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Christmas Day Blues
Dec. 25th, 2011 09:30 pm
Holiday Reads
Dec. 16th, 2011 09:14 amI'm cheering myself up by reading We Need To Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver. Hopefully it will get me in the holiday mood.
In A Nutshell
Dec. 14th, 2011 04:38 pmChristmas presents I've received from my parents.
From my dad: The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins
From my mom: Secret language of birthdays: Libra, by Gary Goldschneider
Says it all really.
From my dad: The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins
From my mom: Secret language of birthdays: Libra, by Gary Goldschneider
Says it all really.
Vacance Toulouse
Dec. 28th, 2010 10:26 pmOn my train ride to Toulouse I sat beside a girl with a dog on her lap. On my train ride to London yesterday I sat beside a girl with a cat on her lap. The dog was called Diana and was as blond and shaggy as her owner. She got slaps whenever she growled at loud small children wandering past us. Her owner's laptop had Dexter's cast members as its desktop image. I think the cat was called Emel and it was quiet, dignified and gorgeous. Its owner fell asleep often but the cat never tried to jump away. The three children in front of us kept peaking over their seats at it.
We stayed with![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
wink_martindale's sister and her french boyfriend in a modern apartment by the river. Our blinds went up and down with the help of a remote control ("I feel like I'm in L.A.!") Later in the week, Wink's other sister and her husband joined us from London (there was minor drama with this because of all the flights being canceled thanks to the snow). They stayed with Wink's parents, who were in an apartment nearby rented specifically for the holiday.
Our typical day consisted of breakfast followed by walks through Toulouse and its shops. We did most of our Christmas shopping there. The city's centre ville reminded me of a Parisian neighbourhood, perhaps Le Marais sans les pédés. The architecture hinted at medieval but had very modern homes, pretty shops and restaurants. At night, we had dinner back at one of the apartments.
The whole point of the trip was to have a Christmas dinner with the french boyfriend's family. They consisted of the boyfriend's brother, parents and grandparents (a couple in their eighties and a "papi" who was 93) . Real characters - a very boisterous, fun-loving group of people who spoke perhaps 5 words of English between them. Thank god for my previous french courses! They gave us a banquet on Friday that consisted of a whole bunch of sea food I'd never eaten before in my life. I had a go at oysters, bigorneaux huîtres (small snails for you and me), langoustines (just the meat in their claws) and bulots (large snails that look like fuzzy, pinkish snot). And a pie that contained fish brains. It all tasted good, but what a trial! When the plates arrived, I felt like Indiana Jones in that scene from the Temple of Doom. All this food was topped with trays of cheese and dessert - and a lot of great wine and champagne.
The eve ended around 4am. We returned the next morning as soon as we woke up for more sea food, foies gras ("just keep telling yourself it's hummus"), haricots verts, gratin dauphinois (potato bake) and a franken roast that was delicious, composed of duck, pig and a few more animals. It was prepared by the young brother, who is a butcher. Again, followed by cheeses, dessert (ice cream and fruit salad). Plus the usual wine and champagne.
We took loads of pictures but the camera is still with Wink. When he's back in London (on the 3rd) I'll upload the photos and post a link. Tomorrow morning a friend from Brasil arrives to stay with me for a week or so. It's her first visit to Europe. I'm looking forward to seeing London through her eyes.
We stayed with
wink_martindale's sister and her french boyfriend in a modern apartment by the river. Our blinds went up and down with the help of a remote control ("I feel like I'm in L.A.!") Later in the week, Wink's other sister and her husband joined us from London (there was minor drama with this because of all the flights being canceled thanks to the snow). They stayed with Wink's parents, who were in an apartment nearby rented specifically for the holiday.Our typical day consisted of breakfast followed by walks through Toulouse and its shops. We did most of our Christmas shopping there. The city's centre ville reminded me of a Parisian neighbourhood, perhaps Le Marais sans les pédés. The architecture hinted at medieval but had very modern homes, pretty shops and restaurants. At night, we had dinner back at one of the apartments.
