Spotted in the pretty Sussex town of Burgess Hill.
write a song
Somewhere on a desert highway...
24 March 2008 @ 02:55 pm
I had a perfect Easter weekend in Sussex with my mother (and her various mad friends), my brother and my godparents. It was soothing; mainly, I slept and played with the cats. Mommy (who turned out a fabulous turkey roast dinner yesterday, not to mention my all-time-favourite Thai fishcakes on Friday night - yes, cupboard love, I know) sent me back stuffed with food, with a packet of hot cross buns just in case the train got stranded on its way back up to London. ♥
Now I’m back at work and trying very hard to repress my inner squee-demon as I nipped out to Sister Ray’s just now to pick up the Foals album.
(Album? Record? What are we supposed to call these things these days? ‘CD’ doesn’t quite seem to do them justice.)
ANYway. I now have the special double-edition CD in my hot little paws *fondles*, and it is taking ALL my self control not to whack it into my CD drive and play it all afternoon while I work. Mmm, it’s lovely, a trifold lovely yummy thing with inserts and lyrics and bonus CD and … and … and … aiiee!
Reasons why I shouldn’t play it now:
Now I’m back at work and trying very hard to repress my inner squee-demon as I nipped out to Sister Ray’s just now to pick up the Foals album.
(Album? Record? What are we supposed to call these things these days? ‘CD’ doesn’t quite seem to do them justice.)
ANYway. I now have the special double-edition CD in my hot little paws *fondles*, and it is taking ALL my self control not to whack it into my CD drive and play it all afternoon while I work. Mmm, it’s lovely, a trifold lovely yummy thing with inserts and lyrics and bonus CD and … and … and … aiiee!
Reasons why I shouldn’t play it now:
- It’ll throw off my Last.fm/iPod synching and I’ve got a whole weekend’s-worth of stuff to scrobble when I get home /navel-gazing stats geek
- A record this great deserves my proper hifi setup for its virgin play (OMG, it’s going to sound SO GREAT on my NAD!)
- I’d probably sing. And dance around. And wave glowsticks. None of these things are really considered acceptable office behaviour, are they?
Current Location: my desk
I'm hearing: Nothing ... yet.
04 June 2007 @ 12:04 pm
(warning - self-indulgent brain dump approaching...)
I couldn't wait to get back to London this weekend. I woke at 5:30 this morning as the dawn chorus began, and my head was filled with yearning for the grime and the noise of the city. And that got me to thinking: how perhaps my time in Sussex has healed me, and that perhaps I'm ready for the next adventure. As I've flitted between the country and the city, it's seemed like the best of both worlds, but my itinerant lifestyle is starting to wear me down, and now it feels that it's crunch time.
So I have to pick.
On the one hand, there's a green and pleasant land, my Sussex, peaceful Sussex. It's my sanity and my stability; the only place where my head clears, where my spirit cools, where my brain slows down to something even remotely approximating calmness.
On the other, there's a wild, seething, seedy metropolis, my London, filthy London. It's dark, exciting, and shamelessly seductive; it inspires me, fuels me, dazzles me. But which will make my heart sing?
I'm kinda interested to see where this story goes. And yes, I'm hooked in by this spellbinding city right now. I can feel its magnetic attraction drawing me in, like an addiction pulling me to its breast, its narcotic effect washing all memories of gently rolling hills and birdsong from my easily-distracted brain. London's turned my head; I've looked into its eyes, deep into its soul; and I'm mesmerised.
I doubt it's good for me, I can't tell if it'll guard me or scar me. I can guess; but there's a part of me that's longing to find out.
(Of course, the whole thing's pretty academic, really: there aren't any decent jobs in Sussex, and we'll visit the APs most weekends to get a green fix. But - sometimes you've got to write it out of your head.)
