Popped into the office for a bit in the morning, got some stuff done and generally confused by other bits of it.
Lovely drum workshop this evening, I really like this college - the students are so attentive, the lesson actually overran because the groove was so good. It's easy when they actually want to learn, isn't it?
Got back and suddenly felt really rough. Every Wednesday night I seem to get a cold and I'm not sure why, but it's really annoying. Spent the rest of the evening working on a few ideas and generally feeling quite sorry for myself as I couldn't stop sneezing. I reckon it was because I was in, and generally I should be out, a lot.
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Wednesday, 27 September 2017
Tuesday 26th September 2017
Tuesday, so it was 'taking Mum shopping day', which I actually always enjoy as it gets me away from my laptop screen for a bit. It does feel like a bit of a struggle, though, at the moment - we have a close member of the family very, very ill...basically I just want people to stop dying. Just for a bit. Let's have a few years off, yeah?
Got back, caught up on show emails (mostly for 2018 stuff), and mutually agreed to postpone the show in Dublin. It feels like a bit of a relief, but ticket sales were very low and it was going to cost me a lot to get over there...we'll go for a weekend next time and storm it.
Evening rehearsal with the band followed by meeting to discuss the logistics for the China tour, which kicks off in 2 weeks' time, it's actually quite scary stuff but I'll get a film out of it.
Got back, caught up on show emails (mostly for 2018 stuff), and mutually agreed to postpone the show in Dublin. It feels like a bit of a relief, but ticket sales were very low and it was going to cost me a lot to get over there...we'll go for a weekend next time and storm it.
Evening rehearsal with the band followed by meeting to discuss the logistics for the China tour, which kicks off in 2 weeks' time, it's actually quite scary stuff but I'll get a film out of it.
Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Monday 25th September 2017
Really buzzing with film ideas at the moment; the 'Happy Drummer' film feels like it's not far off in structure now to be thinking about putting a filming schedule before the end of the year, whilst 'A Bad Day to Go to Lunch' is bizarre and will be tricky, but I'm keen to go for it.
Ticket sales for Wednesday's show in Dublin really are quite worryingly poor, despite the venue's best efforts. It'll cost me a lot to go over there, not sure what to do about this. There's a sensible side to me that knows it's right to cancel, but then there's the other side to me which did a show on the Shetland Islands to 4 people and had the best night ever.
Popped into the office and did a good 6 hours. Then some last minute prop shopping, and then a lounge show preview of the Norman show. Phill did his show first (a performance of his first ever show) which has made great progress since the reading he did of it the other night and will be great by the performance on the 7th. Norman...well, it's an experiment, isn't it? It felt a lot creepier and a lot darker than planned. Structurally it works, some of the content needs beefing up a bit but I'm not at all worried about the public performance, but there's something about being dressed up as a clown that makes audiences feel uncomfortable, and not in a comedic way. Then got annoyed by a comment on Facebook by a (now former) 'friend' telling to do something "original" because the clown thing has been done before - and she also referenced IT, which is popular in the cinemas at the moment. I got angry about this because she didn't see my show, and my show is about an awkward clown trying to fit in to civilisation, not a horror story, yet she still had to comment anyway. Not being blunt, but I saw her show at the fringe and she is no position to be detrimental about my creative output. I don't like people, sometimes.
Ticket sales for Wednesday's show in Dublin really are quite worryingly poor, despite the venue's best efforts. It'll cost me a lot to go over there, not sure what to do about this. There's a sensible side to me that knows it's right to cancel, but then there's the other side to me which did a show on the Shetland Islands to 4 people and had the best night ever.