The whole point of the trip was to have a Christmas dinner with the french boyfriend's family. They consisted of the boyfriend's brother, parents and grandparents (a couple in their eighties and a "papi" who was 93) . Real characters - a very boisterous, fun-loving group of people who spoke perhaps 5 words of English between them. Thank god for my previous french courses! They gave us a banquet on Friday that consisted of a whole bunch of sea food I'd never eaten before in my life. I had a go at oysters, bigorneaux huîtres (small snails for you and me), langoustines (just the meat in their claws) and bulots (large snails that look like fuzzy, pinkish snot). And a pie that contained fish brains. It all tasted good, but what a trial! When the plates arrived, I felt like Indiana Jones in that scene from the Temple of Doom. All this food was topped with trays of cheese and dessert - and a lot of great wine and champagne.
The eve ended around 4am. We returned the next morning as soon as we woke up for more sea food, foies gras ("just keep telling yourself it's hummus"), haricots verts, gratin dauphinois (potato bake) and a franken roast that was delicious, composed of duck, pig and a few more animals. It was prepared by the young brother, who is a butcher. Again, followed by cheeses, dessert (ice cream and fruit salad). Plus the usual wine and champagne.
We took loads of pictures but the camera is still with Wink. When he's back in London (on the 3rd) I'll upload the photos and post a link. Tomorrow morning a friend from Brasil arrives to stay with me for a week or so. It's her first visit to Europe. I'm looking forward to seeing London through her eyes.
Horror of Horrors (Xmas Mix)
Dec. 26th, 2009 11:17 amI wouldn't recommend listening to M.R. James' ghost stories just before going to bed. The noise in the rest of the tower block gets amplified, the faint light in the hallway intensifies. Can anyone from outside the UK listen/watch the BBC through the iPlayer? Because James' ghost stories can be found there in case you like spooking yourself.
To us, it was part of that old tradition of listening to ghost stories during Christmas because that's the only time in the year when you are guaranteed protection from the creatures of the night. On Christmas eve itself, we watched the BBC's haunted house three-part series Crooked House. (Unfortunately only the third episode is now available on the iPlayer. Maybe you can find the others if you are a good detective.) They aren't exactly great ghost stories, but they have nice classic elements in each one of them; and the final episode, The Knocker, is genuinely creepy and had me andwink_martindale freaked out at one point.
Yesterday, we walked London's deserted streets and ended up visiting the completely abandoned Olympic site, followed by Stratford. It was a bitch realising no public transport was available and we'd have to walk back home. We stopped by a corner shop on Roman Road for some junk food and I picked up a box of Cheerios without realising it had expired in August 09. Later in the evening we spotted a cockroach crawling on our kitchen counter. We are convinced it snuck out of the Cheerios box.
( Daffodils )
To us, it was part of that old tradition of listening to ghost stories during Christmas because that's the only time in the year when you are guaranteed protection from the creatures of the night. On Christmas eve itself, we watched the BBC's haunted house three-part series Crooked House. (Unfortunately only the third episode is now available on the iPlayer. Maybe you can find the others if you are a good detective.) They aren't exactly great ghost stories, but they have nice classic elements in each one of them; and the final episode, The Knocker, is genuinely creepy and had me and
wink_martindale freaked out at one point.Yesterday, we walked London's deserted streets and ended up visiting the completely abandoned Olympic site, followed by Stratford. It was a bitch realising no public transport was available and we'd have to walk back home. We stopped by a corner shop on Roman Road for some junk food and I picked up a box of Cheerios without realising it had expired in August 09. Later in the evening we spotted a cockroach crawling on our kitchen counter. We are convinced it snuck out of the Cheerios box.
( Daffodils )
If I Live to Tell (New Year's)
Dec. 23rd, 2009 07:46 pm
For any of you who were fans of the TV show Spaced and were wondering what Jessica Stevenson is up to at the moment, she's starring in a very good comedy at the Royal Court called The Priory. In a way she revisits her character from the series (a somewhat failed writer) only this time she's older, slightly more melancholic and stuck in a medieval monastery-cum-weekend getaway for a New Year Eve's party with trainwrecked friends. I loved how natural the dialogue felt - the kind of chit chat I have myself with friends, but funnier - and how some of the characters, in particular the women, were fully fleshed and unforgettable. What's meant to be a relaxing holiday with friends descends into drugs, drinks, The Big Chill soundtrack pumped through an iPhone and a menacing hooded figure that may, or may not, be the ghost of a monk. Everything that could possibly go wrong on a New Year Eve's party, goes wrong - with some funny but also slightly shocking consequences. It's been extended until mid January and I highly recommend it.
