ben, and that.

HELLO!

2010-07-18T19:10:00.002+01:00

Hello! (Again)
What the fuck have I been playing at? It's been, what? 3 and a half months since I last decided I had something interesting to say? I am truly sorry. But at least this must mean I've got quite a lot to tell, right? Let's see.

So. In my last post I told you all about the time my beloved Aston Villa were robbed (robbed!) of winning the League Cup. You'll be pleased to know I am nearly almost entirely over this, so let's move on! Since then, I'd like to think I've been really busy doing lots of interesting things. And right now, I am going to attempt to recount them.

I guess the biggest thing that happened is that I finally, thankfully, managed to pass my bloody driving test. Third (or was it fourth?) times a charm, as they say. I even have a car! And I've been busy driving around (very sensibly, if my mother asks). It's a 1999 Ford Fiesta, and I paid a little over £500 which I have decided is a bargain, so please don't tell me otherwise!

I've been working a lot of overtime at work. I only do it in an attempt to make ends meet, and to be honest, I'm getting pretty bored of it. There is a lot of responsibility in our job. We constantly get told that if we make a mistake, it could very well lead to someone dying. Yet we get paid the same as cleaners. This makes no sense to me. And it is leading me to think I need to find something else to do with my life. Fuck knows what though. Any suggestions you have are more than welcome!

I've just been reading back on a post I did towards the end of last year entitled "Things that will help improve my life." I would say I've achieved six or seven of the things I listed. And has my life improved? Probably. Though, I can't really remember what my life was like then. Suffice to say, it must have been pretty crap if I thought getting a haircut would help me out.

I also did a post suggesting that 2010 will be "The Year of New Things". I am sorry to say that I'm pretty sure I haven't done anything new. But do not despair, I will double my efforts for the second half of the year! (Probably.)

I think that's it for now. I'm off to a couple of music festivals over the next two of weekends so perhaps I'll have something interesting to say about them.

Bye.

League Cup Final

2010-03-02T21:48:00.004Z

Sunday February 28th was a day of mixed emotions for me. I'll get into why as this post progresses, but I may as well just delve right in and get into what happened...

As the title might suggest, Sunday the 28th was the League (or Carling) Cup final, and my team, Aston Villa were playing. This is a pretty special event, one that doesn't happen all too often. The last time we got to a cup final was the 2000 FA Cup final vs Chelsea. We lost. The time before that was in 1996 in another League Cup final against Leeds United. We won! The trouble with both these finals (and the 1994 League Cup final) is that I wasn't really old enough to fully understand the happenings. Aged 8, 10 and 14 at the time of each respective final I think I was too young to get fully involved. But now, aged 24, I felt I was ready.

The day started at about 7am. Please bear in mind this is on a Sunday! And, I struggled to sleep the previous night. Call it pre-match nerves, I suppose. Anyway, after I showered, ate and pulled on my lovely new Villa shirt (featuring "Petrov 19" on the back) we left at about 8.30am.
I'd like to tell you about the journey down, but to be honest, I was sat in the back and not paying much attention. All I know is this; at 9.30am I decided it was time to open a beer and at about 10.15am we stopped at a service station near Reading for breakfast. The rest of the journey was pretty uneventful, other than the terrible traffic in London, but that was to be expected...

We parked up just outside the stadium at around midday and began layering up because it was very cold and wet. Once this was done, we set about trying to find a nearby pub (whilst drinking the remaining car beers) to enjoy some pre-match build up in. Eventually we found one, I think it was called JJ Moon's, and headed inside. It was a designated "Villa Pub" so there were only Villa fans in there, and boy, were they having a jolly good time. There was singing, and dancing, and swearing at things on Sky Sports News they didn't like the look of, and very soon we were joining in. Apart from my grandad. I forget he's almost 73, and I think he was a bit overwhelmed but he did quite well. After much singing, at around 2.15pm, it was time to get out that pub because we were off. Off to Wembley. Like properly. Inside the stadium and everything!

Wembley Stadium is a magnificent thing. I know it was about a hundred years late and a billion pounds over budget, but for all the cock ups, it turned out alright. My only problem with it is there are too few toilets. Actually, that might not be true, but for an event where the majority of people there are going to be men, you think they might change some of the women's toilets in to men's in the hope of alleviating some of the congestion. At the very least, I would have got less piss on my shoes.
Anyway, that aside, it is glorious. I only took one picture while I was there, and it doesn't exactly do the place justice, in terms of the sheer size of it but here it is anyway.I took that as they were announcing the teams. They did it in quite a cool way, each of those flags bearing the players' names in which ever position they played, revealed one by one to the cheers (or boos) of the fans. By the way, I should point out we were playing Man Utd. (Yeah, booooo! Right?)