Popped into the office and did a good 6 hours. Then some last minute prop shopping, and then a lounge show preview of the Norman show. Phill did his show first (a performance of his first ever show) which has made great progress since the reading he did of it the other night and will be great by the performance on the 7th. Norman...well, it's an experiment, isn't it? It felt a lot creepier and a lot darker than planned. Structurally it works, some of the content needs beefing up a bit but I'm not at all worried about the public performance, but there's something about being dressed up as a clown that makes audiences feel uncomfortable, and not in a comedic way. Then got annoyed by a comment on Facebook by a (now former) 'friend' telling to do something "original" because the clown thing has been done before - and she also referenced IT, which is popular in the cinemas at the moment. I got angry about this because she didn't see my show, and my show is about an awkward clown trying to fit in to civilisation, not a horror story, yet she still had to comment anyway. Not being blunt, but I saw her show at the fringe and she is no position to be detrimental about my creative output. I don't like people, sometimes.
Monday, 25 September 2017
Sunday 24th September 2017
Up early-ish as my emails have been building up, mostly about my new regular comedy night that launches in November...there's a lot of comedians out there who want to be part of this.
Popped down the road to film another scene for Norman, this time with Anna. That'll be screened as part of the show tomorrow night. Then off to play a gig with James - lovely setting, nice audience, easy gig. Then over to watch Phill Jupitus, who was great.
Busy day, ending with very late night script work on the Norman show.
Popped down the road to film another scene for Norman, this time with Anna. That'll be screened as part of the show tomorrow night. Then off to play a gig with James - lovely setting, nice audience, easy gig. Then over to watch Phill Jupitus, who was great.
Busy day, ending with very late night script work on the Norman show.
Saturday 23rd September 2017
A family illness, so a fairly urgent trip down to Brighton to see my auntie. Not a bad drive (6 hour round trip) and managed to get an hour in at the seaside whilst there.
Back early evening, quick dinner with my mum and sister and then a quick pint/rant with Rob. Back in time for Match of the Day and a chance to do more work on the Norman show, which opens on Monday.
Back early evening, quick dinner with my mum and sister and then a quick pint/rant with Rob. Back in time for Match of the Day and a chance to do more work on the Norman show, which opens on Monday.
Friday 22nd September 2017
Productive day of filming scenes for the Norman show in between a spot of freelance stuff from home. Filmed 'job rejection' scene with Rob, and then 'dumping a clown' scenes with Inge and Zoey. It's harder than I imagined, being dressed a clown in public...people keep giving me (very) odd looks.
Turned down drinks with friends because a) I'm knackered b) I've drank too much socially this week anyway, so had my first Friday night in for...well, since January, I think. Spent it editing the Norman footage and feel quite proud of myself.
Turned down drinks with friends because a) I'm knackered b) I've drank too much socially this week anyway, so had my first Friday night in for...well, since January, I think. Spent it editing the Norman footage and feel quite proud of myself.
Thursday 21st September 2017
Really need to get my diary in shape, am double booked to buggery for next year already.
Did a couple hours in the office, booked up some more of my Christmas tour, worked on the structure of a new film I'll be making soon.
Early evening dinner with Rohan and Chris, bumped into an old school friend, Zoey, whilst walking into town. She's now agreed to be in the Norman show...
Did a couple hours in the office, booked up some more of my Christmas tour, worked on the structure of a new film I'll be making soon.
Early evening dinner with Rohan and Chris, bumped into an old school friend, Zoey, whilst walking into town. She's now agreed to be in the Norman show...
Wednesday 20th September 2017
The Norman show isn't far off now, there's just a few bits that are slightly out of my hands that I haven't managed to sort yet - like the video footage that'll go in to break things up alongside the shit magic.
Popped into the office for a bit, did some research for them, and then over to a college to teach drums for an hour. My first session at that college and they are the politest, most shy students I've ever met - which is both frustrating and cool at the same time.
Got back, quick shower and then off to the very swanky launch of a new Cambridge festival that Andrea is organising for next year. Lots of creative chat with lots of great people, a top, top night.
Popped into the office for a bit, did some research for them, and then over to a college to teach drums for an hour. My first session at that college and they are the politest, most shy students I've ever met - which is both frustrating and cool at the same time.
Got back, quick shower and then off to the very swanky launch of a new Cambridge festival that Andrea is organising for next year. Lots of creative chat with lots of great people, a top, top night.