Afterwards,
wink_martindale and I hit Sainsbury's for some Xmas food and last minute gifts. Now I'm listening to some Madge while preparing to make the living room off limits for Wink until I've wrapped presents and placed them underneath our spider plant. Later, I will finish a Xmas story I'm writing and which I wish to post here tomorrow. It's a story about one of you!! Wink is drawing some images to go alongside it too...Last night, we had a Xmas party with our book club. I won some homemade chutney and a strange contraption that makes my ears glow. It will come in handy when I walk down Regent's Canal at night.
Rage Belongs to the Machine
Dec. 9th, 2009 12:01 pmDo any of you know where I can find out which singles are being released this year during Christmas weekend? I want to confirm whether Rage Against the Machine is the only act, apart from the X Factor, that will make Simon Cowell some money (he owns shares in their record label, apparently).
I already did some searches on Google but had no luck.
I already did some searches on Google but had no luck.
You Suck... Blood
Dec. 23rd, 2008 10:56 amThe housing association kindly slipped a letter through my letterbox this morning, warning me that both elevators need to be shut down all day today for maintenance work.
I live on the 11th floor. I have a plane to Brasil to catch. I have a suitcase.
The water has also been shut down. At least I took a shower yesterday after I came home from watching Twilight with Hester. I can't remember the last time I heard such bad dialogue in the cinema. And the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Make-Up 2008 goes to Twilight, for vampires that look like they are wearing badly-applied talcum powder. Other notable 2008 Golden Raspberry Awards: Worst Film. Worst Actor. Worst Actress. Worst Supporting Actors. Worst Supporting Actresses. Worst Screenplay. Worst Special Effects. Worst Director. Worst Vampires. Worst Title That Has Nothing To Do With The Story In Question. Great night out, however! The entire (half-empty) cinema laughing together, talking back to the screen, giggling, actually enjoying the badness-of-it-all. Popcorn, beer, Coca Cola, and Doritos dipped in melted cheese. Countless memorable lines. Definitely a cult film; and the sequel will probably be a slicker, big budget affair, thanks to its success in America. Can I pre-book tickets already?
By this time tomorrow, I'll be at my mom's in Brasil. Their computer seems to be acting up so I don't know how often I'll be able to check LJ. I'll have to content myself with the full moon. In case you don't hear from me until after the 25th, have a very merry little Christmas! Dispel your humbugness, and let a crowd of singing munchkins into your heart (but make sure first they are dressed like Santa's little helpers). May the spirit of Dorothy fill you with joy this season.
Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!
NOOOOOO!!! I want to be Edward! Or James, the tracker vampire! *pouts*
Update: It's actually the tower block next door that has had its water and elevators shut down. But the letters were distributed here... hmmmm. I wonder if the poor buggers over there even know what's going on? I'm not complaining - my life is suddenly a little easier!
I live on the 11th floor. I have a plane to Brasil to catch. I have a suitcase.
The water has also been shut down. At least I took a shower yesterday after I came home from watching Twilight with Hester. I can't remember the last time I heard such bad dialogue in the cinema. And the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Make-Up 2008 goes to Twilight, for vampires that look like they are wearing badly-applied talcum powder. Other notable 2008 Golden Raspberry Awards: Worst Film. Worst Actor. Worst Actress. Worst Supporting Actors. Worst Supporting Actresses. Worst Screenplay. Worst Special Effects. Worst Director. Worst Vampires. Worst Title That Has Nothing To Do With The Story In Question. Great night out, however! The entire (half-empty) cinema laughing together, talking back to the screen, giggling, actually enjoying the badness-of-it-all. Popcorn, beer, Coca Cola, and Doritos dipped in melted cheese. Countless memorable lines. Definitely a cult film; and the sequel will probably be a slicker, big budget affair, thanks to its success in America. Can I pre-book tickets already?
