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Unemployed - official

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

I realised this morning, whilst travelling back from Gatwick, that today I am officially unemployed.

That's because Cranfield only paid me to the 30th May and I start with my new employer tomorrow.

It has been a very long day as I was up early helping Mum and Dad pack before getting the train to Gatwick to check them in, and then heading back home again.

Of course this meant I passed my new office twice today. That made me a little nervous as did parting with the best part of £216 for my months rail ticket!

It really was lovely to see Mum and Dad and to have them stay with us. So often we meet in Devon and I don't feel they ever get a proper break when we stay.

The weather could have been better (much better), but Mum and Dad thanked me today for a nice break and they delightedly informed me they had a lovely trip.

I think the trip when far too quickly though and it hasn't been helped by my mood swings over the past week and a half. I guess this was due to the transition between old job and new job.

I still don't entirely know what to expect tomorrow but at least I have two days to do the meet and greet before I start proper on Monday (I hope).

Richard is travelling home tomorrow evening so I won't actually see much of him to discuss my new job so I may just have to share my thoughts online. He's coming back on Saturday and I know I'll be lost without him, I always am.

At least Brandy and Jerry can keep me company (now they have their house back) and I'm am due to meet Liz for a coffee on Saturday.

Oh well, wish me luck for tomorrow!

PS does anyone know how I can get my XP Dell to recognise my DVD drives? The damn things has screwed up again. The Dell Support is hopeless and I cannot get into the BIOS settings etc. to try and figure it out :( I won't be getting Vista!

[Listening to: Nothing Has Been Proved - Dusty Springfield - Reputation (4:42)]

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Suddenly Monday er.. Tuesday

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Ok so it's Tuesday, two days before I start my new job and I still haven't had much time to think about it.

My parents are still here (they fly back tomorrow), so I have plenty of things to occupy me at present. It's a shame the weather has been so poor though as we could have done some more days out - then again they have been to see the venue for the Big Event, been shopping, wandered around Tring, took a stroll along the Thames in Henley before heading in to Wycombe for more shopping - so it's not been a total loss.

The weather doesn't look like it's going to pick up today so I imagine we'll have another quiet day. I did invite them up for a relaxing break anyway and I am sure this has been achieved.

What wasn't planned this weekend was my purchase of a (white) PSP. I decided to get one as there are some great deals on at present, I had some money from my old employer (as a leaving gift), and I thought it would give me something else to do during my commute.

What I didn't expect was Richard to buy one!

I've made plenty of complaints about games consoles and the people who play them in the past but I can assure you that this really will be used when I am traveling. Obviously I have tried it out this weekend but at least with my PSP I have the option of listening to music, watching TV, films or playing the odd game.

I need to get myself a copy of Outrun 2006 though as Richard got it in his bundle and I think it's excellent.

Right, I'd better go, it sounds as if Mum and Dad are waking up!

Oh yes, regarding the post from Brandy... She has just about recovered from the trip to the vets - in fact the vaccination knocked them both out for two days. I can safely say that they are back on form though!

BTW If you are a Pet Shop Boys fan you should check out the excellent concert/interview that was broadcast on Radio 2 at the weekend. (It comes offline this week so you will have to be quick!)

Pet Shop Boys Live from the album "Fundamental - Radio 2" by Pet Shop Boys

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The indignity!

Friday, May 26, 2006

Oh the indignity! Not only was I rudely awoken this morning, I was man handled, thrown into this little plastic box and carted off like some unwanted live stock! I was so nervous I wet myself.

The best of it that I had to suffer being pawed by some hairy oaf who reliably informed my daddy that I am half a kilo heavier than Jerry! Oh the shame :(

Still I got my own back. As soon as that vet person put the needle in my neck I decided to take a swipe at him, I missed but it still felt great.

So I am home, with Jerry and am dictating this from the sanctuary that is the bottom of the bed spread.

Maybe he (Trunk Guy), will buy us some decent food as an apology? I doubt it!

- Brandy (aged 7 and apparently 5 kilos)

No Acid - Black Cat from the album "Rhythm Nation 1814" by Janet Jackson

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Flowered!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

That's it I am cream crackered!

I have spent the day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and am wiped out.

As ever it's been a very enjoyable day but a long one which was not helped by the occasional heavy downpour.

I purchased a number of tulips (which are featured amongst my photographs), for the garden and have made lots of enquiries regarding what flowers would be available for the Big Event in October.

I also purchased a new gizmo for the local wildlife - a bird feeder which you fill with wool or animal hair. This is used by tits etc. to nest. Once it stops raining I will hang it outside and see how they take to it.

An edited selection of photographs from my day are available on Flickr, let me know what you think?

The Sodom and Gomorrah Show (Demo) from the album "Fundamentalism (bonus disc)" by Pet Shop Boys

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Calm before the storm

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Well we had a house full of people at the weekend (more details about this are in Trunk Cast 41) and I think Richard and I have just about got used to our usual state of peace. This isn't about to last though as my parents fly in today so I am up early in an attempt to make sure the house is tidy and to catch the train to Gatwick to collect them.