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
Tuesday 19th September 2017
Popped in to the college first thing for my induction/safety chat ahead of my teaching there tomorrow, and then - as it's Tuesday, took mum shopping. She wanted to go all over the place today, so a lot of driving but as I live in town these days I barely drive at all so it was nice to give the engine a bit of a runout.
Did a little work on 'The Little Git' whilst sat in various car parks.
Got back, dropped off stuff and then off to open a stand-up show in town which was a typical 'free entry Tuesday gig' in the sense that the audience were never really onside but it was still friendly enough. Good to stay in gig shape, if nothing else.
Did a little work on 'The Little Git' whilst sat in various car parks.
Got back, dropped off stuff and then off to open a stand-up show in town which was a typical 'free entry Tuesday gig' in the sense that the audience were never really onside but it was still friendly enough. Good to stay in gig shape, if nothing else.
Monday 18th September 2017
Really going for it this week, mostly with the show admin, because next week a new show opens and then I'm back on the road again so stuff needs to be in shape quickly.
This mostly involves spending less time on Facebook and worrying about ticket sales for the various shows which aren't really selling at the moment. Wrote press releases for those and got booked up for a bunch of radio appearances, filled some gaps in my tour schedule and panicked at a double booking for next year which is now rectified. Then spent 2 hours basically chasing up venues that have pencilled me in for stuff but never actually confirm...I do spent so many hours, every week, just, well, hassling people for answers.
Did a few hours freelancing, and then watched my housemate run through his debut show - which has all the foundations of being rather brilliant once he's beefed it up a bit (which he will, he knows what he's doing).
Then back to work on the Norman show, which is a bit of an odd one.
This mostly involves spending less time on Facebook and worrying about ticket sales for the various shows which aren't really selling at the moment. Wrote press releases for those and got booked up for a bunch of radio appearances, filled some gaps in my tour schedule and panicked at a double booking for next year which is now rectified. Then spent 2 hours basically chasing up venues that have pencilled me in for stuff but never actually confirm...I do spent so many hours, every week, just, well, hassling people for answers.
Did a few hours freelancing, and then watched my housemate run through his debut show - which has all the foundations of being rather brilliant once he's beefed it up a bit (which he will, he knows what he's doing).
Then back to work on the Norman show, which is a bit of an odd one.
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Sunday 17th September 2017
Seemed to have picked up a bit of a cold, which means I didn't really sleep - not that I had much chance anyway as I got back late-ish from the gig and had a lunchtime meet up with some friends anyway.
It was the reunion of a band I was in many, many years back and we split 14 years ago. A few of us have stayed in regular contact (including Claudia of course) but the rest of the band have drifted into new ventures/having kids etc. Absolutely amazing to catch up, they're all wonderful, wonderful people and it's baffling as to why we don't see more of each other. Also, such is this world of the internet and Facebook, those who I haven't seen in (many) years still followed my scrapes online and seemed excited to catch up and chat about everything. They got tired Richards today who perhaps hasn't aged too well, but it was still lovely to catch up.
Got back, did a bit of work on the eight million shows I'm trying to write simultaneously and got myself all frustrated by the fact I'm getting into a creative tangle. Time to reply to some emails, plot next week and sleep.
It was the reunion of a band I was in many, many years back and we split 14 years ago. A few of us have stayed in regular contact (including Claudia of course) but the rest of the band have drifted into new ventures/having kids etc. Absolutely amazing to catch up, they're all wonderful, wonderful people and it's baffling as to why we don't see more of each other. Also, such is this world of the internet and Facebook, those who I haven't seen in (many) years still followed my scrapes online and seemed excited to catch up and chat about everything. They got tired Richards today who perhaps hasn't aged too well, but it was still lovely to catch up.
Got back, did a bit of work on the eight million shows I'm trying to write simultaneously and got myself all frustrated by the fact I'm getting into a creative tangle. Time to reply to some emails, plot next week and sleep.
