Saturday, 17 April 2010
Back to Bloggin...
So I was Kontaining for a bit but it ain't as good. It's pretty, it's nice, but there's something about having my own design and domain that makes me feel a bit better about things.
So - what's been happening in the year and a bit that I've been incommunicado? Fuck loads! I've moved twice, had a REAL shitty relationship (that I'm thankfully out of as of September), saw Joe Rogan Live in Manchester (which was just frikkin' AWESOME!!) and more recently, decided to join a Martial Arts Instructors programme, or at least attempt to...will find out in the next few months if I'll be able to do it.
Anyways, think I'll be back on the Blogging tip from here on so expect more soon.
Oooh - Big Giant Happy Birthday to JoJo - Have an awesome day sis :)
Labels: Personal
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
My first Submission and UFC predictions
So I got my very first submission last night. May have only been 1 submission but it was sweet all the same. I was in top position in a guillotine choke. Luckily he didn't have his legs wrapped around me so I could stand up and ease the pressure. Managed to get my head out - take the full mount and then went from an arm triangle to a Kimora - those 3 light pats on the mat have never sounded sweeter. OK - I got submitted about 300 times after that but the fact still remains...there is a bit of progress there I think :)
Anyways, Couture vs Lesnar this weekend and I can't wait!! I'm totally routing for Randy...the dude is one of my Heroes and just a complete gentleman. He don't walk shit about people...give it large or bring on attitude...he is a true champ in every sense of the word. Integrity and Honour. Brock on the other hand...a complete beast and a total prat in my opinion. OK, so he beat Heath Herring and I respect the dude for that totally, but as I've said before, I'd respect him more if he was a bit more humble. I know that in the MMA World you need confidence, but there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance and Brock has opted for the latter. He was talking shit about Randy even before this fight was on the cards so I think I'll get satisfaction out of watching Randy beat him (if that turns out to be the case).
OK - Predictions for this weekend and the tournament are 2 fold. My first set will contain what I would like to happen, the second will contain what I think will happen.
What I would like to see:
Couture vs Lesnar : Couture wins
Noguiera vs Mir : Noguiera wins
Couture vs Noguiera : Couture wins
What I think I will see:
Couture vs Lesnar : Lesnar wins (I want Randy to win more than anything but I have a very bad feeling about this entire thing!!)
Noguira vs Mir : Noguira wins
Lesnar vs Noguiera : Lesnar wins
OK - so my prediction for this weekend, on the record...Couture wins by submission (RNC) in the fourth round (I know this is a contradiction...but I'm a big fan of Randy and so I intend to predict with bias).
I think Demian Maia will win by submission IF he can take Quarry to the ground without being caught by a hay maker. We'll see...but I'm gonna go for Maia coming out of this with a clean record.
Check out the fight card and extras at the official UFC 91 web site.
Anyways, Couture vs Lesnar this weekend and I can't wait!! I'm totally routing for Randy...the dude is one of my Heroes and just a complete gentleman. He don't walk shit about people...give it large or bring on attitude...he is a true champ in every sense of the word. Integrity and Honour. Brock on the other hand...a complete beast and a total prat in my opinion. OK, so he beat Heath Herring and I respect the dude for that totally, but as I've said before, I'd respect him more if he was a bit more humble. I know that in the MMA World you need confidence, but there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance and Brock has opted for the latter. He was talking shit about Randy even before this fight was on the cards so I think I'll get satisfaction out of watching Randy beat him (if that turns out to be the case).
OK - Predictions for this weekend and the tournament are 2 fold. My first set will contain what I would like to happen, the second will contain what I think will happen.
What I would like to see:
Couture vs Lesnar : Couture wins
Noguiera vs Mir : Noguiera wins
Couture vs Noguiera : Couture wins
What I think I will see:
Couture vs Lesnar : Lesnar wins (I want Randy to win more than anything but I have a very bad feeling about this entire thing!!)
Noguira vs Mir : Noguira wins
Lesnar vs Noguiera : Lesnar wins
OK - so my prediction for this weekend, on the record...Couture wins by submission (RNC) in the fourth round (I know this is a contradiction...but I'm a big fan of Randy and so I intend to predict with bias).
I think Demian Maia will win by submission IF he can take Quarry to the ground without being caught by a hay maker. We'll see...but I'm gonna go for Maia coming out of this with a clean record.
Check out the fight card and extras at the official UFC 91 web site.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
First Black President, pinging on Paul and a change of scenery.
Well, I am still in a state of shock after reading the news on the BBC web site to find that Barrack Obama has been elected as President of the USA. Now this suprise is not derived from my not knowing obviously but more the fact that this is not something I ever expected to see in my lifetime. Even when the Polls had him as front runner all the way up until yesterday I couldn't help but cast my mind (as I am doing now) to when Senator Bush stole (in that he took something that blatantly was not his) the presidency. Al Gore had more votes, but who cares?? We have innocent people to kill, business that does not concern us to involve ourselves in, an economy that needs fucking up and some weapons of mass destruction to find (like looking in your neighbours house for your keys!). Either way, I think it a good thing that this change has introduced itself to the people of the world and it's a sight to see knowing that if you had even suggested the idea of such a thing 60 years ago, you would have been linched, laughed at or
both.
Anyways, I've left the martial arts school I was going to. A few reasons but the most important being that I really wanna concentrate on Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. Lucky for me there's a place within walking distance! Like...5 minutes away!! Had my 1st class on Monday and it was great! You spend 10 minutes warming up and stretching, the remainder of the hour practicing drills and then the remainder of the time you spend on the mat trying to submit each other. Awesome! Got submitted around 50 times which I don't actually mind in one sense being as that won't be the case forever.
Anywho, being as I want or rather, need to work on my standup, I currently spend about an hour a week now doing some pad drills with my good friend Paul. Paul and I met when we worked at Interactive Solutions together, we got on like a house on fire and were always
ribbing each other. The amount of dead arms that guy used to give me (back in my skinny days) was a joke! Anyways, just before I start the timer, Paul reminded me of what I used to say after one of these dead arms..."one of these days I'm gonna be bigger, find you and then kick the shit out of you". This comment was usually followed by copious amounts of laughter in my direction and another dead arm. 6 years on...my how the tables have turned! I was using the MMA gloves so I could only do open handed strikes but it was so much fun. Them gangly arms helped me again. Think I need to get in all the hits I can now though, a few more weeks and it'll be "one of these days I'm gonna be bigger..."
both.
Anyways, I've left the martial arts school I was going to. A few reasons but the most important being that I really wanna concentrate on Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. Lucky for me there's a place within walking distance! Like...5 minutes away!! Had my 1st class on Monday and it was great! You spend 10 minutes warming up and stretching, the remainder of the hour practicing drills and then the remainder of the time you spend on the mat trying to submit each other. Awesome! Got submitted around 50 times which I don't actually mind in one sense being as that won't be the case forever.
Anywho, being as I want or rather, need to work on my standup, I currently spend about an hour a week now doing some pad drills with my good friend Paul. Paul and I met when we worked at Interactive Solutions together, we got on like a house on fire and were always
ribbing each other. The amount of dead arms that guy used to give me (back in my skinny days) was a joke! Anyways, just before I start the timer, Paul reminded me of what I used to say after one of these dead arms..."one of these days I'm gonna be bigger, find you and then kick the shit out of you". This comment was usually followed by copious amounts of laughter in my direction and another dead arm. 6 years on...my how the tables have turned! I was using the MMA gloves so I could only do open handed strikes but it was so much fun. Them gangly arms helped me again. Think I need to get in all the hits I can now though, a few more weeks and it'll be "one of these days I'm gonna be bigger..."
Labels: In the news, MMA, Personal, Politics
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Kick ass weekend!
So I get a phone call on Saturday morning from me dear old mum. "What you doing today??" ..."Errr...nothing..." "Great, I'm coming to see you". So, ended up spending the weekend with my mum (who had yet to see my flat). Was great as I don't get to see her all that much and while she's not altogether supportive/on board with my eventually wanting to do MMA - she still watched UFC 90 with me which was a total trip.
"BUT HE'S KNEEING HIM IN THE FACE!"
Bless :)
Oh yeah, apparently she doesn't rate Anderson Silva - HAHAHA!!
So yeah, that was a weird one but I gotta say, a cracking weekend all in all.
A total blast!
"BUT HE'S KNEEING HIM IN THE FACE!"
Bless :)
Oh yeah, apparently she doesn't rate Anderson Silva - HAHAHA!!
So yeah, that was a weird one but I gotta say, a cracking weekend all in all.
A total blast!
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, MMA, Personal
Friday, 24 October 2008
Human first, Black man second!
OK, so I gotta say there are some people who I just simply do not understand. I meet people like this occasionally, as to where they see your colour 1st and you 2nd. Don't get me wrong, I know a great deal about my ancestry and am proud of both sides of it. My great grand father was Scottish and my great grand mother was Jamaican. My parents were both born in Jamaica and as such I've done research on both sides of the family as well as looking at my ancestry on both sides of the family tree. Regardless of which, I was born here (England), raised here, have lived here all of my life and this is basically everything I know. As far as I am concernced, regardless of my Ancestry, I am for all intents and purposes, English. However every now and then I meet people who feel that the best way to communicate with me is to be on what they must feel is "my level" by constantly bringing up my skin colour and/or heritage.
I don't mind having a conversation with someone as I do "on occasion" with some friends about racial history, but there are points when things seem to just get out of hand in almost a David Brent type fashion. I have friends (not just of West Indian/African origin) who can relate to this type of scenario as to where something is mentioned - such as Marijuana, Hip Hop, Reggae etc and automatically, because of the colour of my skin, I'm meant to know all there is about that subject. Dumb ass comments such as "Don't mess with him, he's bound to know some 'Yardies'", or "Smile, we can't see you" aren't funny and they do nothing but offend the recipient of these so called "Jokes".
All I am saying is this. Yes, I am of West Indian origin, my skin colour is different compared to that of the majority of people in this country. Regardless of which, I laugh, bleed, cry, feel emotion exactly the same way as any other human being on the planet. I am, before all other things, a human being.
Communicate with me in the same way that I communicate with you, as a human being.
I don't mind having a conversation with someone as I do "on occasion" with some friends about racial history, but there are points when things seem to just get out of hand in almost a David Brent type fashion. I have friends (not just of West Indian/African origin) who can relate to this type of scenario as to where something is mentioned - such as Marijuana, Hip Hop, Reggae etc and automatically, because of the colour of my skin, I'm meant to know all there is about that subject. Dumb ass comments such as "Don't mess with him, he's bound to know some 'Yardies'", or "Smile, we can't see you" aren't funny and they do nothing but offend the recipient of these so called "Jokes".
All I am saying is this. Yes, I am of West Indian origin, my skin colour is different compared to that of the majority of people in this country. Regardless of which, I laugh, bleed, cry, feel emotion exactly the same way as any other human being on the planet. I am, before all other things, a human being.
Communicate with me in the same way that I communicate with you, as a human being.
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Sunday, 12 October 2008
New Blog Template Launched
OK, so being as I've actually been running this blog for over a year now (about 11 months more than I thought it would last!!) I decided it was time for a bit of an upgrade. Added some sliding bits here and there and I gotta say, I'm well chuffed with it. I prefer it to the last one but feel free to let me know what you think (which you can totally do now as I've added the ability for anyone to post comments).
Anyways, enjoy!
Anyways, enjoy!
Labels: Personal, Web Design
Friday, 10 October 2008
Thank you to Eddie Bravo and Matt Hamill
So, last night in training we were playing the "pinning" game. Quite fun and very good for anaerobic conditioning. Anyways, managed to use a move that I've seen used by Matt "The Hammer" Hamil. Was a single leg sweep and it worked like a treat. I also managed to use the lockdown which was REALLY effective. The dude couldn't do anything apart from struggle to get his leg free giving me a chance to do a sweep and reversal and get the pin.
Oh, on a side note, I've totally sprained my wrist now, my elbow is saw, my shoulder is screwed and the big toe on me right foot is knackered. Ahhh well, I WANT MORE!!!
Oh, on a side note, I've totally sprained my wrist now, my elbow is saw, my shoulder is screwed and the big toe on me right foot is knackered. Ahhh well, I WANT MORE!!!
Sunday, 5 October 2008
I thought I was gonna die!
So I'm in Birmingham at the moment being as I got a pair of tickets to go see Dylan Moran (black books, Shaun of the dead). Yesterday, I go walkin the dog for like 15 minutes with my mate and all of a sudden I get chest pains! Feels very tight and uncomfortable. We get back and I aint good at all. Shooting pains all up and down my left arm and I can hardly breath! My chest keeps gettin these waves of pain and I couldn't get comfortable at all! Anyways, the way I see it, this is my body telling me to stop treating it like a 10 dollar ho! As of tomorrow, no more cigs, ting or drink. For the next 3 months health comes first. March/April, I was in a good place, cardio was loads better, I was training more, I was heavier and I felt superb! I need to get back to that! I think really push it til Christmas and then start again come Jan and keep it going. I have new goals that I want to achieve and having a healthy body is core to all of it!
I'll drop a post on how the standup gig was tomorrow.
I'll drop a post on how the standup gig was tomorrow.
Labels: Personal
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Martial Arts competition videos
So, been meaning to post these for ages! Having started off with a cold, then moving onto a sore throat, followed by a chest infection. Just as I'm getting over my cold I get diarrhea! I'm currently "coming out the other side" with the diarrhea now but for some reason, I can not seem to keep food down. Throwing up any time I have anything other than water, but the chest is feeling a load better :
Anyways, I'm digressing a touch.
