It's been a year in the making, involved a lot of looking up and serves very little point.
Yet here it is,the first draft of...

Lampbulb moments

As always,

thank you for stopping by

Life's right hook

Life is very good at jabbing you, deep, in the kidneys.
You can attempt to prepare yourself, glance the blow, if you see it coming.
But when it's out of the blue, it pops your vision out of sync and after the numbness subsides, you feel the pain of your insides being twisted out of shape.
You recover from these jabs in time, although never fully.
There's always a scar, an un-suppressible memory, for good or for worse.


Life can be beautiful, but occasionally, it can be a right bitch.

I got mail!...

I had my day totally made when I received this card via Mr Posty!

I love my job, I get to play with cameras all day and the opportunity to photograph myself is bountiful, but the main perk is working with the students, helping them along their path and ensuring their zany personalities shine through in their work, is very rewarding and often much fun.

But rarely after graduation do you see many of them again, and whilst there are still plenty of current and new students patiently waiting for September so that they may test me, its wonderful when you get a little thank you card from one that has flown the coup. I don't think I'm a bad tutor by any means, yet it's super awesome when you get a reminder that says you did good.

So a big thanks to 'T' who sent this card through (yes the rabbits do have little moustaches!) and also to those on FB who kept in touch - You rock!

Robbie

x

Sandman - you're a jerk...

The past couple of nights have been intense, dreams that have had me waking constantly, eye's wide open. I'd calm myself and push the images away, before unwillingly diving back in where I left off upon closing my lids.

Two nights ago I dreamt I was living in the age of Zombies. To survive, the humans had joined forces and the country was full of tribe like pockets of survivors, each thinking they were the only humans left alive. In true post apocalyptic style they hung onto the past in a distorted fashion, they thought department stores where museums, depicting a glorious past where humans used a multitude of wondrous devices, most of which had dark rope coming out of them that ended in a strange metal claw. Throughout the dream we where attacked by Zombies on numerous occasions, each time losing a member of our tribe, no matter how many of the beasts we beheaded. There was never a sense of victory, hope was stretched thin, yet the desire to survive was strong. I awoke proud to be a survivor, yet quite depressed.

Last night had a different spin. No Zombies this time, but I wasn't particularly fond of this one either as I awoke drained.

I lived far from 'the city', the town had a 5 shop high street, a picnic park and a lake that used to be chalk pit. A place that tourists used to stop by to enjoy some fishing or a peaceful barbeque. But the new interstate meant people didn't pass by as much any more.

Someone had gone missing in the town, I local person we all liked. The police were moving from door to door; the usual enquiry stuff. As I went to answer my door, I noticed the missing persons jacket on the coat hook; he hadn't been here in months. The front door had a mottled glass panel so the officer could see I was standing there. Confused and feeling strangely guilty, I unwillingly opened the door that thankfully hid the coat rack. Mumbling through the officers questions, he gave me a thoughtful look before heading on. My back now damp with worry, I turned my attention to the jacket. Apart from it  being where it shouldn't, it looked quite ordinary. A search of the pockets only turned out a yellowing page torn from a book. Along the border of the page was the word, L I N T in a heavy font with each letter looking individually punched. Although its meaning was lost to me, the irony was not.

As the dream continued various other items of the missing man turned up in my possession. His truck keys in my writing desk, work boots in the wardrobe, even his favourite beers in the fridge. It accumulated so quickly, that going to the police soon became a closed door, through fear of being a suspect. Someone was out to set me up, they could get in my house with ease and knew my routines. I figured it was someone I knew so I couldn't ask for help, I was alone and they knew it.

A second torn page appeared, stuck to my bathroom mirror using the condensation from the shower I was having, my remaining nerves fled when I saw it, I felt myself loosing hope. Knowing they were so close whilst I was completely vulnerable was crushing. I longed for a confrontation, one that I somehow knew I wouldn't fair well from; I didn't care though, I just wanted it over. Like the first scrap, letters were punched into the border, H O U P, again I struggled to find any meaning in it.