Saturday 16th September 2017
Bit hungover, but nothing compared to the others, I imagine. Fun night, kind of. It's always nice to win things. Had breakfast with G and H, and then went back to bed for a bit.
Quick catch up with Matt in my new local, and then off to play a wedding gig. A slightly tired show, but all covers and the audience enjoyed it enough. Long show, long night but good money. I don't mind doing this sort of gig when I play it with FH; we're just tight by default these days, which we should be after 6 years.
Friday 15th September 2017
Really having one of those moments when I'm reevaluating where I'm actually going with all of this, and not forgetting my original targets/dreams as a comedy writer/performer, and that's to write sitcoms. The stand-up stuff kinda happened by accident but I think I need to go back to my roots and work on a sitcom stage-play type thing, and tour it, and fringe it, and see where it goes.
Did a little bit of work on that this morning, before heading into the office for a bit.
Phone meeting with Andrea about a really exciting creative project she's putting together, and then a quick pint and catch up with Rob.
Evening - awards ceremony with the band, where we won a lovely award. We've worked hard for this, it feels deserved. Then we went to the aftershow party, and to a bar after that, and there was far too much booze. Not right for me to say on here what happened after that, but we're a complex bunch. All the best bands are, aren't they? Still, we won an award.
Did a little bit of work on that this morning, before heading into the office for a bit.
Phone meeting with Andrea about a really exciting creative project she's putting together, and then a quick pint and catch up with Rob.
Evening - awards ceremony with the band, where we won a lovely award. We've worked hard for this, it feels deserved. Then we went to the aftershow party, and to a bar after that, and there was far too much booze. Not right for me to say on here what happened after that, but we're a complex bunch. All the best bands are, aren't they? Still, we won an award.
Thursday 14th September 2017
Still nowhere near the nailing my mailing list from last week, I either need:
a) a couple days off
b) to try and do much less on my list
c) drink more caffeine and stop moaning about it
Chose the latter. Most of my projects mostly involve new stuff - a new regular night in Cambridge, 2 new films etc. The existing stuff seems to be ticking over nicely enough, though, and we're all a bit excited about China.
Mostly an admin day today, then. And then off for a typically awkward date, before getting back to writing.
a) a couple days off
b) to try and do much less on my list
c) drink more caffeine and stop moaning about it
Chose the latter. Most of my projects mostly involve new stuff - a new regular night in Cambridge, 2 new films etc. The existing stuff seems to be ticking over nicely enough, though, and we're all a bit excited about China.
Mostly an admin day today, then. And then off for a typically awkward date, before getting back to writing.
Wednesday 13th September 2017
Popped into the office for a spot of freelancing, just me in again.
The venue I'm performing at in Iceland looks incredible...but that's all after the Ireland tour, China tour etc, quite a lot to get my head around at the moment. Yet, in the meantime, I'm booking another UK tour for the box show (2 shows confirmed) and plotting Christmas stuff, plus booking the odd gig for the covers project with James.
Knackering, isn't it?
Got back, worked on the film and the clown script, and got all excited by the Spurs game.
The venue I'm performing at in Iceland looks incredible...but that's all after the Ireland tour, China tour etc, quite a lot to get my head around at the moment. Yet, in the meantime, I'm booking another UK tour for the box show (2 shows confirmed) and plotting Christmas stuff, plus booking the odd gig for the covers project with James.
Knackering, isn't it?
Got back, worked on the film and the clown script, and got all excited by the Spurs game.
Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Tuesday 12th September 2017
So many lovely projects at the moment, all either launched or about to launch soon, alongside the existing stuff. I don't think a man should be this excited all the time.
Anyway, as it's a Tuesday, I took Mum shopping and did good son duties, whilst writing frantically into a notepad the many new show ideas I have that won't see the light of day this year.
Then over to record a song in Chinese with FH, which we have to perform at the opening ceremony. Our visas came through successfully yesterday so we celebrated a bit - we head over there in 4 weeks' time. It's all a bit real, I have no idea what is going to happen.
