Two Whole Weeks

So the past two weeks I have been experiencing what its like to be a 'bum'.

I left Calor Gas Friday week ago as it was the end of my placement year and I had to move over to allow another student to enjoy the fruits of Calor. I'm not going back to uni this year. Unemployment is not an option, I like my luxuries and having my own money, plus the parentals would royally kick my arse!

It must be something hammered into me when I was growning up. Not to be laying around the house all day doing nothing. Its funny when your stuck in work when its busy, you pine for a day off, but the past week I have been looking for things to keep myself busy. Today I feel rather accomplished, not laying in bed until early (or late) after noon. Called to the shop to get a few pieces and came back and started cleaning! What the heck! I'm going to have to undo all the cleaning I did. Cant have my mum knowing that I can wash dishes and use the hoover, iron, mop and tidy. I might be asked to do it more often - Scary!

I start my new job on Monday morning but dont know how long I will last, I haven't done anything of this sort before. I start work trying to sell insurance for a reputable insurance company. This is only temporary until further life plans unfold. Watch this space!

Templeton

Ruth Dunlop and Philip Moore exchanged wedding vows yesterday. I used to work with Ruth in Calor where she was in the Human Resources department. Just before I left Calor an invite for the wedding party was received. This was at the Templeton in Templepatrick.

The bizzare thing that kept us amused a little more than it should have was a girl who was the spitting image of Noel Fielding from The Mighty Boosh.

Also a disappointing defeat in the first Magners League rugby match which saw The Ulster Men go down 9 - 16 to Llanelli Scarlets at Ravenhill last night.

Wow, What?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm writing regarding my growing concern for the seasons of the year. I would be altering the truth if I was to say I remembered everything I was taught at school. However, throughout 17 years of education I have been led to believe that there were four seasons; Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

The season in question is Summer. This is supposed to be the season of rest. Families leave on annual leave, summer relaxed attitude at work and most important, sunny days out. I know I'm not ignorant enough not to recognise what the sun is. Although I question greatly on the location of the sun during the Summer months. Has it been misplaced? Put in a cupboard and forgotten about? Or too dam lazy to make an appearance? If found, please return!

For the lack of sun, I believe that summer has been skipped altogether. I feel the seasons have skipped to three, Spring Autumn and Winter. I request further cut backs in the seasons to be publicly announced as it sure does cause confusion to the rest of us trying to figure out what season we are currently in.

Yours Sincerely

A sun appreciating, cold student!

August - Early September

This is the part where I write some inspirational piece of text that I will look back on and smile.

I'm having a little 'realisation' time about a few things. I sometimes sit down and review situations and events in my head that when i think about over and over i realise certain aspects about life and get reminded that we shape our own futures and it doesnt really matter whats going on around the world or what people think about things that your doing, but the main thing is that your enjoying live to the fullest. its like towards the end of the live you want to go out with a bang and be able to truely say that you dont regret A SINGLE THING that you done in your life, and that you made sure that you had a 100% awesome time and enjoyed ever minute of life.

I heard on a Radio chat show about an elderly man was on the Radio complaining about how secure he feels in his own country. The story pretty much fell on rascism, and kindly pointed out that everyone is bound to have some sort of racisim towards other nationalities/religions. I would like to take this opportunity before I go further that I am not racist or biggot. Everyone bleeds the same blood, therefore everyone has a right to live and share this land.

As it seems slightly tangent, this got me thinking about how shallow people are and can be. One thing Im going to bring to light is age. One thing that people will always comment is on age when it comes to forming friendships and relationships. I.e. stereo typically, the man is older than the lady, or its very rare that the lady is older than the man, some folk look down upon it. But what is age really? Its just a number after all. Some may say about looking for someone your own age. Before recent weeks I wouldnt have thought much about this argument. Recently I have had my eyes opened and had a few realisation times. Mainly this point of this post, age doesn't matter, its just a number. There is no law or judgement on who you connect with. Personally I believe age does not matter in one bit. What does matter is happiness, contentness, and overall fun. It's also an added bonus if the other person understands what your trying to say even though no one else would.

