blip

  • Second Summer

    154 2011

    I was concerned that we had had our Summer. That lovely week in April was a hint at glorious possibilities. And then, in a breath, it was gone.

    Okay. Perhaps in a gale!

    And now it’s back. And in true Scots mood I would say it’s almost too hot. But I was stuck inside for most of it. Working.

    But a dog walk tonight and then a Dr Who catch up accompanied by a fine Chianti, made up for the trouble.

    Roll on the Summer!

  • House for Sale

    153 2011

    Compact and bijou rooftop accommodation. One room. Good condition. Nearby amenities.

    In the ample grounds of a four/five bedroom house in a nice location in Arbroath, which also happens to be for sale… if anyone wants one. :-)

  • Future Shock

    152 2011

    There are so many times I would like to have lived through, and for each no doubt as many reasons why I would rather not! But I can’t complain about today.

    Alvin Toffler described future shock (more or less, so forgive me if it’s not a quote) as the sensation gained from experiencing too much change in too short a time!

    Personally, I love it! Give me more!

  • Sunset on May

    151 2011

    Today I talked too much. But it was final pitch day. Exciting times ahead if it all works out.

    So to be out and about this evening enjoying the clear skies, all calm and peaceful, knowing that the tumult and chaos of recent days is behind us… well, it’s nicely relaxing.

    The sun goes down on one hell of a busy month. I’d like a day off now please!

  • Twilight Power

    150 2011

    Today it was reported that unannounced figures, whatever they may be, suggested that the world is producing record levels of greenhouse gases. This, despite our continued efforts to reduce our effluence in precisely that area!

    I think we must do more. Use less.

    As a father to three young girls, I find it difficult to think what shape our planet will he in when they are my age. So much changes, so quickly. I don’t want us to pillage this world before they have a chance to save it.

  • We're Gonna Need a Bigger Kite

    149 2011

    What a lovely day. Sun shining. Nice and warm. Looks like Summer is trying to return.

    Oh, and 30mph and higher winds!

    Nothing else for it, time to get the kite out…

    Then food. And now Dr Who…

  • Peace Go With You, Brother

    148 2011

    Gil Scott-Heron (1 April 1949 - 27 May 2011)

    I first heard Scott-Heron in my early teens. His Winter in America album remains for me one of the greatest recordings of it’s generation, a classic that resonated with me then as it does now. The work of a master poet and songwriter.

    The first song I heard of his, Peace Go With You, Brother, seems apt today. If you have not heard his works, or listened to his lyrics, I commend him to you.

    Rest in peace, Gil Scott-Heron.

  • Work Work

    147 2011

    Had a very busy week, so a corporate theme seemed fitting. More living to work than working to live at the moment. Gotta do something about that…

    Back blipped. See, too busy to post on the day! Either that or I forgot last night!

  • Toast

    146 2011

    Some days you are the bread, and others the filling. And some days, just toast!

  • K.I.S.S.I.N.G.

    145 2011

    Two things for today.

    First, sometimes it’s better to give in and do nothing than keep at it. Although I have my regrets about catching some of that dreadful school drama thing on the telly! That’s 20 minutes of my life I feel will never be redeemed.

    Secondly, companies that offer high quality support are worth every penny in the times when the support is not needed! Perhaps even more.

    Dull blip tonight, but heh the world’s karma balance is topsy-turvy, so learn from the philosophers Logan & Preston and be excellent to each other! I can vouch for the results.

  • Sunset on the Law

    144 2011

    The aftermath of the storms was being addressed in Dundee today. Many trees fallen or damaged, at least one car written off, and carpets of leaves across many paths.

    And this evening, peace in Angus. Dickmontlaw bathed in the sunset, with no hint of yesterday’s gales.

    And in-between… mostly I have been drinking coffee and timetabling. Each of these tasks wholly and inseparably interlinked.

  • Imperfect Storm

    143 2011

    Our life and nation was shaken today by 100mph winds. My shoreline jaunt was more of a battle than a stroll.

    But as things settle down on the sleepy east coast, the air feels clearer, the world cleaner. The chaos fades, and normality will no doubt return soon enough.

  • Calm Before the Storm

    142 2011

    Tomorrow is expected to be tempestuous.

    Today we rested. Catching up with The Shadow Line. Pretty decent thriller, brilliantly shot and with great accompanying soundtrack. Recommended.

    Until tomorrow…

  • Shades of Japan

    141 2011

    Out for a tasty steak dinner after hearing Kengo Kuma talk about his architecture in Dundee. His keen use of local materials and interest in blending in with the environment is truly inspirational. I have high hopes for the V&A Dundee project, and look forward to blipping the building in 2015!

  • Bipolar

    140 2011

    Me by Spike Milligan

    Born screaming small into this world-
    Living I am.
    Occupational therapy twixt birth and death-
    What was I before?
    What will I be next?
    What am I now?
    Cruel answer carried in the jesting mind
    of a careless God
    I will not bend and grovel
    When I die. If He says my sins are myriad
    I will ask why He made me so imperfect
    And he will say ‘My chisels were blunt’
    I will say ‘Then why did you make so
    many of me’.

  • Helping Hand?

    139 2011

    Anyone know how to solve unsolvable problems? They are fun to play with, but it seems I have a deadline to miss tomorrow.

    I have enrolled in the Douglas Adams School of Deadline Appreciation - the accelerated learning programme…

    Heh ho, it will soon be the weekend! :-)

  • Byte of Power

    138 2011

    Embrace your inner geek… then simple things can make you happy.

    Tonight I shall sleep soundly knowing that my ‘puter at work is busy all night dutifully carrying out calculations for me, all so that I might rest!

    And I go to sleep with optimism (having not long ago checked in to make sure all is well) that tomorrow will bring only pleasant surprises… Fingers crossed!

    It’s been a busy year/month/week/day/evening but the battery is fully charged!

  • Wired

    137 2011

    Too many hours staring at too many screens… leaves me both tired and wired.

    Gzzzkt…night!

  • Pwnd

    136 2011

    Treading water at the moment, when it comes to my to do list… Just when things look like they are clearing up, along comes a beast from the shadows…

    That sounds a bit miserable, but to be honest I probably manufacture the situation for myself, so I must enjoy it really!

    The first rule of deadlines is… when it looks like you might make it with time to spare… procrastinate!

  • Set the Controls...

    135 2011

    Not sure I should have had the weekend off, but it sure was relaxing!

    Family meals, Samurai movies, Dr Who, car stuff, cakes, and dog walking. All the stuff that makes a happy me…

    But now time to focus. Set the controls for the heart of the Sun!