Anyway, as it's a Tuesday, I took Mum shopping and did good son duties, whilst writing frantically into a notepad the many new show ideas I have that won't see the light of day this year.
Then over to record a song in Chinese with FH, which we have to perform at the opening ceremony. Our visas came through successfully yesterday so we celebrated a bit - we head over there in 4 weeks' time. It's all a bit real, I have no idea what is going to happen.
Monday 11th September 2017
Morning catching up on emails, including a show offer in Iceland which is exciting. I'm getting the buzz about travel, about 15 years after all my friends seem to do so.
Then over to a college where I had to tout my drum workshops at their freshers open day thingy. 12 signed up, which is enough for it to get the go-ahead for there and my sessions start next week.
Got back and made promo videos for History of Pop (for a potential future run of shows somewhere), the project with James and also for our new feature film, which was supposed to be the soap, but is now a decent little film.
Really, really excited about everything at the moment.
Then over to a college where I had to tout my drum workshops at their freshers open day thingy. 12 signed up, which is enough for it to get the go-ahead for there and my sessions start next week.
Got back and made promo videos for History of Pop (for a potential future run of shows somewhere), the project with James and also for our new feature film, which was supposed to be the soap, but is now a decent little film.
Really, really excited about everything at the moment.
Sunday 10th September 2017
Really enjoyed last night, such a small little gig but the sort of show where it felt like we were bouncing off each other again like we used to.
Had a good lie-in and then spent a majority of the day working on the Norman script, which is slowly getting there.
Then over to record a promo video for James for the new function/covers band thing we're doing. Sounds great, lovely material to play and we're totally on the same page.
Had a good lie-in and then spent a majority of the day working on the Norman script, which is slowly getting there.
Then over to record a promo video for James for the new function/covers band thing we're doing. Sounds great, lovely material to play and we're totally on the same page.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Saturday 9th September 2017
Bit confused as to what I want to achieve out of Christmas this year; normally it's my big cash-in, tour a festive show etc, but last year I remember how I felt, stood onstage, dressed as a reindeer, aged 35. I remember thinking 'this is probably going too far now.' Yet Christmas is very much on my radar at the moment, I should probably be doing more with it. Also, I love Christmas music more than the average adult should, so any excuse to listen to 'those' songs before December is most welcome.
I've got the tour of Ireland, band tour of China, tour of Scandinavia and then a final 'Box' tour of the UK to worry about first, though. Plus a festival I'm co-organising in Cambridge that will need a new 45 minutes of content. One thing at a time, Richards.
More stand-up offers coming in, that's gradually coming together nicely.
2 gigs as a drummer today. The first one was an outdoor event and it just hammered it down, we played really well and it was for a good charity so no harm done but felt a little pointless as the audience all ran away when the thunder kicked in.
The second gig though, a trio show with G + V, was surprisingly amazing. Billed as a full band, we rocked it big style in front of a small but incredibly enthusiastic audience. I love being a drummer, more of this, please.
I've got the tour of Ireland, band tour of China, tour of Scandinavia and then a final 'Box' tour of the UK to worry about first, though. Plus a festival I'm co-organising in Cambridge that will need a new 45 minutes of content. One thing at a time, Richards.
More stand-up offers coming in, that's gradually coming together nicely.
2 gigs as a drummer today. The first one was an outdoor event and it just hammered it down, we played really well and it was for a good charity so no harm done but felt a little pointless as the audience all ran away when the thunder kicked in.
The second gig though, a trio show with G + V, was surprisingly amazing. Billed as a full band, we rocked it big style in front of a small but incredibly enthusiastic audience. I love being a drummer, more of this, please.
Friday 8th September 2017
Slept well last night, despite my head buzzing with eight million ideas that I don't have time to work on properly. My to-do list is growing a lot bigger than it should be.
Nice, gentle stroll into the office and got some stuff done there.
Decided to try and add to my Scandinavia tour so trying to book additional shows in Finland and Iceland.
