Hoot Your Trap Off

Or "Its always third time lucky."

So the other night we had the third housemate applicant come round for an interview.
Just to recap, housemate 1 never turned up and 2 accepted a house elsewhere.
Having become a bit needy and deciding that we shouldnt really have high standards we were all set for for round three.
While finishing off a lasagne there was a knock at the door. Turns out later on through the interview I had spilt loads of lasagne down my shirt. Nice.
First contact is always a little scary. You never know who is behind the door. It was kind of like a mini version of Blind Date. But for a house mate. Blind Roomie. Anyways when we opened the door to the new applicant she seemed pretty normal. She had no extra limbs or growths. During the interview everyone seemed to get on very well. She was there for almost 2 hours talking about random stuff. Stuff that didnt even have to do with the house. In fact I think the actual house talk took up about 20% of the total conversation. Dont ask how I measured this.
But this applicant was as nice as the other. She was funny, polite, easy to chat with. She seemed keen on teh idea of our random drinks/pub quizes and was very much up for the idea of getting takeaways as often as possible. All was going well. So well that the housemate was so excited about her almost asked her to move in straight away.
But the following day we called her back and told her we would be happy to have her, and she jumped at the chance. So now I dont have to have any worries about not finding a housemate in time, or how to pay extra bills if we hadnt found one.
Unfortunately she moves in while Im risking life crossing a mountain. I hope she doesnt think Im trying to avoid her.

At the weekend I received an email from the folk at Grandadbob. I first heard this with the Mrs at Wireless, Leeds. Then I was gutted to of missed them at V. I also recently entered one of their competitions. Having forgoten all about it, I was reminded when they sent me an email saying I had won. I had been given free entry to some opening night somewhere in Sheffield. This was the first time Id ever won anythign like this, and was even more made up as it was for a band I really like.
But having read further in to it, it turns out the opening night/gig taking place was happening that weekend. Not having enough time to arrange transport/accomodation, not having money due to going on holiday the Mrs feeling really ill due to El Bugo I had to pass up the opportunity. I was gutted. So was the Mrs.
Nevermind, these things happen.

In other blogs
I read this amusing entry about who has killed more people, God or Satan? Despite being the Prince of Darkness, Satan is far behind on the death toll.

It seems like the hunt for Edvard Munch's The Scream could be over.

M&M's are offering a reward of 2 million of their NEW dark chocolate M&M's for the safe return of the painting.

*Of course, to stop just ANYONE trying to get their hands on 2 million M&M's, the returned painting first has to be authenticated.

Or "The best things come in three's."

Well I finally got my photos from V festival developed. I picked them up from Boots yesterday and had a little shock when I opened them. No I hadnt been given someone elses. They were my photos. But they felt rather light.
It seems, in my haste to buy cheap cameras of eBay and failing I rushed out and bought some disposable cameras from "pound land." I had a few problems with the cameras, there was no flash and the dial wasnt turning properly. It seemed like the film was winding to teh next shot, but the dial saying how many photos I had wasnt. So I was kept guessing really as to how many photos I had?
Turns out the film wasnt winding either, or the photos were just crap, as I only got about a third of my photos back. Some photos that didnt come out where of my with my VIP pass, laods of Radiohead and Faithless set and some backstage photos I took.

But enough of what I didnt take, here is some of what I did take.

The flag outside my tent. Handy for when I was drunk and it was dark.

One of the many of me looking lost.

More photos from the 1st camera.

This guy looked important. He had three heavies.

Some guy asleep
More from camera 2.

Some tour buses backstage

Some naked cowboys peeing

And the 3rd camera.

Or "Sprichst du Englisch?"

Well I got to see the girl this weekend. She has been gone for 3 weeks. Nearly a month ago was the last time I seen her. Had a very nice weekend which consisted of her being slightly ill due to El Bugo and me trying hard to make her well again.
I cant wait till Im ill and I can be waited on, yessssss!

In about 9 days time, Ill be taking the Mrs approximitely 780 miles, across Europe by plane, we won't be walking there or anything, to Vienna. Captial of Austria, home of Viennese cakes (mmmmmm ), Freud and those white horses. It is also home to the Worlds oldest zoo. Its home to loads of cool and different animals including panda's.

Wo ist das zoo?
The Mrs really likes animals. We try to visit zoo's as often as we can. And after accidentally finding out Vienna has the World's oldest zoo I figured it would be the bestest birthday present for her.

Warum kann ich keinen Fallschirm haben? Ich will sofort mit dem Piloten sprechen!*
So all is booked. We travel out next Friday morning. Thats a week Friday. Not this Friday. Otherwise I would of said "We travel out this Friday morning."
Up to now we have plans to visit the zoo (we will be spending the whoel day, from opening to closing time here), the natural history museum, one or two art galleries. Also the big giant catherdral, the town hall and the horsey place. And a flea market on the Saturday which Im very excited about spotting loads of weird Vienna toys, food, drinks and tack! Yesssssss!
Also there will be fountains, parks, coffee houses and bars to visit.

wie du bist?
So if anyone has been to Vienna and knows of any nice, cheap, small restaurants or bars to visit. Or any attractions we shouldn't miss out, let me know. It would be appreciated!

In other news
After much bleakness on the new housmate scene, out of nowhere we had another applicant call us up. I think her name was Emily. I'm sure it is. But the other housemates have written down "Emma 730" on peices of paper, so I could be wrong.
So Emily/Emma is visiting us today. At the moment are thinking is, the first person who seems ok then to accept them.
Apperently when I was viewing houses they had lots of offers. They even turned down a few good applicants so that I could have the room. (Of course they did, who wouldn't!) But they aren't seeing as many this time round, maybe they should put my name on the advert and they'll get more calls
But it seems that we are very much in the "beggers can't be chosers" catagorey at the moment.

Or "Baby, you know I lvoe you."

