Book learning.

I'm really lucky to work as a notetaker at a university. This means that I learn about loads of different subjects, but never have to revise for an exam - although I do sit them with the students and scribe for them. So far, I've taken notes for most a of a law degree - which has been quite fascinating and dare I say, quite useful at times. I've taken notes on advice work and social policy and even sat through films taking notes - brill or what. But on Thursday, it was ethics - which is really philosophy - blimey! Sure does make you think - it made me think how little I do think - so got to do more of that. I also sat through a forensic science lecture based on the different types of drugs and their effects. That made me think too.

Best gigs in the world ever part 1...

Following on from Blueshawk's blog. One of the best bands I ever went to see was Fairground Attraction. It must have been in 1989 and it was at the Leadmill in Sheffield (which I think is still going). Eddie Reader was the lead singer of the band and I thought her voice was amazing (still do!). I remember it so well, because I went with my friends from school and wasn't actually old enough to be there. It was all a bit of an adventure.

I saw Sam Brown at the Stage (now Sugarmill) in Hanley. She was incredible too - the energy of the woman. She stood on top of her Fender Rhodes piano and jumped onto the floor of the auditorium! Must have been 8 ft drop and she's just a wee thing.

I went to see INXS at the NEC - I wasnt a big fan but my best friend was a huge fan. We were really near the front and Michael Hutchins threw some dog tags he was wearing into the audience. They hit a poor woman, who was standig virtually next to me, on the head. She was completely oblivious to what had happened on stage. Suddenly 300 people (OK, maybe I'm exaggerating) dived on her to retrieve the reward. A minute or two later, after it was claimed by the quickest of the pack, the woman stumbled to her feet thoroughly bewildered.

I think the best gigs are the ones at smaller venues. When it's a stadium gig it all feels a bit unreal- even if you're near the front.

Gigs that I would most loved to have been at but wasn't - Live Aid and Nelson Mandela's Birthday bash at Wembley Stadium. I did go to the Wembley gig after he was released and heard him speak. There are loads of mixed views about live Aid - but I believed in it and it made me think beyond my own shores at 13 years of age - surely that's a good thing.

Thanks for sparking those memories T - I was in a school on Friday and the music teacher had quote on her classroom door - it read - 'without music...life would be a journey through a desert'.

The green eyed monster!

Jealousy is a terrible thing and I admit I am jealous. I want to have the moon waining on my blog like Blueshawk's blog.

Would a kindly person be able tell me how it's done?

Thank you so much.

Happy Birthday to ya!

It's my oldest (or is it eldest) brother's birthday. He isn't one for celebrating 'things like that' as he would say - but here's to you - may there be many, many more. I owe a great deal to my brother, he was the one who looked after me and my sister when we were young and was probably the biggest influence in my life as I was growig up. I love him dearly and remember thinking that he was the coolest person in the world. He used to play the guitar to us (in fact he still does) and taught us all the Beatles songs. I was in to Lennon and McCartney when everyone else at school was in to Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. I'm not sure what I would have done without him. I feel honoured and proud that he's my brother.

Happy Birthday SRB.

Optimism

I feel full of optimism at the moment. I am generally quite optimistic anyway. Sometimes, I am hopelessly optimistic about things. It can be a good thing, but it can cause chaos, particularly to those around me. For example, I can underestimate how long things will take to complete, I sometimes leave home without directions to places I need to visit, I generally think everything will be OK and sometimes it isn't and I know this can be difficult for the ones I care deeply about.

But the way I look at it is, there's no point being pesimistic, or at least overly pesimistic and I know the realists will be saying, you ought to be realistic, and maybe they're are right (but I don't actually think they are, I'm just being polite). Some people have said that I delude myself a bit by being optimistic, again, perhaps they're right, but then you must delude yourself a bit by being pesimistic too.

If you imagine the outcome is going to be negative then you won't even try and maybe that's exactly the right decision, I'm not suggesting being foolish or reckless. But, most everday decisions aren't that significant and if you can imagine the outcome being positive then you're more likely to have a bash. It might be OK, then if it is, great and if it isn't try something else. I know this doesn't work for all aspects of life.

I have learned to be more sensible. I arrive on time more often than not, I take a map with me and I think that things will take as long as they take - except for slow cooking pots, which take forever - how do they manage to cook things so slowly! And isn't really worth the energy it comsumed. But I did think when I put it on that it would be quicker and taste better...

Happy New Year!

To all the Mind Blogglers - and everyone else - happy New Year! Hope 2007 is a good year for you! :-)