Evening had a stand-up gig at Relevant Records; a stormer of a gig, lovely audience, great MC, it was a joy to headline. Just such lovely people...I'm enjoying comedy at the moment, put some new bits in alongside the stuff that has been working for a while.
Friday, 8 September 2017
Thursday 7th September 2017
Really excited about the clown show, but also really excited about the two films I'm working on too. Basically, just really excited, all of the time. But I need to be drumming more, I probably need an extra band soon as FH aren't as active as they used to be.
I've been here for less than a week and I really, really like living in Cambridge, just feels like everything is really close.
Did a bit of freelance work from home for a bit, and then had a very successful meeting with a college about teaching for them. Everything is roughly falling into place, so it feels.
Evening met up with Fiona and we got very drunk.
I've been here for less than a week and I really, really like living in Cambridge, just feels like everything is really close.
Did a bit of freelance work from home for a bit, and then had a very successful meeting with a college about teaching for them. Everything is roughly falling into place, so it feels.
Evening met up with Fiona and we got very drunk.
Wednesday 6th September 2017
Realised I've missed doing the Box show, so have decided to tour it again. Now it's all tight and tidy it feels a shame to waste it. Put an hour or two into looking into new venues for that and found a little tour-shaped gap.
Spoke to James about putting this corporate/function band together and got frustrated because I lost a memory stick that has loads of video footage I wanted for my new film.
Popped into the office for a bit and did a spot of freelancing, and then got back and worked on my new clown show. It's coming together really nicely, I'm a bit excited about it all.
Spoke to James about putting this corporate/function band together and got frustrated because I lost a memory stick that has loads of video footage I wanted for my new film.
Popped into the office for a bit and did a spot of freelancing, and then got back and worked on my new clown show. It's coming together really nicely, I'm a bit excited about it all.
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Tuesday 5th September 2017
A Tuesday, so my 'taking Mum to shopping day' which was a good chance for me to sit and write ideas for my new show into a notepad. Always moving forwards...
Also had time to just sit, and think, about what shows I'd like to take further, that sort of thing. And also deeper questions such as: what am I doing with my life? But actually, I think I'm getting the balance right at the moment - I'm living somewhere nice, central to Cambridge, I've got just about enough regular work coming in to pay the bills and I have quite a lot of time to myself at the moment for writing,
It's all good, as I say far too often.
Also had time to just sit, and think, about what shows I'd like to take further, that sort of thing. And also deeper questions such as: what am I doing with my life? But actually, I think I'm getting the balance right at the moment - I'm living somewhere nice, central to Cambridge, I've got just about enough regular work coming in to pay the bills and I have quite a lot of time to myself at the moment for writing,
It's all good, as I say far too often.
Monday 4th September 2017
Popped into the office for a bit, was going to walk it in but it was raining so drove instead. What I've already learnt about living in central Cambridge is that it's actually often quicker to walk...
Got some work done there, perhaps not as much as I'd have liked, and then back to replying to loads of emails about drum teaching work - there's some stuff in the pipeline, but it's still mostly negotiating fees at the moment. Not a strong point of mine.
Confirmed 90% of the line-up for our forthcoming comedy festival and wrote up my Edinburgh 'adventures' as a very long chapter for my tour book.
Had the best idea for a show ever.
Got some work done there, perhaps not as much as I'd have liked, and then back to replying to loads of emails about drum teaching work - there's some stuff in the pipeline, but it's still mostly negotiating fees at the moment. Not a strong point of mine.
Confirmed 90% of the line-up for our forthcoming comedy festival and wrote up my Edinburgh 'adventures' as a very long chapter for my tour book.
Had the best idea for a show ever.
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Sunday 3rd September 2017
Back so late last night.
Up in good time to record what I think is the final drum part for Claudia's album. It was never supposed to have drums on this track, but we agreed it needed it. Because of the fact they hadn't intended to have a beat on it, though, the recording I was working with was rhythmically all over the place and was a tricky one to follow. We got there in the end, but took 7 takes. Great tune, though, and you could feel it's worth the work.