Well this is the events for Sunday, my last day

I woke up again after having a very troubled sleep. Sleeping on the floor is something Im not designed to do. Now I know to never cross the Mrs, for fear of beeing relegated to the floor.
Although my spirits were a little higher this morning. For Radiohead were headlining thie evening. The one reason why I'd bought my tickets. My favourite band of all time. Possible the only group of men that I get excited about. And I was mere hours away from seeing them live again!. I couldn't wait. Till then though the list's and bands playing held alot of groups that I wanted to see. I was going to have a packed day.
But first I had to get ready. I was woken this morning, not only because of the noise of other campers, but the intense sun shining through the thin layer of my tent. "This is a beautiful day. It is a new day," Primal Scream once echoed.And I was feeling in the mood this new day.
So I headed off to shower first. this time through there was bit of a queue. And people were taking there time. Eventually the door opened and some man stood from teh shower saying "oooh, lovely cold shower," with a huge smile. I hoped he was being sarcastic. I hoped the sarcasm was about the temperature more then the level of enjoyment. Unfortunately I was wrong. The shower was freezing. So cold in fact it took my breath away. You could hear people getting in to other shwoers around me and letting out little yelps as the ice cold water hit them.
After reading through the days paper and yesterdays footy scores it was getting close to 12 so I went over to the arena.
Here is roughly who I saw
Milk Teeth - ok
Director - ok
Biffy Clyro - Id been told a little about these guys. That they were good. Especially live. So I headed over, and there were a little too heavy metal. Too loud. I lasted only a portion of the set and left.
After a quick break I headed back for..
Magic Numbers - Id head these live a few days earlier on the radio. They sounded good. Seeing them actually live live, they were far better. Amazing in fact. I have to go buy there album. If you get the chance to see these guys live, I highly recomend them.They get everyone up and dancing. Very very enjoyable stuff.
Bloc Party - They were so so. Especailly after Magic NUmbers set, they seemed pretty average.
The Go! Team - I felt like these guys were similar to Biffy Clyro. Far to rock-y for me. I didnt stay long.
After another little break, I went to call the Mrs. See how she was feeling? While on the phone i got a text from an old blogger who I had arranged to meet up with. Turns out he was working erecting the fences around V. In doing so he got passes to the VIP area and said we should meet up for a drink. After finding my way to him we went to the VIP area where minor celebs (no I didint spot any) and teh press where. I even seen the little hut were the press would right out articles, send emails. Then my friend got a call asking to pick someone up at the gate. He asked if I wanted to go for a little ride? So said yeah and we hoped on one of those little green "gold " buggies. We sped out of the VIP area and back stage. I got to go on a little tour round the back of the main stage. See where all the bands have their little huts. All the huge tour buses and trucks. I felt like I was on one of those rides at Universal Tours, liek the King Kong or Bak to the Future ride.
On the way back to the VIP area I realised that I was missing Beck. Which I felt a little sad by. I had been looking forward to seeing him. But had I had my phone on earlier then I would of doen the VIP earlier and had time to see Beck. Just a bit of bad timing.
After one last drink in the VIP area I headed back outside to pick a spot to see Radiohead.
After a long delay waiting for them to set up, eventually the whole badn came on. The crowd went wild. I got very excited and giddy. The set list they played was, basically a greatest hits, with a few new songs thrown in. A fantastic and memorable set. They plyed Idioteque, which is my favourite song played live. It's basically a techno-dance track, and was good to see loads of people dancing. Dancing to Radiohead. All the "sing along" songs they played were greeted with cheers, Karma Police, Fake Plastic Trees most notably. Sometimes it was hard to make out Yorke's voice during the choruses, due to the tens of thousands of people singing along. But I didnt care. This felt amazing.
My all time favourite band, playing their greatest songs, and sounding amazing. No wonder they are often labeled the greatest live act of all time.
Thom even decided to have a bit of playful banter with a heckler, saying "why dont you come up here and say that?" The whole band and audience were in great spirits.
One song that did stand out was their new song, Videotape. I've only ever heard one live version of this song. I forget from which show, but it was early on. Thom often says that they play smaller venues when they have new material, just to try out on on the audience and see how they react. I wasn't to fussed with Videotape. It was decent, but not my favourite of the new songs. But after hearing it live I've changed my mind completely. Whether it was just a bad recording, or whether they changed a few bits, but they had it just right when I heard it live. It was amazing. Those that have gone off Radiohead since they left the way of OK Computer and went up new paths (some even say paths that werent even there before they walked them) you really should look out for there next album in 2007. They are a much better band since OK Computer and keep getting better.
Here, is the set list, for those interested.
01 Airbag
02 2+2=5
03 The National Anthem
04 My Iron Lung
05 Morning Bell
06 Fake Plastic Trees
07 The Bends
08 Videotape
09 Nude
10 The Gloaming
11 Paranoid Android
12 All I Need
13 Pyramid Song
14 Lucky
15 Just
16 Idioteque
17 Street Spirit

Encore 1:
18 You And Whose Army?
19 Karma Police
20 Everything In Its Right Place
21 Creep
The one thing that was missing from this set was the Mrs. I even looked down to the side hoping some how she had magically appeared, wishing her to appear. My favourite band, my favourite gal all under a star-y sky. But alas I had to make do with just half of that wish.
Missing the Mrs was made much worse during Creep. Radioheads shot at a love song. All the couples joind hands and sang to each other. Very very sweet. And I missed out.
Once the band finished Creep, everyone started to talk about how great the set was. It seemed everyone there enjoyed it loads.

I dragged myself away from the feild. Back to bed. I knew I had to be up in 5 hours time to head home and to work. I hardly slept. Still excited from Radiohead. Worried about over sleeping. WOrried my tent my get torn up on the last night. (So far I had managed to not get robbes)
But after a very bad sleep I finally got up. Packed my tent away under a rainy dark sky. Treaded back through the muddy feilds on to work. Feeling very very tired.

All in all the weekend could of turned out pretty average. Wasting half a day due to rain. Not feeling in the mood to adventure out for parties after hours. But the weekend was saved by a blinding set by Faithless. Good fun from Magic Numbers. And one of the most memorable nights of my life with Radiohead. And for those three bands, I have to say the weekend was great.

But Im dragging the Mrs, even if she is kicking and screaming, to the next festival.

Or "Would this spell the death of Seinfeld?"

So when I left work yesterday an entire planet had been destroyed.

But I had a few cables so I could hook up my TV to teh main aerial downstairs and get freeview in my room, after living in the house for almost half a year.

So the Universe kind of balances itself out.

Or "How I learnt to hate continuing stories."

Continuing my story of V...