More notes appeared along with various other possessions, one in my wallet, another in my trouser pocket. More letters stamped into them - L Y C A and S L U E - but I couldn't figure out the puzzle, if it even was a puzzle.

Towards the end of my dream, I came downstairs to find a half drunk hot coffee on the kitchen side and the back door wide open. Running to the door I closed and bolted it, only realising as I did so that I may have just lock myself in with him. As my mind rushed, doors start slamming loudly on the other side of the house, my legs gave way, I slid to the floor. Fear and exhaustion fought amongst themselves in their desire to possess me. As a last ditch effort I took out the scraps of paper and lay them out before me, desperate to find a way out of this, all the time wishing I was better at anagrams - I hate anagrams - trying various combinations, I had to get this right, with each slammed door closer than the last, my fingers shook, yet through the frantic shuffling of letters something finally came through that seemed to make sense, yet made no sense at all - THE LUPIN CALLS YOU - I laughed hysterically at what I had made, as whether I was right or wrong, it wasn't going to end well. As the door in front of me opened, I woke up

Poos and don'ts...

If you follow my FB or twitter page, then you'd know that I talk about poo quite a bit, most of which I managed to group into the following, although this was only for 2010...

Knowledge of my bowl updates even led to a song being written in my honor by the fabulous Balance Lost - check it out, it's called 'Void your bowls' I often listen to this at work :{D

But the other day I was brought into a conversation with the words "You like poo don't you, check out this picture"... now I understood why they could assume that looking at a picture of poo may interest me, and they did seem confused when I declined their offer, but just for the record - I don't like poo. 

Pooing on the other hand, I feel is an underrated pleasure. A satisfying deposit can really set you up for the day and is also a fantastic time to reflect, ponder, play angry birds, read or just escape.

In light of this it is also important to make sure you are doing it properly, especially if you are not in the comfort of your own throne, otherwise it could quickly become chaotic, which I think the following poster depicts very clearly...

Enjoy (pooing) and thanks for stopping by :{D

The joy of impending doom

Sometimes I wonder if I under value myself?

When I was a teen I had grand ideas of how I should leave my mark on the earth, I had it all planned out, and as far I could see, it couldn't possibly go wrong.

Step 1

Become an expert of geography, sociology, population, community and natural resources

Step 2

Using the above expert knowledge, determine the most likely location for a new town to be developed due to the demands of the ever increasing population

Step 3

Within said location, choose an area of land most likely to be the keystone of the new town based on it optimal geography, ease of building construction and access

Step 4

Buy this plot of land. Which of course will be dirt cheap as, at this point, there is no town present. 

Step 5

Become an expert stone mason

Step 6

With above knowledge, build a mausoleum/crypt large enough to house/sleep around three generations of  Munn

Step 7

Befriend/become (it was a considered job prospect when I was younger) the clergy and sanctify the ground.

Step 8

Grown old and die, happy in the knowledge that due to my impeccable planning, that my bones and that of future Munn's will no doubt be the centre of a town square, shopping centre, roundabout etc and that every member of the community will have to acknowledge me and wonder who the feck I was

Simple...

Although to date, step 1 is still a hurdle I'm yet to achieve. And as time does it's job, I am starting to wonder what I shall leave behind, you know... if the above plan doesn't quite come about. But something tells me I've little to worry over, there's plenty of kick left in me yet, besides, being old is something I look forward to. A time when I can be rude, uncouth, tackless, dastardly, cunning, bitter and reckless, without a care in the world. Because "I'm sure he didn't mean to call your baby a screaming prune, he's old, bless him"

As I was on a theme, I thought I'd experiment  with how I may look when I get a few 'knowledge' creases. Pretty dapper I think! :{D Plus there 10 points to the first person who recognizes the background image....

Thanks for stopping by...

Finding wombs around me...

It occurred to me as I sat as a passenger in my friends car, that I have an instinctive desire to be held by my surroundings

At 6ft 2" I am gifted with 'top shelf' legs, yet when I travel by car, I naturally pull my seat forward so that my knees touch the glove compartment*

I simply adore small cars and in the larger varieties I feel somewhat uneasy. I'm not suggesting I like discomfort, I just like to be comfortably confined, when I look back, I guess this has always been the case...