Here is a little linky to the videos. That's over a gigs worth uploaded in 1 foul swoop...my connection is going like the clappers ere and I reckon these will all have uploaded by tomorrow morning. Between now and then there is at least 1 vid on there for viewing pleasure and both my wins and losses will be on there also.
Enjoy!
Anyways, I'm digressing a touch.
Here is a little linky to the videos. That's over a gigs worth uploaded in 1 foul swoop...my connection is going like the clappers ere and I reckon these will all have uploaded by tomorrow morning. Between now and then there is at least 1 vid on there for viewing pleasure and both my wins and losses will be on there also.
Enjoy!
Monday, 29 September 2008
Life update...
OK, been busy as a bastard of late which is the reason for lack of updates. Things have been moving along in my life though. Had a Taekwondo Tournament - won 2 matches, lost 2 matches ended up 3rd. The wins don't feel as sweet though as it was against one of my team mates and I never actually got to fight anyone from another club. That said, fair play to Everton (aka Stick Man) which is now my new arch nemesis and the only one I train with who is faster than me. Weird as I love it and hate it all at the same time. Hate it cos I just hate loosing in anything where I feel I can do better, but good in the fact that I have gauge and a new push to gets better now. Must have watched my fight vids like 50 times and I know where I'm going wrong and the things I need to work on so these WILL BE IMPROVED (Yeah, decided to score a cute itsy bitsy camcorder - it's well 'ard!!)
What else, got me a Power ball, they're freaking awesome for working out your arms. Forearms, wrist strength, grip strength etc. Got it to help with my BJJ/Grappling/Sambo training which starts on Saturday. Gonna be doing some 1 on 1 sessions with a bad ass homie down in Birmingham every couple of weeks for the foreseeable future. He's an excellent teacher who knows his stuff inside out and from the side so REALLY looking forward to working with the dude.
Also going to be doing Yoga, was thinking of starting tomorrow but I don't get back in time and I'm still recovering from this freaking chest infection (was null and void ALL last week not to mention that I had 2 days already booked off which were spent sleeping!!!). But one thing I realised above all things...If I'm fighting a hobbit, I'll be able to kick that dude in the head - MAYBE! At the moment, my leg flexibility is shat and I'm fed up of having it like that so I'm hoping Yoga will help change that.
Ooohhh, been finding new music of late - lots of Hip Hop (some of it French). Top 10 Tracks on my iPod that I totally recommend (this changes daily)
What else, got me a Power ball, they're freaking awesome for working out your arms. Forearms, wrist strength, grip strength etc. Got it to help with my BJJ/Grappling/Sambo training which starts on Saturday. Gonna be doing some 1 on 1 sessions with a bad ass homie down in Birmingham every couple of weeks for the foreseeable future. He's an excellent teacher who knows his stuff inside out and from the side so REALLY looking forward to working with the dude.
Also going to be doing Yoga, was thinking of starting tomorrow but I don't get back in time and I'm still recovering from this freaking chest infection (was null and void ALL last week not to mention that I had 2 days already booked off which were spent sleeping!!!). But one thing I realised above all things...If I'm fighting a hobbit, I'll be able to kick that dude in the head - MAYBE! At the moment, my leg flexibility is shat and I'm fed up of having it like that so I'm hoping Yoga will help change that.
Ooohhh, been finding new music of late - lots of Hip Hop (some of it French). Top 10 Tracks on my iPod that I totally recommend (this changes daily)
- The Look of Love - Slum Village
- Keep it on - This beat - Slum Village
- Around the Clock - DJ Honda feat. Problemz
- Trouble in the water - DJ Honda feat. Problemz
- Hell Naw! - Slum Village
- Multiply - Slum Village
- Self Assessment - Black Grass
- Just like a bird without a feather - Samuel Jackson (Black Snake Moan OST)
- Samurai - Shurik'n
- Oncle Shu - Shurik'n
Labels: Health and Well Being, MMA, Music, Personal
Saturday, 20 September 2008
Things have changed a bit...
Yeah, so not blogged in a while and I must say that things have changed a little. Got a new Job working in Halifax which starts in December. Proper chuffed with that!
My fight in November has been cancelled and while gutted about that scenario, I am going to be fighting in approximately 3 hours over in Doncaster. Just killing time til my lift arrives and I can't wait! I've been up since 6am this morning, had a biggest west indian breakfast EVER (need the carbs) and all my stuff is packed and ready to go. There will be pics and video being as I just acquired a new Camcorder (it's small and dinky and ever so cute) but I'll post those later on this week.
Wish me luck peeps :)
Labels: Personal
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
The Dilemma - a Scenario for dudes
So, while we work we chat amongst ourselves and we've come up with a question that none of us are currently able to answer (obviously - there are no females on our team)
Would you rather be Quasimodo ugly and have a giant cock?
OR
Would you rather be Brad Pitt/Denzel Washington with a little cock?
It's a tough one huh??
Would you rather be Quasimodo ugly and have a giant cock?
OR
Would you rather be Brad Pitt/Denzel Washington with a little cock?
It's a tough one huh??
Labels: Personal
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Super Timmy Punch!
So - in training last night we were doing this thing called "Stop Point" (atleast I think that's what it's called). The whole idea is, you square off, the ref says go and whoever gets the hit in first gets a point, everything is stopped and you start again. The entire point of this is to build up attack speed to ensure you're the first one in and we usually work to a "first to 5 points" system. Being as I ain't exactly got fat wedges of muscle weighing me down I'm able to bring speed pretty easily and I've not had a great deal of luck executing the Super Man punch during sparring being as my opponent usually see's it coming a mile off. A friend of mine suggested that I set it up with a Jab (cheers chunky) so I've been practising this little manouver infront of the mirror. Anyways - yesterday...saw an opening, threw the jab and then went in with a superman punch and totally nailed it. Unfortunatley - I ended up hitting my sparring partner square in the eye (Sorry Cuan) and the point didn't count - BUT the fact still remains that I executed that bad boy to a Tee.
I was apologetic as anything being as it's never my intention to hurt sparring partners but I was chuffed as a basta*d when I actually realised I executed it. HAPPY DAYS!!
I was apologetic as anything being as it's never my intention to hurt sparring partners but I was chuffed as a basta*d when I actually realised I executed it. HAPPY DAYS!!
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, MMA, Personal
Thursday, 7 August 2008
UFC BABY!!
I am now the proud owner of tickets to UFC 89 - Bisping vs Leben. Managed to get tickets closer to the Octagon this time for the same price as I got the last tickets. Also...no more driving for hours - it's in Birmingham which is where all my homies are at, so I'm chuffed as a button!!
From Mike Bisping...
From Mike Bisping...
"Thanks Tim, much appreciated. Thanks for the support. It means alot. HopePrediction : Bisping wins by 2nd round knock out.
you enjoy the fights in Birmingham.
Be lucky
Mike"
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, MMA, Personal
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Tee-Ay-Assimo!
OK, so I must be getting on in years being as one of my birthday presents to myself this year was a Tassimo! 5 years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of getting one but now...it's one of my favourite gadgets (sad I know). You get these cool little pods, you put the pod in the machine, press the button and 60 seconds later you got a hot drink. Cafe Creme people!! It's pretty much the same coffee you get in Amsterdam not the shat they serve over here...anyways...get one!
Oooh - got me a stupidly expensive surround sound system too. HD and Optical inputs n all o that, woop ass speakers, think I prefer the Tassimo ;)
Oooh - got me a stupidly expensive surround sound system too. HD and Optical inputs n all o that, woop ass speakers, think I prefer the Tassimo ;)
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, Personal, Technology
Monday, 4 August 2008
3 months of pain starts here
OK, so I'm now joining the "Pain Train" for the next 3 months. T-Total for the next 3 months which means: -
No Cigs (Ouch)
No Alcohol (I rarely drink anyway)
No Weed
I've also got 3 months to gain 7 kilos...weighed myself this morning and I was 69 kilos, need to be 76 for this fight. That is the only thing that gives me a bit of pause. Where as most people wanna cut weight, slow down on eating etc...I gotta gain it and that's hard as hell for someone with the metabolic rate of "The Flash".
We'll see how things go.
No Cigs (Ouch)
No Alcohol (I rarely drink anyway)
No Weed
I've also got 3 months to gain 7 kilos...weighed myself this morning and I was 69 kilos, need to be 76 for this fight. That is the only thing that gives me a bit of pause. Where as most people wanna cut weight, slow down on eating etc...I gotta gain it and that's hard as hell for someone with the metabolic rate of "The Flash".
We'll see how things go.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
I Ain't that good looking!!
OK - So I'll meet a chic, she be cool. We get on - but then for some reason she convinces herself that I already have a girlfriend and nothing I can say will make them think otherwise.
Example Number 1.
I'm in a bar in Birmingham with my sis and a few of her friends. She's dancing...I'm chilling having a beer (minding my own business may I add). Some chic with probably the longest legs I have ever seen comes up and starts talking to me (she was a total babe). After a quick exchange she asks me "So, do you have a girlfriend". I didn't at the time so I say "No". "Yeah yeah..." "No REALLY" - "Whatever...see ya".
I'm sat there looking like 1 o'clock half struck with a "What the fuck" look slapped all over my Chevy Chase!
Example Number 2.
Meet this chic, she seems cool. Take her to this west indian place I got to all the time (loves my west indian food!). Soon as I walk in everyone is like "Hey Tim, how's you" - the owner comes up...we shake hands, have a chat. Her reaction? "So...any of these your ex-girlfriends then?" "Errr...nope". A few days later...take her to dinner, different place this time. We walk in and the first thing she says..."So you don't know anyone here on a 1st name basis then?" "Errr...no, I don't come in here often enough". "Oh??" she says. "Yeah, me and my mate from Birmingham generally come in here". A few days goes by and I hear nothing from her. Then I get a text message "Came to see you last night for a chat but you weren't in. Hope you were somewhere nice". Now - could have been said innocently but I could totally see it being said with a bit of sarcasm. Plus, no message on my answerphone, no missed calls on my mobile either - so she didn't call or text 1st to say she was bouncing over (which if you've only known someone for like 2 weeks...you'd generally do). So my feeling is she was trying to catch me out or some shit.
Now while I know I'm not an Ogre...I can't be that good lucking for crying out loud!! I don't get it...either there's something about me that says "Play boy" or I'm just so unlucky that I keep going for these chics that have some SERIOUS trust issues!!!
Those are 2 examples....there are more but I can't be arsed to catalogue em all. Anyway...think this needs some figuring out...this is fucking with my flo people!!
Example Number 1.
I'm in a bar in Birmingham with my sis and a few of her friends. She's dancing...I'm chilling having a beer (minding my own business may I add). Some chic with probably the longest legs I have ever seen comes up and starts talking to me (she was a total babe). After a quick exchange she asks me "So, do you have a girlfriend". I didn't at the time so I say "No". "Yeah yeah..." "No REALLY" - "Whatever...see ya".
I'm sat there looking like 1 o'clock half struck with a "What the fuck" look slapped all over my Chevy Chase!
Example Number 2.
Meet this chic, she seems cool. Take her to this west indian place I got to all the time (loves my west indian food!). Soon as I walk in everyone is like "Hey Tim, how's you" - the owner comes up...we shake hands, have a chat. Her reaction? "So...any of these your ex-girlfriends then?" "Errr...nope". A few days later...take her to dinner, different place this time. We walk in and the first thing she says..."So you don't know anyone here on a 1st name basis then?" "Errr...no, I don't come in here often enough". "Oh??" she says. "Yeah, me and my mate from Birmingham generally come in here". A few days goes by and I hear nothing from her. Then I get a text message "Came to see you last night for a chat but you weren't in. Hope you were somewhere nice". Now - could have been said innocently but I could totally see it being said with a bit of sarcasm. Plus, no message on my answerphone, no missed calls on my mobile either - so she didn't call or text 1st to say she was bouncing over (which if you've only known someone for like 2 weeks...you'd generally do). So my feeling is she was trying to catch me out or some shit.
Now while I know I'm not an Ogre...I can't be that good lucking for crying out loud!! I don't get it...either there's something about me that says "Play boy" or I'm just so unlucky that I keep going for these chics that have some SERIOUS trust issues!!!
Those are 2 examples....there are more but I can't be arsed to catalogue em all. Anyway...think this needs some figuring out...this is fucking with my flo people!!
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Friday, 11 July 2008
Something to look forward too
Started training again this week. Things have been a bit slack on the training front since the move. Having to setup the multi-gym again was not as bad as I thought and took me all of 90 minutes this time round (instead of the 6 hours it took me when I 1st got it). I think that's mostly down to the fact that I managed to dismantle it into about 20 pieces as opposed to it's original 200! Anyways, Mondays MMA session was good, Thursdays was pure pain and I loved it...been running, lifting weights and doing drills. Did nish on Wednesday as that's my designated day off and from here up until Monday...will be nothing but resting and stuffing my fat face.
Apparently we may well have a little club on club competition - if so proper looking forward to it. Soon as a date is confirmed I'll be training like my life depended on it up until that point. I have no problems with losing to an opponent (although I have no intention of that happening), I do have problems losing to fear (and I have no intention of that happening either).
Also been told there is a distinct possibility that we'll be going up against Rosi Sexton's crew in November which I am really excited about. I've seen her on the Fight Network (Bodog fight) so there's a touch of Hero worship there too - not to mention the fact that she's bad ass! Saw her pull a very sweet arm bar on this Brazilian chic who was dressed all in pink (I ain't a fan of pink in any capacity - not as bad as green though). And if her homies are anything like her...I'll be training until I'm close to death and a little bit more until that point!! (I'll also try and score me an autograph!)