So, the teams had been announced, and they were out ready to play. I think there was the national anthem but I went for a wee just before kick off. And then there was the kick off! I tell you what, I sang a lot. I was singing along to songs I didn't even think I knew the words too. Our fans were so much louder and more passionate than those other lot. And I'm not just saying that. I watched the game back on TV when I got home and I could just not hear them!
The game itself was really rather good too. Sort of end to end for a lot of it. We got a penalty after 4 minutes. Vidic brought down Gabby in the area but once again, the referee was indeed a wanker. Vidic should have been sent off, everyone knows it. Milner scored the penalty and we were 1-0 up. Exciting. But then, one thing led to another and we lost 2-1. Oh.
Let's not dwell on that though, because, although I was terribly disappointed, I was also incredibly proud. The final whistle went and after some cheering from the Man Utd fans, what could you hear? It was the Villa fans. AND IT'S ASTON VILLA, ASTON VILLA FC. THEY'RE BY FAR THE GREATEST TEAM, THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN. Amazing. Manchester United have just won the League Cup and all you can hear is Aston Villa fans singing for their team. That's why I was so proud. I was also proud of the team's efforts they gave it a proper good go.

That was that then, cup final over. A slightly less buoyant car journey home (with another stop at those Reading services) followed, and we were home for about half 9. It was a bloody long day, improved only slightly when I found out I won £120 on a bet!

The trouble with weight loss.

2010-02-08T20:12:00.002Z

Now, I'm not big on dieting. Exercise is something I do for fun, rather than to improve my body. But over the last few months I have lost nearly 2 stone. This is mostly from my walking to work and occasionally being too poor for food. And I have discovered something. MY CLOTHES ARE TOO BIG. I don't own a single pair of jeans that won't fall down if it wasn't for a belt. It's very frustrating.

I bet they never tell you about that when you sign up for the gym!

A Reply!

2010-02-08T18:23:00.001Z

Hi Ben

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having problems with the coverage.

I realise that you need to stay connected with a strong signal at all times especially when you’re at home. I understand you’re upset as you didn’t receive a reply from us for your previous email. Due to unforeseen reasons, we haven’t received any correspondence from you earlier - this is first email that we have on our records. Let me explain how I can help you to receive better signal.

You have good coverage at DE1 3BB, so you should be able to use our services without any trouble. But I note that the issue persists, though we have covered your area well. Don’t worry - I’ll help you to sort out the signal concerns. Before we try anything else, let’s give this a go on your Nokia 6500 slider.

1. Turn your phone off.
2. Take the battery out.
3. Wait for 30 seconds.
4. Put the battery back in.
5. Turn the phone back on.

This step sounds too simple, but it helps to fix a lot of things. Also it will help to refresh the connection with the network to carry out the next step. Now manually select the network on your phone using these steps.

• go to Main Menu
• select Settings
• select Phone
• select Operator selection
• select Manual. Now choose the required network from the list.

We have updated Orange as our preferred roaming and back up partner. From the list, 3 or 3G (with a home icon) is our network. Whereas, 3(2.5G) and 3(2G) and 3 is for Orange network. You can select any one of these options which gives you the best signal.

After selecting the network, check if you’re able to get an improved signal. If not then please try a Sim card swap, if you have spare 3 phone available from your friend or family. This means that you need to try your 3 Sim card in another 3 phone and also use your 3 phone with a different 3 Sim card. This will help us confirm if the phone and Sim card works fine and where exactly the fault lies.

If you don’t have a spare phone, then just call us with the results of the other checks. Depending on the fault identified, we can investigate further. If the issue is with the phone then we’ll book it for repairs. In case it is a coverage problem in your area, then we’ll escalate the matter to our next level to fix it.

But, if we’re still unable to sort this issue then we’ll definitely suggest the best available options to resolve the matter. So we need talk you for this. We tried calling you twice on 01332230660. First time, you didn’t want to speak to us and the second time we left a voicemail for you. Can I call you at your convenience? Please give me your contact number and a time when we’ll be able to discuss this.

The bill dated 22 January of £40.10 is due on 10 February. I understand your reasons to cancel the direct debit (DD), as you find it upsetting to pay for a service that you’re unable to use when needed. Please reset the DD, to save the £4 admin fee for non DD mode of payments. You can reset the DDI by calling us or via My3. In the meantime you can make the payment using the options on the back of your bill.

We want to work this for you because we’d love you to stay with us. I note that you’ve already considered cancelling your account. However, once we solve the signal issue for you, I’m sure that you will not feel the need to leave us. Give us a chance and we’re hopeful that we may be able to change things for you.