Awesome August Part 1

Ok so there is a severe lack in activity on my part in this blog, but its not that anyone reads it, so its near enough a 'cobweb' in tekky talk.

Since I've last been on a few changes have been made in my life. I am currently in limbo between jobs. I have left Calor Gas as my time there had to sadly come to an end. Those guys know how to party! We had a night out in belfast. Pretty much cant remember a lot about it, but the photos suggest that it was a sweet time! There are photos on my Bebo and shortly on Facebook of the night.

August was a memorable month. Not only did I leave Calor, I also lost my festival virginity to V Festival 2008.This was an unbelievable experience that has left me with great memories and experiences. I now know the importance of trying to sneak in alcohol at all costs, and must remember any more festivals to bring more food as the food in the arena is sky rocket price! There are photos on Bebo and Facebook (yet again I will post links to). Over the course of the weekend we had the pleasure and delight to see bands such as The Feeling, Shed 7, Girls Aloud, Little Man Tate, Lenny Kravitz, Kaiser Chiefs, LostProphets, Alanis Morrisett, Kings of Leon, The Zutons, Newton Faulkner, Stereophonics and The Prodigy. All of these artists and bands rocked in their own special way, but the main bands and artists that made it for me were Newton Faulkner, LostProphets, Kaiser Chiefs, Stereophonics and The Prodigy. I am now listening to more Lenny Kravits and listening out for Little Man Tate. I urge anyone and everyone to go and live the festival experience!

As unfortuneatley for us, we chose to camp in the campsite that was furthest away from the carpark, over a few rolling fields and down some dirt tracks, however this paid off as our campsite was the closest to the arena main gate. A short detour around a fence, across the track and we were at the arena gates. Proven useful for the Saturday night as the heavens decided to unleash 3 weeks of rain upon us over a matter of a few hours. That didnt matter, the crowd was still pumping to the Kaiser Chiefs!

Definately recommend the festival experience to everyone!

Lazy Public Holiday!

I had been looking forward for a few days off for a while now, I may be taking more since I have worked up 15 days which need to be taken before the 29th August when my contract ends. So it was a quiet 12th weekend. Apart from a small minority in Rasharkin disturbing the usual progressions on the 12th of July.

It has been full of nothing for me. Nothing in the sense of not accomplishing much or making the effort to accomplish much. Started on Thursday night, I went into town with Keith after work and got, what I call lame excuse for hair, cut. Impulsively purchased some dumbbells in Argos. There was a clearance sale and I was thinking about getting them for a while. So if any one spots me doing a John Wayne impression, you will understand.

Friday night I lay low in the house. It had been a while since I took the liberty of a quiet night in, especially at the weekend. I even managed to watch the previous Sunday episode of Top Gear. Also surfed YouTube for the Top Gear Special Movie in America.

Saturday I told myself that under no circumstances was I for watching the parade. A short phone call from Kenny persuaded me to go and stand with them. We got talk at the side of the road and commented on how a lot of 'Loyal Supporters' walking in the parade looked ecstatic to be part of the annual march of loyalism. It was Alyssa's second parade, and for a small kid, she seemed to handle the battering of the lambegs pretty well! Kenny produced quite an interesting and true point. I asked in conversation if they (They being Kenny, his fiánce Laura, and their two year old daughter Alyssa) had been to the bonfire the previous night. He expressed his views:

"No I disagree with the burning of the Irish flag. At the end of the day they are a country of millions of people we have never met. Why is it socially acceptable to burn a flag in this country but when Iraqi's do it to the American flag its on the news? Its a disgrace"

Which really got me thinking that this is vitally true, like the comment of funding terrorists. As soon as a few terrorists 'act out' towards America, they go on a 'red light' security mode. The point I have to make, as a citizen of Northern Ireland, terrorists have been holding this country hostage and 'acting' out and showing their existence for the past 40 years! Has there been any evidence of other nations and countries providing any sort of aid towards the victims of this terrorism?