I couldn't wait to get back to London this weekend. I woke at 5:30 this morning as the dawn chorus began, and my head was filled with yearning for the grime and the noise of the city. And that got me to thinking: how perhaps my time in Sussex has healed me, and that perhaps I'm ready for the next adventure. As I've flitted between the country and the city, it's seemed like the best of both worlds, but my itinerant lifestyle is starting to wear me down, and now it feels that it's crunch time.
So I have to pick.
On the one hand, there's a green and pleasant land, my Sussex, peaceful Sussex. It's my sanity and my stability; the only place where my head clears, where my spirit cools, where my brain slows down to something even remotely approximating calmness.
On the other, there's a wild, seething, seedy metropolis, my London, filthy London. It's dark, exciting, and shamelessly seductive; it inspires me, fuels me, dazzles me. But which will make my heart sing?
I'm kinda interested to see where this story goes. And yes, I'm hooked in by this spellbinding city right now. I can feel its magnetic attraction drawing me in, like an addiction pulling me to its breast, its narcotic effect washing all memories of gently rolling hills and birdsong from my easily-distracted brain. London's turned my head; I've looked into its eyes, deep into its soul; and I'm mesmerised.
I doubt it's good for me, I can't tell if it'll guard me or scar me. I can guess; but there's a part of me that's longing to find out.
(Of course, the whole thing's pretty academic, really: there aren't any decent jobs in Sussex, and we'll visit the APs most weekends to get a green fix. But - sometimes you've got to write it out of your head.)
22 April 2007 @ 10:34 pm
My dad's retirement dinner was last night. It was all fine, except I pulled a couple of deadweights as table companions. On my left, the guy who spent the first 10 minutes telling me to get my dad to write down all his memories asap (implication: he's retired, ergo he'll die soon). On my right, one of those doctor/science types who deals only in facts and has no soul. Ah well. One of my dad's friends and colleagues gave a really lovely speech about him, and my dad's was really sweet, too. I felt so proud of him. We came back here and toasted him with champagne.
Yesterday, before the dinner, Ted and I went to Steyning, a really pretty Sussex village with lots of timbered buildings and a smashing Norman church. We'd been led to believe by our guidebook (Sussex Top Tens OMG They Rock!) that the carvings were pretty cool, and the guidebook was right. (Unlike the tea rooms in Ditchling a few weeks ago, which were L-A-M-E.) We had the most lovely picnic on the green, and he bought me an owl teapot in a charity shop ^_^
Today, we went for a walk in the wood, and I spotted a deer! It's the first time we've seen a deer here in daylight. The bluebells in the wood were fully out, and were breathtaking - quite literally, too, as they smell so good.
I'm sorry I'm not posting much during the week, and I'm especially sorry I'm not commenting. I don't have any Internet access aside from work, and work is really hectic. I've been doing a lot of writing about online communities, and have emails from Mahir "I Kiss You!" Cagir and Peter Pan Man to show for it. They both sound very nice, if a little scary. But I'd rather be talking to you. ^_^ I'm really hoping to sort something out so I can at least catch up on your posts during the week.
Anyway, I hope you all had nice weekends too - and I kiss you. xoxoxox
Yesterday, before the dinner, Ted and I went to Steyning, a really pretty Sussex village with lots of timbered buildings and a smashing Norman church. We'd been led to believe by our guidebook (Sussex Top Tens OMG They Rock!) that the carvings were pretty cool, and the guidebook was right. (Unlike the tea rooms in Ditchling a few weeks ago, which were L-A-M-E.) We had the most lovely picnic on the green, and he bought me an owl teapot in a charity shop ^_^
Today, we went for a walk in the wood, and I spotted a deer! It's the first time we've seen a deer here in daylight. The bluebells in the wood were fully out, and were breathtaking - quite literally, too, as they smell so good.
I'm sorry I'm not posting much during the week, and I'm especially sorry I'm not commenting. I don't have any Internet access aside from work, and work is really hectic. I've been doing a lot of writing about online communities, and have emails from Mahir "I Kiss You!" Cagir and Peter Pan Man to show for it. They both sound very nice, if a little scary. But I'd rather be talking to you. ^_^ I'm really hoping to sort something out so I can at least catch up on your posts during the week.
