie, we've become huge fans...specifically after watching this:

Apostrophe

Possibly the coolest little shop up the road from work.

Popped by here for my lunch and thick hot dinkum hot chocolate that makes your hair curl even more!

They have wifi service, good food, cool music ... and I could sit down and add 1000 odd words to my nano-effort.

Gotta love technology!

Assasin's Creed

I am really jealous of this artwork. And am unamused by the fact that we don't have a PS3 or Xbox so that we can play the game.

Pouts.

Hellboy 2008

I fell in love with Hellboy, the sense of humour, the drama, the sheer fun of it...and cannot wait for the second one coming out next year. Mostly because the gorgeousness that is Guilermo Del Toro is once again at the helm...and boy, if he pulls this off as well as he did Pan's Labrinth then I am a slavish fan forever and ever amen.

The pic above is from the official site and I do not claim any ownership of it...but just to show some of the concept art. They are currently filming in Budapest and GDT has a blog up informing fanboys and girls of happenings. Cool, or what?

What movie are you?

Thanks to Cheezy, who did the "Which Leader Are You" test online, I followed the link through and found this one which made me smile. I don't think I could even have tried for this outcome by cheating.

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Lust!

We wants it, precious.

Not yet published, officially here in the UK. Can however buy it imported and immediately for £70 from Forbidden Planet...or wait, and get it sent to me from Amazon for £40.

Taps desk.

Wait. Buy from Amazon or even better, The Book Depository.

Goes off to make sums.

Finally!

Yay!

Does a dance

The nightmare assignment is now finished. Or rather, the body of it is all down, along with appendices...now all I have to work on is layout and format...my relief is boundless.

Due date is the 1st November, which also happens to be the start of nanowrimo...I am planning to submit the assigment on the last day - Halloween - so here's hoping I at least get a merit for all my hard work.

Who knew land use and planning could be sexy?

300 Apples

glumbert - 300 Spartan Apples

For those, like Wordweaver, who has a thing about watching violent movies - i.e., they can't / don't, here then is the vegetable version of that fantastic epic movie, 300.

Be careful though - there is a plot spoiler!

Terracotta Warriors

Wow. Is that eloquent enough?

No, I agree, it isn't.

I've now been to a few world museums, seen a few exhibits and have been lucky enough to see a few utterly amazing things, like King Tut's mask, all his gold and grave goods. Having been to Athens, we''ve seen the mask of Agamemnon, the treasures of Troy. Countless amazing things.

Yet walking through the exhibition today, looking at these immaculately crafted, larger than life statues, taking in their intense detail, and learning about how they were created, what the Emperor had in mind when he had them made, how grandiose his design was...and you can only stand in awe.

I previously thought that the Egyptians took the flag with their pomp, ceremony and obsession with the afterlife. They could not hold a candle to the Emperor of China. They are still excavating the complex, having only uncovered a small part of it all. They have not touched the actual mound of the Emperor's tomb. It will not be excavated in our lifetime - the task is too immense, but also, because it is not something the Chinese are keen to do. Which I think is pretty cool, in a way. Like Lara said at the end of Tomb Raider 2 - "Some things are not meant to be found."

What really amazed both FG and myself: how very many young kids there were, dragging their parents around this exhibition. There is an entire diorama about how the warriors were made and put together. FG overheard one of these little ones say to his dad: "But dad, are they still alive in the inside?" When the dad said no, they are just hollow, the little boy shook his head and muttered. "They're still alive." We were in there for over an hour, wandering about. Admittedly, there were a lot of people, but somehow you don't mind being jostled by people who tend to like the same thing. We came away with a handful of classy photographs which we intend to frame.

I can't wait to visit it again - I am wondering if the amount of people will peter out the longer the display is held?

Tired

So very very tired.

Can I just admit to a guilty secret? As Jones as this sounds, I am quite enjoying my coursework on Land Use and Planning...but I'm now sick of this assignment that is due next week. I've been working on it all week, during the day at work, at lunch, in the evenings at home. Even now, tonight, on a Friday night.