Oh yeah, that date on Saturday...went OK. I get the distinct impression she thinks I'm some kinda play boy so not too sure how far that's gonna go. Not much you can do about someone who has already made their mind up about you and I ain't about to start trying to prove that's not me. Nothing worse than being judged because you got a few nice garms and a cool pad. But such is life.
Anyways - 9 more days until my birthday...15 until the housewarming/birthday party. Still not told the neighbours yet...we'll see what they say I guess.
Apparently we may well have a little club on club competition - if so proper looking forward to it. Soon as a date is confirmed I'll be training like my life depended on it up until that point. I have no problems with losing to an opponent (although I have no intention of that happening), I do have problems losing to fear (and I have no intention of that happening either).
Also been told there is a distinct possibility that we'll be going up against Rosi Sexton's crew in November which I am really excited about. I've seen her on the Fight Network (Bodog fight) so there's a touch of Hero worship there too - not to mention the fact that she's bad ass! Saw her pull a very sweet arm bar on this Brazilian chic who was dressed all in pink (I ain't a fan of pink in any capacity - not as bad as green though). And if her homies are anything like her...I'll be training until I'm close to death and a little bit more until that point!! (I'll also try and score me an autograph!)
Oh yeah, that date on Saturday...went OK. I get the distinct impression she thinks I'm some kinda play boy so not too sure how far that's gonna go. Not much you can do about someone who has already made their mind up about you and I ain't about to start trying to prove that's not me. Nothing worse than being judged because you got a few nice garms and a cool pad. But such is life.
Anyways - 9 more days until my birthday...15 until the housewarming/birthday party. Still not told the neighbours yet...we'll see what they say I guess.
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, MMA, Moans and Groans, Personal
Friday, 4 July 2008
Up, Up, Awaaaaay!
So things are on the up for Timmy Boy. On the way home last night and bump into hot chic that I'm taking out this weekend (her name is Tisha). Took her for a quick drink which turned into a few which turned into something to eat. Next thing you know it was almost 11pm! Anyways, gotta say, very great chic. Gorgeous and Extremly funny and very genuine (she's alright too - Boom Boom!). Happy days - sooo looking forward to Saturday :)
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, Personal
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Panic Over
So, my new place has a great view of the canal from the balcony which as soon as I saw it made me think "Perfect for a smoke in the summer". Anyways, I ends up having a smoke a few days ago and I hear this voice "Hello...". Turns out its my neighbours from upstairs who just so happen to be the concierge and caretaker (they're married). Oooh, I also get the impression they're pretty tight with the land lady. "We can smell it...any chance you could go inside our grand-daughter is here". Oh the embarrasement. Now after seeing what happened to my last place, I've dubbed the new pad a "no smoking" flat, so if I wanna smoke - I pop out onto the balcony (very convenient when you're on the 3rd floor), just didn't realise my stash was so potent.
Either way...I start flapping "Oooh...they're gonna tell the land lady...I'm gonna get evicted and I barely been here a week!!". So yesterday I pops over to the concierges office after work to drop off some post for the previous tenants and she seems cool. I tell her "Yeah, erm.....sorry about last night...that won't happen again". "Oh it's fine! We're you smoking the other night too??", "Errr....yeah...", "OK, that explains it, cos we didn't know what it was, we ended up calling the gas board". I gotta say I laughed! Anyways, turns out their daughter only works for the fuzz and is a drugs youth worker. She was there when I was having a smoke and clocked on right away! Luckily though, they seem very cool with it - the dude was like "Do what you want mate...live n let live is what I say" - so I don't think they'll be ratting me out just yet. Just means I gotta go for a walk any time I wanna have a Joe.
Ahhh...how my life makes me laugh.
On a slightly less significant note...totally got a Prada shirt for 60 bones yesterday...BARGAIN! And I got some D&G shoes that were meant to be 235 but I managed to get em 50% off. The joys of end of season sales!!! GET IN!
Either way...I start flapping "Oooh...they're gonna tell the land lady...I'm gonna get evicted and I barely been here a week!!". So yesterday I pops over to the concierges office after work to drop off some post for the previous tenants and she seems cool. I tell her "Yeah, erm.....sorry about last night...that won't happen again". "Oh it's fine! We're you smoking the other night too??", "Errr....yeah...", "OK, that explains it, cos we didn't know what it was, we ended up calling the gas board". I gotta say I laughed! Anyways, turns out their daughter only works for the fuzz and is a drugs youth worker. She was there when I was having a smoke and clocked on right away! Luckily though, they seem very cool with it - the dude was like "Do what you want mate...live n let live is what I say" - so I don't think they'll be ratting me out just yet. Just means I gotta go for a walk any time I wanna have a Joe.
Ahhh...how my life makes me laugh.
On a slightly less significant note...totally got a Prada shirt for 60 bones yesterday...BARGAIN! And I got some D&G shoes that were meant to be 235 but I managed to get em 50% off. The joys of end of season sales!!! GET IN!
Labels: Personal
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Rant
You know what...I gotta say it gets to me when people start playing the victim. Woah is me and you did this to me and you made me feel this way and that and blah blah blah. You know what...bollocks!
So you're in a situation you no longer want to be in. Do you:
1. Stay in said situation to please other people
2. Do what's right for you and in the long term the other person and bounce
You go for option 1, you end up being grossly unhappy all to please someone else.
You go for option 2, you get a ton of grief about Karma coming to get you n all that shit.
Well this is what I think. Bollox to the lot of it. Do what's right for you - not for other people. The only person responsible for you being happy is you. Playing the victim and blaming someone else stops you from growing as a person and it's a totally negative way to live your life. This is from experience!
Unless there are children involved, you got to put yourself first in all things. Sounds selfish but think of it like this. If you don't seek out the things that make you happy and leave it to other people...you'll be unhappy for a very long time. This is not to say that you should not consider other people. This is to say that you should do things because you want to do them, not because you expect something in return. Treat yourself as you would your best friend because loving yourself is the 1st step to truly loving someone else. Finally, don't feel guilty for doing what is right for you, because if you don't do it - no one else will.
Rant over...
So you're in a situation you no longer want to be in. Do you:
1. Stay in said situation to please other people
2. Do what's right for you and in the long term the other person and bounce
You go for option 1, you end up being grossly unhappy all to please someone else.
You go for option 2, you get a ton of grief about Karma coming to get you n all that shit.
Well this is what I think. Bollox to the lot of it. Do what's right for you - not for other people. The only person responsible for you being happy is you. Playing the victim and blaming someone else stops you from growing as a person and it's a totally negative way to live your life. This is from experience!
Unless there are children involved, you got to put yourself first in all things. Sounds selfish but think of it like this. If you don't seek out the things that make you happy and leave it to other people...you'll be unhappy for a very long time. This is not to say that you should not consider other people. This is to say that you should do things because you want to do them, not because you expect something in return. Treat yourself as you would your best friend because loving yourself is the 1st step to truly loving someone else. Finally, don't feel guilty for doing what is right for you, because if you don't do it - no one else will.
Rant over...
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
I've moved!
Yeah, not bad in terms of timing. Oh the joys of renting...could have been quicker but I decided to go for the nicer apartment (see the screen shots from the previous post) which meant I had to wait until the 23rd to move in. All worked out perfectly though. Had enough time to order new furniture, get stuff packed up, notify all the companies of my new address etc and to top it all off...got this hot chics number and taking her out on Saturday - Boo Ya!! Living the dream peeps...living the dream!
Love the new pad, it's funky as hell. High ceilings, floor to ceiling windows in the living room, double doors that open onto a balcony which is bang on the canal. Lights in the hallway that turn on automatically, built in dishwasher (makes life so much easier) so yeah, happy as larry. And now that I've settled in, more general posts coming soon.
Love the new pad, it's funky as hell. High ceilings, floor to ceiling windows in the living room, double doors that open onto a balcony which is bang on the canal. Lights in the hallway that turn on automatically, built in dishwasher (makes life so much easier) so yeah, happy as larry. And now that I've settled in, more general posts coming soon.
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, Personal
Monday, 2 June 2008
I'm moving!
6 years I been at that flat. It's cheap as chips and I gotta say I'm gonna miss the place but it's time for me to move onto bigger and better things. Why?? Because I saw a mouse!! Cage fighting - no problem with that what so ever...being in the same room with a mouse - NO THANK YOU! My mates think it's funny as hell - I haven't laughed one bit. Seen the bugger (who I have dubbed Mikey) around here and there and he don't even run when he see's me! Just gives me a nod as if to say "Evening!". I wouldn't be too surprised if I saw him walking passed in the hallway with today's paper dressed in a robe with flip flops on!
Either way, my nerves are shot...I feel like a prisoner in my own home for crying out loud! Can't sleep right...right now I'm shattered! I ain't eating right (mainly cos I keep seeing him in the kitchen and I'll be damned if I'll be spending anymore time in there than necessary!!)
Anyways - got most of this week off for various activities, namely UFC 85 over at the O2 arena in London (YAY!!!), and I've arranged a viewing of some pretty plush pads at a kick ass complex just around the corner for Monday. I think I wanna go for the penthouse. Because it looks great, sounds pretty sweet to have a penthouse and more importantly being on the top floor - mice free!!! Plus the complex has a gym n all o that too.
The aim? To be outta this place and in the new place by July 1st! that gives me 28 days exactly. If I can be in there by next pay day (23rd) even better still! More on this later...meanwhile, some candy representing what I may be moving into (there's a view of the canal too....SUITS YOU!)
Either way, my nerves are shot...I feel like a prisoner in my own home for crying out loud! Can't sleep right...right now I'm shattered! I ain't eating right (mainly cos I keep seeing him in the kitchen and I'll be damned if I'll be spending anymore time in there than necessary!!)
Anyways - got most of this week off for various activities, namely UFC 85 over at the O2 arena in London (YAY!!!), and I've arranged a viewing of some pretty plush pads at a kick ass complex just around the corner for Monday. I think I wanna go for the penthouse. Because it looks great, sounds pretty sweet to have a penthouse and more importantly being on the top floor - mice free!!! Plus the complex has a gym n all o that too.
The aim? To be outta this place and in the new place by July 1st! that gives me 28 days exactly. If I can be in there by next pay day (23rd) even better still! More on this later...meanwhile, some candy representing what I may be moving into (there's a view of the canal too....SUITS YOU!)
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Monday, 12 May 2008
Post 100!
Welcome to post 100...a small milestone and not too significant (if at all) in the great scheme of things, but a milestone non the less. Not updated for a while as I've been busy with either being ill or training.
Anyways, the 2nd sparring session was way better than the 1st. After that first instance and realising that I was being way too defensive I was determined to be a great deal more offensive that time round. Also spent a good few hours putting my UFC video subscription to good use watching all the best stand up guys and studying how they do their thing. Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell. I also managed to use a trick that I read in Mohammed Ali's auto-bio where he puts one hand on the head of the opponent (watch some of his fights, you'll see him do it) which apparently helps distract them (it works too). In MMA that'd be no good...leaving your arm out there for too long is gonna do nothing against someone with good BJJ apart from get you submitted, but considering our sparring sessions are hands only for the moment, it's all good. I've also been running to my sessions too (it's only a 1.5k run) but an excellent way to warm up and get the aerobic conditioning on the way. Need to concentrate on the Anaerobic too though. All in all, I'm loving the MMA stuff I'm doing and the guys I train with are all really sound people. Getting to be a tight group...
In other news, less than 4 weeks until UFC 85 and I can't wait. My very 1st live UFC event and it's gonna be the shiz! It still sucks that I won't get to see Chuck Liddell as that would have been way cool especially after reading his book but the UFC have made up for it with one of the biggest fight cards in the history of the UFC. Nicely done boys, nicely done. Bisping is fighting Jason "Dooms" Day who I have not heard of but from all the hype...is meant to be a bad mother fu*ker! Still a shame that Chris Leben has had to go to Jail though...would have been good to see Bisping and him get it on. I also think it would have been good for Bispings career with Leben being better known among UFC fans but the fight should be pretty good anyway. They also have Thiago Alves vs Matt Huges, Rashad Evans vs James Irvin and Paul Taylor vs Jess Liaudin. I'm diggin Paul Taylor, dudes from the West Midlands for a start which is where I'm from and he's got some skills too although he's in the under card so that fight won't get televised.
Anyway - bored of typing now...will add more when I can be bothered...
Anyways, the 2nd sparring session was way better than the 1st. After that first instance and realising that I was being way too defensive I was determined to be a great deal more offensive that time round. Also spent a good few hours putting my UFC video subscription to good use watching all the best stand up guys and studying how they do their thing. Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell. I also managed to use a trick that I read in Mohammed Ali's auto-bio where he puts one hand on the head of the opponent (watch some of his fights, you'll see him do it) which apparently helps distract them (it works too). In MMA that'd be no good...leaving your arm out there for too long is gonna do nothing against someone with good BJJ apart from get you submitted, but considering our sparring sessions are hands only for the moment, it's all good. I've also been running to my sessions too (it's only a 1.5k run) but an excellent way to warm up and get the aerobic conditioning on the way. Need to concentrate on the Anaerobic too though. All in all, I'm loving the MMA stuff I'm doing and the guys I train with are all really sound people. Getting to be a tight group...
