2008 in One Easy Quiz
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Bought a house, super grown up.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?I did – lost 3 stone and went to the gym regularly. 2009 – when one door closes another door opens. Love, adventure and happy families.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes and I haven’t got a cuddle off him yet.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, the two most important women in my life.
5. What countries did you visit? Egypt
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Confidence
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 7th July, the day that Jan flew away from us.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Starting a settled, happy life in Exeter
9. What was your biggest failure? Being too within myself and not telling anyone what was going on in my head.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes, ongoing. 2009 is the year to sort it out; I have an appointment booked in June and hopefully then an operation.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Our house!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration? My brother for being so damn grown up this year.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? My own…
14. Where did most of your money go? House, books, perfume.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The Manics are working on a new album using some of Richey’s lyrics. I almost couldn’t breathe when the email popping into my inbox. They release the record next April or May. The working titles are “Journal for Plague Lovers” or “I Know I Believe In Nothing But It Is My Nothing”.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Wade in the Water by The Staple Singers
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Having fun.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Being miserable.
20. How will you be spending Christmas? Done and dusted; a quiet one with my fiancé and my brother.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008? I’m always falling in love with new people for a fleeting moment or two. Singers, band members, novelists, poets, emo boys in HMV! Those people in relationships that say they don’t fancy other people are out and out liars. Love and lust are what make the world turn around.
23. How many one-night stands? None unless you count those evenings in alone with a book, CD or DVD.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Hate, no. Dislike, yes. Unsure of where I stand so super wary, yes.
26. What was the best book you read? The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy… found in the hotel in Egypt. Fantastic.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Gosh, I think everything I bought in 2008 was from people I already knew.
28. What did you want and get? An engagement ring.
29. What did you want and not get? The elusive child, when it finally arrives and stays it can never say it wasn’t wanted.
30. What were your favourite films of this year? Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I saw it 3 times and bought the soundtrack too.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I went to the local veggie restaurant and then to a club and misbehaved. I was 31.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More holidays; I really must try harder to have holiday once or twice a year rather than every two years.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Sack-like comfort, 2009 will see an overhaul of that.
34. What kept you sane? My boyf but only just.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Johnny Deep as Sweeney Todd.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Nothing, nothing, nothing.
37. Who did you miss? My mum with all my heart.
38. Who was the best new person you met? A lot of lovely new people but no one has risen to the top just yet.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. To live life to the full as we really do only have a short time.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: “There's a hole in the world like a great black pit, / And the vermin of the world inhabit it, / And its morals aren't worth what a pig could spit, / And it goes by the name of London. At the top of the hole sit a privileged few / Making mock of the vermin of the lower zoo. Turning beauty into filth and greed.” Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet
Friday, December 05, 2008
Ten Things About Me
1. I whistle and click my fingers really badly. Both things took me years to learn - years of dedication. My brother could do them both from a really young age. This is the source of all our sibling rivalry.
2. Because my hair is crazy curly, I can only brush it in the shower when it's wet.
3. I eat hot pepper sauce with almost every meal (not breakfast though, that would be too weird). This started because I suffered from bulimia and throwing up hot pepper sauce is horrible. The sauce helped me get out of the habit.
4. I need to be busy - a bored Boo is a dangerous Boo.
5. I bite my nails. I've tried everything to stop but nothing works for more than a few weeks.
7. When people meet me for the first time they tend to think that I'm rude. I'm not, I'm shy.
8. The thing I miss most about living with my ladies is the toothbrush-offs in the bathroom and hall before bed.
9. I hate moths.
10. I keep Smash Hits style pop facts in my head.
1. I whistle and click my fingers really badly. Both things took me years to learn - years of dedication. My brother could do them both from a really young age. This is the source of all our sibling rivalry.
2. Because my hair is crazy curly, I can only brush it in the shower when it's wet.
3. I eat hot pepper sauce with almost every meal (not breakfast though, that would be too weird). This started because I suffered from bulimia and throwing up hot pepper sauce is horrible. The sauce helped me get out of the habit.