I’m sure these settings will help to get your service up and running at the earliest. If it doesn’t, just call us and we’ll take care of the rest. You can tell us what you thought about our reply by doing a quick survey – just go to http://www.three.co.uk/responsesurvey. We’d love to hear from you, and we’ll use your feedback to help improve the way we do things.

If you have any more questions, please call on either 333 (free) from any 3 mobile phone or 0843 373 3333 (national rate) from any other phone and we’ll be happy to help.

Kind regards

Seher Ahmed
3 Customer Services

The desperate pleas of the ex. Well, it's too bloody late!

You won't reply, eh? I'll show you!

2010-01-18T21:46:00.000Z

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is a follow up email to the one I sent you last week. In case you've forgotten, in it I requested to have my contract cancelled due to the poor signal I receive in my flat, thus rendering my phone useless.
Unfortunately, I have yet to here from you so I feel it is time to take matters into my own hands.
Dearest Three. I am leaving you.
If you'd got in touch, perhaps we could have worked things out? I guess we'll never know. I'll pay up until the end of the month (January 2010) but then I am off. If this was football, there'd probably be talk in the media about "mutual consent" but we both know I've quit. Were this a relationship, instead of a friendly break-up, you've just been dumped. I think you get the idea.

Let me just end by saying thanks. When I wasn't at home, you were actually quite a good service provider. Which was nice.

It's been fun.
Ben Trow.

An Email to Three

2010-01-10T17:53:00.002Z

Dear Sir/Madam,

Mobile number: 077********

I am writing to you with a request. The request is to cancel my contract with yourselves. The reason for this is that I cannot get a signal in my flat, which is why I am emailing rather than phoning up. When I signed up with you in November 2008 I lived elsewhere and never had any trouble with signal, but since moving house in July 2009 I have struggled to get even one bar of signal on my phone. I think you'll agree that this is a very frustrating situation to be in.
What started off as a small annoyance has since grew into, well, a large annoyance and I would hope that nearly 15 months into an 18 month contract you could grant me my request and cancel my contract. I feel the £35 a month, plus £5 add on for internet which I have been paying (totaling £600) more than covers the cost of the phone and any usage over the last 15 months.
So how about it? Lets just accept we've had a good run but that it's time to go our separate ways. I hope you agree its the best thing to do.

Many thanks,
Ben Trow.

The Year of New Things

2010-01-03T13:35:00.002Z

I've decided 2010 is going to be a year for trying out some new stuff. Foods and drinks that'd I'd normally turn my nose up to, situations that I perhaps wouldn't usually encounter. You know, that sort of thing.
I'm not entirely sure what these things are going to be yet, so suggestions are welcome! I thought maybe I might start drinking whisky...and I've not had sushi before. I could start smoking a pipe? I've never owned a leather jacket! All possible new things I could do.

I'm quite looking forward to it. Let's see how it goes, eh?

Sorry About The Doom

2009-12-30T19:05:00.001Z

I agree you were right to say we're doomed
Cuz there isn't a chance that I'll get to be in your arms soon
Cuz I'm back on the road now
And there is nothing that we can do
I have to find a way to make the days pass soon

We spend our time looking for which one fits best
And in the morning I am waking
And I'm wondering how its me who ended up like this
Cuz I'm the one who said it would be easy
Now I'm the one whose feeling worse
Cuz I agreed that I would never be put first

And I know your heart is beating slow
And out of time with mine
So now I'll say goodbye

It's an amazing song. Go listen!

The Perils of Living Alone.

2009-12-09T13:34:00.002Z

No one else to split the bills with,
Or the rent,
What if I slip and fall in the shower?
And what if start to choke on something?!
There's no one else to do the washing up,
Occasionally it gets a bit boring,
I've got no one to beat on Fifa on a regular basis,
Or lose to, but less regularly, obviously.

I can't think of anything else really. I've just decided I like doing lists at the moment.

Things that will help improve my life.

2009-11-23T21:05:00.002Z

A better paying job,
A flat with central heating,
And double glazing,
32 inch HD TV,
iPhone,
In fact, how about I just win the Gadget Show competition?
Being able to be more sociable,
Passing my driving test,
Then getting a car,
A relationship?
I'm not sure about that one actually,
Owning the entire Monk boxset on DVD (or Blu-Ray?),
New jeans without holes in,
That goes for shoes too,
A hair cut.

Nothing

2009-11-12T11:22:00.004Z

Hello there. You alright?

Just thought I'd spout some bollocks for a few minutes before I go for a shower and get ready for my day!