So I had a crap nights sleep. I didn't have a air bed, so was sleeping on the floor. This give me a very stiff back and rib's. What also didnt help was having my head on a rock hard pile of clothes and my shoulders aching from carrying the bags the previous day.
Plus I was woken early on Saturday. But this happens when anyone goes camping. Once one tent is awake, a chain reaction occurs until everyone is up. With my stiff back and sides, aching neck and headache I went to go get a shower.I was pretty lucky to of got a warm shower. It wasn't too bad.
I then headed around the village for a bit to see what I could find. I decided to get some cash out.
I thought about all the stories about people getting robbed, so didnt carry much cash. I took £20 for day 1, but spent that £20 on a meal and finding out the times of the bands. I was hoping that my cash wouldn't all be sucked away so fast.
I eventually found the cash point, with no help what so ever from the event staff. But was informed that the cash point wouldnt open till 1130.
So I couldnt get breakfast or the morning paper. I headed back to my tent to see who would be on that day.
FULL LINE UP IS HERE (I was going to Weston Park don't forget)
I chekced and noted that there was very little on that I wanted to see on Saturday. Boy Least Likely Too, Hayseed Dixie Faithless and Groove Armada. Problem was, the Boy were on at the beginning and Faithless were on late. Which left a big gap of nothing to do in the middle, excpet a 30 minute set with Hayseed Dixie.
I got to the tent for Boy Least Likely Too, and got close to the front.
They had a very good set. Smallish crowd. The tent wasn't full. But it was only 1230. But I had a good time and started to look forward to the weekend more.
The Boy Least Likely Too's mascot is dog. Or one of their mascot's is. They had some guy walking around in their mascots outfit. But this was a proper, like Disney World effort, mascot. With teh big foam heads and floppy ears. At one point I turend around to face the crowd, loads of balloons were being punched in to the air, then about half way back there was this giatn, 3 foot wide, mascot head in the sea of heads watching the band. I tried to get a photo, but I ran out of film on my camera. Arse!

With nothing to do for the entire afternoon, no bands I really wanted to see I wondered around until Hayseed came on.

Then it started to rain. It wasnt a gradual rain. It was one minute just cloudy. Next minute huge storms. I decided to head back to the tent, to catch up on some sleep, rest my back and hide from the rain.

I forgot to set my alarm and when I woke I had missed Hayseed. I was gutted. I had been told great things about them and was devasted to of missed a second band in the weekend. I'd slept a bit too much.

After snacking a few sandwichs and downing some beers I headed to the arena ready for Faithless. I went past the tent were Hayseed had been playing and the cue was huge. I wouldnt of gotten in had I got there early.

With just under an hour to kill I decided to get a bit of cash out. There was only about 4 cash machines, at one point, in the whole arena. And the queue spread quite far through the fields. I queued up got some cash, at one point I thought I might even miss them that the queue for cash was longer then one hours wait. Luckily it wasnt, I got cash and made it to the main stage with a few minutes spare.

Faithless played a very good set. Got everyone dancing. Was very much a greatest hits set (although this was something I'd find alot of bands doing) I enjoyed it alot.
When they were finished I headed over to see Groove Armada play. There's was more of a DJ set, with a few of there own songs thrown in. But it was very good.

After Groove Armada I headed back to my tent to catch up on my sleep. I was feeling very tired after a bit of dancing. And tried to get my head down and sleep on the hard ground floor.

All in all day two had its peaks and troughs. Two really good DJ sets, but Id spent most of the day a sleep away from the rain.
But it felt like I was missing out on a lot of potential fun. I hadn't really made the effort to have long conversations with anyone, and was missing the Mrs quite a bit. Especially knowing how unwell she was feeling.

Next!!!
Would I spend more time out of my tent? Will the God of showers always be so fortunate? Will Radiohead dash all concerns they had had from previous festiavals just days before?

Or "There is a lot of mixed views, here is mine."

Well finally. It's my V edition. Not too sure how to right this, or how it will end up. But here goes.

Friday
Waking up early Friday to finish off my packing. Mainly the beer and food. It started to rain. Not just rain rain. But heavy mother hubbard thunder rain. I, for some unknown reason, decided to not wear my hiking boots and to stick with my trainers.
I set carrying two huge bags. Well, I was dragging one and had the other other my shoulder. These bags had all my camping gear, clothes, food and beer for the weekend and were exceptionally heavy.
So I eventually got these two heavy bags to Braford having walked to/from teh train station in the above mentioned heavy mother hubbard storm rain. My trainers were already getting soaked. My jeans were soaking up water too. I was thinking that my whole wardrobe was just plain wrong.
I got to the coach in Bradford and looking very wet and miserable and slung my bags on the coach, the driver stopping to ask "Is all this equipment just for you?" I think he said this just so I felt a little more paranoid that I had massively overpacked.
The coach was nothing like I had expecting. It was tiny, cramped. A few people where in groups talking to each other/sleeping/reading papers. The only people in a similar situation as myself, ie alone were sat further away and wearign head phones. Not being very sociable.
I did manage to make conversation with some people on the coach, mainly about the traffic. Despite the coach taking a "special" entrance to the park, it still took over 5 hours to arrive. One traffic jam was caused my an over turned lorry, on the other side of the motorway, that people were slowing down to look at causing massive gridlock.
Some people I spoke to who took there cars said it took up to 11 hours to arrive on site. At a lot of points people had almost given up and gotten out of their cars and chatting/eating/partying at the junctions, leading to V.
On the way there a blog "friend" had sent me some photos of the stage as he was setting up the fences. His photos of the rain from the main stage were sent simple with the text "Monsoon I hope you brought your wellies" I was regretting my footwear choice more and more.
When we eventually arrived the rain had stopped and the sun was creeping out of small cracks in the clouds. Put everyone in a bit of good spirits. Especially after that long journey.
But then I had to drag my massive, heavy bags through mud, causing my back to ache loads from all the weight. Passing a few campsites I finally found a spare space on the last campsite up a hil. How anyone found a campsite after 3pm on Friday is beyond me?
I got pitched pretty easy, introduced myself to the neighbours and headed down to the village and arena. I picked up a program for a tenner. And despite paying £10 to see the times of all the bands, I did get a ncie magazine (which I havent read yet) and a bag.
When I eventually found myself outside the Strongbow room I seen that I had missed Grandadbob. This is a group I seen at Wireless that I thought were, not only amazing, but the best live act at Wireless, which also had DJ Shadow and Massive Attack playing.
But even if I had been on time, the tent was over spilling with Happy Campers. So chances are I wouldn't of got in.
I had some tea and wondered around. I was suppose to meet up with some people from a V festival forum site. But all that fell through, but I did spend the last night having a bit of a dance in the indie disco and was back in bed before the cinema started later that evening.
So I retired to bed, thinking that things at the festival were already over crowded. Not just the music tents, but also the campsites. And with massive queues for almost everything, including the toielts. And this was just with the campers, and no one dayer's. Plus despite a few random short conversations with a few people, it felt lke there was someone missing from the beginning.