As a toddler I used to crawl around with the clothes basket on my back like a tortoise, as an infant I used to build 'forts' out of the sofa cushions, I wrap myself up in chunky jumpers, I cuddle up to watch a movie and I only ever write in small books... I know, the small book thing is odd, but the pressure to be coherent or even entertaining feels daunting on a large sheet of paper. I guess, in a way, it feels like I'm placing a part of 'me' on the paper, and my need to be 'cosy', extends to my mental state as well as in my physical comforts?

Maybe - I'm just a little odd :{,

2 minute poems

Whilst in the pub the other night (no change there) Ani and I challenged each other to write a quick poem on the scrap of paper we had to hand. Despite their simple nature - no doubt due to the beverages we had already mellowed to - I thought they were kinda neat and I've typed them up (unedited) for digital prosperity.

You may or may not enjoy :)

From me to Ani:

Whilst surfing the web, I met a young lass

a geek she turned out to be.

Thinking my luck was in, I invited her out

to enjoy a tipple with me.

She accepted with speed! which surprised me somewhat

as I expected a night on my tod.

But we met with smiles that lasted all night and to this day,

I couldn't be a happier sod.

From Ani to me:

Robbie is a manly man, but for the ring in his nipple.

His hair was long, except on his chest

when he invited me out for a tipple.

His moustache needed a trim, when I first saw his grin

but, that never need matter.

For our love is strong and will last forever long,

as in love, we are as mad as hatters.

You may or may not enjoy :)

It all started with chest pains...

Begrudgingly I creaked open my eyes and looked down, it was early - too early. Yet feeble light still managed to punch it's way through the blinds, caressing my chest with enough luminance to highlight the cause of my non-sleeping state. A hole.

A gapping chasm that sunk impossibly deep was seated in my upper torso - well that certainly explained the sickening pain I was in - but being what I would consider a regular guy, not seeing my chest jungle was decidedly difficult for the grey matter to be dealing with, especially at this hour. Rather than make sense of the situation, the more imaginative parts of my brain mustered up the sounds of fast moving water coming up from the depths, with the occasional squark from what I could only assume, I thought an eagle sounded like - having never heard an eagle before it was kind of a cross between a Parrot and a Sparrow - I appreciated the effort it had gone to, and with some success the relaxing fictional sounds, were taking the focus away from the torturous pain.

I flopped my head back onto the pillow and took decisive action, I chose to ignore it. Well that was the plan, but as it turned out the adventurous-imaginative parts of the brain wanted to explore the chasm. So after some futile resisting, I found myself fully kitted out in climbing gear, descending the cliff face that was lining my chest cavity - surreal only just starts explaining the state of events I found myself in - I leaned back on the zip cord which was secured somewhere out of sight, and dared to look down. To my surprise I could see the rapids some way down, breaking in angry foam on the occasional boulder, and looking about, the scraggy cliffs were far from barren with many shrubs taking hold in the cracks, even the odd ambitious tree was trying to make some sort of life for its self. I was taken aback, it was quite lovely here, I've always loved a good outdoor adventure and this was really lifting my spirits. I looked up expecting to be graced by a rich blue sky and a warming sun, though it seemed my fantasy had a sense of grounding intact, as I instead laid eyes on my ceiling fan, complete with the cobweb strung between two of its blades.

As I frowned at the cobweb my footing gave way, the cord quickly snapped taught with a twang so I didn't fall far, but I was winded by the sudden jolt, confused, my face squished against the wall, I had a bad feeling. The ground started shaking violently, debris falling past me, each piece larger than the last, I was scrambling to find some fresh footholds, hand grips, a twig, anything! Then it dawned on me - fantasy, my fantasy - with very little effort I left the scene of impending destruction and open my real eyes. Back in bed, still too early, still a cobweb on the ceiling fan - I really must do something about that - the chest pain had gone though, so with some hopefulness I looked down. My hairy jungle was back, it's curly abundant foliage no longer marred by the strangeness that was the hole. I needed to clear my head, the mornings experience had been vivid, I could still feel the remnants of pain in my ribs and it had left me feeling queasy. I rested up onto my elbows and sighed. Regardless of whether I imagined the chasm or not, there was quite clearly a whirlpool where I would usually expect to see my belly.