With my little point of view over, I relished in American brands today such as Subway and Starbucks, man that dark fruppacino is awesome!

Played monopoly at Andy's house on Monday night. This game is purely evil which brings out horrible traits in everyone! I have never witnessed these people who are usually calm in nature, go off the rails! A certain female pretty much brought her claws out and proclaimed that Graeme, Andy and myself were being shovanist by not dealing property with the females in the game. Now thats just uncool there Miss B! You didnt have the property to trade that we wanted! Needless to say, I won!

Musical Abilities

I thought I would take a few minutes to post this picture

Yes, they have been expressing musical talent again. Last week, Christine and Andrew performed with a few other groups in the Kings Head in Belfast. They attended a music course for the past year which involved them working with other musicians both professionals and musically minded people who would like a slice of the music scene. They were fortunate to play with a drummer and bassist who both have played for the likes of Duke Special and Foy Vance . CD will be released shortly!

Deflated!

I cant help but notice today dragging in. Its like the minute timer on the clock hasnt changed in a considerable amount of time. Due to this lack of movement in time, I have taken it upon myself to hide all the clocks in the office with the wished for home time to arrive a little bit quicker! Mind games with myself. Yes I am bored enoug to play mind games on myself!

My new contract in work started today. I am no longer a Student Placement, I am a full time temporary employee until the end of August. Dont know what I want to do with myself then, I guess I shall look for other jobs in the mean time.

First order of the day, we had to replace routers from an ISP service to another company's router as for circumstances we had to switch. I given the job of installing the routers. First up was distribution site. Where I was working, is around the back of the building, in a small store, dusty as hell and noisey as there was a compresser motor that kept knocking on and off. Then was at the Filling plant. It was really dusty and dirty too which didnt do a lot of wonders for my hayfever. Also the security guard really got on my nerves! His hearing aid kept giving out a constant high pitched squeal. I dont think he realised it was working right. He also stood right behind me, nearly on top of me, looking and watching at what I was doing. I wouldnt have minded this if he had kept the reasonable gap of 3 inches away from me. Body odour was radiating from his body like nothing I had smelt before (ok well Ming Ding that came into the shop was worse, but thats another story!).

As the saying goes "I must have been bad in my past life"

Friday

So here we are at the end of another week. End of the working week and the 22nd week of the year. 71 days until V-Festival. Its been quite an uneventful week. But on a brighter note, I got a call from Chris this morning. He was on a bus to a town just outside Melbourne. Glad to have heard to know that they're keeping good.

On another note the Young Farmers do is tonight. Craig wont be there untill 11pm so I have to set up myself, talk about being thrown in at the deep end! Ive half a clue what to do so wish me luck!

Asking for Punishment

Most people try to avoid punishment throughout the day. It just seems that I seek it!

Anyway, so back to thinking a bit more about life, and how fragile it is. Its a wonder how we dont hear about deaths and illnesses more often. Though last weekend and this week has been pretty weird were things and life are concerned. On Friday night, I was with a friend pretty much all evening. He disappeared to Australia for a year. Weve known each other for 6 or 7 years and have always been there for each other. So he left on Saturday morning. But on the up-side, he cant stay any longer than a year as his visa will run out, therefore having no other choice but to come back for a while! lol

Saturday was spent waiting a ridiculous amount of time to get my hair attended to. Was tempted to walk away and leave it for another week but it was getting bad! When I eventually made it into the barbers (it was queued out the door!) I managed to sit down in front of the slowest barber! I could almost swear that she took 35 mins to run a razor around my head! This meant I was late for a bit of tennis with Graeme. Though thinking on it, im kind of glad that i was late, it was roasting and i would have been completely shattered after it! About time I cranked up the fitness anyway.