You might wonder why I'm not at work at this time, but don't you worry, I'm not having a skive. I've started doing shifts at work. 2-10. I'm only doing them for this week, then I'm back on the 9-5 for a while. These late shifts aren't too bad though. I get a lie in, and usually get to leave early. If I get home for half 10 then I've done well.

I've started driving again. I've had a couple of lessons which have gone quite well. Apart from when some idiot drove into the back of me, which wasn't much fun. At first I was like "Ah shit! What have I done? Was that my fault?" Then I realised, no, it wasn't. I was waiting at some traffic lights and this fella decided to use the back of my (ok, my instructor's) car to slow down instead of his brakes. But that's normal, right?

I'm getting a washing machine! How sad is it that I'm excited by this? I've not had one since I've moved in, which was...4 or so months ago. That's a long time to be going over to friends' places to borrow their washing machines. It's coming on Saturday, I may just do a load of washing there and then. Foof, right?

Christmas....that's getting closer, right? Gah...I hate talking about it already, but you have to get things organised and that. This year is the first I'm actually going to be working a bit. Last year I managed to get 2 weeks off, and before that were uni and school times. I'm working Christmas Eve, then I've got to get myself to my parents in Worcester for a couple of days then it's back to work in Derby until New Years Eve. Busy times. By the way, don't feel like you have to get me anything. I'm probably not going to get you anything, so...

I'm currently reading Tiny Acts of Rebellion by Rich Fulcher (of Mighty Boosh fame, but you knew that, right?). It's quite good, I might even attempt some of them. I'd give you an example, but they're quite long and I can't be bothered to type any out. You'll just have to get the book, maybe I'll lend you mine. Or maybe I won't! (a tiny act of rebellion there, actually).

Anyway, things to do. Bye!

Tea-tea-hurray!

2009-11-09T23:46:00.002Z

Oh, what's that? In my mouth and going down to my belly? Oh yes, it's tea! Ah, I am happy.
I learnt nothing from my week of no tea, other than not drinking tea is rubbish. But I think I might have known that anyway.

I was going to do a bit of a general update now, but I can't be bothered. Tomorrow perhaps, right now, it's time for another tea.

2009-11-07T10:58:00.002Z

Oh hello.
I feel there isn't much more I can tell you about wanting a cup of tea. There probably wasn't much more I could tell you about wanting a cup of tea after the first update.
That might explain why no one is reading this...

Anyway, 3 days to go and I want a flipping cup of tea!!!

2009-11-05T20:24:00.002Z

Can you imagine going into Costa Coffee and (bearing in mind I don't drink coffee) not ordering a cup of tea. I've had two hot chocolotes today. I don't feel any better for having them, not like if I had a cuppa.
I've had a good day today though, so I guess you don't need to be downing gallons of tea to feel better!
I've now passed the three full days mark. By the time I wake up tomorrow, I'll be half way there. Woo! I can do this!

2009-11-05T11:31:00.003Z

I'm now into my third day without a cup of tea. My mouth still feels so dry! Still slightly headachey too. Here's the worst thing though; people are saying I seem different. I'm not sure how, but they're right. I feel different. Lethargic. I think that's how I'd put it.
I don't think it helps that it's so cold out. Normally I'd have a cup of tea and I'd be warmed right up. Now I'm having to sit about wrapped up in a million layers, not daring to move just in case the cold gets in.

I'm not even half way but it seems like I've been doing this forever. I'm going to see my parents at the weekend. My mum makes a lovely cuppa; how will I cope?

2009-11-04T12:49:00.001Z

A hangover is the worst thing in the world when you don't have a cup of tea.

2009-11-03T18:29:00.002Z

Oh my days. Who knew not drinking tea could make you feel so bad? All day at work I've felt rough. Headache, dry mouth, tiredness. It was rubbish. Can a simple cup of tea in the morning stop all this? Or am I coming down with something? I don't know, I just don't like it. Still, only 6 days to go.

2009-11-03T07:43:00.002Z

This morning was weird. I nearly put the kettle on, but then I remember what I was doing.
I am cold and I need a cup of tea. I knew this was a bad idea.

Update Number One.

2009-11-02T19:45:00.001Z

I could really go for a cup of tea right now.

An experiment.

2009-11-02T18:00:00.004Z

I don't know if you know, but I bloody love a cup of tea. In fact, I've just finished one. It was delicious. But here's the thing, that was my last cup of tea. FOR ONE WHOLE WEEK. Yeah, I know.

I don't know why I'm doing it, I just thought it might be interesting. I can't remember the last day I didn't have a cuppa, so am I too reliant on them? We shall see!