Next issue
Faithless, getting to sleep and more rain.

Or "How I'm learning to grow old."

Well the V weekend was very good. Im sure I'll go in to a little more detail then "very good," a little later. But for the moment here are a few other things.

But if you will bear with me for uno momento por favor.

As I reported in an earlier edition I had had a shower problem with ont of the house mates. The same shower problem happened again today. After having the best nights sleep I've had in a long time I woke up to find the shower/bath room was in use by one of the housemates. The housemate was in there for about 30+ minutes.
Now I know that sometimes its nice to spend a bit of time having a long shower and (possible mainyl for girls) to apply all yuor different moisturises, cleansers and what not. But if your sharing a house youd expect that some consideration would be given for long term shower use of a morning. Especially during "rush hour." This would be between 7 and 930.
Not that I feel like I need to step up and saying something at the moment. It's only happened twice in the last few weeks. And only happens when Im on lates, which is every other week. Plus she leaves the house in September. But I would of thought after her spending years living in shared accomodation, she might of realised that you can't really take your time in the morning.

Away from shower problems is growning old. I know that it's years and years away from me growning old. But I often think about how I would be when I'm an OAP. When I'm stood about doing nothing and a 'odd/strange' looking old person walks past I often think "Is that how I will end up?"
For instance on my way home from V yesterday there was an old man dropping off his grand children at the train station. When he stood outside waiting to waive goodbye, he looked at his reflection in the train window, pulled out a comb fixed his hair with several long combs through his hair and placed the comb back in his pocket.
After thinking about this, I'd very much like to carry a comb around with me when I'm old. Fixing my hair at random times is something I already do, albeit without a comb. So when I'm older I think a comb in a pocket is something I'd employ.
Have you thought about what you will be like when your old?

In other news
It's so cool now to online date, even the monkeys are doing it.

PS, go wish the Mrs a quick recovery as she is feeling really ill lately.

Well I've headed to the Big V.

A weekend of music, beer, food and BBQ'd breakfast's.

Just like red here says.....

See you when I return!

Or "How I learnt to trust the Gods."

Well this morning I woke with a little disappointment. Last night as I packed for V, i heard it starting to rain. And yes, I dont live anywhere near Weston Park, but I figured it could be raining there too. Then the weather report on teh radio this morning said that there would be showers and rain in most of England. Not the best think to hear as I rub my eyes open.
Anyway, after the fantastic Lucy's really nice advice (Lucy I do appreciate all the advice you give) and the bit of rain we have had, I've decided to stick with my trainers.
I tried on my hiking boots this morning. And they're heavy. Like really heavy. This are the same boots I wore when I walked 200 miles from teh west coast of England to the East. They are all terrain, all weather (well accept snow, but I need snow shoes) all singing shoes. Only down side is they aint all dancin'. Nope they are far to heavy to dance in. If I take these I WILL look like an old man whose hips have given up on him on the dance floor.
In fact I'm trusting that the scorching summer we have had has basically made the floor so hard that the very little rain we have had hasnt had chance to really make the ground badly muddy. I suspect there could be a few, like an inch or two, of 'surface mud.' But nothing that will make it impossible to walk in.
Although I do have a "man on the scene," who is basically building V, so will ask him later today how the ground is looking. But I think Ill stick to the trainers and try to be a 'hot stepper.'

Another small thing that I was going to mention, on Monday, was my return. But I feel I might be too tired on Monday to detail my return.
Or too tired to explain it well, so here it goes.
As you all know there have been a few problems with me not being bable to get Monday off work. This is due to only 2 people knowing how to do my job, properly. The other guy has already booked the day off more then a few weeks ago. My manager can slightly do it adn there is a new girl. But neither know how to do my job enough for my manager to give me a day off.
There is no way I was going to give up my ticket. Miss this experience. But more important miss Radiohead.
So as an aggrement I suggested that I turn in to work late.
Now the ticket I purchased a few months ago included a £40 fee for coach travel to and from Bradford.
The coach leaves Weston Park at 1130 Monday. My boss would never agree to me coming in later then 1130. Never mind whatever time it eventually arrives in to Bradford.
So I've had to forfeit my return seat, and book a train that gets me in to Leeds at a reasonable hour.
Only problem is it takes over 2h30m to get from Wolves station to Leeds. Meaning the best ticket I could get was from Wolves at 7.40.
Also it takes about 30/40 minutes to get from Weston Park to the train station. Meaning Id have get teh shuttle but for about 630, just to be safe.
But also Ill ahve to get ready, take down the tent and pack away my stuff before 630 meaning Id have to be up for about 530. (It takes 30 minutes to pack the tent. I done a trial run.)
Which doesnt seem to bad, EXCEPT that Im at V. Sunday night my favourite band are playing. And although theyll finish before 11, Ill still be up partying after then I reckon. Well it would be wrong not too.
So after a little sleep, a few hours travelling home on public transport, carrying to large bags, I then have to work till 6pm. Which is something Im not looking forward to at all.

But Ill guess we will find out on Monday if I make it or not?

Fingers crossed.

Or "How I learnt to make it fit."

So it's only 1 more day away till I leave for V. My coach leaves at 10 from just outside Bradford train station.

One of the most important factors is of course, the weather. This plays a factor in to everything. Do I take wellies? Should I leave the shorts? Will I need to wrap up warm? Do I need waterproofs?
Basically, will it rain?
Sod's Law suggest, Yes it will. And a lot.
Despite being advised on the V tickets that I should pack for all weather conditions. This might not be possible. As I'll need to take plenty of different clothes, and snow shoes would be just a little too much.
The BBC have the run up to the weekend as being sunny today, thunder showers tomorrow and light rain Friday.
Weather.co.uk have showers today, light rain tomorrow and 'regular' rain on Friday.
Not too bad. As it's been over cast the last few days. So the ground wont be too bad. I'm going to chance leaving the wellies behind.
I mean it could be worse.
But if you would like to see what weather I'll be experincing this weekend, here is a handy button.