In other news, less than 4 weeks until UFC 85 and I can't wait. My very 1st live UFC event and it's gonna be the shiz! It still sucks that I won't get to see Chuck Liddell as that would have been way cool especially after reading his book but the UFC have made up for it with one of the biggest fight cards in the history of the UFC. Nicely done boys, nicely done. Bisping is fighting Jason "Dooms" Day who I have not heard of but from all the hype...is meant to be a bad mother fu*ker! Still a shame that Chris Leben has had to go to Jail though...would have been good to see Bisping and him get it on. I also think it would have been good for Bispings career with Leben being better known among UFC fans but the fight should be pretty good anyway. They also have Thiago Alves vs Matt Huges, Rashad Evans vs James Irvin and Paul Taylor vs Jess Liaudin. I'm diggin Paul Taylor, dudes from the West Midlands for a start which is where I'm from and he's got some skills too although he's in the under card so that fight won't get televised.
Anyway - bored of typing now...will add more when I can be bothered...
Labels: In the news, MMA, Personal
Thursday, 1 May 2008
UFC 83, 85 and Ouch!
Yeah, so was sparring on Monday. Was a shed load of fun but my cardio needs a lot of work. As you can see, I've been doing some "Nike+" Runs, even woke up at 6am this morning to do a few kilometers. The goal...2 miles in 11 minutes...at the moment I can do 2k in 9.5 minutes so I've got some to go. Anyways, really really really need to work on my stand up. Apparently my foot work is good so that's one less thing, but I gotta start committing to the punches. I also got tagged square on the bridge of my nose which I have to say was a b*tch!! On a scale of 1-10 I'd say the pain was at like 6-7 so nothing life threatening but enough to make me pause and start nodding my head even though no one asked me a question. The eyes start streaming and you cant see properly and there's that little voice in your head saying "3x 5 minutes of this? HA!...lets go home" but I'm ignoring that little git and powering through. Anyways, didn't really help that the guy who was training me says after years he's never gotten used to being punched in the nose :( NOOOOO!! Anyways, not giving up...this is spurring me on to get better and the way I see it, the more I get hit in the face the more incentive there is for me to move out of the freaking way!!
Meanwhile, I have not done any UFC of late so I'll throw something in. Very happy that GSP got his belt back, the crowd looked freaking awesome in terms of the atmosphere and even though Serra lost, it's cool he got an applause at the end. Meanwhile, seems that Chuck Liddel won't be fighting at UFC 85 anymore! I was well gutted when I found that out. Training injury n all of that which couldn't be helped but damn dude!! The one fight on the entire card I was really looking forward to not to mention the fact that I lashed 300 bones on tickets! Anyways, the main card has been changed to Matt Hughes vs Thiago Alves - which ain't as kick ass a Liddell vs Evans, but it's nice to see that UFC have their finger on the pulse being as Bisping will be taking on Chris Leben. FREAKING AWESOME! Now that's the fight I'll be looking forward to. Getting to see our boy in LIVE action is gonna freaking rock and even though the US fans may not be as welcoming to the big man...we freaking love that guy over here. I guarantee you that the crowd is gonna go absolutely freaking wild when he comes out. Got to say though, I think this will be a very good gauge to see how Bisping would do against Silva. If he can take out Leben just as quick it looks good, if it goes to a decision or even worst he loses (doubt it) then he's got a ways to go. But one I'm looking for, Rich Franklin vs Bisping - OH YEAH!
Meanwhile, I have not done any UFC of late so I'll throw something in. Very happy that GSP got his belt back, the crowd looked freaking awesome in terms of the atmosphere and even though Serra lost, it's cool he got an applause at the end. Meanwhile, seems that Chuck Liddel won't be fighting at UFC 85 anymore! I was well gutted when I found that out. Training injury n all of that which couldn't be helped but damn dude!! The one fight on the entire card I was really looking forward to not to mention the fact that I lashed 300 bones on tickets! Anyways, the main card has been changed to Matt Hughes vs Thiago Alves - which ain't as kick ass a Liddell vs Evans, but it's nice to see that UFC have their finger on the pulse being as Bisping will be taking on Chris Leben. FREAKING AWESOME! Now that's the fight I'll be looking forward to. Getting to see our boy in LIVE action is gonna freaking rock and even though the US fans may not be as welcoming to the big man...we freaking love that guy over here. I guarantee you that the crowd is gonna go absolutely freaking wild when he comes out. Got to say though, I think this will be a very good gauge to see how Bisping would do against Silva. If he can take out Leben just as quick it looks good, if it goes to a decision or even worst he loses (doubt it) then he's got a ways to go. But one I'm looking for, Rich Franklin vs Bisping - OH YEAH!
Labels: In the news, MMA, Personal
Friday, 25 April 2008
Nike+
Yup - scored me some Nike+ and that little gimmicky thing you put in your trainers so that they connect to your pod. Anyways - turns out the freaking thing don't work with my Touch so had to score an iPod Nano today. Got a cheapo second hand one from CEX though. Anyways - thats the reason for the thing on the left. Won't be at 0 for long...
Labels: Health and Well Being, Personal, Technology
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Me!! A DJ!?!?
Yeah, I totally forgot to mention, had my school reunion a few weeks back. Some people ain't changed a lick others have seen better days but it was good to see them all. Unfortunately there are pictures of me doing some weird ass dancing, proper getting into it (making myself small Peter Kay Style) and I have no excuse cos I was on water that night!!! Anyways - everyone's giving the usual "So what are you doing with yourself now..." apart from when they get to me everyone's like "You're a DJ aren't you?". Thinking back I wish I had blagged it and said "Hell yeah!" but the last time I tried to do that my best mate (The git!) spilt the beans to everyone totally pissing all over which at the time was a well lit bonfire built by yours truly! Anyways - I told the truth :(
I like being a programmer but being a DJ would have been one of the only other jobs that I could say is way cooler!!!
I like being a programmer but being a DJ would have been one of the only other jobs that I could say is way cooler!!!
Labels: Personal
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Chuck Liddell out of UFC 85 card and my grading
Yeah, he's pulled his freakin' hamstring!! I'm well gutted about that! £300 bones on tickets and he injures himself on training! Anyways - you can read more here, as for the replacement - no idea! :(
Meanwhile - got me belt/passed my grading, 1st of many I hope - so onward and upward.
Meanwhile - got me belt/passed my grading, 1st of many I hope - so onward and upward.
Labels: In the news, MMA, Personal
Friday, 4 April 2008
Another cracking session and The Ultimate Fighther
Had an outstanding session last night - knackering but fun! Punches and elbows from the mount position - although one thing I gotta do is start working on my neck muscles...when on the bottom, keeping your chin tucked in for long periods of time gives you some serious neck ache - one more thing to add onto the regime! Also ordered me a "FCF" hoodie today - reckon that should be here in the next few days :)
Also don't forget - for those of you living in the UK - the new season of "the Ultimate Fighter (Team Rampage vs Team Griffin)" starts tomorrow night - Bravo - 11pm.
Finally - they've started accepting entries for the May 1st Reboot - YAY!
Also don't forget - for those of you living in the UK - the new season of "the Ultimate Fighter (Team Rampage vs Team Griffin)" starts tomorrow night - Bravo - 11pm.
Finally - they've started accepting entries for the May 1st Reboot - YAY!
Labels: MMA, Personal, TV and Movies, Web Design
Thursday, 3 April 2008
The doubting Thomas only makes Timmy Stronger!
So I really want to do some Amateur MMA bouts. Not something I think I'll ever want to do as a career but a few local competitions is definitely something I'll be interested in and certainly something I want to do by the time I'm 30 which gives me 15 months (give or take a week or 2). So I've spoken to my trainer and she reckons getting me ready in that amount of time won't be a problem. The way I see it - if she can teach me the skills, I can work on everything else such as cardio, being limber etc.
However I must say that I'm ever so slightly disappointed but greatly encouraged about how well (or not as the case may be) most people think I will perform. I can't say I'm totally surprised, underestimated from day 1 and nothing appears to have changed! "web design and programming?? You're having a laugh right??!" That's what someone said to me 12 years ago when I showed an interest in web programming. Now I'm the youngest member of an IT department working as a web team leader for one of the largest Conveyancing Law Firms in the country!
Doubt me all you want - but it only serves to make me stronger!
However I must say that I'm ever so slightly disappointed but greatly encouraged about how well (or not as the case may be) most people think I will perform. I can't say I'm totally surprised, underestimated from day 1 and nothing appears to have changed! "web design and programming?? You're having a laugh right??!" That's what someone said to me 12 years ago when I showed an interest in web programming. Now I'm the youngest member of an IT department working as a web team leader for one of the largest Conveyancing Law Firms in the country!
Doubt me all you want - but it only serves to make me stronger!
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Chuck Liddell - My Fighting Life (Part 2)
OK - so I got like maybe 20 pages to go and I have to say this book was much better than I thought it would be. Chuck goes into details about aspects of his personal life, how he got into the fight game, goes over his thoughts and views about certain fights he's had and how he was feeling at the time (his comments on Tito Ortiz make me want to buy that book also). There's even a few of his training routines, little snippets of information cataloging everything from his favourite bouts to what his kids see as weird things that he eats (like hot sauce straight from the bottle).
Anyway, I've not read that many auto-biographies but the ones I have read (Malcolm X and Mohammed Ali) are great and this goes in there with them as a superb read. Could hardly put it down and the only down side is that I've pretty much finished reading it.
Get this book - it's an outstanding read and very inspirational. Since reading this book I've quit smoking and am working harder than ever in the gym. Not to say that this book has done that for me as I was intent on quitting smoking at some point anyway but reading it has certainly helped spur me on and also led me to the realisation that if you want to change things - bitching does not do it. Action is the only way to go.
So I end this entry with a little inspiration quote from Bruce Lee (I actually have this on a poster in my gym at home): -
Anyway, I've not read that many auto-biographies but the ones I have read (Malcolm X and Mohammed Ali) are great and this goes in there with them as a superb read. Could hardly put it down and the only down side is that I've pretty much finished reading it.
Get this book - it's an outstanding read and very inspirational. Since reading this book I've quit smoking and am working harder than ever in the gym. Not to say that this book has done that for me as I was intent on quitting smoking at some point anyway but reading it has certainly helped spur me on and also led me to the realisation that if you want to change things - bitching does not do it. Action is the only way to go.
So I end this entry with a little inspiration quote from Bruce Lee (I actually have this on a poster in my gym at home): -
"Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do"
Labels: Book Review, MMA, Personal
Friday, 28 March 2008
Until my better is my best...
So had my grading last night...90 minutes of scrutiny but it was mucho fun. By the time I got home I was shattered! Fell asleep within 15 seconds flat and today I just feel a bit drained. Think it's gonna be carbing up on the ol Pasta later on. Anyways - was a double grading...so with any luck - I would have nailed both of em but I find out on Monday.
So...(holding up right hand)
One thing I will say...I really need to tap smoking on the head. My cardio is a joke at the moment and I wanna be able to push myself without my nicotine addiction getting in the way!
So...(holding up right hand)
"I will, never rest, until my good is better and my better is my best!"
One thing I will say...I really need to tap smoking on the head. My cardio is a joke at the moment and I wanna be able to push myself without my nicotine addiction getting in the way!
Monday, 17 March 2008
Belated Happy Birthday and my ridiculously priced book
So, was a friends birthday a couple of weeks back and didn't feel right calling her but still wanted to say Happy Birthday in some way, shape or form...so - Paulette - Happy Birthday! I didn't forget.
Meanwhile, my "A year in the life" book arrived today. UFC are doing a special run of 500 of these bad boys so decided to score me a copy. Now this is not the 1st thing I've purchased from the UFC store. Got my Octogan Necklace from there too and all went well with that so I figured this should be the same. Now, the book itself is pretty much a picture book with photos from the best fights of 2007. It's nicely bound, looks cool and for a book - weighs a ton. Here is where the problem comes in. Go to the UFC store and the book is down as $50 (£25). Add another $20 for carriage (£10) and thats not a bad score at $70 (£35). Now here is where the b*tch comes in - I had to pay frieght and duty on this bad boy which cost £67 ($134)! So I am now the proud owner of a book that cost me £102 ($204)! 3 words jump to mind at a time like this....WHAT THE HELL??!!!
Meanwhile, my "A year in the life" book arrived today. UFC are doing a special run of 500 of these bad boys so decided to score me a copy. Now this is not the 1st thing I've purchased from the UFC store. Got my Octogan Necklace from there too and all went well with that so I figured this should be the same. Now, the book itself is pretty much a picture book with photos from the best fights of 2007. It's nicely bound, looks cool and for a book - weighs a ton. Here is where the problem comes in. Go to the UFC store and the book is down as $50 (£25). Add another $20 for carriage (£10) and thats not a bad score at $70 (£35). Now here is where the b*tch comes in - I had to pay frieght and duty on this bad boy which cost £67 ($134)! So I am now the proud owner of a book that cost me £102 ($204)! 3 words jump to mind at a time like this....WHAT THE HELL??!!!
Labels: Friendly Thoughts, MMA, Moans and Groans, Personal
Friday, 7 March 2008
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
UFC 82 and my glorious return from Amsterdam
Well - managed to get in home quite literally at the "Tale of the tape" for the Silva/Henderson fight and the shit didn't even get passed the 2nd round! I knew that was gonna be the case and I even guessed it was gonna be a submission, so I'm going to start doing my predictions again. Either way, glad that Silva won...the form on those front kicks was freaking perfect too considering the speed!
Anyway - the trip to the Dam was mucho fun as usual...don't think I've laughed so much in ages and I found this AMAZING noodle place on the Dam Rak...cant remember the name but it's directly across the way from the big Grasshopper and it's got the name WOK in it I'm sure...dinky place but they do rice or noodles with whatever you want on there. Freaking AWESOME!!