At least it won't be as manic as having three children running about the house.

I get to escape tomorrow though as I am paying my annual visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I just hope the weather cheers up a bit otherwise I am going to get very wet :(

Right, I'd better go, I need to hoover and have a shower...

[Listening to: The Pageant Of The Bizarre - Zero 7 - The Garden (4:21)]

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*Trunk Cast 41

Monday, May 22, 2006

Episode 41 Sun, Sex, Sin, Death and Destruction

Well not really! Just a run down of a very busy week, visitors past and present, leaving my job and the release of Fundamentalism.

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (41)" : Trunk Guy]

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Aaaggghhh!

Typical isn't it! The day I want to listen to Fundamental whilst at home on my PC and the CD/DVD drives decide to pack up. How do you install drivers when the CD/DVD drives are not recognized?

Anyway this is not the end of the world as I was listening to Fundamentalism whilst ironing this morning (my parents are arriving tomorrow so I thought it best to make a good impression!).

So far my favourite track from CD 1 (Fundamental) is Minimal - especially the harp section at the end. This is very reminiscent of Behaviour.

Of course all is not lost as my normal computer use and iPod connection is achieved through my Mac and that (no surprises here) is working perfectly...

As you are all aware it's been a busy weekend for me with a busier week and a half ahead - I do intend on finding some time to pod cast this afternoon so watch this space...

[Listening to: Minimal - Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental (4:20)]

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Zero!

Friday, May 19, 2006

0, zero, naught - no more days left at Cranfield School of Management. I leave my job today and am starting my new one at the beginning of June.

I will be sad to go and I will miss lots of people and aspects of the job but I am looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that my new role will bring.

At least this means you won't have to read or listen to blog and pod cast entries moaning about the traffic (specifically the M1!).

Today my life takes another turn.

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iSay!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

I was listening in to Archers latest pod cast (it does feel like you are listening in as the show consists of a Skype conversation between Archer and Andrew from iSay iSay iSay) and was very surprised and flattered to get a mention.

I look forward to being Archered in the not too distant future.

As ever Andrew and Archer are producing excellent pod cats which you should check out (of course after you have heard my Trunk Cast, naturally!).

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I want...

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Time to start whining like a small child...

I want one, I want one, I want one! (I'll take mine in black please - thank you!)

...and I'll take a side order of Ben Cohen dropping his trousers live on This Morning!

Phowar!

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Progressing well...

I have progressed with my latest painting and as you can see there are several new elements.

I did paint in a palm tree but it swiftly got painted out again!

This is by no means finished but I thought I would share it with you.

I have a number of mental images and photographs from time spent in the Caribbean to use as my inspiration.

I am not sure if I will make the image any busier... I guess time (and inspiration), will tell.

Please excuse the flash reflection in the middle of the painting!

(First draft available here)

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A plea!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

If you listen to Trunk Cast 40 you will understand that there may be a break in "transmission"...

I have received a number of requests for Richard to appear on the show and would love to produce a question and answer session with Richard for the return show.

I am mentioning this as I would love you guys to get involved. If you can think of any questions to put to Richard (how he feels about the pod cast, what he sees in me! etc.), please e-mail me and I will compile a script including the best questions.

Don't forget you can talk to me/leave me a voice mail via Skype (trunkguy), leave me a voice message via Odeo or join my Frappr map.

If you have not heard my pod cast before, jump to the pod cast page for episode information and listen via iTunes.

Come on, join in the Trunk flavoured fun! ;oP

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The wonders of Photo Shop

It's amazing what can be achieved with Photo Shop.

How many of you didn't realise this is what Madonna looks like before all the digital jiggery pokery is applied?

Thanks to Flipsy over at Glitter for Brains for sharing the real truth ;)

On a less stomach churning note...

I purchased a couple new large (ish) canvases as I wanted to paint some more landscapes. I enjoyed painting the Niagara view so much I have the taste for larger work now!

I could have gone mad and bought a huge canvas but I have decided not to do that until a) I feel truly confident and b) I have something I definitely want to paint.

Anyway... I took one of the canvases yesterday and literally painted what inspired me and I have ended up with a tropical beach scene. I have stopped the painting for the moment as I have been decided what to paint in the foreground. After digging out my big box of Caribbean photographs (I have been lucky enough to have visited the Caribbean years ago as I have family in St Lucia), I have a few ideas of what can go into this shot.

This photo isn't particularly great as I took it with my phone but you get the idea. As a basic concept I really like it and as it's grey and horrible today I plan to stick on some ambient music and continue painting.

[Listening to: Girls Don't Cry - Pet Shop Boys - I'm With Stupid - EP (2:43)]

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Candid Camera

Saturday, May 13, 2006

I have uploaded a couple new photos to My Photos and restructured the menu ;)

[Listening to: Miserabilism - Moby Electro Mix - Pet Shop Boys - PopArt - Mix (5:35)]

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*Trunk Cast 40

Episode 40 Life begins...