Then put down some percussion on another track but it really didn't need it, and the others agreed - sometimes you can just put stuff on a recording for the sake of it, but those congas won't make the final cut and I'm perfectly cool with that.
Got home and replied to all the emails that have been building up over the last few days, before finally approaching the acts for the comedy festival we're putting together. Next week looks really quiet - in fact, September is oddly empty until my Ireland tour, but then in October it's China and loads of other stuff, so I must remember to enjoy this downtime while it lasts.
Up in good time to record what I think is the final drum part for Claudia's album. It was never supposed to have drums on this track, but we agreed it needed it. Because of the fact they hadn't intended to have a beat on it, though, the recording I was working with was rhythmically all over the place and was a tricky one to follow. We got there in the end, but took 7 takes. Great tune, though, and you could feel it's worth the work.
Then put down some percussion on another track but it really didn't need it, and the others agreed - sometimes you can just put stuff on a recording for the sake of it, but those congas won't make the final cut and I'm perfectly cool with that.
Got home and replied to all the emails that have been building up over the last few days, before finally approaching the acts for the comedy festival we're putting together. Next week looks really quiet - in fact, September is oddly empty until my Ireland tour, but then in October it's China and loads of other stuff, so I must remember to enjoy this downtime while it lasts.
Saturday 2nd September 2017
Woke up surrounded by boxes, I just have so much stuff. Too much? No, I'm 36, it's right that I have a lot of stuff at my age, it's a sign of a life well lived, etc.
Spent the whole day unpacking, organising, making my (really quite big) room feel homely, which it really goes now. I have a lot of books and the bookshelf is impressive, until you realise I have two different books written by Harry Redknapp. And a lot of books about the sitcom, Porridge.
But yeah, it feels good here - I enjoy walking down by the river to get my car, I like the fact that Tesco - and it's many Ginsters slices - is so close.
Managed to get everything in shape by 6pm, then off to meet up with the band. The band lock up is a 4 minute drive away from the house, another perk.
Quick trip up to Milton Keynes to headline a festival there. Typically it ran late and we didn't get on stage till 11.30pm. We followed two covers bands and it didn't really work tonight. We're so tight these days, almost by default, we can put on a good show but it felt like, following two 'party' bands, we lost the audience a bit. Shame, but these things happen sometimes.
Spent the whole day unpacking, organising, making my (really quite big) room feel homely, which it really goes now. I have a lot of books and the bookshelf is impressive, until you realise I have two different books written by Harry Redknapp. And a lot of books about the sitcom, Porridge.
But yeah, it feels good here - I enjoy walking down by the river to get my car, I like the fact that Tesco - and it's many Ginsters slices - is so close.
Managed to get everything in shape by 6pm, then off to meet up with the band. The band lock up is a 4 minute drive away from the house, another perk.
Quick trip up to Milton Keynes to headline a festival there. Typically it ran late and we didn't get on stage till 11.30pm. We followed two covers bands and it didn't really work tonight. We're so tight these days, almost by default, we can put on a good show but it felt like, following two 'party' bands, we lost the audience a bit. Shame, but these things happen sometimes.
Friday 1st September 2017
Long, long day of moving. Really should have got some help, but that's not my style - I quite enjoy the struggle somehow. Also, I still don't really don't understand how much I can, or can't, fit in this car... one trip to the tip, to throw away 9 BAGS OF STUFF from my old tiny bedroom, and then 5 trips to the new house. Each trip involved about an hour of driving, plus all the unloading, and I'm moving into an attic. I certainly got a sweat on.
For the final trip - the biggie, Edd and Emily gave me a hand. It was a biggie because my bed is massive and wouldn't fit in my car, but Edd has an estate, and Emily could fit my Tama kit into her boot, allowing me to cram everything else into mine. They are such awesome people and really good friends; it was gone 11pm and Edd was still building my bed for me here.