Anyway - the trip to the Dam was mucho fun as usual...don't think I've laughed so much in ages and I found this AMAZING noodle place on the Dam Rak...cant remember the name but it's directly across the way from the big Grasshopper and it's got the name WOK in it I'm sure...dinky place but they do rice or noodles with whatever you want on there. Freaking AWESOME!!
Monday, 25 February 2008
Amsterdam (Woohoo), my new WII (Double Woohoo) and my HD DVD (Triple DOH!)
Yup, 4 days and counting until my Trip to Amsterdam. Unlike all of the other times...getting there in the morning which means I gotta be outta my bed at stupid (AKA 4am) in the morning! Totally worth it though...I reckon an hour to get ready...another hour to get to the Airport and then the plane leaves an hour after that - it's gonna be great!
In other news...hooked myself up with a Wii on Friday. I gotta say, I can see why it's outselling everything else - it's freaking AWSOME! Shits all over my XBOX 360 and costs half as much. Anyways - got the one that comes with Wii Sports and also went and scored Mario and Sonic Olympics and after playing a good portion of the weekend I gotta say it's addictive as hell and so much fun it's almost insane! I have got a downside though...woke up this morning...went to stretch and my arm is MESSED UP!! All that swinging up, down, left and right proper does you, not to mention the fact that I must have lost a good few pounds from the cardio it gets out of you. But that aside...if you intend to get a games console...get a Wii. It's easy as hell to use (with the games I've played) and I'm willing to guarentee that you'll have the most fun!
Finally - anyone wanna buy a Hi Def DVD player for the 360?? Seems that if I had waited another 2 weeks I would have seen the news that Blu Ray has won the Hi Def battle! Sony you gits!! Nicely done though...but you've cost me about £200 bones :( Anyways - I may keep it...I reckon that'll be worth a nice little wedge in a few years in a "Remember these??" type fashion...but if I'm gonna get rid...now is the time. The way I see it...any techie bods that are in the know will laugh at me (as most already have) if I try and sell it to them...but your average Joe will just think...Hi Def...cool....like those poor fools (my dear old mum included) that buy a television just cos it says "HD Ready" on it. Yes...wrong as it may be I'm counting on peoples stupidity, technophobia and lack of understanding to try and claim back some of my coin! Will update on that another time.
In other news...hooked myself up with a Wii on Friday. I gotta say, I can see why it's outselling everything else - it's freaking AWSOME! Shits all over my XBOX 360 and costs half as much. Anyways - got the one that comes with Wii Sports and also went and scored Mario and Sonic Olympics and after playing a good portion of the weekend I gotta say it's addictive as hell and so much fun it's almost insane! I have got a downside though...woke up this morning...went to stretch and my arm is MESSED UP!! All that swinging up, down, left and right proper does you, not to mention the fact that I must have lost a good few pounds from the cardio it gets out of you. But that aside...if you intend to get a games console...get a Wii. It's easy as hell to use (with the games I've played) and I'm willing to guarentee that you'll have the most fun!
Finally - anyone wanna buy a Hi Def DVD player for the 360?? Seems that if I had waited another 2 weeks I would have seen the news that Blu Ray has won the Hi Def battle! Sony you gits!! Nicely done though...but you've cost me about £200 bones :( Anyways - I may keep it...I reckon that'll be worth a nice little wedge in a few years in a "Remember these??" type fashion...but if I'm gonna get rid...now is the time. The way I see it...any techie bods that are in the know will laugh at me (as most already have) if I try and sell it to them...but your average Joe will just think...Hi Def...cool....like those poor fools (my dear old mum included) that buy a television just cos it says "HD Ready" on it. Yes...wrong as it may be I'm counting on peoples stupidity, technophobia and lack of understanding to try and claim back some of my coin! Will update on that another time.
Labels: Gaming, Moans and Groans, Personal, Technology
Monday, 18 February 2008
Well I'm contagious!
Yup...seems that I've managed to take out the entire web team! I'm the only f**ker in work today and everyone else has called in sick within 3 minutes of each other! How I managed to get into work today is beyond me as I still have that "Arseholed by a freight train" feeling. It's like being in a hospital ward today...everyone is coughing and sputtering and I doubt very much I'll make it to lunch time let alone the end of the day! My stomach also feels like it's been smashed with a sledge hammer on account of coughing my guts up all weekend but better this happens now than next week. Last thing I wanna do is miss my trip to the Dam on account of the freaking flu!!
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Friday, 15 February 2008
What's wrong with my immune system?!
This time in 2 weeks I'll be sat in Betty Boop happy as Larry content that Im smoking the finest bud and drinking some superior coffee! Until that happens, work work work. I feel good from the workouts although today is an exception. Decided to have a shoulder workout last night before my Eskrima session and when I woke up this morning I felt like I'd been arseholed by a frieght train. I've decided to give workouts a rest for a bit until I recover and have been trying to ensure I keep eating and guzzling protein shakes in order to aid my recovery but we'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Monday, 11 February 2008
Domain problems, Apple (again!) and the countdown begins (yes...again!)
So...looks like my domain name ran out yesterday...didn't even notice until I tried to update my blog earlier! Anyways - seems to be sweet as a nut now...soon as I managed to find my UKReg account details (from like 6 years ago!) - everything was sweet as a nut.
Meanwhile - seems that Apple (the money grabbing bastards!) have released a 32GB iPOD Touch! This is taking the piss now...I get a new 30gb iPOD to replace my Nano and they release new versions of it within weeks of me getting it. I get a Touch and they not only charge me like 10 bones for updating it...but then they release a 32GB version and it's not like it's been out for a year yet! APPLE - I AIN'T BUYING ANY OF YOUR SHIT EVERY AGAIN!!
Anyways - new countdown....18 days until my next trip to the Dam :) Gonna be proper Bo! MUHAHAHA!
Oooh Oooh, finally got around to doing a nice little redesign to the Kane Academy webby...the new one looks the biz and is one of the nicest designs I've turfed out in ages. Either way, think I've got rid of my design block as I'm designing some nice stuff at work n all. Happy Happy Happy Happy Days! Check out the before and after.
Meanwhile - seems that Apple (the money grabbing bastards!) have released a 32GB iPOD Touch! This is taking the piss now...I get a new 30gb iPOD to replace my Nano and they release new versions of it within weeks of me getting it. I get a Touch and they not only charge me like 10 bones for updating it...but then they release a 32GB version and it's not like it's been out for a year yet! APPLE - I AIN'T BUYING ANY OF YOUR SHIT EVERY AGAIN!!
Anyways - new countdown....18 days until my next trip to the Dam :) Gonna be proper Bo! MUHAHAHA!
Oooh Oooh, finally got around to doing a nice little redesign to the Kane Academy webby...the new one looks the biz and is one of the nicest designs I've turfed out in ages. Either way, think I've got rid of my design block as I'm designing some nice stuff at work n all. Happy Happy Happy Happy Days! Check out the before and after.
Labels: MMA, Moans and Groans, Personal, Technology
Monday, 28 January 2008
A good end to a shat week and UFC 81
Well, the weekend was actually pretty cool. Had some friends up from Birmingham and spent the weekend chilled as anything. Barely did a thing apart from chill out and listen to a shed load of Neo Soul which I'm so getting addicted to of late (Big thanks to Josi for hooking me up with the names of all those artists).
Meanwhile, REALLY looking forward to UFC 81 this weekend. Living in the UK we end up seeing it a day later than the live event, so Sunday's the day where I get to see Brock Lesnar receive some whoop ass from Frank Mir. I ain't a fan of Brock for a few reasons.
1. He's a former WWE wrestler for crying out loud.
2. He's been talking way too much smack for someone with a 1-0 record!
Now I know he's a former NCAA champ and is meant to be "hot shit" when it comes to Collegiate wrestling. I'm also aware of the fact that many of the best MMA fighters in the UFC were former wrestlers (Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Rampage Jackson). With all that being said and having seen his debut MMA bout (I was not impressed), I gotta say I'm looking forward to him getting his ass beat down! The thing that done it for me was seeing him talk smack about Tim Silvia and Randy Couture. He says something like "Tim Silvia lets a guy half his size do that to him". I got a few things to say about that...the size of you or your opponent don't matter a lick! It's skill and not strength that matter in MMA which has been proved many times. Also, Tim Silvia has been doing MMA professionally for some years and Randy Couture even longer - both of which having a number of accomplishments in the field where Brock has...hold on..let me count all of these....carry the 2...NONE! Just gives the impression that he has no clue what he's on about and it'll make his defeat all that much sweeter.
Meanwhile, REALLY looking forward to UFC 81 this weekend. Living in the UK we end up seeing it a day later than the live event, so Sunday's the day where I get to see Brock Lesnar receive some whoop ass from Frank Mir. I ain't a fan of Brock for a few reasons.
1. He's a former WWE wrestler for crying out loud.
2. He's been talking way too much smack for someone with a 1-0 record!
Now I know he's a former NCAA champ and is meant to be "hot shit" when it comes to Collegiate wrestling. I'm also aware of the fact that many of the best MMA fighters in the UFC were former wrestlers (Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Rampage Jackson). With all that being said and having seen his debut MMA bout (I was not impressed), I gotta say I'm looking forward to him getting his ass beat down! The thing that done it for me was seeing him talk smack about Tim Silvia and Randy Couture. He says something like "Tim Silvia lets a guy half his size do that to him". I got a few things to say about that...the size of you or your opponent don't matter a lick! It's skill and not strength that matter in MMA which has been proved many times. Also, Tim Silvia has been doing MMA professionally for some years and Randy Couture even longer - both of which having a number of accomplishments in the field where Brock has...hold on..let me count all of these....carry the 2...NONE! Just gives the impression that he has no clue what he's on about and it'll make his defeat all that much sweeter.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
What a dodgy week!!!
This has been such a dodgy week it's untrue!!
Monday
Thought it was like any other day until I left work. Get to the bus station as usual and there's loads more people at the bus stop than usual...this happens every now and then when the bus is late so I think nothing of it. The slower bus shows up so I decide to hop on board being as everyone is ploughing onto the bus like their life depended on it. Now keeping in mind that the bus leaves at 5.30 at the latest (which it did) and on a bad day it'll take until 6.15 to get into Huddersfield (where I live). What time did the bus get in?? 8.45pm!! That's not an exaggeration at all...it took more than 3 hours to do a journey that takes on average 40 minutes. I was not pleased at all being as my arse was numb for a start, not to mention that I was hungry and I totally missed my Mixed Martial arts session which combined with last weeks chest infection is 2 weeks in a row! Throw in the fact that I forgot my wallet meant that I couldn't afford to get a taxi too!
Tuesday
Wake up and the dude on the Radio says that the Rail service in Yorkshire is telling people not to travel. I go check the National Rail web site and I can't get to work being as it's flooded half way between where I live and where I work so I have to work from home. Now this is not a bad thing, I get to wear what I want, have some tunes on the go, no having to "go outside for a ciggy". Anyways, lunch time comes and so I bounce into town to get some scran. Make a quick stop at the cash machine and it eats my card!! WHAT?? There's money in all my accounts?? So I go into the freakin' bank and she tells me "Unless you have the card number we can't tell why the card was obtained" - "SORRY LOVE BUT I AIN'T ABOUT TO MEMORISE IT NOW AM I!! PRAT!!" So the chic at NatWest tells me she'll order me a new card...fair enough...it happens.
Wednesday
Trains are still screwed so another day working from home. The boss says that tomorrow I gotta make an effort to get into work and all I can think is "What am I meant to do?? WALK!! It's 11 freakin' miles and it's not like I drive now is it??" Add to that the fact that I don't wanna spend 3 hours plus getting home on the evening does not help anything at all. Anyways - I decide to call NatWest to make sure they've ordered my cards (I could tell that the chic in there was well slack and would have forgotten to do it the moment I asked)...the geezer tells me nothing has been ordered! "Dude...get them ordered please...I don't wanna walk around with cash all the time!!" - "Not a problem sir...we'll do that right away". Anyways, gets to around 4.30 and as I'm working away, rocking tunes...the hard drive that I bought less than 6 months ago just dies!! ALL MY TUNES THAT I'VE BEEN COLLECTING FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS GONE!! ALL THOSE EPISODES OF LOST THAT I GOT FROM iTUNES?? GONE!! ALL THE TUNES THAT I'VE PURCHASED FROM iTUNES?? FUCKING GONE!!!
Anyways - spirits are heightened a bit being as when I call National Rail they tell me the trains are back up and running again which means no struggle to get to work tomorrow.