The water seemed relatively calm as it slowly swirled, none of which was sloshing over the sides onto the bed - which was nice - I stared at it a moment before deciding to stick my finger in it - I should have known better, I've seen curiosity get the better of my cat many times - as the tip broke the surface three things happened. Firstly I was surprised by how warm it was. Secondly I noticed I had made a wave that intensified as it rippled out. And Third? Nausea sucker punched me, knocking me back onto both elbows, I wasn't sure which way I was going to blow, but something was coming and fast! The whirlpool was fierce now, it's speed had increased with violent waves crashing about with malice, out of nowhere clouds started forming above the vortex, as the storm intensified the clouds grew, darkening and crackling in a truly epic fashion - Up till now I had considered myself a patient recipient of a morning of abnormalities, but Panic was now dutifully stepping up to take the reigns, I didn't argue -

Panic was just about to introduce tears as the storm reached it's pinnacle, rapt, yet feeling somewhat tortured, I watched as the clouds lit from within, then as one, unleashed a mighty sliver of lighting into the vortex. The accompanying thunder was so forceful it knocked me flat. In my prone, slightly blinded state, I witnessed the duvet swirl into the air and off to the side, the blinds rattle against the windows and the cobweb bluster about yet hold fast.

The calm that followed was almost instant, sitting up I seemed to be my normal self again, yet Panic was still in charge and didn't release the reigns unit a frantic search of my person revealed no more 'surprises'. Apart from being a bit achy, I felt great, fantastic even! I was considering starting my day before remembering how ridiculously early it was, I rarely get a lie in as it is, so I picked up the duvet, jumped into bed and got cosy again, the memory of recent activities already fading fast. As I dosed off, I promised myself, I'd never eat beans before bed again.

1 bit and beyond...

Televisions have always consumed me

As an early riser I used to rush down stairs and plonk myself in front of the screen.

Nothing was being broadcast though

just static stared back at me.

I used to see shapes and imagine characters 

living in the black and white hiss,

creating stories and going on adventures

often of epic proportion.

Dragons, knights, spaceships and more,

I found solace in this analogue maelstrom.

Eventually the signals came through

and my imagination could take a pew,

as Laurel and Hardy impressed upon me

the beauty of slapstick comedy

It all started with Intellivision

I was four or five that christmas,

when Mum gave Dad his gift.

And I waited patiently as he set if up,

wondering what it could be.

Before me the screen shone simple shapes,

I was struggling to see the attraction.

Until he explained that he was an archer,

defending his castle from an enemy invasion.

My inner eye took a hold of this,

the battle field sprang to life

"watch out for the catapult Dad!"

As 9 pixels unleashed it's destruction

My early mornings gained a new routine

with imaginary worlds more focused.

Colourful sprites where the new dragons

and I was now the knight in question.

Saving the day with magic and swords,

hands and eyes becoming one.

But I still watched Laurel and Hardy,

as slapstick will always be fun


Thanks for stopping by ;)

P.S

I'd just like to say a massive thank you! Especially to those that visit often - I really do appreciate the support you've given -  I've just recently hit quite a milestone on the unique visits counter, and with some joy I'll pass some more in the future too. So now I'm going to crack open this bottle of port and raise a glass in your honor - Cheers! =D

What doesn't kill you... Part 2

(For Part 1 click here)

Ripped from the only life I knew, I felt lost, what does one do with a second chance? I started by throwing a quick prayer to whichever gods decided to keep me alive, I've never been the religious type, but I have manners enough to be grateful of the air in my lungs. I then fully took in the shack I woke in and the area it resided. It sats on the coast, far from the bustling merchant streets that Gaedred prowled, this was another thing to thankful of, I was in no rush to let him know I had survived. 