And I am tired. And we've got a new mattress. And I can hear its siren-call. And I am succumbing.

Farewell, Town and Country Planning Act 1990, sustainable development and local authorities. Till tomorrow night, after the terracotta warriors and the meet up with nanowrimo London people.

Yes! I've forgotten to mention it this year - I have been challenged by FG to write the 50k words from November 1st - for a month. The one who is closest to the 50k words, gets to choose a restaurant and the loser takes them there for dinner. I am so glad I type faster than three finger freddy, otherwise known as FG.

Flexes. Yawwwwn.

Stardust

We did a marathon of movies today - Stardust at eleven, then Resident Evil at quarter past one. Purely to get some of the movies in that we wanted to see before the little demons and their parents take over cinemas and restaurants for half term.

Well, officially, my review of Stardust is - fantastically good fun and a rollicking good ride. The sets and costumes are stunning, Michelle Pfeiffer is singularly the sexiest being alive and plays her role as a wicked witch with relish. Claire Danes shines - genuinely. She is perfect as the fallen star with Tristan, the boy from the other side of the Wall being a little clumsy, a bit funny and totally earnest and wide-eyed. Personally, I found the role of Captain Shakespear being played by Robert de Niro as a bit uncomfortable - going from gruff advisor and father figure to camp gay man dancing about in a frock to the can-can music. Not at all pleasant.

But they were pretty frocks. Grin.

All in all, I would highly recommend it. You can, like the book by Neil Gaiman see it as either a story of a young boy going on a quest to find a star for his love...or, you can see The Hero with a thousand faces...like Joseph Campbell's book. Onion layered. Quests, witches, pirates, murderous princes, unicorns, magic, glowing stars, wishes, a handsome hero, a selfish lover...all packed into 2 hours...and the best of all: I can read the book any time I want.

And remember: the best way to travel is by candlelight.

Seth Lakeman at Shep Bush Empire - 18 October 2007

This lad is a pure genius.

Seth Lakeman

I am thrilled! Have got a half day today to go and see the scrumminess that is Seth Lakeman at Shep Bush tonight. A friend who saw him last week, has booked another set of tickets for tonight. Apparently he is magic!

These are some of the pics she took – we hope to take a few good ones ourselves tonight.

Arty shots of our park

You have got to love the mist! Makes for fantastically arty shots. This is our park this morning.

Order of the Stick!

For gamers and RPG fans everywhere...and everyone who ever wanted to book anything via a telephonic system.

This is the full website here.

Dragon Wars

What fantastically brilliant pic. Have never heard about this movie, or its anime counterpart or anything....

But I love this picture and the site looks promising. However, I've heard that you either love it, or hate it, purely because it is so over the top. No idea when it is supposed to be shown here in the UK. Will however find out.

Female Comic Book Superheroes

Female Comic Book Superheroes
by Jeannine Hall Gailey

are always fighting evil in a thong,
pulsing techno soundtrack in the background
as their tiny ankles thwack

against the bulk of male thugs.
They have names like Buffy, Elektra, or Storm
but excel in code decryption, Egyptology, and pyrotechnics.

They pout when tortured, but always escape just in time,
still impeccable in lip–gloss and pointy–toed books,
to rescue male partners, love interests, or fathers.

Impossible chests burst out of tight leather jackets,
from which they extract the hidden scroll, antidote, or dagger,
tousled hair covering one eye.

They return to their day jobs as forensic pathologists,
wearing their hair up and donning dainty glasses.
Of all the goddesses, these pneumatic heroines most

resemble Artemis, with her miniskirts and crossbow,
or Freya, with her giant gray cats.
Each has seen this apocalypse before.

See her perfect three–point landing on top of that chariot,
riding the silver moon into the horizon,
city crumbling around her heels.

Fantastic little poem found over on Endicott Studios.

Anubis visits London

We saw him sail down the river on a barge yesterday. And there he is this morning, royal of bearing, implacable, stern, the keeper of the gates, the lord of eternity, the friend of the dead, Anubis.

Naturally this is not the genuine article, but not a bad representation, at all.