I'll keep you updated with how I'm getting on, because I know you care. So this is it, no more lovely hot steaming cups of tea for a week. Lets hope it goes OK. And whatever you do, don't try to make me a tea!

Alfie

2009-08-21T15:24:00.018+01:00

Going it alone.

2009-08-19T11:37:00.002+01:00

Hello.

So, since my last post (which was forever ago!) I have moved into a flat all on my own. It is brilliant. Well, in part it is brilliant. Its clean, for a start. That was my biggest gripe with the old place. What a state. And I can do whatever I want, watch what I want, cook when I want! I've spent a lot of time sitting around in my pants. Brilliant.
The less brilliant bits come from being bored. Like, really bored. But I don't think thats entirely down to the fact that I'm on my own. I've got a new job, but I haven't started yet so I've spent the last three weeks just sat around. I'd like to do more things but until I get paid I can't afford to!
I think being on my own will help be grow up a bit too. Not in a being more mature way, but just in a getting stuff sorted way. I got a man to come give me a new electric metre. I arranged for my TV, internet and phone to be installed by Virgin. And then I sorted out getting it fixed when it broke. Twice. I got a washing machine. Which doesn't work. So I've rang a repair man to come take a look at it. All very grown up stuff, I think you'll agree.

So that is that. I think I'll give you a bit of a run down of what I've been doing since my last update now..
I got a temp job. I did the temp job. I finished the temp job. I moved. I went to Y-Not Festival. It was ace. I went to three interveiws. I got one of the jobs. I haven't started yet. I thought Alfie died. He didn't. I'm hoping to sort out a final temp job later today. I stopped using Google Chrome.

BT Goes Chrome

2009-07-09T19:51:00.004+01:00

Me, not British Telecom.

Since reading about how Google are going to be offering their very own operating system from next year, I've been getting a bit excited about all things Google. I already have Gmail, GoogleTalk, Google as my default search engine, Blogger (owned by Google, of course), and regularly use Google Maps so I thought I'd expand at little further by downloading Google's Internet browser, Chrome.

It looks a bit like this, with my Google home page...

...looks alright, eh? I won't go massivly into it all, as I'm no expert. But

I think I like it! It's got what now seems to be standard with all browsers, bookmarking, tabbed browsing etc. However, the tabs have an interesting "dynamic" feature which allows you to drag them so they open in a new window. Another good feature happens when you open a new tab, instead of getting a blank page you get a list of your most visited page, with recent bookmarks and a search option which all looks a bit like this...

So all in all, it's pretty good. If only I could find a flipping add-on to block the adverts like FireFox!

Unemployment

2009-06-11T11:52:00.002+01:00

It's an arse, isn't it?

It's probably the worst time ever for me not to have a job. I shall be moving into my own place soon and it's a bit tricky to do without having employment!

I've been looking lots and lots. I probably have about 10 or 11 applications out there at the moment, but the trouble is, you have to wait a couple of weeks to hear anything back and I need something NOW. This is where my agency are supposed to come in. Trouble is, they aren't getting any work in, or if they are, they're not giving it me. I've told them I'll do anything, even just part-time for a while, as long as I'm working and getting some money in, I don't care!

Since I've had all this time on my hands, I've been thinking what I'd like to with my life, career wise. I still don't have a flipping clue. It's got me thinking about stuff...maybe I should have done Radio Production instead of coming to Derby, like I originally intendent. Or maybe I should have actually carried on with some sort of writing this year. And what would have happened if I'd been bothered to finish that application form for that traineeship with the BBC? It's too late to wonder "what if" I suppose.

If worst comes to the worst, I'll have to sign on for a bit. It's not so bad, I've done it before. I guess I'll need housing benefit this time though!

It should be an interesting couple of weeks. Keep your fingers crossed for me, eh?

Remember Me?

2009-05-05T12:21:00.002+01:00

Hello.

I bet you were beginning to think I forgot about this place. In actual fact, I've just been rather lazy about this whole blogging lark. In fact, I am only writing this because I haven't gone into work today due to being all ill again. It's actually the first time in a while that I've been ill, I've been taking this herbal capsules, Echinacea. They're supposed to help boost you're immune system, and they have been working. It's only down to my own foolishness that I'm sick now.

Anywho...what have I been up to? A bit of work, and a bit of driving. And, believe it or not, I've actually been socailising. Outside, with people, to their faces. It makes a nice change, but I don't think the old bank balance agrees. I have booked tickets for Y-Not and I want to get a ticket for Indie Tracks too. Especially as Au Revoir Simone have now been announced as headliners. I've also booked my driving test, it's coming up very quickly and I am very scared!