With little else to do, and a desire to feel safe, I took it upon myself to rebuild the run down shanty house, it was a simple build of only three rooms within one level. Supplies where not a problem as drift wood was always being washed ashore, but with my physical limits, my best hope lay in befriending the crews of the fishermen that beached nearby. I knew approaching the fisherman was a risk as they are a notoriously superstitious. What if they witnessed one of my spectral companions? Would they think me a witch!? But I needed help, as it turned out I need not have worried as their suspicions never left the sea. As odd noises rose from nowhere and unexplained mishaps happened around me, all were blamed on Procan - God of the seas, whom they respect yet despise in equal measure, and consider him to have a dark humor. So in exchange of mending their nets - and no doubt some pity for a lone girl - I never went hungry and repairs went quickly. The shanty was probably more stout today than when it was first cobbled together. Independence was new to me, but I liked it and for the first time in memory I had somewhere to call home.

Living so close to the shore, the evenings only distractions came with a crash of boisterous waves. As I sit by the heart, encouraging the kindling to take, the same questions roll through my thoughts - How was it that I had survived Gaedreds magic? What was that mist filled place? Who helped me get here and tended my wounds? Would my spirit companions eventually leave me? And above all else, what was I going to do with myself? - two months had passed since I arrived and with the help of the locals, I had become a part of a small community. I get by doing all kinds of chores, mainly for those that need the assistance most, as it fills me with a warmth I never got from cutting purses. Two months. Filled with so much hard work that I didn't have time to think, but now... now I wanted answers and I wasn't keen on going where I might get them.

I figured I must have come close to dying that day, and the people with the most knowledge of life and death and all that lays in between, are the clerics. I have never set a foot in temple in all my life, partly because I could never afford the coin they charged for healing, but mainly because the thought of a pompous idealists telling me how I should live my life, whilst they slept each night on a comfy bed with a full belly, vexes me so much. But I had a thirst for answers and the compulsive kneelers were my key to understanding the afterlife.

Boot fair delights... innit

Whilst enjoying an Ale a few weeks back with fellow geek, Mark Phipps, he mentioned that he'd be going to a boot fair over the weekend. Not having been to one since I was small, I invited myself along for the adventure which, fortunately, he didn't mind :)

As a kid I was never overly impressed with the thought of having to get up as the birds chirp, but with a life now crammed with 9 till 5 stresses, being alone in the street with an ambitious Sun looming and only bird songs entertaining my ears as I waited to be picked up, I was in a proper chipper mood.

We managed to traverse 3 different sites over the morning, and although I didn't purchase much, I had a great time. The simple act of looking through peoples things fascinates me, it's like they've invited you into their home as they display their now discarded treasures, on folding tables and blankets. I feel a little guilty as I rummage through their things, expecting them to notice me and chase me off at any moment.

Another treat of course is observing those around you, as an avid person stalker watcher, I can't help but wonder about my fellow treasure hunters. Some stand out as bargain hunting pro's - sensible shoes, darting eyes and a quick pace. Some are out for the company, slow paced lovely people, but if you're not careful, they'll be telling you about the lawnmower they owned 20 years ago and how they don't make 'em like that any more. And some because they can't sleep and it's somewhere to go before the pubs open - obvious by their general lack of interest, constant watch checking and the stagger in their swagger.

Last weekend I witnessed an exchange between two of the above that had me biting my lip to contain the belly laughter. A 'chatter' and an 'uninterested' were paused at a stall and both had dogs, seeing the dog as an open invitation to converse, Mr 'chatter' set about engaging Mr 'uninterested' into forced banter - "lovely dog you have there" "I used to have a boxer" "how old?" "lovely coat" etc All as you would expect, until I over heard this little gem:

Mr 'chatter' "...the thing is, I often find that the females are the ones most likely to cause trouble with other dogs"

Mr 'uninterested' "Well that's why they're called bitches innit"

The day only proceeded to get better, and I ended up walking away with the above items. The half pint tankard was for Ani, which went down very well. And once powered up, I discovered the radio only seemed to tune into talk stations with any clarity, which led to me re-discovering  just how good BBC Radio 4 and 7 are, its has had me smiling non stop :)

I look forward to my next boot fair as you never know what will turn up, as they say "one man's trash is another mans treasure"

comments...