By this time tomorrow, I'll be at my mom's in Brasil. Their computer seems to be acting up so I don't know how often I'll be able to check LJ. I'll have to content myself with the full moon. In case you don't hear from me until after the 25th, have a very merry little Christmas! Dispel your humbugness, and let a crowd of singing munchkins into your heart (but make sure first they are dressed like Santa's little helpers). May the spirit of Dorothy fill you with joy this season.
Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!
NOOOOOO!!! I want to be Edward! Or James, the tracker vampire! *pouts*
Update: It's actually the tower block next door that has had its water and elevators shut down. But the letters were distributed here... hmmmm. I wonder if the poor buggers over there even know what's going on? I'm not complaining - my life is suddenly a little easier!
Uncle Ollie
Dec. 21st, 2008 10:19 pmMy brother's soon-to-be-wife is pregnant... I'm going to be an uncle!
Enjoy the Sun
Nov. 20th, 2008 12:57 pmA few months ago, I joined my landlady's bookclub. The group lives on the same street as me and is made up mostly of women in their forties and fifties. Some of them are powerful members of Eastend councils; some are writers who have plays regularly broadcast on Radio 4 and in theatres across the country; and some are civil servants that know exactly what kind of work people do in Peter Mendelson's office. I'm the baby of the group.
Every month, one person picks a novel for the group to read. If you'd like the privilege of picking the next one, you offer to host the party the following month, which includes providing wine, cheese, bread, dips, crisps and olives. This month was Ali Smith's Hotel World, hosted by the playwright. We sat in her kitchen and disagreed about Smith's style while her husband and children sauntered in and out to stare at us with Saint Bernard eyes or whisk away bread sticks. When she found out I'd worked at the National Theatre, she got excited and asked me if I knew people in the Education department. Another weird coincidence: she went to Brasil with one of them, at the time I was in the department, and I later saw the photographs in the office. I also, at the time, created image galleries for her play on the National's website!
I'll be hosting the next bookclub meeting, in December, when we'll open bottles of champagne in Christmas' honour and I'll show them London's winter lights from my balcony. I need to buy wine glasses and fairy lights, think of what food to serve. We are now reading Wilkie Collins' No Name.
When it's sunny, I try to walk to work and take advantage of the free vitamin D available. Victoria Park's lake must have been unusually low yesterday because branches were poking out of the water, to the delight of the various birds that live in the park. It was like a tropical lagoon under cold, fluffy clouds. I wish I had brought pieces of bread with me to feed the swans.
My energy levels though have been very low and I haven't been sleeping well. It's as if I had vital organs removed overnight without my knowledge. This morning, I found many flowers and cards tied to a pipe underneath one of the train bridges east of London Fields. There were photos of a young beautiful man, and messages of love for his loss. One of them was from his sister; another one described that spot as the place where he "fell".
Every month, one person picks a novel for the group to read. If you'd like the privilege of picking the next one, you offer to host the party the following month, which includes providing wine, cheese, bread, dips, crisps and olives. This month was Ali Smith's Hotel World, hosted by the playwright. We sat in her kitchen and disagreed about Smith's style while her husband and children sauntered in and out to stare at us with Saint Bernard eyes or whisk away bread sticks. When she found out I'd worked at the National Theatre, she got excited and asked me if I knew people in the Education department. Another weird coincidence: she went to Brasil with one of them, at the time I was in the department, and I later saw the photographs in the office. I also, at the time, created image galleries for her play on the National's website!
I'll be hosting the next bookclub meeting, in December, when we'll open bottles of champagne in Christmas' honour and I'll show them London's winter lights from my balcony. I need to buy wine glasses and fairy lights, think of what food to serve. We are now reading Wilkie Collins' No Name.
When it's sunny, I try to walk to work and take advantage of the free vitamin D available. Victoria Park's lake must have been unusually low yesterday because branches were poking out of the water, to the delight of the various birds that live in the park. It was like a tropical lagoon under cold, fluffy clouds. I wish I had brought pieces of bread with me to feed the swans.