Saturday evening I met up with a person (whom I will keep anonymous for the time being) and we went to the beach. Managed to get a few nice photos of the sunset. So we took a walk and we sat down and began to chat about a few things. Sometimes the worst thing is not knowing what to say to someone after hearing a bit of news. This person broke down infront of me, sobed and cried, then opened up about a few things. I never pictured to see this person cry, they always had their 'comfort walls' built up pretty high. They informed me that they were currently being tested for MS. The thought of it had frightened them so much that they could not bear to think about it.

I received news on Monday night that the ministers youngest daughter was knocked down in Portrush on Sunday evening. She was being kept in as there was a lot of concern for her stomach. Her younger brother witnessed it happening and he was overcome by shock of it all. Thankfully she is Ok, and was released from hospital.

A guy in work is due to go to the Foo Fighters gig on Friday at Wembley Arena. Yet again disaster strikes. He managed to pick up a chest infection over the weekend. Also his mother collapsed from a heart attack and is currently in hospital.

Makes you appreciate life, doesnt it?

Fragile Life

On 15th May 2008, a biking legend stepped up to the practice for Saturdays annual North West 200 road race. Robert Dunlop was a continually rising star in the sport until events in 1994. During a race on the Isle of Man Formula One TT, the back wheel of his 750cc motorbike disintegrated resulting in multiple and devastating injuries. Many people claim that he was lucky to live after the accident.

On Thursday night, the fatal accident happened in the 250cc qualifying as the riders approached the Mathers Cross section of the course. The engine on his motorcycle seized and he was subsequently thrown over the handlebars at approximately 160mph. As he crashed, a following rider - Darren Burns - collided with him suffering a broken leg and concussion in the accident. Dunlop was taken to Causeway Hospital in Coleraine before succumbing to his injuries shortly after 10pm.

Robert Dunlop died at doing what he always loved and done. His brother, Joey Dunlop, also died while racing in Estonia in 2000.

Prayers and thoughts go out to the Dunlop family circle at this time. Especially his wife and sons, Louise, William, Michael and Daniel.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7403981.stm

Underestimated Beauty?

I've lived in this country all my life. Been to a few countries on holidays, but never felt that I really appreciated this land I call 'Home'. Ive taken a bit of a habit lately of taking photos of places that I visit. The more recent was Ballycastle, not exactly the hip place to be.

I met up with someone and we decided to head to Ballycastle for ice cream (the ice cream is still an out standing order!) We took a stroll on the beach and at the end we spotted a bridge that streched over some rocks. There are photos on my Facebook page (link below).

We perched ourselves on the rocks and decided to stay and watch the sunset. After taking a few photos I realised how the surroundings of Northern Ireland are taken for granted. Anyway, I hope to add more photos to the miniture collection!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112511&l=6b01d&id=569030474

As Much as Humanely Possible

"Christians that unite and stand together, are strong Christians"

I read this earlier from a 'Daily Bread' booklet on Colin's dinner table this morning.

I can confirm that this weekend has totally rocked any other public holiday weekends that I can remember! Caroline and myself took off on a road trip to Cork to visit her brother, his wife Sunhwa and their son Aidan.

Colin works full time as a missionary on the boats that dock in Cork. Mainly on bulk vessels and container ships. I had met the guy that previously worked as a missionary on the boats. Walter Burrel. As time caught up, Walter could no longer operate his work, and the post was offered to Colin. Colin courageously steps on board (with the appropriate permission) to speak to the ships crew, and spread the Good word. When I heard of this at first, it sounded to me that it was an easy job. Go onto a few ships a week, give a short talk to the crew about God and what he does for us, then leave.

On our trip to Cork, Colin showed us a few of the boats that he had been on before, and asked if we would like to come on board with him. Immediately I am aware how hard this guys work is. Not everyone is so glad to hear about God's word, so they get angry at Colin talking. He told us that its not uncommon for captain and crew members to shout at him until he leaves. The first obvious difficulty is hatred. Are they fearful of what they hear? Do they fear to be ridiculed for having a Bible on board?