Kids and adults love 'em so!

There's something about gummy sweets that makes my soul happy.

Every time I get busy with the chewing I'm whisked off to a simpler time, a time when the weather could never get you down - if it's raining you got to stay in and play on the C64, if it was sunny you could go out on the BMX and build a camp!

As I chew I'm reminded of spending time with Little Nan, as she always kept a secret stash for when I visited. I'm reminded of pre-christmas when, as kids we were given catalogs to look through an pick future presents, but I'd spend ages just starring at the Haribo double page spread, that depicts a treasure trove of gummy delights. I'm taken back to handing my pocket money over the counter of the sweet shop, after spending careful consideration to which sweets I wanted the shop keeper to fill the paper bag with. Happy times :)

So imagine my delight when I received the package below for helping somebody out this week - a perfect gift for a big kid ;)

Simpler times that are never forgotten, as I chew I relive them anew, and smile

p.s what do you think of the new look blog? I'm still working on it, but do you think it works okay?

Comments...

Houses - Tshirts - Xbox- Fashion

My online presence has been muted lately by the ongoing presence of stuffs...

•House

We've been in the process of house hunting for a little while now, and we managed to find a property that ticked many box's. The offer was accepted, our mortgage has been granted and we are just waiting for the paperwork to be double checked before we get our move in date. Each chapter of my life has been a ruddy good read so far, and I've got a feeling that this next one is going to be a real page turner. Especially as I now have the perfect proof reader ;)

The house it's self has oodles of character, and some nice intact Edwardian features. It has the all essential mysterious loft that hosts the remains of a 1930's workbench - I just know it's got a secret compartment somewhere! Ani has her large (and very pink) bathroom, and I get both a shed AND a garage, where much growing, sculpting, fixing, polishing, constructing and general boyishness will be taking place =) 

•T-Shirts

I've finally swallowed the risks and am pushing forward with my T-shirt designs.

The brand will be called Geeksticals and the .com is coming soon (although I may need a hand making the site - eh hem) Two hurdles have been jumped this week, the first being I  placed my first order for a design to be made. The design is based on a local May bank holiday  event in Rochester called 'Sweeps' which attracts people from all over the country.

It is strictly limited edition and only 30 are being made with 2 available sizes M & XL (15 of each) and they will be on sale for £10 at a few vendors in the high street. But as a special offer to friends, if you fancy one, let me know asap and I'll keep one aside for you for only £8! Bargin :) Here is the design, I'll post a picture of the real article when they arrive on FB.

Limited Edition - only 30 exist!

As things have been moving so quickly I had yet come up with a logo, so this was the second item to be accomplished.  I like it when the brand name becomes the logo, so working with that concept here is how it developed:

The final stage just has a few tweaks to make it usable as a stencil, as all the labels/tags will be handcrafted. I'm designing more prints each week, and when I have another 10 that I am happy with I shall post them (hopefully on the new website too) so watch this space!

•Xbox Mk1

Due to the house buying situation I've been on a very strict budget, which means I haven't bought a new game for my 360 in 3 months - with so many great games out there, this has been absolute agony. To suppress the new game itch, I decided to dust off the old xbox and mod it up. This is something I first did a couple of summers back with a buddy, but I never got it working quite right. Fortunately shareware, emulators and tutorials have all developed over the past two years and within no time at all, a fresh breath of life has been restored to my dusty Mk1. I now have a massive suite of SNES, Megadrive, MegaCD, 32X & N64 games at my disposal and am loving the flood of nostalgia that kicks in every time I load up a new/old game. To make the experience even better, the emulators make use of the xbox's inbuilt filters which make the games look as fresh as they did all those years ago - happy times :)

•Fashion Photography

Despite spending quite a bit of each week in a photographic studio, I do not get that many opportunities to be creative. So when I was asked if I'd like to take pictures of this years Fashion Design garments - with a teams of stylists, great models, plus hair & makeup - of course, I said yes!  As usual our backs were up against the wall, we only had two days to get through quite a lot of garments, but teamwork won the day and much to our relief (and surprise) everything went smoothly.

