Saturday, January 25, 2014

Iron Lung.

I have the lurgee. My lungs feel heavy.  You shouldn't even FEEL lungs, they're one of those organs that you don't feel, they just kind of exist... but I can feel them, inside of them when I breathe.  They are full of mucus and my bronchi vibrate when I cough. It sucks and I'm sick of it.

Hopefully it will all clear up soon though I think last night's decision to go out on the piss whilst ill may have hindered my recovery somewhat.  I lost my voice for a couple of hours this morning, only returning once the steam from my shower soothed my throat. 

Lots of plans coming up for February and March and then sadly April happens and shit gets expensive with weeks and weeks of birthdays to cater for.  With this comes the usual money worries... so I need to buckle up, enjoy the ride and watch those pennies.  Which basically means keep WELL away from shoe shops. 

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Autosport Show 2014

So, I was having a really lovely weekend - having lovely catch up drinks with B on Friday and a further catch up with SB on Saturday after a DESPERATELY needed car wash for Franko and some household chores... when my dear N offered me a ticket to the AUTOSPORT Show on Sunday! Happy Days!

And what a day at that! The main thing I enjoyed was getting back to grips with my digital SLR.  I've missed it.  The feel of it, the weight of it in my hands; having to compose and think about the subject and final image before taking the shot; the familiar bleep of the focus, and satisfying click of the shutter. I loved being back behind the camera.  I missed the instant sharing as I've become accustomed to through social networking to but this was outweighed by the excitement of getting home, downloading all the images from my camera and unveiling each one- most triumphant little compositions, others being cast out like an editor making cuts from a film reel.

Seeing so many racing cars under one roof has really given me the motorsport bug for the impending season and the live action arena was equally brilliant.  We were treated to drifting, moto cross, stock cars, vintage racing cars, stunt driving, smart car racing and even some double bonneted cars which could race in both directions and even split apart!

Another little highlight was artist Ian Cook posing for a photograph for me while he worked on his latest piece in front of a fascinated crowd.  Sadly, I took this one on my phone so that I could share it on twitter and as a result it came out a little blurry which I was gutted about seeing as he'd been so kind as to pose for me!


I did a small bit of autograph hunting too, gaining signatures from Matt Neal, Gordon Sheddon, Andrew Jordan, Alan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Rob Austin in my Paddock Pass lanyard book. I also managed to get an autograph for my sister from Rob Austin as she's sponsoring his drive this year via his Roof Share scheme.

And at the end of it all, I've had time to post all my photographs, update my blog and soak it all in all over again. Happy Slink tonight thanks to a truly awesome weekend.  Here's to more of these!

:-)

Friday, January 03, 2014

2014 Resolutions

1.  Take more Photographs.  Both Phone and Real.

2.  Keep in my life only those who want to be in it; who give me as much back as I give.  Cut out people who can't be bothered and bring nothing but negativity.  Do not accept time wasters who sap energy.

3.  Create. See. Do. Make. I've put this as one because it's all about inspiration. I need to make time to get back to my creative roots. Remove superficiality and enjoy more "real stuff".

4.  Cut Down Spending on things I don't need. See above about superficiality. This will mostly be governed by crippling rent and bills.

5.  Maintain gym work and improve lung capacity for cardio.

6.  Career Development. Seek new opportunities.

7.  Go to see Maybeshewill.

Christmas 2013

I think the below video best sums up my Christmas and New Year.

It's been fantastic: Some much MUCH needed time off work spent with friend and family, including my little neice, bro and sister in law on Skype. I've caught up with family I don't see much and got to spend time with the people I care about most. It's been just brilliant.



New Years eve was spent at the new flat with a small selection of friends.  Most importantly for me- Markuus and his partner Jo came over; and N also spent the evening with us so it was lovely to spend it with some of my favourite people. :-)

The only sad thing is that's it's all flown by so fast... I've barely had time to think up any resolutions and now this week I have suddenly found myself back at work in an almost zombie-like stupor trying to remember what my job is.

Resolutions coming up...