I haven’t updated since June, jeez I’m crap!

Nipped out to post an anniversary card for Pete. and Tracey. It’s tomorrow so I hope the card gets there on time. I have faith in Royal Mail though god alone knows why. On the way back into the flat, I saw Hugh in his bedroom who made “would you like a coffee?” gestures to me from his window.

Went and had a catch up chat with him which was lovely. Just what I needed. We talked theatre, as we invariably do, seeing as he’s an actor, which is something I could do until the cows come home. I haven’t seen him for some time which considering he lives in the same building isn’t good. From the day Paul and I moved in here, been 2.5-3yrs now, Hugh has been welcoming, warm and friendly and never anything but. I really must make more of an effort to see him more often. He’s just come back from the States, 4-6wk trip I believe with his friends who works with the Royal Opera Company. He toured all over, including San Diego and Maine. I have particularly fond memories of Maine after I was lucky enough to visit there some years ago. Beautiful part of the country and quite unspoiled. It was idyllic, and if I can find a pic I’ll put up on here.

Another year gone, another year older. 35 now. Sounds old. I don’t think I feel it, though admittedly right at this moment, I do, and a lot more. Older, yes? Wiser? Debatable….less hair on my head, that’s for sure and a lot more on my face. Seem to be going through a beard phase at the moment. I kinda like it though.

Work is hell at the moment. I wont bore myself by writing details as to why. Suffice to say I aint happy. Something I’m starting to address in earnest now. Left the office at 3am this morning. Survived the night on a diet of Red Bull, coffee, and fizzy cola bottles which Stewy very kindly provided. Must admit after midnight I was kinda running on empty, the sugar rushes helped.

My birthday was a bit of a wash out again this year. It’s just not at the best time of year. There’s a lot of people on holidays, events to go to etc, which basically means no one is around. Frustrating, by wtf. Barb, bless her heart, forgot again, though, in her defence she got me some great jazz CD’s which I absoloutely love. Talking of music, I’ve discovered some new stuff that I’m playing constantly at the moment. Whether its alternative or emo (emotional hardcore) is up for question, but whatever it is I like it. Discovered in the weirdest way too. Kinda stumbled across the music by playing Burnout on my 360. Whilst I’m playing the game, there’s a thumping soundtrack to really get you, no pun intended, revved up. Anyway…long story short, I’m now into and loving, Yellowcard, Quietdrive, Panic At the Disco, and my fave is Guster. Very acoustic, almost folky, but really really good. The other stuff is mostly high adrenaline bordering on grunge but with a really pop edge to it. Well they all have pride of place on my ipod now. its the sort of stuff that would be perfect  if I had an open topped car and some decent weather, some kewl scenery, preferably involving the ocean and probably a different country….cos lets face it, scenery in London….a bit shit, and besides if you drove around in an open top here you’d probably get mugged!

My delivery from Tesco just arrived. Right on time, I’m impressed, AND they got the whole shopping list right too. Bloody miracle really. Sainsburys is history as far as I’m concerned!

Think I’m coming down with something. Not feeling that great at the moment. An 11hr shift last night hasn’t helped. Yada, yada. The extra cash will help pay for my new laptop….which…I haven’t bought yet, but am on the verge of doing. After yrs of being a PC guy, I’m gonna get a Mac. Never thought I’d see the day. It’s all in the interests of expanding my horizons and experience. Been doing lots of research on the Macbook I want and I think I got all the bases covered. Need to go into the Apple store on Regent Street and asked one of the experts about a couple of things though.

Haven’t started back at the gym yet since my shoulder injury and the paunch is getting bigger by the day. Not good. Maybe next week. Really annoyed with myself for not going, but I didn’t exactly ask to fuck up my shoulder now did I.

Not been to the theatre much lately, though I have tickets for Spamalot and Wicked which are both coming to the West End very soon. Cabaret’s starting soon too which I think would make a great stage show, but Chris informs me it isn’t. He’d know. Apart from anything else I can’t imagine James Dreyfuss as Emcee….I mean how do you top an iconic performance like Joel Greys?

On recommendation I got hold of Sordid Lives recently. God it was funny. It’s about a dysfunctional white trash family coming together for a funeral.  I highly recommend, though if you’re from Texas, there’s a good chance you’ll be offended. Watched Sideways the other night too which I thought was good but extremely overrated.

As its Bank Holiday most if not all of my friends are partying hard. I don’t think I’ll be joining them, though I may feel differently on the day. My liver is still recovering from the last time I went out with Stewy. Very fun night, but boy did I suffer for it. That guy is a machine!! I don’t know how he does it!!!

Almost, almost, went to the Edinburgh Film Festival last week. Principally to see a live interview with Sigourney Weaver, and also to see her latest movie Snowcake which isn’t out here for a few weeks. The film was sold out though so I didn’t end up going.

Oh and a special shout out to Tomms. If you read this. Thank you so much. You made my day when I got your email.

All in all, it has to be said, August has been a pretty crap month. Roll on September. Onwards on upwards….thats the theory. Nam Myho Renge Kuo as B would say. Try saying that when you’re pissed!

Getting frustrated with the whole arm/shoulder thing. Missing the gym. Can't believe I just said that but hey. I guess when you don't go you really notice it. Seeing my physio again tomorrow anyway, so hopefully she'll work out a revised programme for me. Would hate to see all that hard work go to waste.

Been watching a new series that Matt leant me. The Closer. It rocks. Kyra Sedgewick (Mrs Kevin Bacon to you and me) absoloutely nails the role. Basically murder investigations with a twist in each story, and there's some really good episodes. 2nd series on its way in the good ol US of A, and as usual we have to wait god knows how long before it reaches our shores.

Went to Alton Towers the other day with Matt. Perhaps not the best idea for my shoulder but actually it was fine. Had a great day though, was a lot of fun. I really really really wanna go to Six Flags though!!! our coasters our pretty tame in comparison, though Rita was fun...0 to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds, sounds good right? well not so impressive when it only equates to 0-61mp/h in 2.5 secs, still pretty fast though!

I posted this pic when I first started my Xanga, but I love it so much. This is Rita, Queen of Speed at the opening launch. Inspired idea.