Taking inspiration from 1920's studio lighting, I let my instincts take over and had a great two days. I had forgotten how great it feels to do a big shoot, to have confidence in your own experience when you can feel the nervous expectance of those around you. It felt great to be in charge of the studio again - I really should try and shoot more often. There are hundreds of pictures to sort through as yet, but here are a few non-edited teasers :)

I shall post again soon as time is against me today, but next up will be motorbikes & boot fairs plus more of my ramblings - cheers for reading =]

How NOT to video blog...

This is what happens when I attempt to save some money and spend a Friday night in. Ani is out, I've been fed & watered, there's nought on the tele and most bizarrely, I'm not in the mood for xbox. So in fired up iMovie and proceeded to talk to myself. After one test - which  I probably should have posted instead of this - out popped this quite dry Diary type entry.

In fact, if you have ever had a answer-phone message from me, my rambling will feel very familiar. Enjoy... if you can

Extreme Action Adventure Dreamage

For the past two weeks I have been aggressively flexing the old grey matter... whilst sleeping. So intense are my night time mind mumbles, that I have been waking up totally exhausted!

It's like spending all day hustling and bustling in the queue for the Sleep ride - the ride that takes you away from all your day time stresses to a peaceful place, leaving you feeling rested and refueled for daylight adventures to come - to discover upon climbing aboard and lowering the eyelids into the locked position, that you're on the wrong tracks. Panic kicks in as you realise this will be no blissful trips down memory lane, as the cart jerks forward, you know your chances of enjoying the night as the 5th member of the A-Team are gone :(
This track is usually reserved for adrenaline snooze junkies, those that seek the constant twists and never reviling plots, by eating cheese before they jump onboard.

I'm not against extreme action adventure dreamage, occasionally I enjoy getting my brain bumped around in it shell in Technicolor. It's just after two weeks I'm getting quite worried by the effect it is having on me as I bumble through the day light. As I force open my eye lids, legs wavering and giddy, I exit the ride each day to a world full of contrast. No longer do colours rush me by, doors lead to rooms that they are supposed to, and my wings seem to have disappeared!

Me: Post Daylight

Awards!?

Well it's just been crazy for award receiving of late, so I saved them all up for one epic post!

First up is an award from the lovely eolist petite - an award that I actually received last year that somehow bypassed the grey matter (sorry) - And in keeping with the rules of Awards, I shall in turn pass this on to Kato over at Pandoras Box whose blogging enthusiasm is infectious, with entries that are openly written and a treat to read!

Next up is the extremely macho Award fro the talented Indigo, The sweet friends Award...

To complete this award I have to name 10 things that make me happy. I'm not going to included friends, family and loved ones as they go without saying - you guys rock!

In no particular order:

1. Cheese - especially a strong Chedder

2. Computer games - an addict since I was old enough to hold a controller

3. Graphic novels - I love the escapism, the mythology and the artwork (the super powers are cool too)

4. D&D - The joining of like minded yet eclectic bunch of people, that always leave me smiling

5. Photography - allows me capture what my eye misses

6. My Triumph - it feels great to be out in the open, whilst traveling at speed and in style

7. Chili's - I'm a complete mug for spicy food

8. Ale - the best part of being a bitter drinker is tasting the local brew where ever you roam

9. Comedic sitcoms - My current favorite is, The Big Bang Theory

10. Swords - I'm a boy, swords make me happy

And I shall passing this Award on to Darren, who painstakingly records our D&D adventures on his blog: Geeks, Heroes and Monsters and has been a great friend for many years

Next up is an epic Award from the chaotic iDifficult for being an avid follower of his ingenious blog, which happens to come with a long list on questions to answer. Reminiscent of the times I spent filling out similar things on MySpace, I dived in with nostalgic giddiness:

1. What is your current obsession?

I tend to spread my time equally between my bike, my xbox, my comics, my computer and ale

2. What are you wearing today?

A T-shirt that came free with Vice magazine, jeans & stripy socks

3. What’s for dinner?

As I'm having a lazy Sunday, I'll be having cheese and pickle rolls, with pickled shallots and Twiglets on the side

4. What’s the last thing you bought?

Something that lubricates, penetrates and displaces - I'll be giving my bike a good time later, with a can of GT85

5. What are you listening to right now?

Britpod - A multicultural expletive, that often makes me laugh out load - not recommended for the easily offended, but may just make you wee a little

6. What do you think about the person who tagged you?

A big hearted person that writes like Douglas Admas. I imagine his thought process as a marble, falling through a never ending game of KerPlunk

7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

There are quite a few castles around here, one of those would be lovely!