Thursday
Get to the train station...every train is running sweet...scroll my eyes down to my train..its the only one that's fucking cancelled!! FUCK OFF!!! Anyways, I got no choice but to catch the bus, which after Mondays debacle - worries me! Soon as I walk out of the train station I see my bus and run like fuck to try and catch the thing...just as I get there the driver pulls away with a grin on his face "MOTHER FUCKER!!!" So now I gotta walk to the bus station and wait 20 freakin' minutes for the next bus. Lunch break comes and I decide to call NatWest to make sure the geezer I spoke to ordered my cards...apparently not! My reaction?? "OH FOR FU....LOOK!! ORDER MY CARDS!! You're the 3rd person I've spoken to and this is now getting beyond a joke...it's not rocket science" - "No sir..I am sorry...I am doing it now..I assure you the cards have been ordered now and I am sorry for the inconv..." I slam the phone down. I gotta get out for some air cos NatWest and their retarded ways are getting right on my fucking tits!! I decide to walk up to the local branch to make sure it's been done and surprise surprise...it's not been done!! So I tell the chic behind the counter what's been happening and she's like "Ordering your cards now"...I see this little print out in front of her which is a confirmation and she's ordered the wrong freaking card!! "I never wanted that card love" - "Sorry...you'll have to wait until tomorrow before we can cancel it, and you never said what type of card you wanted" "HANG ON A MINUTE!! YOU NEVER ASKED ME!!! GET YOUR MANAGER! I'M FED UP OF SPEAKING TO MINIONS WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THEIR JOBS PROPERLY...AND I HAVE NO INTENTION OF LEAVING IT WITH YOU JUST TO FIND OUT THAT TOMORROW YOU HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!!" So I end up speaking to this Supervisor chic who is cool as school but I couldn't care less and I tell her that she working with a bunch of incompetent fools anyway! She assures me that everything is gonna be cool/taken care of and gives me her card so I tell her straight.."I don't wanna have to talk to you again!" and I bounce. I go to the local fitness shop being as I've ran our of protein shake this morning and the big dude is in there (very sound geezer). Turns out that the other dude has sold me the wrong freakin' protein 2x in a row and blatantly lied to me about it being the same as the one I usually get!! OH FOR FUCKS SAKE!!! Anyways - as usual he does me a good deal (bless his cotton socks) and I bid the dude a fair well. This brings us to now.
I'm looking at the rest of the week in the same way I'd look for that dodgy smell. Could be something really fucked up or could be something that's just passed your nose but you can't quite tell! I'm hoping that the remainder of the week will be uneventful...but we'll see!! I don't wanna have to add a "What a dodgy week!!! (part 2)" to this!
Monday
Thought it was like any other day until I left work. Get to the bus station as usual and there's loads more people at the bus stop than usual...this happens every now and then when the bus is late so I think nothing of it. The slower bus shows up so I decide to hop on board being as everyone is ploughing onto the bus like their life depended on it. Now keeping in mind that the bus leaves at 5.30 at the latest (which it did) and on a bad day it'll take until 6.15 to get into Huddersfield (where I live). What time did the bus get in?? 8.45pm!! That's not an exaggeration at all...it took more than 3 hours to do a journey that takes on average 40 minutes. I was not pleased at all being as my arse was numb for a start, not to mention that I was hungry and I totally missed my Mixed Martial arts session which combined with last weeks chest infection is 2 weeks in a row! Throw in the fact that I forgot my wallet meant that I couldn't afford to get a taxi too!
Tuesday
Wake up and the dude on the Radio says that the Rail service in Yorkshire is telling people not to travel. I go check the National Rail web site and I can't get to work being as it's flooded half way between where I live and where I work so I have to work from home. Now this is not a bad thing, I get to wear what I want, have some tunes on the go, no having to "go outside for a ciggy". Anyways, lunch time comes and so I bounce into town to get some scran. Make a quick stop at the cash machine and it eats my card!! WHAT?? There's money in all my accounts?? So I go into the freakin' bank and she tells me "Unless you have the card number we can't tell why the card was obtained" - "SORRY LOVE BUT I AIN'T ABOUT TO MEMORISE IT NOW AM I!! PRAT!!" So the chic at NatWest tells me she'll order me a new card...fair enough...it happens.
Wednesday
Trains are still screwed so another day working from home. The boss says that tomorrow I gotta make an effort to get into work and all I can think is "What am I meant to do?? WALK!! It's 11 freakin' miles and it's not like I drive now is it??" Add to that the fact that I don't wanna spend 3 hours plus getting home on the evening does not help anything at all. Anyways - I decide to call NatWest to make sure they've ordered my cards (I could tell that the chic in there was well slack and would have forgotten to do it the moment I asked)...the geezer tells me nothing has been ordered! "Dude...get them ordered please...I don't wanna walk around with cash all the time!!" - "Not a problem sir...we'll do that right away". Anyways, gets to around 4.30 and as I'm working away, rocking tunes...the hard drive that I bought less than 6 months ago just dies!! ALL MY TUNES THAT I'VE BEEN COLLECTING FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS GONE!! ALL THOSE EPISODES OF LOST THAT I GOT FROM iTUNES?? GONE!! ALL THE TUNES THAT I'VE PURCHASED FROM iTUNES?? FUCKING GONE!!!
Anyways - spirits are heightened a bit being as when I call National Rail they tell me the trains are back up and running again which means no struggle to get to work tomorrow.
Thursday
Get to the train station...every train is running sweet...scroll my eyes down to my train..its the only one that's fucking cancelled!! FUCK OFF!!! Anyways, I got no choice but to catch the bus, which after Mondays debacle - worries me! Soon as I walk out of the train station I see my bus and run like fuck to try and catch the thing...just as I get there the driver pulls away with a grin on his face "MOTHER FUCKER!!!" So now I gotta walk to the bus station and wait 20 freakin' minutes for the next bus. Lunch break comes and I decide to call NatWest to make sure the geezer I spoke to ordered my cards...apparently not! My reaction?? "OH FOR FU....LOOK!! ORDER MY CARDS!! You're the 3rd person I've spoken to and this is now getting beyond a joke...it's not rocket science" - "No sir..I am sorry...I am doing it now..I assure you the cards have been ordered now and I am sorry for the inconv..." I slam the phone down. I gotta get out for some air cos NatWest and their retarded ways are getting right on my fucking tits!! I decide to walk up to the local branch to make sure it's been done and surprise surprise...it's not been done!! So I tell the chic behind the counter what's been happening and she's like "Ordering your cards now"...I see this little print out in front of her which is a confirmation and she's ordered the wrong freaking card!! "I never wanted that card love" - "Sorry...you'll have to wait until tomorrow before we can cancel it, and you never said what type of card you wanted" "HANG ON A MINUTE!! YOU NEVER ASKED ME!!! GET YOUR MANAGER! I'M FED UP OF SPEAKING TO MINIONS WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THEIR JOBS PROPERLY...AND I HAVE NO INTENTION OF LEAVING IT WITH YOU JUST TO FIND OUT THAT TOMORROW YOU HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!!" So I end up speaking to this Supervisor chic who is cool as school but I couldn't care less and I tell her that she working with a bunch of incompetent fools anyway! She assures me that everything is gonna be cool/taken care of and gives me her card so I tell her straight.."I don't wanna have to talk to you again!" and I bounce. I go to the local fitness shop being as I've ran our of protein shake this morning and the big dude is in there (very sound geezer). Turns out that the other dude has sold me the wrong freakin' protein 2x in a row and blatantly lied to me about it being the same as the one I usually get!! OH FOR FUCKS SAKE!!! Anyways - as usual he does me a good deal (bless his cotton socks) and I bid the dude a fair well. This brings us to now.
I'm looking at the rest of the week in the same way I'd look for that dodgy smell. Could be something really fucked up or could be something that's just passed your nose but you can't quite tell! I'm hoping that the remainder of the week will be uneventful...but we'll see!! I don't wanna have to add a "What a dodgy week!!! (part 2)" to this!
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
I'm off to live in China
Totally random I know, and it's not going to happen for a bit but I'm gonna be heading off to China for a few months. Basically - this is not so much a holiday as an adventure. I'm going to be staying at a Martial Arts Academy studying Praying Mantis Fist (Tanglang Quan) 5 days a week for a minimum of 2 months (3 depending on whether I can get sabbatical or not). Anyways, while I understand this seems entirely random, it's not totally that way. I've been wanting to visit China for a while anyway, that along with the fact that I'm very much getting into Martial Arts on a whole (thank you UFC!) and spiritual enlightenment - I think it's high time I start doing more about it. Still trying to figure out a date but I'm thinking July, just after my birthday. My overall plan (which still has me cringing to an extent) is, attempt to get a sabbatical from work for 2 months (not looking good so far). If that's cool then I got a job to come back to, if not...then I quit my job and go for 3 months instead. No Phones, Computers, Gadgets etc...just me and some other like minded people getting away from "Real Life" for a while.
So - no longer is it a case of having a list of things to do but having a list of things that have been done. Even went and spent a tasty wedge on a home gym today n all!!
So - no longer is it a case of having a list of things to do but having a list of things that have been done. Even went and spent a tasty wedge on a home gym today n all!!
Monday, 7 January 2008
The new year starts a touch late...
Yeah, my new year is starting a touch later than everyone else especially after the disastrous weekend I've just had. Seems like things were going wrong one by one...I'm in a position where I can giggle now (cos it's the only thing I can do) but all in all - a totally shite start to the new year.
So - this week sees the start of my new year.
Concentrate on health, well being and peace of mind which actually means - get my martial arts instructor to beat the shit out of me as much as possible - go to the gym 4 times a week to pick up and put down "the heavy thing" and work like a whipped slave to get some of these ideas I have off the ground finally!
Anyways - Happy New Year, Peace and Love to all!
So - this week sees the start of my new year.
Concentrate on health, well being and peace of mind which actually means - get my martial arts instructor to beat the shit out of me as much as possible - go to the gym 4 times a week to pick up and put down "the heavy thing" and work like a whipped slave to get some of these ideas I have off the ground finally!
Anyways - Happy New Year, Peace and Love to all!
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Friday, 4 January 2008
Back but I don't want to be
Got my Octagon Necklace yesterday. Well chuffed with that :) Doesn't look cheap and tacky or anything - although it wouldn't go with my style of dress so it's never coming out of the box - but chuffed non the less. Talking of which - UFC 79 was the BOMB! I was well chuffed with that being as the last few have been a bit of an anti-climax. The fight with Machida was cracking...that dude is on fire. He's easily one of the best fighters I've seen but I'd prefer to see him against some notables before I make a firm decision. Also, the fight between Silva and Liddel was cracking! Not a moment to be bored in that fight and I don't care what anyone says - win or lose Silva can take a punch! Anyways - to the good stuff - GSP is now interim champion - YAY!!! Well chuffed about that and the entire fight went exactly as expected. Matt Hughes has got skills but he ain't GSP. Next on the hit list is Serra and then home free :)
Right - in other ramblings...back to work and don't wanna be. I think the time off has been cool - but it's a damn shame that work beckons. I think the entire country just can't be bothered this week. But sooo looking forward to my little lie in tomorrow - Woo Hoo!
Oh - Finally - Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to all. I know it's a good week late but better that than never. Also - I have finally scored me a HD DVD add on for my XBOX 360. Does what it says on the tin but when it's spinning disks it's as loud as the XBOX. Does not matter too much with the surround sound on full bollock but still...if you wanna just chill to a quiet movie - you don't want constant whizzing in the background do ya?
Right - in other ramblings...back to work and don't wanna be. I think the time off has been cool - but it's a damn shame that work beckons. I think the entire country just can't be bothered this week. But sooo looking forward to my little lie in tomorrow - Woo Hoo!
Oh - Finally - Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to all. I know it's a good week late but better that than never. Also - I have finally scored me a HD DVD add on for my XBOX 360. Does what it says on the tin but when it's spinning disks it's as loud as the XBOX. Does not matter too much with the surround sound on full bollock but still...if you wanna just chill to a quiet movie - you don't want constant whizzing in the background do ya?
Labels: MMA, Moans and Groans, Personal, Technology
Thursday, 13 December 2007
The things people say when they think no one is looking...(another racial issue)
So had a quick play on good ol' XBox Live last night and generally I'll throw the headset on which will allow me to have a chat with other players as I play. Anyways - talking to a couple of guys from down south and there was a little banter going on which is generally the norm. Anyways, one of the guys proceeds to say something along the lines of "Christ...I'm running like a N****R".
Call it racism, naivety or whatever else, but I'd just refer to it as just plain dumb! From my own stand point, I'll admit I was a little offended and this was not only because of the fact that I'm a black man and simply don't like to hear that word being used by anyone (black or white) but on a whole, racist comments whether they are meant to harm or not are still offensive to me (regardless of whether they're talking about black people, asian people etc). I've been on the end of racial abuse when I was younger and knowing a fair bit about black history and how ignorant people had been to others simply because their skin colour was different to that of their own - I just don't like to hear racist comments in any capacity whether it be a joke, passing comment or out right ignorance.
Anyways - when I pointed out the fact that I was indeed, a black man, an awkward silence ensued followed by and apology and one of them attempting to give an anecdote..."Yeah...I met this black fella once and he was well funny...proper nice bloke". Thank you ever so much for telling me that - and on the basis of your anecdote I feel that we have made an ever lasting connection...(obviously I'm being sarcastic).
It's a difficult one when talking about racial issues being as there are those like myself who have been on the receiving end of racial comments which in a predominately Caucasian environment causes you to feel extremely uncomfortable and on the basis of this, it's not something that I would do to someone else. On the flip side of that, there are others who feel that because their comments were said without any malicious intent they are cleansed of any wrong doing. With that said I feel it is important to remember this. The fact that you do not intend to cause offence does not stop others from being offended, and it's a shame that even though we should all relate to each other as human beings - we are still a far cry from doing so.
Just goes to show that it's amazing what people will say when they think no one else is listening.
Call it racism, naivety or whatever else, but I'd just refer to it as just plain dumb! From my own stand point, I'll admit I was a little offended and this was not only because of the fact that I'm a black man and simply don't like to hear that word being used by anyone (black or white) but on a whole, racist comments whether they are meant to harm or not are still offensive to me (regardless of whether they're talking about black people, asian people etc). I've been on the end of racial abuse when I was younger and knowing a fair bit about black history and how ignorant people had been to others simply because their skin colour was different to that of their own - I just don't like to hear racist comments in any capacity whether it be a joke, passing comment or out right ignorance.