My energy levels though have been very low and I haven't been sleeping well. It's as if I had vital organs removed overnight without my knowledge. This morning, I found many flowers and cards tied to a pipe underneath one of the train bridges east of London Fields. There were photos of a young beautiful man, and messages of love for his loss. One of them was from his sister; another one described that spot as the place where he "fell".
Xmas Came Early
Nov. 6th, 2008 09:16 amSome insane (gay) individual left tons of books on the sidewalk, near my work. I managed to carry away Boy George's autobiography Take It Like a Man[1], Bret Easton Ellis' Glamorama, The Valley of the Dolls, an Alan Hollinghurst novel, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls, and some dodgy erotica called Gay Blades.
I was going to take Jackie Collins' Lucky too but then a slug crawling on its front cover fell on my hand and grossed me out.
What I left behind (that I can remember): The Dummy's Guide to Screenwriting, biographies on Johnny Depp, Nick Cave and Madonna, Ulysses, some Shakespeare... and a box choke full of VHS tapes! And much much much more...
[1] Years ago,purplethings brought a copy to one of suzi's parties because she knew I was interested in reading it. I forgot to take it home and, soon afterwards, Suzi left it at a charity shop (she already had one copy, which she didn't mind lending me). I never got around to borrowing it (and even talked about it during the last X Factor.) Well, now I'm all chuffed for having my own copy... and it's hard cover too!
I was going to take Jackie Collins' Lucky too but then a slug crawling on its front cover fell on my hand and grossed me out.
What I left behind (that I can remember): The Dummy's Guide to Screenwriting, biographies on Johnny Depp, Nick Cave and Madonna, Ulysses, some Shakespeare... and a box choke full of VHS tapes! And much much much more...
[1] Years ago,
purplethings brought a copy to one of suzi's parties because she knew I was interested in reading it. I forgot to take it home and, soon afterwards, Suzi left it at a charity shop (she already had one copy, which she didn't mind lending me). I never got around to borrowing it (and even talked about it during the last X Factor.) Well, now I'm all chuffed for having my own copy... and it's hard cover too! 
Gold August
Aug. 31st, 2008 10:33 am
sushidog is a perfect shopping buddy. She was good company last week when I needed to go downtown and buy underwear, and yesterday she offered anecdotes and companionship as we explored the food and second-hand deals of Hackney's markets and shops. The day couldn't have been more gorgeous; August's first proper summer day. We met up in Victoria Park and meandered up Regent's Canal to Broadway Road Market. After checking out the stands, which sold anything from crockery and vinyl records to crepes and fresh juices, we ordered Samosa Chatts, bought some bottled water and found a patch of soft grass in London Fields to rest, not too far from a One Man Band playing some kind of bicycle drums.
As we ate our lunch and chatted about this'n'that, I saw a beautiful toddler with large blue eyes approach us like the shark in Jaws (hum to yourself the film's theme song). He held Kevin's shoulder and leaned his head against him. I wish my eyes had cameras inside them so I could keep that image forever - the cutest thing I've ever seen. The father whisked the toddler away, apologising, which he needent have done since it was such a lovely and funny thing for the little boy to do. I turned to Kevin afterwards and asked if we could have one of those. There's my tip for what to get me next Christmas.