4. I need to be busy - a bored Boo is a dangerous Boo.
5. I bite my nails. I've tried everything to stop but nothing works for more than a few weeks.
7. When people meet me for the first time they tend to think that I'm rude. I'm not, I'm shy.
8. The thing I miss most about living with my ladies is the toothbrush-offs in the bathroom and hall before bed.
9. I hate moths.
10. I keep Smash Hits style pop facts in my head.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Life: not quite as exciting as telly
This article made me chuckle - the actor Dennis Hooper said the reason that he never went completely insane was that he believed that he always had a camera on him and he was just playing a part.
This article made me chuckle - the actor Dennis Hooper said the reason that he never went completely insane was that he believed that he always had a camera on him and he was just playing a part.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ideas Summit
I went to an ISAN meeting last week in Liverpool. I used to work for the company and the meeting was inspiring because there were a number of projects that I was involved with in development moving forward at a fantastic rate.
I was also able to take part in the Ideas Summit as an attendee rather than a member of staff. The Ideas Summit allows artists and companies to present ideas to producers and promoters. The ideas can be literally at the embryonic stage through to a ready to book show. There were passionate, exciting ideas and I only wish I was in the position to book them there and then.
Certainly got me thinking about the projects that I'd like to be involved with. Joe and I moved down to Exeter with the idea that we'd have time and space to put on our own events but as yet haven't had the motivation. I wrote a list of projects down when I returned and requested a meeting with a lady who may be able to help.
I went to an ISAN meeting last week in Liverpool. I used to work for the company and the meeting was inspiring because there were a number of projects that I was involved with in development moving forward at a fantastic rate.
I was also able to take part in the Ideas Summit as an attendee rather than a member of staff. The Ideas Summit allows artists and companies to present ideas to producers and promoters. The ideas can be literally at the embryonic stage through to a ready to book show. There were passionate, exciting ideas and I only wish I was in the position to book them there and then.
Certainly got me thinking about the projects that I'd like to be involved with. Joe and I moved down to Exeter with the idea that we'd have time and space to put on our own events but as yet haven't had the motivation. I wrote a list of projects down when I returned and requested a meeting with a lady who may be able to help.
Billy Bragg
We saw Billy Bragg last night supported by Otis Gibbs - both really enjoyable. I've seen Billy quite a bit and have been bored to tears by his political rants between songs. I've realised that this was at festivals when all you want to do is get on with the hits and then go and get more booze. I actually quite enjoyed them last night and they made me feel that my halfhearted recycling and ecover use just isn't enough.
We saw Billy Bragg last night supported by Otis Gibbs - both really enjoyable. I've seen Billy quite a bit and have been bored to tears by his political rants between songs. I've realised that this was at festivals when all you want to do is get on with the hits and then go and get more booze. I actually quite enjoyed them last night and they made me feel that my halfhearted recycling and ecover use just isn't enough.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The Joy of Rediscovering Entertaining
Everyone was late for fireworks but we caught the end of the local schools display. We then returned to a warm home and stripped off the layers of wet clothes. We served warmed spiced cider. Nibbles, bought by KJ and John, were salt and pepper crisps with dips and crusty bread with pâté. We then had baked potatoes with smoked paprika baked beans, cheese and salad. A few hours of conversation, music and wine followed. Later, we served homemade rustic french bread with camembert, blue brie, mature cheddar, wholegrain mustard, caramelised red onion chutney and fruit chutney. The evening was finished with brandy hot chocolates before we waved our guests away into the cold night.
I've rather missed wining and dining with friends.
Everyone was late for fireworks but we caught the end of the local schools display. We then returned to a warm home and stripped off the layers of wet clothes. We served warmed spiced cider. Nibbles, bought by KJ and John, were salt and pepper crisps with dips and crusty bread with pâté. We then had baked potatoes with smoked paprika baked beans, cheese and salad. A few hours of conversation, music and wine followed. Later, we served homemade rustic french bread with camembert, blue brie, mature cheddar, wholegrain mustard, caramelised red onion chutney and fruit chutney. The evening was finished with brandy hot chocolates before we waved our guests away into the cold night.
I've rather missed wining and dining with friends.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Lost in Austen
I've rather enjoyed this bit of t.v. fluff. I've never had a Darcy 'thing' before but I do now.
I've rather enjoyed this bit of t.v. fluff. I've never had a Darcy 'thing' before but I do now.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
One of those getting to know you things
Please copy mine below, erase my answers putting yours in their place then post it in your blog if you get a chance...