8. What are your must-have pieces for summer?

Completed tattoo sleeve - that would be ace

9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

Where ever Ziggy feels I could be most useful

10. Which language do you want to learn?

HTML

11. What’s your favourite quote?

"For Gods sake Jim, I'm Doctor, not a Voodoo man!"

12. Who do you want to meet right now?

Miss Scarlet - I want to Why and Where she did it

13. What is your favourite colour?

Maroon

14. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.

Keep it natural, tight and tactile

15. What is your dream job?

Bra

16. What’s your favorite magazine?

Edge, though 'Vice' is a close second

17. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?

Either a rear wheel for my bike or something pretty for Ani - It's a tough choice

18. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?

Dresses with jeans - for some reason it really irritates me

19. Who according to you is the most over-rated style icon?

Marilyn Monroe - Clothes didn't suit her

20. What kind of haircut do you prefer?

Long - purely because I do not have to pay for haircuts and I'm lazy

21. What are you going to do after this?

Make my cheese & pickle rolls then turn on the Xbox for some 'Boarderlands' action

22. What are your favourite movies?

Black Snake Moan - Ace Ventura - Secretary - Big Lebowski

23. What inspires you?

The weather - it has a massive impact on my mood and creativity

24. What do your friends call you most commonly?

Robbie - Gumley - and currently - Sabelle

25. Would you prefer coffee or tea?

TEA, but the first one on the day needs a little sugar

26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?

Cook myself a Chili con Carne - Go for a ride - Seek hugs from Ani

27. What makes you go wild?

Someone borrowing a DVD/CD/game and leaving it out of its case, data side down ggrrrrrrrr

28. Which other blogs do you love visiting?

all of those listed on the right, plus any that have cool bikes (or boobs)

29. Favorite Dessert/Sweet?

Apple and Rhubarb crumble with custard

30. How many tabs are turned on in your browser right now?

Honestly - none. I'm typing offline baby!

31. Favorite Season?

Season Three Family Guy

32. If I come to your house now, what would you cook for me?

Pasta Bake! - Sorry, I get a little excited by past bake - it's so simple yet satisfying

33. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?

But we've already exchanged money - It would be rude not to let them do their job - besides, it's paddle week!

34. What are you afraid of the most?

These questions never ending

35. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

Where's my glasses?.... Thats more like it, oh yeah

36. What brings a smile on your face instantly?

Farting - guaranteed

37. A word that you say a lot?

Awesome!

38. What would you do if you were made President for one day?

Fly around in the UFO that was found all those years ago

39. What is that one thing that keeps you going?

Hugs - Not macho, but they work

40. What's word drives you crazy when you hear it?

Leicester - said by a tourist

41. What's your least favourite character trait?

My memory - it's shockingly bad

42. What do you get if you multiply six by nine?

okay, so a multiple of 6 is 36 divided by 9 equals... 4

It's now my duty to pass this on whilst adding a question of my own. I am passing the award on to Anipants - whom without her support my smiles would not have been as frequent or as large. Check out some of her lovely pictures over at: Welcome to the darkside...

And also AJ who has been a follower since the beginning - cheers for the support :)

Plus I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone that has commented throughout - you know who you are - you're Ace!

And the question I am adding is:

43. What gadget could you not live without?

Lastly, I was surprised and overjoyed to receive another Award from eolist petite, this time for "thought bubbles [that] not only make me grin but provoke thought and inspire" Which is an absolute honor!

I'm not going to pass on this award just yet, I think I'll hang onto it for a little while. Besides I am desperately wanting my cheese & pickle rolls now, the belly be a grumbling!