Another important part of this weekend is my packing. For the last few days I had half of my packing 'planned out.' Basically I knew what I had, i.e. tent, and what I needed, i.e. sleeping bag. I figured, with regards to the tent, it would be best to erect it in the garden (the tent, I'm talking about the tent) just to check that all the peices were there and fitted together. After days of putting this off last week I finally got round to it. I picked up the bag in the bag in the corner of my room with the tent in, ..... and noticed it wasn't a tent, but a sleeping bag. Had I not tried out this dry run, I could of ended up going to V with not tent, but two sleeping bags.
Despite finding cheap tents for as low as £10, Im trying not too spend too much on V. Already it's costing me quite a bit and I haven't even left.
Fortunately I knew my mum had one and persuaded her to come visit me one day and brng it up.
I've since pitched the tent in the garden and all is well.
Another packing problem I had was my phone. I recetnyl got a new phone and have forgetten to renew the insurance so I'm not covered. So not even going to try and risk taking it. I spent all of last week bidding on cheap phones on ebay to be outbid at the last minute. Eventually I got one. Paying £20. NOt bad. Except a day later I had a look at other phones I had in my "Watching Items," that I like and they went for half the price. I know I'll be reselling the phone when I get back from V. But I was hoping for a bit that I'd get outbidded again so I could get one of the other phones. Bloody typical.
Anyway, I started my packing, and released everything is going to be a tight squeeze. Tent, sleeping bag, clothes, beer and food in two seperate large sports bags, doesnt leave much space for any luxuries, ie a pillow. Although I am able to stick in the feather boa and inflabalbe guitar. As long it is deflated of course. But the bags are looking very full indeed and the only thing missing is medium sized tent. Fingers crossed no one going to work minds me bumping in to them with my huge bags.

Despite not going with anyone, I've been able to arrange meeting up with a few unknowns. The Mrs friends, a friend of my step dads. There is also a big meet up off some message board I've been looking at, plus some friend's from an old, now disused, blog. Aswell as the thousands of campers arriving and having there own private parties away from the "on dayer," I'm really looking forward to meeting people and making a lot of new friends.

46 hours left till I leave my home. And I'm counting every second.

Or "Well doc, does it look bad."

Since moving up to Leeds I haven't register with,
- a new dentist, and
- a new doctor.
And not particulalry in that order.

I have to register with the doc. I have a holiday in VIENNA coming up soon. I'm covered on my new bank accout for travel insurance. If I'm to use this benefit I assume Ill be asked my current doctors details. It would be nice to give him details for a doctor in this city. Hell, it's be nice to give him doctors details for a doctor in this county.

Anyway, I've always assumed it isn't too difficult to register with a doctor. I have only ever done it once. And with being a baby I dont remember much of the process. But I've always assumed it wasn't a difficult thing to do. I've always though doctors cannot say "no," that no matter who I was they would have to treat me.

With that in mind I went off and booked an appoint. For just the other day.

When I first entered the reception,....
ID JUST LIKE TO ADD, IF ANYONE IS READING THIS IN THE MORNING THEN I SUGGEST SKIPPING THE NEXT PARAGRAPH, OR COMING BACK AFTER DINNER.
So when I first entered the reception to the docotrs I was given a form, and a tube.
Of course I was uttered that phrase, "Can you pee in to this cup?"
I'd of like to of returned with "The question isn't 'Could I?' I could. But more of 'Would I?'"
Instead I wondered 'When did I last pee?' 'She couldnt of meant me to do it straight away. Here. In reception.' 'Stop standing around in reception and MOVE IT.'
So I headed in to the waiting room. No not to pee. To fill in the form. When the toilet was free I sneaked in. Trying to look inconspicuous. Inconspicuous to the one other person in the room mind you. Along with my tube.
I've never had to try to pee in a cup before. I've never been asked too. And never though about doing it.
SO I checked out my target. It looked small. To small. I assumed there was going to be spillage.
Yada yada yada.
There wasn't any spillage. I was very careful.
But I got to thinking. How on Earth do girls manage that? Are they given a bowl? A funnel? Or do they have better aim?

Anyway. I went to see the nurse for my check up. Doing a few tests, pricking my finger, checking out "my sample," my height and weight. (Im 6'1" and 75.3 kg. Well I think it's kg? But if not, its 75.3 of whatever measurement.)
Then the nurse goes to take my blood pressure. Then takes it again. Asks if I know if I've had my vaccinations? And asks me to come back in a month to check my blood pressure again.
Now I'm not worried. I fell absolutely fine. I mean I'm not excersing as much as I would like. But only last year I walked across Britain.
But what could it mean having unsure blood pressure. And I dont even know if it's too high or too low. I really should ask more questions. I will do next time.

Then there is the dentist.
As reported, the other week during Fruitstock I chipped my tooth. I figured finding a dentist will be Hell.
So i tried the NHS website. They have a nice feature which informs you if a dentist is accpeting new NHS patients.
They all said no.
All of them.
There was a number to call the NHS and ask for guidance on the nearest dentist. I called and they said there is none. "We can put you on a list."
"Yeah sure. I dont mind waiting. Put me on."
"ok, let me take some details."
Yada yada yada
"ok, your on the list."
"Fine. Before you go, can I ask how long is the list?" (Id like to add that this happened after Fruitstock, so that was only earlier this month)
"Well, we are currently finding placements for people who got added to the list in April. But we're working fast through them now?"

Your working fast? What has everyone who needed dental treatment sincer April passed away?
Anyways, I decided to call the top dentist. Get an idea of how much private dental care costs? If it was too much, I could always make an appointment back in Runcorn, and travel over there one day.
So I'm on the phone with the dentist, "I know you arent taking on any NHS patients. But can you just answer one question?"
"We are."
"What?"
"We are."
"You are what?"
"Taking on NHS patients. When would you like to come in?"
Blimey, "Thats ace. Next week."
"Thats fine. See you then."
Well that was fast!
Just got back from seeing him, and best thing about it, he's a really nice guy. And good dentist. He could easily identify where I chipped my tooth. No that its hard to see, even I could see it looking in a mirror.