Anyway, I hope you all had nice weekends too - and I kiss you. xoxoxox
I'm hearing: Grandaddy - Levitz
10 March 2007 @ 06:00 pm
Is it me? Is spring truly here at last? *bounces*
Last night, we watched the Charlotte Church show. How come no one had told me how funny it is? She's hilarious! I hope she gets lots more TV contracts and becomes the next Cilla.
In other news, can someone please ban me from Peacock's? Their stuff is just too yummy and cheap. I don't understand why everyone raves about Primark - Peacock's is much, much better. It might be becoming an addiction - I start getting twitchy when I haven't been in for 10 days. Of course, what I really need is another pair of jeans and some *ahem* chest-supporting underwear. But who wants to buy that when Peacock's has lots of lovely empire-line, puffy-sleeved goodness?
On the way home, we stopped at the pub for a pint. We sat outside in the sunshine and looked at the Downs. I forget in the day-to-day bustle how lucky I am to be here, and how much more at peace I feel.
Last night, we watched the Charlotte Church show. How come no one had told me how funny it is? She's hilarious! I hope she gets lots more TV contracts and becomes the next Cilla.
In other news, can someone please ban me from Peacock's? Their stuff is just too yummy and cheap. I don't understand why everyone raves about Primark - Peacock's is much, much better. It might be becoming an addiction - I start getting twitchy when I haven't been in for 10 days. Of course, what I really need is another pair of jeans and some *ahem* chest-supporting underwear. But who wants to buy that when Peacock's has lots of lovely empire-line, puffy-sleeved goodness?
On the way home, we stopped at the pub for a pint. We sat outside in the sunshine and looked at the Downs. I forget in the day-to-day bustle how lucky I am to be here, and how much more at peace I feel.
24 September 2006 @ 04:57 pm
Brain dump a la ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
daizy18
daizy18 I wasn't sure where to start this post, so here's a big old splurge.
Sussex
It's wonderful being here. Already, I feel so much more at peace. Things aren't perfect, of course, but deep inside, I absolutely know I've done the right thing, and that's wonderful. I'm so happy to be home.
Work
Work has been - surprising. A friend put me in touch with a friend, who liked my work, and the upshot is ... I'm now freelancing as an online writer for CNN. I'm quite in shock about it - it comes pretty close to "my most dream job ever". Heaven knows how long it'll last, but right now, it's fun (actually, it's wonderful just to come into work in the morning, sit at a PC and write for 8 hours), I'm earning and the people I work with seem really *really* nice. I hope it lasts - I've been working really hard to give it my best shot - the pace is certainly faster than in Liverpool (this is a good thing). It's brought my passion back - I feel so enthusiastic and excited about what I'm doing - and they give us free apples. Apples!
Travel
It's so strange - I was dreading my commute, and it is tiring, certainly (3 hours a day, maybe a little more) but my favourite time of the day is when I'm on the big train (which goes from Sussex to London, as opposed to the Underground) looking out of the window at the sun rising over the Sussex hills. I feel peace and quiet washing over me, and my brain has space to wander. The weather here has been very fine, and I feel so lucky to be in this beautiful land.
On the downside, I do look a bit of a twat on the train, because the low sun is really bright and flickery through the trees, and that's one of the things which in the past triggered my migraines. I haven't had one for many years, but the light does make me feel uncomfortable, which means I have to wear sunglasses en route, and I feel like a right wally. (Especially when the train goes through a tunnel.)
Even the tube's not bad, as it's only 2 stops, and at the times I travel I can usually even get a seat.
(What I could do without, though, is the people who smell of booze at 8am. Eww, people! This is not good! Yuck!)