I'm having slightly more luck on the job front, in that I've actually got passed the application form. I had to go for some literacy and numeracy tests for a job with the Job Centre, and then go back to do a telephone role play thing. Didn't get the job in the end though. I've got an interview coming up for an admin job at the hospital, so fingers crossed for that one please.

I think that's all of what's going on at the minute. Not particularly exciting, but there you go. I shall try to keep this updated a bit more, I reckon. I may even try to make it interesting.

Festivals

2009-03-24T18:34:00.004Z

I like going to festivals. They are good times all around. I don't like being poor, that is bad times! Which is why I've been looking for cheap festivals to go to. Dot to Dot in Nottingam is normally a given, but they've cut that down to just the one day without cutting the price! The cheeky buggers. Granted, £25 for a day of music is still pretty good but the line up doesn't look so grand this year which is a shame.
So there I was being all "gaaaah" about not having a festival to go to, when I was given the link for the Y-Not Festival and oh my gosh, I shall be there or be a square! Any line up that includes Johnny Foreigner, Young Knives, Tellison and Whiskey Cats is alright by me. But the best part is thus: for a whole weekend, that's three nights, and camping it costs less than £50. I'm pretty sure I'd be the most foolish man to ever exist if I didn't go, so I shall. I think you should too. Another one I have been looking into is Indie Tracks. £55 for a weekend there, and Emmy the Great is playing! I haven't heard of any of the other lot playing, but I reckon it'd be worth it and it's only just down the road.
If any of them are as good as Rock Werchter last year, then we'll be on to a winner.
Anyone want to come?

Today...

2009-03-11T13:00:00.004Z

I'm still having no luck on this job front. I'm now finding that there are fewer and fewer jobs out there I'd actually be able to do. I'm bored of looking, I'm bored of talking, I'm bored of listening, I'm bored of writing and I'm bored of reading about needing a job! But I do need one...
If you're crafty enough to spot the time that this has been posted, you might have worked out I didn't go into work today. I felt well rough when I woke up; I even cancelled my driving lesson tonight but now I feel alright, so I've pretty much wasted my day! Oh well, I shall attempt to do something productive, like drink lots of tea, and play with Alfie and do that thing that's been boring me. Or, I'll just play Fifa and GTA until my eyes fall out.

I'm currently listening to an album I've had since I was in about year 10. That's about 8 or 9 years ago. Bloody hell. Anyway, it's the Atticus: Dragging the Lake compilation. Proper old school! Bands like Finch, The Used, Blink 182, Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory and many others I just don't listen to anymore. Nostalgia is a fun thing.

Laterz.

Whassup?!

2009-03-05T19:30:00.003Z

Where the flip did March come from?! I know February is a short month, but it kinda flew by. Before we know it, it'll be April. Which is scary, particularly because I will most likely be out of the job. I asked Sue yesterday how much longer she thought I'd be working where I am; she reckons March 31st. Maybe a little longer if I have to train up someone else to do my job! Bit flipping rude if you ask me.
I've been applying for jobs for ages, I haven't had any luck at all. I applied for a job last night, and got an email this morning telling me I'd been unsuccessful. Bah! I emailed back asking why; apparently I'm over qualified. Over qualified?! What the flip?? I don't care, give me the fucking job! Bah squared.

I passed my driving theory last Friday! Second time lucky! Now to pass the practical. I'm already looking at cars, it's probably a bit premature, but I bloody well want one!

That's me done.
Roll on the weekend :)

Do I Look Like Lock?

2009-02-25T10:31:00.004Z

On more than one occasion now, I have been told I look like the comdedian Sean Lock.

This is me.This is Sean Lock.

What do you reckon?

Some sort of title is required.

2009-02-22T12:27:00.004Z

We have an inspection on Thursday. This is the trouble with renting. People you don't know, coming into your house when you're not there, checking it's not falling apart. It means I have to hide Alfie as well. Our contract says no pets, but that tends to mean dogs and cats, but I'd rather not take that chance. He has to go in my cupboard, and I have to make sure there aren't any clothes touching his cage, because he will eat them. The bugger!
The inspection also means something else. Cleaning. Now, I know I moan a lot about not liking things to be messy and how I hate the clutter and the dirt, BUT, it's such a ball ache! I did the hob yesterday, so it's all shiny (but for how long?), the bathroom could do with a once over, the stairs are a disgrace, my bedroom needs a vacuum, I don't even know where to start with the spare room...

Anyway, this isn't just a blog about cleaning, you know!
I feel good. Despite the fact it's still February, I feel summery. I am in shorts and t-shirt, my window is wide open and I have my music blasting for all to hear. My plant has flowered now so it looks less like a serpent. I'll take a picture sometime. I think I'm just happier than I have been of late. Certainly less stressed out. I don't think there's any reason for it. Perhaps it's the Earl Grey I bought? I think I'll have another as soon as this blog is done.