Anyways - when I pointed out the fact that I was indeed, a black man, an awkward silence ensued followed by and apology and one of them attempting to give an anecdote..."Yeah...I met this black fella once and he was well funny...proper nice bloke". Thank you ever so much for telling me that - and on the basis of your anecdote I feel that we have made an ever lasting connection...(obviously I'm being sarcastic).
It's a difficult one when talking about racial issues being as there are those like myself who have been on the receiving end of racial comments which in a predominately Caucasian environment causes you to feel extremely uncomfortable and on the basis of this, it's not something that I would do to someone else. On the flip side of that, there are others who feel that because their comments were said without any malicious intent they are cleansed of any wrong doing. With that said I feel it is important to remember this. The fact that you do not intend to cause offence does not stop others from being offended, and it's a shame that even though we should all relate to each other as human beings - we are still a far cry from doing so.
Just goes to show that it's amazing what people will say when they think no one else is listening.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
GSP, Baaah Humbug and Hi Def Movies on the XBOX
So even though I've been aware of this for some time...George St. Pierre (who by the way...NEVER updates his website) has another title shot at UFC 79 : Nemesis, and while I'm a touch disappointed that I won't get to see Matt Serra pound on Hughes while I chant "Kill! Kill! Kill!" (OK...maybe overstating a bit but I don't like the dude) the fact that I get to see my favourite fighter go and serve up some grade A, satisfaction guaranteed or you money back whoop ass is certainly making me feel better about things. When Serra beat GSP (and I have nothing against Serra at all) I have to say that GSP looked like a different fighter - even worst than he did when fighting Hughes the 1st time and I'm of the opinion that the person who has a better change of winning is the fighter who has prepared himself both mentally and physically. GSP seemed like he was else where to me and it caused him to lose the title. I think if we can see the GSP who is even remotely close to his peak - Nighty Nighy Mr Hughes! And even George says it himself "No one can 'andle my riddem" (the best imitation of a French man I can muster through text). Plus they got Silva vs Liddell which may or may not be superb (Chuck's been a little disappointing of late) and also...I'm quite sure that Layoto Machida should be in the main card that actually gets shown on TV. So if you're in the UK - Sunday 30th December - 9pm - Bravo (I've actually rearranged bits of my Christmas break so that I'm back in time to watch it!!).
Meanwhile - it seems the closer to Christmas I get - the more bitter I feel! I dunno...I just don't like Christmas! It's not Christmas that I don't like but more the fact that it's turned into a period of time where you're damn near obliged to buy people gifts!! Pagan ritualism gone mad if you ask me! Anyways - this year I have decided that I will be buying 3 presents. 1 for me dear old mum, 1 for my best mate and the remaining present for my dearest cousin and favourite family member Max. Everyone else expecting a present will be expecting for a great deal of time! I'm also opting to not wrap any presents and I won't be buying cards either. The reasons for this are 2 fold.
1. To do my bit to save mother earth
2. Cos I ain't forking out coin on decorated paper and card that will get thrown away post December 25th!
Finally - as of yesterday, if you live in the UK you are now able to score movies on the XBOX Marketplace - they've only got 24 movies thus far but it's a start, and I think it's way cool that some of these movies come in High Definition (Woo Hoo!) - the only problem is that I have already own all of the good movies on DVD anyway and the remainder I wouldn't fork out coin to buy/rent. Still does not take away from the fact that it's a trip that they're doing it :) Nicely done Microsoft :)
Meanwhile - it seems the closer to Christmas I get - the more bitter I feel! I dunno...I just don't like Christmas! It's not Christmas that I don't like but more the fact that it's turned into a period of time where you're damn near obliged to buy people gifts!! Pagan ritualism gone mad if you ask me! Anyways - this year I have decided that I will be buying 3 presents. 1 for me dear old mum, 1 for my best mate and the remaining present for my dearest cousin and favourite family member Max. Everyone else expecting a present will be expecting for a great deal of time! I'm also opting to not wrap any presents and I won't be buying cards either. The reasons for this are 2 fold.
1. To do my bit to save mother earth
2. Cos I ain't forking out coin on decorated paper and card that will get thrown away post December 25th!
Finally - as of yesterday, if you live in the UK you are now able to score movies on the XBOX Marketplace - they've only got 24 movies thus far but it's a start, and I think it's way cool that some of these movies come in High Definition (Woo Hoo!) - the only problem is that I have already own all of the good movies on DVD anyway and the remainder I wouldn't fork out coin to buy/rent. Still does not take away from the fact that it's a trip that they're doing it :) Nicely done Microsoft :)
Labels: Gaming, MMA, Moans and Groans, Personal, TV and Movies
Monday, 10 December 2007
First Bisping, now Hatton...
Yeah, can't really say I'm that surprised about Ricky Hatton, never watched the fight being as I don't really care about boxing (MMA IS FAR BETTER) - and while it would have been nice for the dude to win, that's just how things go in the world of British Sport, Lewis Hamilton, Mike Bisping, England Football team, England Rugby Team - all of them getting to that final hurdle and then what do you know...all ends in misery. Although the only one that bothered me was the Bisping fight...a damn shame as I was REALLY routing for him to win and I hope he'll be back to avenge that loss.
Meanwhile - the Ultimate fighter Finale was on this weekend...was going on til damn near 1am last night and I ain't staying up that long unless there's someone kicking off that I'm REALLY routing for. The fight with War Machine and J-Rock was kick ass, and Mac's fight although quick displayed a shed load of precision and skill, and while he's a great fighter I still think the dude is a total bully either way you cut it. I won't be routing for that dude any time soon I can tell you. Talking of the UFC, I ordered me an Octagon necklace today...they're selling them in the UFC shop...can't beat some of that action (I'm getting very obsessed with MMA these days) - but they don't ship until Friday and with me being in the UK, I'm kinda curious as to whether I'll get it before I bounce to see my mom for Christmas but we'll see.
Finally - I was playing PGR3 on my XBOX 360 last night....ONLINE! I dunno...they should make the game harder. There I am thinking I'm Lewis Hamilton incarnate...turns out I'm more like Ray Charles when it comes to being behind the virtual wheel. All these little kids that can't be more than 15 between em basically kickin the crap outta me at this freakin game. Embarrassing?? To an extent, but luckily I'm able to lie and tell them that my joy pad keeps sticking (although I doubt they believed me!) - ahh well!
Meanwhile - the Ultimate fighter Finale was on this weekend...was going on til damn near 1am last night and I ain't staying up that long unless there's someone kicking off that I'm REALLY routing for. The fight with War Machine and J-Rock was kick ass, and Mac's fight although quick displayed a shed load of precision and skill, and while he's a great fighter I still think the dude is a total bully either way you cut it. I won't be routing for that dude any time soon I can tell you. Talking of the UFC, I ordered me an Octagon necklace today...they're selling them in the UFC shop...can't beat some of that action (I'm getting very obsessed with MMA these days) - but they don't ship until Friday and with me being in the UK, I'm kinda curious as to whether I'll get it before I bounce to see my mom for Christmas but we'll see.
Finally - I was playing PGR3 on my XBOX 360 last night....ONLINE! I dunno...they should make the game harder. There I am thinking I'm Lewis Hamilton incarnate...turns out I'm more like Ray Charles when it comes to being behind the virtual wheel. All these little kids that can't be more than 15 between em basically kickin the crap outta me at this freakin game. Embarrassing?? To an extent, but luckily I'm able to lie and tell them that my joy pad keeps sticking (although I doubt they believed me!) - ahh well!
Labels: Gaming, In the news, MMA, Personal
Monday, 3 December 2007
First class..went pretty sweet
So had my first MMA class today and it all went sweet, push kicks and knees using the Thai clinch...all good stuff. Feeling a little dodgy right now being as I got a cold but all in all, the entire thing went well. I'll be signing up for full membership with my next lesson and it seems I've suddenly been hit with the Martial Arts bug! Come Thursday...1st Kung Fu lesson :)
Anyways, visit www.kaneacademy.com for MMA classes in Huddersfield town Center.
Anyways, visit www.kaneacademy.com for MMA classes in Huddersfield town Center.
Take the pebble from my hand grasshopper
Woo hoo! A Martial Arts School has popped up in Huddersfield (where I live) and after a little enquiry, managed to score some information and what do you know, they're teaching Mixed Martial Arts. First lesson it tonight...well up for it, although I ain't got no intention of doing this with competition in mind! As most of my friends know, I'm a big fan of UFC but I have no intention of doing this in any professional capacity EVER! No cauliflower ears for me thank you very much!
Will report back and let you know how good it was...the chic...I mean lady that runs it is 5x World Champion, has over 10 British titles, 2 European Titles and 5 World Silver Medals...I guess that'll have to do.
Will report back and let you know how good it was...the chic...I mean lady that runs it is 5x World Champion, has over 10 British titles, 2 European Titles and 5 World Silver Medals...I guess that'll have to do.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Back in England!
Yeah, so Amsterdam was the bomb! 3 days of being damn near a vegetable but the relaxation was class and well needed! Only thing is, the way I feel now, a long weekend is not what was needed, more like a week! Going from coffee shops, outstanding food and traffic lights that show a countdown until the green light kicks in (I was like a cave man seeing fire for the 1st time) to back home in England and working (but thankfully not living) in Bradford, feels like a kick to the knackers. Not taking anything away from England cos if you go to the right places its a great place to be but being as I am a fan of the city delights (and I'm not talking about chics for sale), coupled with the fact that I just need a 'real break' right now, I think I would have been better off opting for the full week.
Anyways, I actually went to the Van Gogh museum this time round (wasn't actually my idea) but being as it was recommended by others as an apparent "life changing experience" I decided to go. Now I'm not totally lacking in culture and while I'll admit that it was kinda cool seeing the real life pic of the sunflower (my mom had a print when I was a kid), life changing experience? I don't f**king think so! Not putting it down (but I'm about to) and maybe the build up was way too much but either way, if you have not been and get dragged along, make a stop at a coffee shop before you go (trust me on this, its the equivelant of biting down on wood as someone chops your leg off. Barely makes a difference but it feels like it helps).
Anyways, off to wallow in self pity, farewell Holland, I will see you soon! *sniff* *sniff*
Anyways, I actually went to the Van Gogh museum this time round (wasn't actually my idea) but being as it was recommended by others as an apparent "life changing experience" I decided to go. Now I'm not totally lacking in culture and while I'll admit that it was kinda cool seeing the real life pic of the sunflower (my mom had a print when I was a kid), life changing experience? I don't f**king think so! Not putting it down (but I'm about to) and maybe the build up was way too much but either way, if you have not been and get dragged along, make a stop at a coffee shop before you go (trust me on this, its the equivelant of biting down on wood as someone chops your leg off. Barely makes a difference but it feels like it helps).
Anyways, off to wallow in self pity, farewell Holland, I will see you soon! *sniff* *sniff*
Labels: Moans and Groans, Personal
Monday, 12 November 2007
Egyptian artifacts, getting arseholed and the last word on my new telly
So one of my team got back from his holiday to Egypt and bless his cotton socks he remembered to bring me back something cheesy! It's my new thing, collecting cheesy stuff from different countries (no idea why!) so I now have stuff from Jamaica (cheers Dawn), Egypt (thanks John), China (thanks Ngai), New York (thanks Abi) and of course Holland. Gotta do the popular cities and countries before I get to the obscure ones.
Meanwhile, why is it that when you go out for a quick drink for like an hour it never works out that way? My boy Ste came up from London to visit me for the weekend and the plan was, a few drinks, come back and have a catch up. That was at 8. What time did we get back? Sometime past 3 in the friggin' morning! And I ended up falling asleep in my contact lenses which is always agony! Felt like my eyes were bleeding not to mention the massive hangover! Spent the entire day absolutely no good to man nor beast!
Ooh, I've discovered an artist by the name of Fink! The dude is freaking genius! (check out www.finkworld.co.uk) been listening to 'Blueberry pancakes' all morning! Not very often you find an album you can listen to all the way through but 'Distance and time' is definitely one of those albums! Also turns out he's playing in the Dam the weekend I'm there but its all sold out! Gutted! Talking of artists playing in the Dam, Jill Scott has a gig there the same weekend (again, sold out! Double gutted!) her latest album is alright, better than the 2nd but not as good as the 1st. She set the bar way too high with 'Who is Jill Scott?'
Finally, my new TV is the biz, if you get one make sure you got something high def to appreciate the goodness as even DVDs ain't quite up to par compared to the HD content. But very impressed indeed, and runs at 1080i no problem. Although now I'm gonna have to fork out coin on a high def DVD player! Great : last thing I need in the run up to Christmas is another gadget to fork out coin on (and yes, I am fully aware that the acquisition of these toys is a "choice" but the advertising gets me frothing at the mouth not to mention the fact that I'm WEAK!)
Labels: Music, Personal, Technology
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Snap Shots, Amsterdam and the dope fiend!
Added a little update called "Snap Shots". This is a cool little feature that shows the preview of any external sites before you actually navigate away from my lovely blog. If you have a site of your own, it's ridiculously easy to install and all you have to do is answer a few questions, they generate some javascript for you which you put in your site and DING - All good to go.
Meanwhile, the countdown continues! Exactly 3 weeks before I'm off to my home from home...Amsterdam. I can't wait as it's going to be a much needed break...3 days of chill chill chill in one of the most relaxed places on the planet (WOOHOO!!!)
On the subject of the Dam, I was doing a little bit of "research" and stumbled upon this awsome website called dope fiend! It's basically THC induced pod casts and this geezer brings on the Herbal Verbal on a weekly basis...makes an interesting listen if you're a smoker or not. He's on Episode 100 so I certainly got some catching up to do but I had a listen to 1 of the casts while I was coding away last night and it was a pleasure to listen to, information on great places to go...experiments...lock stock the entire lot. Definatley a site I would recommend (so much so that I've chucked it into my fav links!)
