Much of an antithesis to mosts’ resolutions, I’m pretty certain that I need to elevate the amount of alcohol which I’m indulging in. Then there’s rape. The raping of the social scene in Glasgow that is. I need to get my ass out of my house and start to partake in certain life-worthy experiences. I’m not talking about mass groupings and parties of idiocy. Merely, some form of social exchange in order to vent and build upon noteworthy experiences.

It would also do me good to manage my money a little better. I know, I know. That ones an old bore, isn’t it?

Regardless – I’ve decided that if I’m to encounter said noteworthy experiences, I’m only going to do so through way of fancy, frolics and possibly travel.

When you’re putting your glasses down after the New Year, throwing away your smokes, throwing two fingers to the breeze and saying ‘never again’; think of me. Tippling on some fine wine, talking ears offa’ peoples and being a tight, (financially) miserable old bastard.

Jealous?

No, I didn’t think so.

TTFN&AHNY.

x

A lot has happened for both good and bad, best and worse and you know something? I’m pretty damn fucking good.

I believe I’ve a new found thirst for life and want to do something about said phenomenon. After a long period of numbness and bleak depravation of a healthy lifestyle – I’ve found myself bloom. No more am I relying on the ever wonderful sushi bar for food, no longer am I drumming away at my notepad with nothing to say and no longer am I loosing sleep over… well, nothing.

No. These past weeks, I’ve begun to take care of myself. I’ve begun to live a little again. I’m writing. Fuck yes, I am writing and you know something? Without wanting to blow my own trumpet – it’s not shite.

No, not at all. It’s actually pretty fucking good. Right this moment, I’m writing a scene for the advanced Practical Aesthetics class in Glasgow. Working with screen/playwrights Ann Marie Di Mambro and Chris Dolan; I’m developing a scene based on a short improvisation witnessed in a workshop just a couple of weeks ago.

Both screen/playwrights have deep roots in both television and theatre – but the ever lovely Di Mambro is the course director on the Masters course that I am eagerly waiting on beginning, assuming I get the very competitive scholarship. So far, it’s been an odd, but very nice experience working so closely with someone who will in fact determine not only the next year of my life – but quite possibly the outline of my future career. I’m smart enough to know that the writing industry and television/film industry in general is best infiltrated by mass networking and practice. Practice in the practical sense of practicing your talent and demonstrating such as that. So, my career has begun. I have networked and am still very much in the process of doing so.

I tend to get very overwhelmed when I’m placed in such social situations. Those being, situations involving persons whom I hold in very high regard both professionally and domestically. Thus, it’s hardly a surprise that I possibly ridiculed myself due to jitters and nerves when I formally met Ann Marie and Chris whilst they were having a cigarette outside the studio. After introducing myself, I got very nervous and very silly. In the alleyway, outside the studio – I proceeded from ‘Hello there, How are you?’ to ‘Would you like a cup of tea? We have earl grey, lapsang souchong, ceylon or green – fancy a cup?’.

These aren’t the words of a sane man. Not in a dank, murky alleyway; miles from the nearest kettle at least. Rather, more so the words of a lumbering fool. ie. Me.

So, after a very puzzled glance from Chris and a more understanding, tolerant smile from Ann Marie – we went upstairs and had some tea. And beyond that initial bought of ridiculous blurts on my behalf – it was very nice. I felt like I was a proper writer. I am a proper writer. It’s fun being a writer. We write things. Like this: ‘Hello’.

Moving on – I was very pleased to have been invited to a Christmas shindig at Ann Marie’s Westend Home, where upon arrival, I found myself plonked down onto a very lovely, comfortable sofa with two BBC executives to my right and Ann Marie to my left. Oh, and not to mention her Westie, Scully laying up on my knee (Good judge of character).

A very spontaneous and bizarre evening – but it was one that I’ll very much (without getting too sentimental) hold dear in my mind for years to come.

Something clicked that night. Something told me that all of the stress, anxiety, pain, boredom and sheer fucking monotony of the past four months had FINALLY amounted to something. Right before my eyes, I could see progress.

And I’m open. Ready for spontaneity. Ready for a challenge. Ready to write my little heart out.

The year two thousand and ten is quickly approaching. In these last few days of nine, I think I’ll put to rest a lot of old skeletons and emerge a fresh, spirited and ready individual in the new year.

I’m in Ireland at the moment. Home. Spending Christmas with the family, whom I have to admit – I’ve missed quite some. I very almost didn’t make it home due to silly weather and temperatures and things.