1. First name:
Boudicca (it really is before you ask, my parents gave me that name).
2. Age:
31, I used to be worried about hitting my 30s but it's been ok.
3. Location:
Exeter, UK. I've only been here for 10 months but it feels like home. We'll be here for a while.
4. Hometown:
Well, I was born in London. Spent my childhood in Hebden Bridge. My teenage years in Newcastle upon Tyne. Then back to London for 10 years. They are all my hometowns.
5. Occupation:
An agent for outdoor and variety artists and a freelance arts project manager. I care deeply about the arts and I'm lucky (or driven!) enough to have worked in this sector for all my working life. Someone reminded me a while ago that when I was 14 I said to them "all I want to do is own my own venue". Still my dream.
6. Partner:
Joe, we've been together for 5 years and are getting married next year.
7. Kids:
No, not yet. There's a few complications that need to be sorted first unfortunately.
8. Brothers/Sisters:
One brother, Dash, two years younger. Love him to bits. I'm a very bossy big sister but he puts up with it.
9. Pets:
None, but I have a picture of a jack russell on my desk which keeps me happy.
10. List the 3-5 biggest things going on in your life:
1. I've bought my first house so I'm nesting.
2. Developing exciting things at work.
3. Planning the perfect festival in my head.
4. Adjusting to my new status as an orphan...which leads me onto...
11. Parents:
Lee died in Dec 05 and Jan died in July 08. There are no words for the emptiness they've left behind. I'm very lucky to have been bought into the world by them and I'm only sorry they had to fly with the birds so early.
12. Who are some of your closest friends?:
I have lots of friends but very few people know me really and truly and they know who they are!
13. Do you drink/smoke?:
I used to do both and to excess. Smoking I stopped years ago by still cracked under stress. Drinking...gah, I've been drinking heavily since my teens and binge like no-one else I know. I'm trying to get it under control though and recently have only drunk 5 pints of ale (in one naughty night) and 1/2 bottle of wine since 9th August. I do miss it but I'm not allowed until I can learn just to have a merry couple rather than a shouty allnighter!
14. Tattoos/Piercings:
Piercings:
4 time in left ear
2 and 1 top in right ear
Left nose
Tattoos:
One rose on top of left arm - MSP debut album cover with the song title 'Stay Beautiful' instead of Generation Terrorist. It was a present from Jenni and Dan for my 17th birthday. I was "all broken up at 17" just like the song said.
Just below I have a dolphin which I got for my 18th birthday. He looks a bit like a weird bird but I love him.
Right arm I have a flaming sun. I got this in New York and was a gift to myself for finishing my degree. My friend Darian was with me getting his stars done at the same time.
I have plans for memorial ones for Lee and Jan to go onto my feet. Just got to find me a tattooist in Exeter.
Please copy mine below, erase my answers putting yours in their place then post it in your blog if you get a chance...
1. First name:
Boudicca (it really is before you ask, my parents gave me that name).
2. Age:
31, I used to be worried about hitting my 30s but it's been ok.
3. Location:
Exeter, UK. I've only been here for 10 months but it feels like home. We'll be here for a while.
4. Hometown:
Well, I was born in London. Spent my childhood in Hebden Bridge. My teenage years in Newcastle upon Tyne. Then back to London for 10 years. They are all my hometowns.
5. Occupation:
An agent for outdoor and variety artists and a freelance arts project manager. I care deeply about the arts and I'm lucky (or driven!) enough to have worked in this sector for all my working life. Someone reminded me a while ago that when I was 14 I said to them "all I want to do is own my own venue". Still my dream.
6. Partner:
Joe, we've been together for 5 years and are getting married next year.
7. Kids:
No, not yet. There's a few complications that need to be sorted first unfortunately.
8. Brothers/Sisters:
One brother, Dash, two years younger. Love him to bits. I'm a very bossy big sister but he puts up with it.
9. Pets:
None, but I have a picture of a jack russell on my desk which keeps me happy.
10. List the 3-5 biggest things going on in your life:
1. I've bought my first house so I'm nesting.
2. Developing exciting things at work.
3. Planning the perfect festival in my head.
4. Adjusting to my new status as an orphan...which leads me onto...
11. Parents:
Lee died in Dec 05 and Jan died in July 08. There are no words for the emptiness they've left behind. I'm very lucky to have been bought into the world by them and I'm only sorry they had to fly with the birds so early.