I went out with folks from work on Friday. It's strange really. I very rarely, if ever, talk to any of them in the office. It was Lauren's last day (never spoken to her before). My very own stalker invited me out, so I thought I probably should. Although, thinking about it, maybe I should be anywhere near her when I'm drunk. I fear I WILL be raped. But it'll be the most sex I'll get in a while anyway...

I'm off for the Earl Grey. In a bit.

Master Chef, and other things.

2009-02-18T20:55:00.006Z

I decided last night, while trying to sleep, that I'd have a go at some proper cooking. Not a jar of sauce bunged on a bit of pasta, but actually attempting to make my own sauce. I know what you're thinking; what an odd time to decide that, and I agree, but I can't control when I decide things, they just happen!
So, after work I popped off to Sainsbury's to buy some stuff I figured I'd need. Those things were as followed:

4 tomatoes
1 onion
Garlic
1 chilli
1 green pepper
A bit of basil
Some fresh pasta

I was going to tell you how to make what I made, but frankly, I didn't do a whole lot. Chopped it all up, whacked it in a pan, let it cook for a while. I stuck in a bit of turkey, boiled up the pasta a treat and served it with a bit of cheese on top. Obviously, I took some pictures to show this. Please excuse the state of the hob.

I realise that when it's in the pan it looks a bit rank, but in the end, it tasted well good!

I finished applying for those jobs, just have to wait and see if I hear back from them I suppose. And continue to apply for other jobs. I have a driving lesson tomorrow, not Saturday, so maybe I'll go out Friday. I'm watching the Brits; it's not very good. What's going on with Matt Horne? I'm mainly talking about his hair and shoes.
Laterz.

2009-02-12T20:33:00.003Z

Right, you all know how I need a new job. But, I am bored of doing application forms already. It's so fucking annoying to have to fill in the same information every bloody time. It should be made the law for every company to have the same application forms so I can just save a copy and print it off when I need it. I suppose I should delete the bit which says I'm self motivated though.

I rebooked my Theory Test. Second time lucky, that's how the saying goes, right? It's not for a couple of weeks so I have plenty of time to revise. However, I can't really be bothered. So please keep your fingers crossed for me!

I'm going home at the weekend after my driving lesson (I wonder if I could drive all the way to Worcester?) which should be cool, first time since Christmas. We'll be going to the pub for a double-birthday type event for me and my brother, despite the fact my birthday was ages ago and his is on Wednesday. And before you say, I'm honestly not bitter about being the least loved sibling...

Right, that's about it. In a bit.

Tests and Tea

2009-02-06T19:12:00.005Z

Well, I failed. By one stinking mark. I think that's the worst way to fail. If I'm going to fail, I'd rather do it spectacularly. To pass, you need to score 44 out of 75 on the Hazard Perception; I got 52. You need to score 43 out of 50 on the Mulitple-choice; I got 42. How bloody frustrating! I know which question I got wrong too, because I got it wrong when I did a practice test this morning and when I tried to look it up, I couldn't find it anywhere! Stupid zig-zag markings at zebra crossings...

In more exciting and happy news, my package arrived from the Tea Appreciation Society! An amazing T(ea)-Shirt and a superb mug. I also got some delicious Earl Grey tea leaves and a little strainer to brew them in. It certainly made my day perk up a little, a solid investment.
Bit of a brief one this, but I don't have a whole lot to say!
Laterz.

Trench Foot.

2009-02-05T19:33:00.007Z

I didn't go to work today. I was going to, I was showered and dressed then I decided to ring in to see if anyone else had bothered to turn up. They had. But Mary suggested that if I didn't feel safe walking to work in the snow, I probably shouldn't bother. To be honest, it's not that I didn't feel safe, I just couldn't be bothered and it seemed like a good excuse.
I am now very tired from a whole day playing in the snow (well, part playing in the snow, part in the pub). It was good fun. We built an excellent snow man. Just look...Excellent, right? I particularly like the tail.
Snow ball fights are fun, aren't they? Especially when you pull off some really amazing shots and crack people on the head.
My feet got wet though, which isn't as fun. Three pairs of socks, soaked through. Disaster.

In other news, I have my driving theory test tomorrow. I'm not at all ready for it. Today, for example, I should have used it to learn the highway code or something. But I played in the snow. Right this second, I could be doing it. But I'm writing this blog. Right now. Look.

I'm going to have a cup of tea I think.

More From YouTube...