Or "Taking a break from all your worries, sure could help a lot."

Well, having been working at my current employment for a few months, there have been many interweb sites that I've visted to relieve my boredom. Some stay, like blog.co.uk, some I check up now and then i.e. Dilbert. And other's like Big Brother sites, I stopped visiting a while ago. But one site that I used frequented a lot, and I have to admit forgot about until reading The Times Top 50 Coolest sites today, is the satire news site, THE ONION. 
Absolute genius stuff here.

I might be gone a while, so make sure to keep up the housekeeping while I'm away.

I hope to learn a bit and maybe improve my writing.

But I can't believe I actually forgot about this site.

I'm currently reading an enteratinment report that discuss Oliver Stone's new 9/11 movie and the 'single plane' theory. Not to spoil the great work of The Onion, but the bit about Nicolas Cage's character finding the security tape confirming the 'single plane' theory is......finger-firmly-on-head Genius!

"back and to the left,"
"back and to the left,"
"back and to the left,"
"back and to the left,"
"back and to the left,"

Or "He sure kicked it fast. Fast like a panther."

Well having been playing catch up for a few days, there is quite a few subjects I have on my list. Although I don't really know which ones to right about.
But the time doesnt feel right for any of them at the moment.
Well it's either the time isn't right, or I'm still a little down about the Chelsea result, the Mrs being away.

So her are a few of the smaller ones.

Housemate Applicant 2. The second person we had apply for the spare room, actually visited. She came for an interview. It lasted almost as long as mine did. About an hour or so. She was a really nice girl. She was a Buddhist, lived in USA/Australia, works as an editor as well as in radio, massaging and many other things. She seemed like the perfect new housmate.
Except that when the other housemate called her yesterday, it turns out she has already accepted another place.

The housemate apologised as she hasnt 'included me' with picking the new housemate. But I havent really been too bothered about it, as it seems the best option for me at this time is to move out. Possible to London. For obvious reasons. But I'm sure I'll brush up on this little minor topic again.

Talking of the house, for the first time since moving there (which I think was back in April) I had some toilet prbolems. No, not those kind of toilet problems, shower problems. The kind of shower problem where, you really need to get a shower, but there is someone else using it. But not just that it was an inconvienence that this was happening, as I really needed to get in to work.
This was the first time I'd ever encoutered a shower problem like this, for well over a decade. I think the last time I had this problem was back in my school days.
I was thinking about the alternatives. Like taking all of my bathroom stuff out of the bathrom, and having a sink installed in my room.
But after considering this a little more, I feel that it could be a little too drastic, for something that happens once every 10 years.

In Other News
There was a report out that I've read today on the BBC. ABout women, sex and relationship's.
Despite being extremely happy with how tings are with the Mrs. Having a great relationship with a girl that, not only is incredible beautiful, but makes me smile really with out no effort, should I be a little worried about my partner's sex drive?. Women! Tsk.

Or "How we became 'I can't sleep as my neighbour has new porn.'"

I currently have one eye on eBay and one eye on here. I didn't think the most complicated, frustrating and annoying part about V, was getting a crap phone. God Damn It
I'll get round to this in a few days I suspect.

Still in the process of etraining the new girl. As we have to share my PC, I kind of have to lay of all personal things for the time being. Which is annoying. And also the reason why Im having to blog late again. I wonder if PM blogging will ever take off?

But I've kind of lost the will to blog at the moment. I'm assuming its due to frustration and having my mind on other things, like the Girl being away for a few weeks and trying to get prepared for V.

So in the stylee of everyone, here is a list...with a difference. The list is,
Our answers to the music quiz down the pub.
Tell me when you think we gave up all hope. PS spellings may be incorrect as Im trying to read drunken handwritting. And mine isnt teh best at the more sober times
1. Rezillos
2. Lovin Spoonful
3. Van Morrison.
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs apparently
5.
6.
7. Poached
8. Purple Haze
9. Jerome
10. Johny Be Good
11. Radiohead / Natalie Imbruglia
12. Beatles / Chipmunks
13. Betty Boo / Sonia
14. Jose Gonzales / Kyle
15.
16. Cher
17. Worzel Gummage
18. My neighbour Pete + his rabbits
19. Bob Dylan
20. The Band
21.
22.
23.
24. Pete Townsend
25. Beck
26. Twat Springsteen
27. yesyesyesyesyesyesy
28. Happy Birthday David Evans
29. Zorro
30. Police, Indian, Cowboy, Sailor, Reindeer, Trekkie
31. Yes every week during charts
32. No dont be stupid
33. Yes ha ha Mandy
34. No they live in the north pole cheeky
35. I havent been listening
36. neither have I
37. Dont be so misserable
38. Monkey
39. When did I miss a question
40. you think you have problems

I'd like to point out that, despite doing so poor on the quiz, so poor infact we only marked the top 4 answers as correct and gave up as we knew it was hopeless, I actually walked away with a "Free Pint VOUCHER" that was given to the winners.
In fact, just to prove that I'm not lying...

I make being a winner look easy.

In Other News
I was walking to work the other morning, and I past a man cleaning some shop windows. Parked next to him was his van. It had the double ladders on the roof, buckets hanging from them, cleaning products in side and rugs to clean windows with tied to the ladders. The one noticable thing about the window cleaners van......was it had very dirty windows. Not just like a bit mucky. But dirty so much you could barely seen in to the van.
Who'd of thought?

Or "How I wished I was a little bit smaller."

Well after the catch up yesteday I have done the following in the last 18 hours, blogging, commenting, burning food, dropping cheese, telling someone I loved them, and meaning it, wore clothes I forgot I had, drank cold tea, drank cold beer and done poorly at the pub quiz.

So here is my weekend, the one just gone.