Money
Ouch! Well, I'm earning a bit less than in Liverpool, and everything here is more expensive. My travel costs are burning a large hole in my pocket, and gosh, I'm going to have to get used to southern prices. I wouldn't trade back for the world, though ^_^
Internet
The most frustrating thing, though, is that I'm seriously struggling to find time to spend online. I'm just about (only just) keeping up with emails, and reading LJ, but when I want to post to LJ - mainly when I'm on the train - I can't, and in the evenings, I'm too tired. I've been looking at mobile internet options but they don't seem to be quite what I want yet. Hurry up, Orange! Sort yourselves out with some decent plans and kit!
In the meantime, are there any plans to bring voice posting to the UK? *plaintive wail*
Music
I can't wait to pick up the new Killers album! Meep! I haven't yet picked up the new Scissor Sisters' - but I'm hoping to pinch that off someone at some point.
Also, I have revised my opinion of the new Timberlake single - I love it, even if the lyrics are a bit cringey.
Minki
Minki is now with us, and settling in (trans. "making friends with my folks' cats.") There's been lots of growling and hissing, but relatively little claw-on-claw action. We shall see how things progress ...
Sussex
It's wonderful being here. Already, I feel so much more at peace. Things aren't perfect, of course, but deep inside, I absolutely know I've done the right thing, and that's wonderful. I'm so happy to be home.
Work
Work has been - surprising. A friend put me in touch with a friend, who liked my work, and the upshot is ... I'm now freelancing as an online writer for CNN. I'm quite in shock about it - it comes pretty close to "my most dream job ever". Heaven knows how long it'll last, but right now, it's fun (actually, it's wonderful just to come into work in the morning, sit at a PC and write for 8 hours), I'm earning and the people I work with seem really *really* nice. I hope it lasts - I've been working really hard to give it my best shot - the pace is certainly faster than in Liverpool (this is a good thing). It's brought my passion back - I feel so enthusiastic and excited about what I'm doing - and they give us free apples. Apples!
Travel
It's so strange - I was dreading my commute, and it is tiring, certainly (3 hours a day, maybe a little more) but my favourite time of the day is when I'm on the big train (which goes from Sussex to London, as opposed to the Underground) looking out of the window at the sun rising over the Sussex hills. I feel peace and quiet washing over me, and my brain has space to wander. The weather here has been very fine, and I feel so lucky to be in this beautiful land.
On the downside, I do look a bit of a twat on the train, because the low sun is really bright and flickery through the trees, and that's one of the things which in the past triggered my migraines. I haven't had one for many years, but the light does make me feel uncomfortable, which means I have to wear sunglasses en route, and I feel like a right wally. (Especially when the train goes through a tunnel.)
Even the tube's not bad, as it's only 2 stops, and at the times I travel I can usually even get a seat.
(What I could do without, though, is the people who smell of booze at 8am. Eww, people! This is not good! Yuck!)
Money
Ouch! Well, I'm earning a bit less than in Liverpool, and everything here is more expensive. My travel costs are burning a large hole in my pocket, and gosh, I'm going to have to get used to southern prices. I wouldn't trade back for the world, though ^_^
Internet
The most frustrating thing, though, is that I'm seriously struggling to find time to spend online. I'm just about (only just) keeping up with emails, and reading LJ, but when I want to post to LJ - mainly when I'm on the train - I can't, and in the evenings, I'm too tired. I've been looking at mobile internet options but they don't seem to be quite what I want yet. Hurry up, Orange! Sort yourselves out with some decent plans and kit!
In the meantime, are there any plans to bring voice posting to the UK? *plaintive wail*
Music
I can't wait to pick up the new Killers album! Meep! I haven't yet picked up the new Scissor Sisters' - but I'm hoping to pinch that off someone at some point.
Also, I have revised my opinion of the new Timberlake single - I love it, even if the lyrics are a bit cringey.
Minki
Minki is now with us, and settling in (trans. "making friends with my folks' cats.") There's been lots of growling and hissing, but relatively little claw-on-claw action. We shall see how things progress ...
I'm hearing: The Similou - All This Love (Radio Edit)