2009-02-02T21:25:00.002Z

If anyone wants to get me one of these, I shall love you forever and ever. Just watching this video makes me feel all, you know...gay, inside :)

Play Safe, Kids.

2009-02-01T16:45:00.004Z

I was just looking around YouTube and stumbled across an excellent video. It's from India and it's brilliant.
Firstly, I'll show you the UK equivalent so you know what it's about...

It's fair enough, right? Want respect, wear a condom.

But now, check out how our Indian friends convey the same messege...

It goes on forever!

I ♥ TEA

2009-01-30T18:15:00.001Z

Tea Appreciation Society!

Tea Appreciation Society Blog!

Bit of an update.

2009-01-30T11:32:00.010Z

So, I've graduated! As exciting as that is, it's also a very scary prospect. I might have to check this, but I think it means I am now an official grown up. I can't be a grown up yet. I still don't really know what I want to do with my life, I'm skiving off work claiming 'food poisoning', my text message tone asks "gangsters, what's up guys?", I prefer to wear jeans and trainers to work, I still giggle at farts. In short, I am no grown up! I have two options now; I can cast off the shackles of immaturity, laugh in the face of uncertainty and chuffing well sort my life out. Or I can stay as I am and see how things work out. I think, for the time being, I'll stick with what I've got. I've notice things in my life have a habit of sorting themselves out if I just ignore them for long enough, I'm sure the same will be true in this situation.

What else has happened? I turned 23 on the same day as graduating. It was weird, people mostly forgot. I mostly forgot. It still feels like I haven't had a birthday, so if you want to buy me presents and stuff, I won't complain.
I'm still applying for jobs, despite what I just said about not wanting to grow up yet, I need a new job. The fact is, I've got until March at the latest in this job. I suspect it's not quite that long. I suppose that the risk with temping. Most of the stuff I'm applying for doesn't even interest me, but the fact that I have over a years experience doing the crappy admin work AND a degree will surely help me? I hope so anyway. I could do with the money...

In other news, I got bought a plant for Christmas and it's confusing me. This is what it's supposed to look like (left). However, it doesn't. Mine looks like this (right). I've had it over a month now, what's going on?? It looks like some sort of plant serpant.

Also, since the summer when we moved into house, we spotted a little cat hanging around the street, as cats do, but this cat only as three legs. We call him Tripod. Or Tripe for short (well, Dave tries to call him Trips but I'm not having that). One day he followed Luke into the house and every now and then he comes back! He is actually a pretty cool cat, he likes scratching himself on the rug and not drinking the milk we offer him (he must know he's lactose intolerant.) The only time I don't like him is when he eye's up Alfie's cage. I soon sort him out though.

And that's me for now. Oh, I've been messing about with the layout of this blog and what not. I hope it looks alright.
Laterz.

Chedders vs. Apples

2009-01-29T19:14:00.003Z

On monday, I took an apple into work, I also bought a multi pack of Mini Chedders on my lunch break.

The apple is still there, the Chedders are not.

I know which I prefer.

Introduction

2009-01-16T15:57:00.000Z

Word up. I was just faffing around on my profile and spotted this little stat.

User Stats

On Blogger Since	November 2008
Profile Views	15

Firstly, I've been here 3 months and I'm yet to post a blog. Secondly, who are these 15 people who have been viewing my nothingness? These two things have led me to decide one thing; I am going to write a blog for those 15 viewers to view...
I need a cup of tea first. And to put some trousers on.

Right, sorted. Perhaps I should start by telling you about myself? My name is Ben, I am 8 days away from being 23 and a graduate of Creative Writing (easy, micky mouse subject, blah blah, blah. Fuck off.) I enjoy cups of tea. And biscuits. And toast. I like my PlayStation 3, particularly playing LittleBig Planet and Fifa and GTA. I like cider. Not just your standard run of the mill Stronbow, or even the like of Magners, but proper cider which actually comes from Apples. I recently had a bottle of Old Rascal, it was delicious. And there was a picture of a fox on the label. Speaking of foxes, I have a pet hamster called Alfie. The other week I thought he'd died but it turns out he'd gone into hibernation. The lazy sod. This is what he looks like when he's sitting in a cup. I support Aston Villa Football Club, and it's a rather nice time to do so. But I won't forget the previous years when it was all a little sour. I like to go out, I like to stay in, I like to do very little most of the time. I'm currently learning to drive, I don't know why I waited so long, it's brilliant! I work, but I don't like it. I am what's known as a Pensions Support Officer, which isn't as fancy as it sounds. It is bloody boring though. I'm looking for a new job, I currently want to be a librarian, so lets see where that goes.

I think that's all for now, so I shall toddle off and leave you the bask in the glory that is me while I work out if I did this thing properly...