See, 2 and a half years ago I was needing to move house (because I was living with a very mad lady in a very small cottage) and Edd, a bandmate who I barely knew, said he was looking for a lodger. 2 and a half years later I've finally moved out of his, but an amazing friendship has been built there, really amazing - we've both had some pretty low moments (mostly regarding family death) whilst being housemates, but never a single cross word, never a disagreement. So, 2 and a half years later, I'm moving on because he's engaged, and it feels like I'm slightly in the way of the family home they are building, but I'm his best man for that wedding (which is in December) and the whole thing is just rather wonderful.
Also, even if he hadn't had met his future wife, we both agreed that we could have still been housemates into our sixties, and it's actually really healthy that progress is being made in, you know, life.
I like where I've moved to, it's another shared house but it's a big house, I've got a big room, I really like my housemates, it all feels very private - everyone is just doing their own thing, and that's how I like it. Also, it's really central in Cambridge, which is ideal. Not quite making the same progress as Edd, but this move is good for me, I think. Although moving really knackers me out, not doing that again for a good while, at least a year.
For the final trip - the biggie, Edd and Emily gave me a hand. It was a biggie because my bed is massive and wouldn't fit in my car, but Edd has an estate, and Emily could fit my Tama kit into her boot, allowing me to cram everything else into mine. They are such awesome people and really good friends; it was gone 11pm and Edd was still building my bed for me here.
See, 2 and a half years ago I was needing to move house (because I was living with a very mad lady in a very small cottage) and Edd, a bandmate who I barely knew, said he was looking for a lodger. 2 and a half years later I've finally moved out of his, but an amazing friendship has been built there, really amazing - we've both had some pretty low moments (mostly regarding family death) whilst being housemates, but never a single cross word, never a disagreement. So, 2 and a half years later, I'm moving on because he's engaged, and it feels like I'm slightly in the way of the family home they are building, but I'm his best man for that wedding (which is in December) and the whole thing is just rather wonderful.
Also, even if he hadn't had met his future wife, we both agreed that we could have still been housemates into our sixties, and it's actually really healthy that progress is being made in, you know, life.
I like where I've moved to, it's another shared house but it's a big house, I've got a big room, I really like my housemates, it all feels very private - everyone is just doing their own thing, and that's how I like it. Also, it's really central in Cambridge, which is ideal. Not quite making the same progress as Edd, but this move is good for me, I think. Although moving really knackers me out, not doing that again for a good while, at least a year.
Thursday 31st September 2017
Worked from home, and then spent a bit of time working on my Visa form thingy for China. Met up with V to give her the form, this is all a bit close and real now...in a really exciting kinda way.
Got back, did some more work, and then started frantically packing ahead of the move tomorrow. Why did I leave things so late? How come I have so much stuff? I've lived in this house for 2 and a bit years; the amount of junk I seem to have accumulated is really quite worrying. And dust, a lot of dust has also accumulated, mostly in bits where I didn't think to clean previously (like under my bed).
Spent a good 7 hours or so boxing things up. It always feels quite weird moving on, but this one feels stranger than before, somehow.
Got back, did some more work, and then started frantically packing ahead of the move tomorrow. Why did I leave things so late? How come I have so much stuff? I've lived in this house for 2 and a bit years; the amount of junk I seem to have accumulated is really quite worrying. And dust, a lot of dust has also accumulated, mostly in bits where I didn't think to clean previously (like under my bed).
Spent a good 7 hours or so boxing things up. It always feels quite weird moving on, but this one feels stranger than before, somehow.
Wednesday 30th August 2017
You can tell I've had a busy Edinburgh - my voice has pretty much gone and I'm limping. I also look a total mess, but there's no way of getting around that really apart from getting more sleep. Still, needs must and I was back freelancing today, they've set me a nice new task which I can crack on with.
Spent pretty much a full day in the office today, and then remembered I'm moving house on Friday so when I got home my plan was to start on that but, alas, I found myself organising a comedy festival instead.
Spent pretty much a full day in the office today, and then remembered I'm moving house on Friday so when I got home my plan was to start on that but, alas, I found myself organising a comedy festival instead.
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