More THC posts on Technorati
Meanwhile, the countdown continues! Exactly 3 weeks before I'm off to my home from home...Amsterdam. I can't wait as it's going to be a much needed break...3 days of chill chill chill in one of the most relaxed places on the planet (WOOHOO!!!)
On the subject of the Dam, I was doing a little bit of "research" and stumbled upon this awsome website called dope fiend! It's basically THC induced pod casts and this geezer brings on the Herbal Verbal on a weekly basis...makes an interesting listen if you're a smoker or not. He's on Episode 100 so I certainly got some catching up to do but I had a listen to 1 of the casts while I was coding away last night and it was a pleasure to listen to, information on great places to go...experiments...lock stock the entire lot. Definatley a site I would recommend (so much so that I've chucked it into my fav links!)
More THC posts on TechnoratiLabels: Friendly Thoughts, Personal
Friday, 26 October 2007
Blackberry Pearl - the search is over
The search is finally OVER! Went and scored me a Blackberry pearl yesterday and I gotta say, it's the freakin' shiz. My best mates girlfriend got one about a month back and I was put off by the fact that the typing was a little weird. However I was informed that the difficulty only lasted a few days and after speaking to the dude in the Orange shop - he said the same thing too. Anyways - I left it on charge for the day yesterday while I went to go pick up 'the little one' and I've only been using it today. What can I say...this phone is the SHIT! Works great although I've not hooked it up to my regular email account being as I get ridiculous amounts of spam and I don't want to lash all my allocated blackberry megs before I get a chance to use them. However, the update prior to this one was done via the blackberry and it took maybe 5-6 goes before I got used to the typing. It's roughly the same dimensions as the Prada phone and around the same weight which is great. It has all the features I need (Phone calls, text messages and email) and a bunch of stuff that other people may be interested in like a camera (I just don't see the point), an MP3 player (again...I don't see the point being as I have an iPOD that does a way better job) but I can say with confidence...get this phone!! I wasn't looking to set the world on fire (and this phone by no means does that) but in terms of what I wanted it for...it is absolutely perfect. Well done Blackberry.
Labels: Personal, Technology
Entertaining a ten year old (part 4)
So we've had our first 'incident'. Took 'little miss' shopping earlier on and being as she has been so good I bought her a bratz doll (if your ten and female, these are the shit apparently). Took her to pizza hut for lunch where she ended up ordering more than she could eat, so I ordered her dessert to go. So we get back and the few glasses of wine I had with lunch have made me well sleepy. Luckily, short stuff is content to watch TV and play with her new bratz dolls. Before I go she asks if she can have her cake..."yeah...err no! Not until you've had dinner". So I wake up and go check on her and she's fine, no fires, no male strippers, no drugs all over the table. However I could not help but notice...no cake either. Just the box that the cake came in. As punishment, we're not baking anymore. She didn't seem too bothered but it was the only punishment I could think of on the spot that would equal the crime.
So my friends earlier comment of falling at the first hurdle (based on the fact that I refused to play 'dolls' with her) was apparently unfouded. This entire parenting business is pretty easy. Feed them, give them tools to amuse themselves and bribe them when things get difficult. I should write a book!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
So my friends earlier comment of falling at the first hurdle (based on the fact that I refused to play 'dolls' with her) was apparently unfouded. This entire parenting business is pretty easy. Feed them, give them tools to amuse themselves and bribe them when things get difficult. I should write a book!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Labels: Personal
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Entertaining a 10 year old (Part 3)
So far this entire thing is working out alright. No moans, groans or complaints from short stuff. Although when asking her if we couldn't go bowling what it is she'd like to do..."we can talk about it tomorrow, I'm reading..." which had swiftly brought me to the realisation that she's absolutely right. Why have a master plan? Everything does not require meticulous planning for us to have a good time. And as I watch her stare out of the window at the world whizzing by I'm reminded of something that a friend once said to me long ago...
"Everything in life is simple, people make things complicated"
I'm now looking at this entire "mission" with a new found positive outlook and weirdly enough...it's all down to the simplistic rationale of a 10 year old. So no more worrying or attacks of anxiety...just play it by ear and have fun while doing it.
On a related note, one of the great things about chilling with the little one is this. With the strikes on the trains etc seemingly catching not only me but most of the travelling public by surprise, the amount of people getting on a dual carriage train at Leicester was a joke at best. However, having the kid with me has it's perks. Soon as I told her to go before me it was as if a path magically appeared in front of us. Let's face it...who's such an arse they'd push in front of a 10 year old girl? We even managed to get a seat while the majority of passengers were standing...mainly thanks to her diving on the 1st pair of seats she could find and lying across them...bless!
Labels: Personal
Entertaining a 10 year old (Part 2)
...currently sat at Leicester train station. Today of all days they're having a strike so the journey home that should have taken no more than 3 hours is now set to take 5 hours! There was no mention of this on the website of course...money grabbing bastards they are and the train is not for another 30 minutes! I just don't get it. I've been in jobs that I didn't like and do you know what I did about it? Yes...that's right...I got another job! Anyway, thinking about it...they did mention "disruptions to the service" as I was travelling down but the mention of a strike...no where to be seen!
Meanwhile, the little one is sat reading a magazine. When helping her choose she asked "Where are all the girly mags" to which I replied "Cosmo's right there! You got Bliss, the enquirer...take your pick babes". I was met by a comment that made me giggle and cringe at the same time..."I'm 10!". I dunno! Thankfully, the nice lady at the counter (after laughing at my blatant naivety) pointed us in the direction of suitable magazines and a selection was made. Praise lord
for the kindness of strangers!
Regardless of this entire debacle...she seems content to read her mag and I think 'short stuff' (inaccurate for a nick name as she's tall for her age) is looking at this as an adventure more than anything else. Let's see if this lasts!
Labels: Personal
Entertaining a 10 year old (Part 1)
So I'm currently sat on a train on my way to pick up my little cousin Tiahnna, who may I add has the misfortune of spending 3 days with me. She's a great kid (10 years old), switched on, very intelligent and has yet to loose that honesty that most children are forced to abandon by that age. It's strange how you can both dread and look forward to something at the exact same time - but they're in equal proportions which I guess, helps them cancel each other out. My main worry derives from what it is 10 year old's are into these days. I could use my own
experiences of being 10 years old but this presents the following problems.
experiences of being 10 years old but this presents the following problems.
1. Back then movies like 'The Goonies' and 'Superman 3' were the shit!
2. Based on past experiences with my nephew of the same age I fear she'd not be impressed by late 80's entertainment and as such it would be wasted on me alone, spending the hours reminiscing about my own childhood and making comments such as "back in my day there was non of this Shrek stuff...", which will only prove to her (and me) that I'm old and uncool! (would most probably cause some eye rolling too)
3. She's female...girls didn't do/act the same as boys did back then and I feel it safe to assume this is still the case.
3. Little Timmy (me) at age 10 was all of 18 years ago and I can barely remember a damn thing about it!
However, I think (or hope...I'm unsure of which yet) that I have a plan. Not only that...I have a backup plan!! My plan is, the cinema to watch that movie with the rat that can cook (even at 28 that looks kinda cool). And then off to a bowling Alley (if I can find one). That should eat up enough of one day and the following day I figured off to Liverpool to visit the slave museum. Teach her a little black history. Now, my worries with this initial plan are as follows.
1. I ain't sure I'll be able to find a bowling alley. I think the one that was there before was closed.
2. If the above turns out to be the case then I'm gonna have to come up with a plan of attack for the 2nd part of day 1.
3. While my recollections of my childhood at 10 years old are vague, one thing I do remember is that when I was off school, learning anything with the exception of how to play the latest video game was the furthest thing from my mind.
Which brings me swiftly onto plan B. I'm going to ask her what she wants to do. Now my worry with this is that she'll come up with something outrageous and ridiculous, this being the case...there is no plan B!
Now I realise that it would appear I am looking at this opportunity to bond with my little cousin in a negative way, which I will admit is true to an extent. But this negativity derives only from my worry that she'll be bored and will want to go home as swiftly as she arrived! Regardless of which, I realise that in life there are no problems merely challenges and situations and I have every intention of rising to this challenge!
More on this later...
Labels: Personal
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
The countdown begins...
Yup - 5 weeks and 2 days until I go to my home from home...Amsterdam! I absolutely love the place and have been a minimum of once a year for like the past 5 years since the very 1st time I went. My boy reckons that the 1st coffee shop you go in tends to end up being your favourite and for me - it's Betty Boop! Absolutely love the place...it's small but don't let that fool ya, the tunes are mellow, it's chilled as anything (although ain't too easy to find) but if you go - I would totally recommend the place. The people are way cool, they make a bad ass fresh orange juice and the nicest black coffee I've ever had! Another place I'll be visiting...the Green House. Pretty cool on a night and a major mix of people. Last time I went I was sat around a table with a couple o guys from Cali, a geezer from South Africa and some of my homies from good ol England - just chillin and talkin about life n stuff (as you do). Going to be taking my cousin with me and we're calling it her Hajj being as I've been telling her everyone should go at least once in their lifetime if able!
One thing I do remember - and I was higher than a giraffe's ass when I was told this so lord know's how I remember. Just as the South Africa dude was leaving - he said some (what at the time sounded like) meaningful stuff which for some reason stuck with me.
Was either the ramblings of a total stoner or some zen Socrates type stuff - but the dude was right. Other people should never define how you perceive things and you should never let anyone have that kind of control.
Anyways - just occurred to me that I'm telling peeps the weekend I'm not gonna be at home n stuff...so don't go trying to steal my shit - I'll find you!!!
One thing I do remember - and I was higher than a giraffe's ass when I was told this so lord know's how I remember. Just as the South Africa dude was leaving - he said some (what at the time sounded like) meaningful stuff which for some reason stuck with me.
"You walk down the street, you smile at someone and sometimes they smile back and sometimes they don't smile back. The important thing is...you smile."
Was either the ramblings of a total stoner or some zen Socrates type stuff - but the dude was right. Other people should never define how you perceive things and you should never let anyone have that kind of control.
Anyways - just occurred to me that I'm telling peeps the weekend I'm not gonna be at home n stuff...so don't go trying to steal my shit - I'll find you!!!
Labels: Personal
Spooks and The search for a gym!
Spooks was cracking last night. Although a bit gutted that it's a 2 parter - my lack of patience for this kinda thing is a joke at best! They always show the 2nd episode on BBC3 at 10.30 - but ain't no way I'm gonna be up til midnight just to be mullered the next day at work (sad I know but I prefer to be on point than waiting for the day to end!). Any who - I think it would be really cool if they got Matthew Macfadyen back in at some point as a special guest. And as usual it was always good to see Hermione Norris back on the scene, I ain't usually one for blonde chics but she's a M.I.L.F!!!
Anyways - went searchin' for a gym in my lunch break...I do this like every few months now. I used to go to a gym that was literally 3 minutes from where I work and it was great!! Less chance of spending my time buzzing around town buying crap I don't need and I get to keep fit in the process. Only problem was - went there one day and there's a notice on the door saying the place had been repossessed!!! I was GUTTED! Anyways, still working out but it's hard to get into the routine being as soon as I finish work...the last thing I wanna do is go to the gym! So I found a new gym on yell.com today and decided to check it out. What can I say...questionable ain't even the word. A very close friend of mine told me that if you go into the changing room of a gym and there's no lockers be weary! Usually means dodgy as shite and this place was just that. Broken windows, workout benches being held together with electrical tape and equipment that looked like it would fall apart and kill you if you were dumb enough to use it. Not to mention most of the dudes in the place looked like they were, are or very soon would be on some form of illegal medication. Just one of those places where you walk in and everyone stops what they're doing and looks at you!! Erm...no thanks...think I'll stick to what I'm doing at the moment...ergo the search continues :( SHAT!!
Anyways - went searchin' for a gym in my lunch break...I do this like every few months now. I used to go to a gym that was literally 3 minutes from where I work and it was great!! Less chance of spending my time buzzing around town buying crap I don't need and I get to keep fit in the process. Only problem was - went there one day and there's a notice on the door saying the place had been repossessed!!! I was GUTTED! Anyways, still working out but it's hard to get into the routine being as soon as I finish work...the last thing I wanna do is go to the gym! So I found a new gym on yell.com today and decided to check it out. What can I say...questionable ain't even the word. A very close friend of mine told me that if you go into the changing room of a gym and there's no lockers be weary! Usually means dodgy as shite and this place was just that. Broken windows, workout benches being held together with electrical tape and equipment that looked like it would fall apart and kill you if you were dumb enough to use it. Not to mention most of the dudes in the place looked like they were, are or very soon would be on some form of illegal medication. Just one of those places where you walk in and everyone stops what they're doing and looks at you!! Erm...no thanks...think I'll stick to what I'm doing at the moment...ergo the search continues :( SHAT!!
Labels: Personal, TV and Movies
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
New and improved baby!!
Just updated my blog template. The standard ones with blogger were kinda boring and the one I used was the best of the bunch and even then I wasn't totally impressed so I decided to update the template and here it is. Had to get rid of the Blogger bar at the top as it was messing with the layout but I've added a nice little feature to the panel on the left which displays the labels, added some links to web sites I visit pretty regular (I'll be adding more soon), so all in all, quite chuffed with this :)
Anyways - off to watch Spooks
Anyways - off to watch Spooks
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