I have now decided to take out a mobile phone contract, of sorts. As far as I understand it, I am not locked into it, but if I cancel then my Broadband contract will go up in price. This is the wily way of VirginMedia.
And without a thought I've ditched the exciting in-house entertainment that is cable TV. The first time I did that it was a terrifying decision - a crazy assault on the notion that 20th century television is a must without which I would wither and die. But I took it back later when I found that it was actually cheaper to have TV than not to (that was the wily, weird, way of Telewest, now VirginMedia).
As the proud owner of a ridiculously large phone, I thought that it was time to move on from my pay-as-you-go position and start feeling that I could occasionally make a phone call without waiting until I get to work to make free calls, as I'm surely saving enough through not having to buy toilet paper and envelopes already.
So, in effect, I've swapped the TV for 100 free minutes of calls a month. Now I've got to find people to call having carefully avoided making friends in the last few years as I hate topping up my phone. And I dropped the home phone long ago in favour of Skype, and only phone people I know very well on that as they're used to me breaking up, running out of credit, or are used to recieving silent calls when my soundcard doesn't work.
And the real nightmare of changing networks or doing anything in this age? Passwords! You speak to people that you set up an account with some years ago - "What is your memorable word?" Bugger! would probably be the best one as that's the one that pops into my head whenever I'm asked. "And the first 2 digits of your 4 number code?" They won't let me use bugger for that one.
So, determined to make a clean break from past mistakes, I decide to use a word that is memorable and I can always recall even if asked again in a year. "Lumbago," bounds out of my mouth for no apparent reason and will rest on the account now until I've completely forgotten it. Bugger!
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Pat me on the back
I went to Tesco, famous for its tempting BOGOF deals, looking for bread rolls. The rolls I wanted were on Buy one get one free. And so I picked up two packs.
On getting to the counter, I realised the chances of me eating 12 bread rolls in the next two days are extremely slim, so after much dispute with self I only bought one, leaving the otherwise free pack at the supermarket.
What a struggle and how strong the pull of something free. We're slaves to this kind of thing in many ways, and that was my first blow for freedom. I do not need more of everything all the time and yet it is so seductive. Hopefully someone will buy the rolls and find a use for them.
I just hope that a bunch of young ladies in skimpy summer clothes don't come knocking on the door looking for a bread roll party and, finding a shortage of rolls here, go moseying along to the next flat. Otherwise I think I did the right thing.
On getting to the counter, I realised the chances of me eating 12 bread rolls in the next two days are extremely slim, so after much dispute with self I only bought one, leaving the otherwise free pack at the supermarket.
What a struggle and how strong the pull of something free. We're slaves to this kind of thing in many ways, and that was my first blow for freedom. I do not need more of everything all the time and yet it is so seductive. Hopefully someone will buy the rolls and find a use for them.
I just hope that a bunch of young ladies in skimpy summer clothes don't come knocking on the door looking for a bread roll party and, finding a shortage of rolls here, go moseying along to the next flat. Otherwise I think I did the right thing.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Projects on the go
Currently writing a sit-com with a friend. He's had this idea for ages and can't find a co-writer. I have now heroically stepped up the mark, and am co-writer. Story lines of three episodes written, 3 more to go, and then the screaming starts.
Learning lines for 12th Night - ongoing. Hate learning lines and hate not knowing lines on the night of the play, but can not compare the two when they are more than a day apart, so can not get motivated until the day before.
Work - trying to promote myself as a perl wizard. Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice springs to mind. Except he did actually do stuff.
Currently reading Derren Brown's "Trick of the Mind". Find him hysterically funny, and very informative and can't help liking a man who calls me a 'clever sausage'.
Learning lines for 12th Night - ongoing. Hate learning lines and hate not knowing lines on the night of the play, but can not compare the two when they are more than a day apart, so can not get motivated until the day before.
Work - trying to promote myself as a perl wizard. Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice springs to mind. Except he did actually do stuff.
Currently reading Derren Brown's "Trick of the Mind". Find him hysterically funny, and very informative and can't help liking a man who calls me a 'clever sausage'.
Saturday, 2 June 2007
Yet more drama
No, not drama of the plate smashing, "Where were you last night?" kind, but of the thespianic variety.
The drama group of which I'm a member has a juniors wing, and they were putting on a play reading of Invisible Friends by Mr Alan Ayckbourn. I was roped in to do the lights, having once sat nervously in front of the lighting board for a full production of the kids before. Didn't have much idea what I was doing then, and less this time as the show was the first visit I'd made.
But it was an informal occasion, and all hiccoughs and things were part of the fun. The children were amazing, and only had a couple of rehearsals. The director is a genius at drawing mature performances out of people who can have very little idea of what is required. Though some of them seem to have such finely honed instincts for comedy, it's quite amazing.
Play rehearsal tomorrow night for 12th Night. I'm pre-booked for the next play as well - Caucasian Chalk Circle. My inflated ego for having been asked to do that even without auditioning was punctured somewhat when the co-director said, "Yes, we're asking any men under 40 and with a pulse."
There's a lesson there lads - am-dram. Women out-number the men every time.
I hardly seem to have planted my feet in the flat this week. Was in terror of being marooned in Surrey last night when I went to celebrate a friend's wedding. Congrats to Lucy and Shacks! But why Bentley? I find leaving Zone 3 of the underground traumatic enough! Bentley!!
Our taxi driver failed to pick us up for the last Bentley to London train, so we had to hijack another cab and pay him double to desert his fare so that we could catch the last train from Farnham, the next village.
By the time we were back, the tube had packed in for the night. Yes, London - the 12 hour society. Do come. So I pitched into bed at 2am having travelled back on the 76 bus. Then up at 9 this morn to meet friends.
My new piece of web-space may get some use as friend has announced that he wants to set up a site. Watch this space - I'm going to bed.
The drama group of which I'm a member has a juniors wing, and they were putting on a play reading of Invisible Friends by Mr Alan Ayckbourn. I was roped in to do the lights, having once sat nervously in front of the lighting board for a full production of the kids before. Didn't have much idea what I was doing then, and less this time as the show was the first visit I'd made.
But it was an informal occasion, and all hiccoughs and things were part of the fun. The children were amazing, and only had a couple of rehearsals. The director is a genius at drawing mature performances out of people who can have very little idea of what is required. Though some of them seem to have such finely honed instincts for comedy, it's quite amazing.
Play rehearsal tomorrow night for 12th Night. I'm pre-booked for the next play as well - Caucasian Chalk Circle. My inflated ego for having been asked to do that even without auditioning was punctured somewhat when the co-director said, "Yes, we're asking any men under 40 and with a pulse."
There's a lesson there lads - am-dram. Women out-number the men every time.
I hardly seem to have planted my feet in the flat this week. Was in terror of being marooned in Surrey last night when I went to celebrate a friend's wedding. Congrats to Lucy and Shacks! But why Bentley? I find leaving Zone 3 of the underground traumatic enough! Bentley!!
Our taxi driver failed to pick us up for the last Bentley to London train, so we had to hijack another cab and pay him double to desert his fare so that we could catch the last train from Farnham, the next village.
By the time we were back, the tube had packed in for the night. Yes, London - the 12 hour society. Do come. So I pitched into bed at 2am having travelled back on the 76 bus. Then up at 9 this morn to meet friends.
My new piece of web-space may get some use as friend has announced that he wants to set up a site. Watch this space - I'm going to bed.
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