12. Who are some of your closest friends?:
I have lots of friends but very few people know me really and truly and they know who they are!
13. Do you drink/smoke?:
I used to do both and to excess. Smoking I stopped years ago by still cracked under stress. Drinking...gah, I've been drinking heavily since my teens and binge like no-one else I know. I'm trying to get it under control though and recently have only drunk 5 pints of ale (in one naughty night) and 1/2 bottle of wine since 9th August. I do miss it but I'm not allowed until I can learn just to have a merry couple rather than a shouty allnighter!
14. Tattoos/Piercings:
Piercings:
4 time in left ear
2 and 1 top in right ear
Left nose
Tattoos:
One rose on top of left arm - MSP debut album cover with the song title 'Stay Beautiful' instead of Generation Terrorist. It was a present from Jenni and Dan for my 17th birthday. I was "all broken up at 17" just like the song said.
Just below I have a dolphin which I got for my 18th birthday. He looks a bit like a weird bird but I love him.
Right arm I have a flaming sun. I got this in New York and was a gift to myself for finishing my degree. My friend Darian was with me getting his stars done at the same time.
I have plans for memorial ones for Lee and Jan to go onto my feet. Just got to find me a tattooist in Exeter.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Weird Diet Day by Day
Day Three
Horrible headache in the morning
Very thirsty indeed
Day Four
Difficult day
Bored and wanting real food
Day Five
Ate a 3 chips and a small amount of batter...stolen from boyf plate
Day Six
Toffee milkshake for lunch when boyf is eating pasty - really bored.
Outing to the theatre - I have a pint of soda water and gaze at people's wine glasses.
Day Seven
Change from fast track (550 cals a day) to regular (88o cals a day) where I can eat a meal a day on top of the 4 packs. The meal is made up from a very limited list of allowed foods. I have watercress, spinach, radishes, celery and 3oz of cottage cheese. It's the most divine meal I have ever had...
Day Eight
Woke up super thirsty.
Wild berry milkshake for breakfast - actually quite yummy!
Thai soup for lunch - yummy again.
Horrified to discover in the online forum that the odd mint that I've been having may have had a great effect on my weight loss...mints???
My stomach is getting used to being hungry...not feeling so sick and grumbly anymore.
Day Three
Horrible headache in the morning
Very thirsty indeed
Day Four
Difficult day
Bored and wanting real food
Day Five
Ate a 3 chips and a small amount of batter...stolen from boyf plate
Day Six
Toffee milkshake for lunch when boyf is eating pasty - really bored.
Outing to the theatre - I have a pint of soda water and gaze at people's wine glasses.
Day Seven
Change from fast track (550 cals a day) to regular (88o cals a day) where I can eat a meal a day on top of the 4 packs. The meal is made up from a very limited list of allowed foods. I have watercress, spinach, radishes, celery and 3oz of cottage cheese. It's the most divine meal I have ever had...
Day Eight
Woke up super thirsty.
Wild berry milkshake for breakfast - actually quite yummy!
Thai soup for lunch - yummy again.
Horrified to discover in the online forum that the odd mint that I've been having may have had a great effect on my weight loss...mints???
My stomach is getting used to being hungry...not feeling so sick and grumbly anymore.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
Weird Diet Day One
I attempted hot water in the morning but could only manage a few sips.
8am - breakfast was a weird berry milkshake and real coffee with a splash of milk.
I've been drinking decaff instant black coffee so far which is lovely, I used to drink it like this and I love the bitter taste in my mouth.
First craving for real food around 10am this morning but using my stopwatch helped (a craving only lasts between 8-12 mins; once you're over that it goes away...apparently).
I attempted hot water in the morning but could only manage a few sips.
8am - breakfast was a weird berry milkshake and real coffee with a splash of milk.
I've been drinking decaff instant black coffee so far which is lovely, I used to drink it like this and I love the bitter taste in my mouth.
First craving for real food around 10am this morning but using my stopwatch helped (a craving only lasts between 8-12 mins; once you're over that it goes away...apparently).
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