40 shows full of highs and lows.
40 shows how fast the time goes.
40 shows...

40 SHOWS!!!

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (40)" : Trunk Guy]

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It's too nice

Friday, May 12, 2006

It's far too nice to go to the office today... I wish I didn't have to.

The birds are singing, the trees are full of blossom and everyone seems happy. You cannot beat England in the spring time.

At least I have a short day today and I am out straight after work tonight.

I hope the weather holds for the weekend. I just might spend some time in the garden painting.

[Listening to: I'm With Stupid (PSB Maxi-Mix) - Pet Shop Boys - I'm With Stupid (8:15)]

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It's always dark in...

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Your exercise for this evening:

L I S T E N

Positive feed back is expected in no less than 50 words ;)

:)

(Luna Park is my current favourite :) although I am glad to have been part of the Twentieth Century)

It is kind of cool that The Resurrectionist does talk about my new walk to work ;)

The Resurrectionist from the album "I'm with stupid" by Pet Shop Boys

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Bom Dia!

Sunday, May 07, 2006

It's been a relaxing weekend and it all kicked off Friday night when we had dinner with Dan and Rowin.

The weather hasn't been excellent this weekend but it's still enabled us to get around and to chill out.

Richard is at the gym this afternoon and I have just completed a few chores around the house. There are some new blinds in the bathroom and a new curtain in the dining room (you would not believe how curtains get damaged due to claws and fur!)

At least I am not spending the weekend dismantling and rebuilding my shed - as our lesbian neighbours are. Is it a lesbian thing to remove contents from something (such as a shed) and then put it all back again? This is the fourth week in a row they have done this!

I wouldn't mind but the smell from her cigar is disturbing my enjoyment of Bom Dia!

I'll never understand lesbians! ;P

[Listening to: Bom Dia - As Meninas - Bom Dia (4:32)]

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Ricky (Pudding Bowl) Martin

Saturday, May 06, 2006

I am sorry to be so blunt but, what the fuck has Ricky Martin done to his hair?

And here we all thought Ricky was a closet homosexual - maybe this travesty of a hair cut is the Latin cuties way of throwing us off the scent?

Maybe it would be an idea to gather a posse, tie him down and shave it off. Any volunteers?

(Actually thinking about it... maybe it's an emergency hair cut due to a nasty pre show backstage accident involving his lovers jolly juice? :P )

This certainly does not make me want to Shake my bon Bon!

(Has any one else noticed the disturbing amount of hair related blog entries there have been lately!)

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*Trunk Cast 39

Episode 39 The Sun has got his hat on (and it's from Prada)

At last it's sunny, Spring has sprung, the birds are singing, the trees are in bloom and there is a kick in my step.

Why can't the weather be like this all the time?

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (39)" : Trunk Guy]

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Shorn!

Friday, May 05, 2006

I am not sure if the barber was concentrating fully.

At least it's warm enough for my hair to be this short.

(But not shorn this much!)

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For 'A'...

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Mee me me me me

Me mee meee mee mee me me me

Mee mee meeee me me me mee me

Me mee

Me

(Yes it's one of those days!)

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...and relax

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

I love spring evenings in the garden.

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Unbelievable!

If I needed proof of why I am leaving my current employer, I got it today:

A mail was sent to all staff to inform them that myself and someone else in my office was leaving and there would be a collection/card (surely we shouldn't have received this email?).

Anyway I was quite disgusted to learn that the Manager who sent the message, managed to put the wrong company name of whom I am moving too.

Because of this I have had to correct a number of people who have emailed as a result of the incorrect information. (Most of the people who commented on the error also noted this was typical of my Managers incompetence and that of the department..)

I did point out the mistake to my Manager but the error was simply brushed aside.

I decided not to take any further action with the necessary authority as it would only make me look petty and my Manager look silly.

What does annoy me is that someone in a position of authority can make such a small but important mistake, not own up to what they have done and ignore it.

In the end, as I said; I don't look stupid as a result of this cock up, it simply highlights why I am moving on...

On a more positive note: I love the new Apple ad campaigns... Funny how the PC reminds me of some nerdy head of some software developer! ;)

[Listening to: Unbelievable - EMF - Best of...]

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Look out!

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

I have been waiting with baited breath for some glimpse of the latest Janet album and now I have it...

I knew the album would pay some homage to Control and Janet's 20 year career but I wasn't quite expecting Weekend.

I really am not sure about this track... The elements of Control and Miss You Much are kind of cool but to me it just doesn't gel together.

The lyrics are rather poor too - nearly as bad as Madonna's woeful I Love New York (I said nearly!).

Thankfully this isn't a future single~~, rather a sneak preview from the album but after playing it five times, I don't want to dance. I want to stop my ears bleeding. I do hope the rest of 20 years is better than this.~~

~~To find out what I am banging on about, click here and listen to Janet's Surprise.~~ Sorry the tracks been removed!

UPDATE - Hurrah, Janet has just announced this isn't part of the new album - PHEW!

[Listening to: Weekend - Janet Jackson - 20 Years (4:45)]

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