After easily persuading The Girl that we should attend the free Fruitstock festival we headed over there.
It was a lovely day and we were both excited about having a fun day.
Except when we arrived and it seemd to take forever to find the entrance to the festival. We eventually found the entrance and went to see what they had in the stalls. The Girl picked up some lovely fresh berries, which we ate. After eating only one blackberry I found I had chipped my tooth some how on the fruit. Which freaked me out quite a bit. I decided to call it a day on eating fruit, and as I wasnt in any pain we decided that we should carry on with the fetival.
It wa looking prett busy and we headed straight towards teh main stage and foudn a little corner to watch Whisky Cats. They seemed to be extremly fun. So much fun it made some old guy jump and dance around in his shorts. The Girl got some amusing footage of this.
We decided that the best plan was to walk around the park, to see what was happening and grab a drink. So we slowly started to make are way through the huge crowds. Stoping every so often as we encountered the biggest lines for every tent and stall there was.
In fact, I think if I was to stand still for longer then a few seconds that a queue would form behind me a spiral off in to the crowds, even though they would be queuing for the sake of it.
We eventually found the beer tent after about 40 minutes. But again there was a huge queue, so we decided to head to the main stage, find some grass and sit down.
Only problem was with the amount of people attending this free festival, we were being steppover, stepped on and generally trampled. Which wasnt really any fun at all.
After being at the festival for about 45 mintues we decided to leave. And to take a longer quieter walk back towards the station.

When we arrived at London Bridge I noticed somthing quite perculiar next to platform one.
Im not too sure if anyone else have ever noticed this, but there seems to be a "very strange object" leaning against the wall of a facing building.

Which seems very clear to be some sort of missile.

I wonder if any countries have lost a missile recently?

Or "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

So I'm running about 9 hours behind. V, tickets, trains, training, sackings and housemates all play a part.
I'm sure I'll cover most, or all of these subjects, over the next few days.

So here is a rough guide to my last 24 hours;
We got a phone call yesterday at the house, it was a girl calling about the spare room.
We recently put one of the rooms in our house up for rent. This is due to one housemate leaving to do a course for a year.
So its been arranged that the 2nd interviewee will visit tomorrow. I know very little about this person, except her name. But I didnt take the call. I've been told though I have to wear more then underwear though. Can this be done?
I guess it would be better to start from the beginning.
Housemate Applicant 1 After arranging to come to visit the house last week, called up and cancelled without seeing the house.
More when I get them.

Before work I detoured to the Post Office to pick up my V tickets. Last time I had to collect something from the Post Office it was my Wireless tickets. They asked for ID. The tickets were addressed to my step dad, as his card was used to pay for the tickets at the time. He of course dosen't live with us. So he can't collect them. I took as much info on me buying the tickets and on me living at that address as I could. When I arrived at the Post Office they said;
"Oh it's fine, your name is on the envelope too."
All that preparation, answers to questions I thought would be asked, wasted.
Well at least I have the tickets.

When I did get to work I was immediately informed that the new guy I was working with was asked to not come back. This is the same guy that I had been complaing about a few entries earlier. It seems that I wasnt just moaning about anything. This guy was asked to not come back aftr working a little over 3 weeks.
He was called at home, or I suspect he was called by his agency after his shift, and asked not to come in. No one knew, at least not "Official" until this morning.
The boss sat with me, explained the new guy had been let go, and a new girl was to start that morning.
So within a few hours, one person had been sacked and a new one hired immediately. Fast paced or what!
Due to the training person guy being ill, new girl was sat with me all day. (This will explain my lack of blogging/commenting as she was "looking over my shoulder," as it were.)
Although she seems alot more capable at doing the job then previous guy. Which is a huge bonus as it halves my work load. Plus I have more in common with her. (No longer will I have to hear comments about "good looking cars")

With the departure of the ex new guy, it messes up my plans a bit. I had planned to take off the day after V. Not to recover, but as I am camping at the festival, I of course, need to return home.
The original 'Other colleague,' booked off the same Monday. Which meant I couldn't. He moved to a different project and we got in new guy. Which meant I could book off the Monday. No problem. He was sacked for being rubbish at his job. Which leaves me back at square 1. Now the new new person would of had about 2 weeks training. Which is more then enough to get a good grip of what the job is about. But not enough time to feel comfortable on your own. And the problem is, is that there is only one other person capable of doing my job. And he has booked a day off. Although I havent been working there long, I like to show respect. I hate calling in fake sickies.
I have paid for coach travel, it was included in my tickets. The coach leaves at 1130, and is going to take a while. Which means Ill miss most of work.
My only option, one that Im not happy about, but have to do. Is make my own way back on the monday morning.
This will involve leaving a place I've never seen before. Without knowing the area or even how I got there, and to get home. In the shortest possible time. This includes having to cover from banging hangover from previous 3 nights, pack up tent, collect all stuff. And leave.
And although there are stations nearby that can get me to Leeds in about 2 hours, the hardest part it seems, is the getting to the station. Which Im clueless about.
Most of my next few days will be trying to work out in my head/on paper the best way there, taken clues and hints from people on the internet forums, any helpful sites (although its hard to give journey starting points if you dont know where they are) and calling around a few people.
Of course this means that with my plan, prepurcahse tickets and time tables, when it comes to leaving Monday morning Id of never walked that road before.

And that roughly brings me back up to date. All I have to do now is tell you about my weekend, so.....

Or "You did wait till the last minute; but it was worth it."

I did really want to start with writing about my weekend. It invovled a park, some people, a dancing man, broken bones and a hidden weapon of mass destruction. But the pictures are too big to text to my email address, so you will have to wait till tonight/tomorrow to hear about my weekend.

Till then, here is a nice photo and some other bits.

Good time to try out a caption this image contest.

Has anyone checked out the Rolo/Flake McFlurry advert currently in McDonalds?
McDonalds advertises sure do know exactly the kind of people that they are aiming for.
On their current McFlurry advert it has a Rolo milkshake and Flake Deluxe McFlurry. Both are in large buckets with a spade by them, placed on a beach. The writing is somethign to do with sun, Summer or staying cool. I forget excatly.
Then on the poster, in not so small writing, it says something along the lines of "Buckets and spade are for promtional use only."
It shows how intelligent the advertisers are, to know to put that in, so some stupid person doesnt come along and complain that their mcflurry didint come with a spade.
It is similar to when Burger King had a King Kong promtion. On teh TV advert a giant burger fell in to the streets and a man started to eat it. The burger was made to look about 7 or 8 foot. On the small print of the advert it said "Burger shown is not actual size." Which begs the question,
How many people went in to complain about having a smaller burger then the one on TV?

In Other News
3 out of 100.
Anyone care to beat that score? Or even guess what three mine are.

Literary speaking; I'm rubbish.