The other difficulty would be the language barrier. To help, Colin tries to speak a little language to see how well they can communicate. He carries a child's colouring book with him, to demonstrate that without God in our lives, our books are empty. But with God in our lives, it can become colourful and illustrated.

Luckily the ships that we were on, they were not angry for us to board, but they seemed to have little or no time to listen. The good sign is that we were able to spot a few stickers on board that indicated that there have been other missionaries on board before.

This caused me to take a good look at my own life. These guys spend months on end out at see, they maybe never think or receive the word of God. But yet I have this all around me with friends and family being quite involved in the Church and activities. This trip has really opened my eyes on the lengths that people will go to answer and to deliver God's word. If I have this all around me, why cant I make this step, before its too late? More and more Ive been thinking about how precious and vulnerable life itself is. The things that God has done for us, you don't have to step far from your front door to realise this beauty, its in everything!

There is something I have to do. Tonight. It cant be left any longer. I'm wasting precious life by not.

Crushed Feelings?

No matter who it is, there's a 99% chance that people regret doing things, no matter how large or small. Some people regret getting tattoos, people may regret saying the wrong thing or carrying out wrong actions.

Its a bit personal to be writting onto a blog, but its the only method of 'release'. I cant exactly tell the person I am closest to as we seem to be doing a lot of argueing these days and this may add to the heated debate. Back to the matter on my mind.

Little less than a year ago I encountered a young lady when I was picking my flat mate up from a night out. They invited me in to sit in the restaurant while they finished their drinks. The conversation was flowing between people, though I only spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear when I was asked a question. One lady in particular caught my attention that night. She was beautiful! Needless to say, over the events that happened 1 month or so after that night, I had a chance to make something of this attraction that I felt towards this girl. We went out for the day on our days off. To be quite honest, she could have been one of the best things that happened to me. Through my foolishness, she slipped away. I have methods of contacting her now, but I dont feel that she would ever forgive me for the way I treated her. I ignored her one night in a club and didnt tell her that I was getting back with my then girlfriend.

In my short lived life, this is growing to be a regret that will continue eating away at my conscience. When these things happen, often there is no turning back the time, unless the 'victim' is a forgiving person, but not always the case.

Easter

Really havnt had this much easter fun in years!

Easter totally rocked this year. In previous years it was spent at family gatherings or working. But this Easter I was able to completely enjoy it. Firstly, a small group of us made it to the Dawn service at Slemish. Although we arrived due to a mix up of plans. Parked the car half way up the road to the car park and walked the rest. Graeme decided to run on up ahead, but I felt it was too early for that nonsense!

Monday we went to Benone on the beach for an egg hunt! Big kids, I know, but it was definatley a great activity! We also played a game of rounders. One game was only played due to the weather (which included wind, rain, and lots of it!)

Barrys was visited and of course the waltzer was given a go. Barry's is over estimated but definatley the dodgems, cyclone and the waltzer.

On Tuesday night we went to Indiana Land! We really were exploring our inner child hood! We went ice skating after to cool down from the running. If you want to go to Indiana Land and your 10+ expect to leave the place with lumps bumps and bruises!

Yogurt contest?

Lately things have started to get a little crazy round work. Mainly daring each other to do stupid stuff. The last dare we took part in was shaving our heads, after the initial cut, the person that cuts their hair first after that looses. Winner collects £50.
The most recent event is to do with yogurt. We are contemplating challenging adam to eat 1kilogram of strawberry yogurt in 20 minutes. Money collected would be donated to a charity of some sort (or the local loose change box). Will keep posted on the outcome either way!

Graemes bday!

Ok so it was my friends birthday on thursday. It was organised to take him out for a meal so the countrymans inn was organised.i was not going to get a novelty cake to embarrass him in public. So i went to a supermarket in the town and was amused at what i came across! This was the chosen cake.