After lunch, we took a bus to Holloway Road and visited The Fantasy Centre, one of London's best second-hand bookshops that specialises in horror, fantasy and sci-fi. Unusually, there were about ten different Guy N. Smith titles in the horror section. I called
naturalbornkaos, Smith's biggest fan, to see if any of the copies were rarities he might want, but his phone was turned off. There's your tip Rattler for where to go shopping next time you are in town! I also spotted a copy of Wurm by Matthew J. Costello, a horror novel that I really enjoyed in high school. At the time, I was trying to convince a dutch friend to read horror, so we agreed that she would read Wurm if I tried out Anne of Green Gables. I loved Anne but was kinda pissed off that my friend wussed out and broke our agreement. I debated yesterday whether I should buy Wurm and re-read it, but then I was reminded of the Neverending Story cautionary tale, which teaches one never to read a book or watch a film you loved as a kid so you won't run the risk of tarninshing your memories.There's a large vintage store nearby that is good value-for-money (most items range between 5 and 10 quid). Kevin and I found short-sleeved shirts that fit alright, and
sushidog nearly took a cocktail dress from the 70s and a pair of purple boots. On the way back to Victoria Park, for some restorating cake and coffee, we found ourselves swamped by football supporters moving up Holloway Road like an invading army. There was ice cream, more sun, coffee, lemon tarts and conversations on crime statistics, creative writing and the X Factor once we reached the cute coffee shop in Victoria Park's village.sushidog is my neighbour and it only makes sense that we should hang out loads. Now I only wish my other London friends would move nearby...Zoooooommmmmargh!
Aug. 29th, 2008 08:05 amKevin and Sissy Jen bought plane tickets to Canada this Christmas... with Zoom Airlines.
I'm guessing they'll be OK because they bought their tickets with credit cards... or at least I hope so. Anyone got experience with buying from a company that goes bankrupt?
I'm guessing they'll be OK because they bought their tickets with credit cards... or at least I hope so. Anyone got experience with buying from a company that goes bankrupt?
End of the Week Points and Notes
Dec. 21st, 2007 12:23 pm* Kevin got a viral infection at the start of the week and now, just as he got better, a cold settled in his chest. It's freezin' and 'orrible outside and we have no money. The apartment is a tip and there's no getting away from the fact I'll have to clean it today, by myself. I very much expect this guy to show up Monday night.
* I got all tarted up for the gym this morning, only to arrive and discover they are shut down for a training day. So I went to Woolworths instead.
* I've worked for the last five weeks in a prestigious university's press office. It was one of my best working experiences: everyone was kind and friendly, the work was interesting and yesterday's goodbyes were genuinely full of good wishes. I have a job interview in the new year for a job I really, really want, with a small charity that works with gays, lesbians and transexuals. And they pay good. And I have a few days off during the week which I can use for my writing or temp work. Fingers crossed I don't fuck up.
* Russell Brand is going to be in Morrissey's next music video. I hope Morrissey gets histhugs band to hold him down and shave that awful hair of his.
* I love crazy cults, in particular American ones. They always seem to twist the Bible into something a lot worse than it is. Don't you just love their brain-washed stares? The old leaders who sleep with pre-pubescent virgins in the name of the Lord? Channel 4's documentary The End of World Cult was an unmissable, terrifying and sad story of people with no education, in the middle of nowhere, who make me all the more thankful I'm not a religious person.
* My last meal in death row will consist of freshly-baked bread, salty butter and a cup of coffee with milk and two sugars.
* I got all tarted up for the gym this morning, only to arrive and discover they are shut down for a training day. So I went to Woolworths instead.
* I've worked for the last five weeks in a prestigious university's press office. It was one of my best working experiences: everyone was kind and friendly, the work was interesting and yesterday's goodbyes were genuinely full of good wishes. I have a job interview in the new year for a job I really, really want, with a small charity that works with gays, lesbians and transexuals. And they pay good. And I have a few days off during the week which I can use for my writing or temp work. Fingers crossed I don't fuck up.
* Russell Brand is going to be in Morrissey's next music video. I hope Morrissey gets his
* I love crazy cults, in particular American ones. They always seem to twist the Bible into something a lot worse than it is. Don't you just love their brain-washed stares? The old leaders who sleep with pre-pubescent virgins in the name of the Lord? Channel 4's documentary The End of World Cult was an unmissable, terrifying and sad story of people with no education, in the middle of nowhere, who make me all the more thankful I'm not a religious person.
* My last meal in death row will consist of freshly-baked bread, salty butter and a cup of coffee with milk and two sugars.
We Let in Light and We Banish Shade
Nov. 13th, 2007 08:13 pmThe first day of winter is whichever day you hear "Do They Know It's Christmas" for the first time.
Winter came early for you this year.
Winter came early for you this year.