Or "We jus' fessin' man. We jus' fessin'"

I received an email last night telling me that my V tickets have finally been dispatched.
This is it.
I'm going.
Cant be scared now.
No turning back.
Any problems I have with possible not getting the Monday off work, will just have to be dealt with on Tuesday after I return.

All I have to do now it set up the tent in the garden, check for any holes. Find a sleeping bag. Plus one of those blue mats to go under it.
...
Work out what Im going to eat, how much drink I can carry, how much Im going to spend. Clothes and anything else I need to pack (torches and the smaller things).
...
Oh and something to put ALL of the above in.
Lucky though I have two very large bags. (Some might say they are TOO BIG. But thats going to work to my advantage, if everything fits in of course)

I need to prepare myself on the do's and dont's. I'm heading to this years V festival alone. All my friends are tied up in 'families' and can't go.

But I cant wait. Two weeks time I'll be on a coach heading to the camping grounds and on to something entirely new to me. This is going to be mint!

Im really looking forward to seeing Radiohead. Other then them there is Faithless, which will be wicked for ending Saturday night. Also Girls Aloud and Sugerbabes will be playing. Which will be, ....er fun
But other then those few bands I havent a clue who is playing.

Id like to point out at this point these tickets were an impulse purchase, about 4 months ago. Before I moved to Leeds. They were bought solely for the purpose to see Radiohead. Despite never having been camping at a festival, going on my own, not having a clue about what to do and not do at these things and not even knowing what other bands were playing when I bought the tickets. I HAD to see Radiohead.

And I can't wait!

Thom Yorke - Harrowdown Hill

Really looking forward to seeing Yorke throwing shapes on stage.

Anyone any tips on how to do this thing?

In Other News
I'm sure everyone has seen a frontpage this morning. I really feel sorry for that Divorce Guy.
Talk about being well and truely shafted.
It says that the couple started out with neither having significant resources. My view is , this guy made his money and worked hard for it. Although she might of been with him from the start, she didnt contribute. But this greedy divorcee was not happy with £20million, and seems to of gotten away with it. I hope that Mr Charman wins in his appeal and she is offered an amount considerably less amount then the £20 million.

I bet A LOT of men are going to be worried, or taking lessons from this.

Quote of the day:
"I know you've been complaining about the digs for a while. Let me just say, we felt your pain." - George Bush, when speakign to journalist's about redecorating the West Wing.

Or "You really should give them a head start. You're a bi-ped."

So, big thanks to Ilse for introducing me to Fruitstock. Luckily enough I have plans to head down sarrf to see the Girl this weekend. So I've told her about this free event. Some of the activites I'm most looking forward to is;
-Free music. Despite the bands being relatively unknown, unless you live in New Zealand, its still free music. That's good! Plus there is dance tent were I go throw a few shapes depending on how I feel.
-Picnics. I dont think Ill fork out the £30+ for the picnic's on offer. But Ill sure pick up a sarnie and some fruit to eat while chilling out.
-Beer. Beer is good.
-Smoothies/Pimms. Not really a fan of smoothies or Pimms. But I suspect that one of these will keep the Girl happy.
Plus there is a raffle, relaxing, cakes, poetry and flirting corner. Despite probably not being able to enter this corner, still will be fun to watch others flirt. Im sure I might wager a few bets on the outcomes of 'couples' there.
BUT THE ONE THING I AM MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IS....
-Monkey Tennis. I haven't a clue what this is. Is it monkey vs monkey? Monkey vs human? Do you have to bring your own monkey and pair off against another human/monkey partnership? Why is it just a "maybe"? Does it depend on how many monkeys are involved if this activity takes place?
I dont know any answers to these questions. Althoguh I'm very excited and looking forward to finding out.
But I really do hope monkey tennis is something like this...

monkey 15. The Hoff 40

In Other News
Some other monkey news here. Passengers scared in the Dehli tube service from scowling monkeys will no longer need to worry. The Dehli tube corporation have hired a monkey as a security guard to take care of pesky anti social monkeys. Its safe again on the trains ladies and gentleman. But still fix for that gap.

Also, watch out next time your out drinking. Police are trying to crack down on drinkers drinking while standing up. To stop any booze fuelled violence starting police want to ban all standing in bars. They will ask bars/pubs to ONLY serve customers who have a chair.

Or "Name it Minky. Minky the monkey."

So we have a new guy who has just started working. He has done all his training and is now taking calls. Only problem is it doesnt look like he has picked up the training very well. All the instructions he has been given, that he should of remembered, are all written down on a note pad word for word on how to progress incidents. Even with all the writing and notes he has taken, he still asks questions. Which is ok, but I picked up all this within two days and he seems to be taking longer. Much longer. I'm worried as he is 50% of the staff on this project. I am the other 50%. And if he doesnt pull his weight or slacks, then I have to pick it up. Meaning more work for me.
But also, I need need need him to be better before I head off to V. If he has grasped how to log/progress everything, then I can book my days off as a holiday and get paid. If not, Ill have to pull a sicky and miss a days pay. Which is the last thing I want to do when I'm saving for my hols.

Anyway.

I think pigeons have a hard life. I mean I know that there is thousands of them and they can be a nusicance. Whenever a crumb is dropped to the floor its as if they can appear out of no where to land at and around any dropped food.
But with being smaller then 3 foot it seems like it is open day on anyone being able to rush in to a pigeon. Anything smaller then 3 foot and its open day to be hit by prams, trapped amongst huge crowds and chased by small sticky children. But the majority, and masses of things under 3 foot are pigeons.
For no reason at all theyll see that they are being charged down by a pram. Little do they know that some strange old lady with what I can only hope is a grandaughter is amking a dash for the road before the little traffic man turns from green to red.
Also for no explainable reason (but I have to admit I did it) they are charged at by small people. No one knows why kids run after pigeons. It just seems fun.
After all the fear we put in to pigeons on a day to day basis, its no wonder why they aim for my head when Im walking down the street. They have plenty of or "air space" to fly around, but they aim right for my head. I can only assume they are thinking"Coooo, this is what you get human for making me fly away from my crumbs!" as the zoom direct for my skull.

In Other News
"Run for the Hills!!!" Mutant crabs are coming from the sea's. Giant three clawed crabs to be precise. I aint hanging round here to see hwo this ends up. If only we were in Japan, that Godzilla could of saved us!