A More Optimistic Tone.

Well a lot has happened since my last blog post. I worked as a Christmas temp at John Lewis, completed my first assignment for uni successfully and got Christmas Day out of the way. All in one piece? *checks self* - right, I'll continue.

On reflection, I realise that my last post was somewhat pessimistic. As a believer in the powers of positive thought, I must "practive what I preach". This I was reminded of yesterday by one of my friends, Jennings. So, that then forces me to approach the New Year with an refined mental attitude, a change in my tactics if you will.

This time of year is a merry blend of friend and family gatherings, with a good old sprinkle of festive cheer for flavour. I finally managed to read the short story, 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, from which even the cold hearted may find warmth, sheltered from the winds of misery that sweep the streets outside. Neatly knitted into his story, you'll find comfort of his words, realising that the "shadows of things that have been" are mere echoes of things that were. This being a helpful push in the right direction, should you find yourself wearied by the winter months, knowing that Spring is but a short leap into the New Year. Not far away!

As the new year approaches, we are all faced with that familiar sense of change, that feeling of a fresh start. Like stepping out from the hot night club and taking that gulp of fresh clean air. So, as you stand in the streets, freezing your knackers off, arm outstretched, in hope that a taxi will rescue you from the cold, you must consider the idea of new year resolutions. The past couple of years I have found comfort in making resolutions - I went to Leeds Festival and Travelled to 2 new places in my car. This year has been somewhat slack, though I have some quite pleasant memories to cling to. My trip to Manchester to hear the wonderful voice of, Joshua Radin being but one.

Plenty to look forward to in the new year, Jimmy Carr and Peter Kay (though somewhat spread out throughout the year). Two comedians, of the highest standard I feel, are something to look forward to.

I am now off out to Monsoon for a curry with some friends, celebrating the birthday of John Timson.

Take care all.

Swings and things

I won't lie, it's not a great start to the third year. Over the summer, as always, you get out of the swing of things and it is so much effort to get BACK into that swing. Ok, I'll ellaborate a little further.

The first thing about third year is pressure, it's the final year, it all counts and ARGH, you're stressed before you've started. Then of course you have to start everything - reading and writing until it comes out of your ears. I'd hate for this to become a "whine", don't get me wrong, it's not all doom and gloom, but it is different.

The main problem at the moment is the disseratation. It's like trying to get into a night club without your ID. You can't get in (you can't start writing) until you have what you need. Which is of course the main issue. Getting past those metaphorical bouncers in your head, opening the flood gates of inspirtation, it is a bloody difficult task.

Anyways, onwards and upwards! We'll see what happens next.

Finding Your Feet.

Quite an interesting fashion this "blogging" lark, I must first confess that I am a complete junior, a novice, by which I mean I am no expert in the history of this trend. However, one thing I have observed when reading other blogs, is that it may offer some sort of therapy, whereby you can simply sit and reflect on the sights and sounds of every day life. I believe that is what interests me most, the insights into another's ideas and opinions and simply having one's honesty on topics that they feel they can put forward when sitting in the solitude of their own room, their keyboard being the only tool by which they can communicate freely.

Of course, what I have already said above, suggests the typical "emo" trends that may be connected with blogging. I have chosen to overlook such stereotypes (though I would always assume that a stereotype exists because they are in some ways true). People are often baffled by blogging or scared - unnerved by it's simplicity perhaps, simply writing for the sake of writing. Then there is the fear that nobody will give a damn about what you are writing of course. That's an interesting consideration, though for me I can't help but see the beauty in simply freeing yourself from the clutter that lingers in our brains, getting all this nonsense out on to a page and then just getting on with it all.

In summary - hello, I apologise if I break any rules of the "bloggers handbook" I shall aim to educate myself to the best of my ability.