It was quite a harrowing experience indeed, taking off adjacent to a Boeing 747 which has ditched on the airport’s grassy verge due to an icy runway. Way to inspire confidence, eh?

But alas, I am here. I’ve drank my fair share of champers, sloe gin and beaujolais. I’m enjoying good food, good company, a good book, as always good television and a spot of catching up with some old friends, family and such.

So far, it’s been lovely. I only hope that you’ve had as enjoyable a holiday as I have thus far.

Be sure to remember that which is important in life – family, friends and fun. Smile, skip and have a very full, enriched Christmas break.

TTFN,

(Until 2010?)

x

I’ve just experienced a week of ache, pain and close to complete loss of faith in the human race. Never before have I been subjected to such abuse, hatred and unrest. No joke; I’ve been berated with a man with a prosthetic limb, to the extent that he took it off and shook it at me… I’ve had people call me ‘cunt’, ‘bastard’ and ‘wanker’. I’ve experience the wrath of old ladies – sweet and docile looking old ladies, who have seen it necessary to brandish their sticks and umbrellas at me, and tell me to ‘fuck off, back home’. Ridiculous. You’d swear they thought I was a banker.

Not only was the job an emotional kick in the teeth every five minutes, but also the hours were long, wet, cold and unsavoury. With my existing back problems, my condition only worsened during the week and the inevitable happened – it amplified. Every night I was going home bent double, literally lying in my hallway for around an hour recuperating… My pain, was followed by lack of sleep, amplified stress and a pair of very chapped lips…

Now, I know, I know – I seem like a tit. A silly beggar who moaned and groaned about not being able to get a job, yadda, yadda, yadda…

But, having popped into a lovely little Coffee/Tea place called ‘Brewhaha’, I (in quite an off-the-bat manner) asked if they’d any jobs going… Turned out they did. And seeing as I didn’t have my CV there and then… I told them I’d pop in the following morning. So I did… And they very quickly offered me a job. For a little less money than the previous job, I have a routine, pleasant clientele, an apron, warmth and stability. And my health.

Yes, I’m silly in ways. But it feels right. So, I’m doing it. That simple.

I’ve been working on ideas surrounding the creation of ‘Philip & Paul’ the Show. Watch this space… Could be posting to a blog near you, very very soon.

Hope ya’ll are well. I miss properly blogging!

Bring on stability, eh?

TTFN,

x

This morning I sent off four copies of my latest play ‘Pat & Joe Take A Bath’ to a handful of established theatres, renowned for accepting New Plays.

I’ve sent copies to the National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, The Old Vic and Tinderbox Theatre Company. I’ve a small list of other theatres upon which I intend to unleash a barrage of quirky dialogue. Here’s hoping they’ll respond either with feedback, or in a better case scenario – they’ll give me a job! (Highly unlikely – but one can dream.)

Mark’s looking at an apartment for the two of us tomorrow. Slightly nervous, but excited nonetheless!

G’night!

x

This morning I sent off four copies of my latest play ‘Pat & Joe Take A Bath’ to a handful of established theatres, renowned for accepting New Plays.

I’ve sent copies to the National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, The Old Vic and Tinderbox Theatre Company. I’ve a small list of other theatres upon which I intend to unleash a barrage of quirky dialogue. Here’s hoping they’ll respond either with feedback, or in a better case scenario – they’ll give me a job! (Highly unlikely – but one can dream.)

Mark’s looking at an apartment for the two of us tomorrow. Slightly nervous, but excited nonetheless!

G’night!

x

Currently, sitting in the most uncomfortable of the chair species – Airport Seating. Ugh. I’ve been up since 6am, for a 12pm flight. Weird, yes – however I have my reasons. Money being tight, I was offered a lift to the airport, albeit ‘free of charge’, that lift was a whole five hours before my flight! Silly, yes. But times are hard and all that crap – so I’m exploiting all opportunities.

Passing the time watching a podcast of Kevin Pollak’s Chatshow & enjoying his interview with Kevin Smith. Smith’s such a smart and interesting chap – and an excellent Storyteller. So, my company – whilst virtual, is quite enjoyable.

The sky is grey, the weather muggy and my arse is numb. I’m a little anxious about the MA & Scholarship interview tomorrow. I’m heavily relying on the Scholarship aspect to propel me forward and supply me with funding for this year – otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do. Start working the theaters perhaps…

I’m going to review ‘Moon’ by Duncan Jones, and HAD intended to review the Harry Potter film – but I’ve decided that I’m not going to waste my time and that I’d just tell you that I thought it was horrible and ridiculously unimpressive. Talent centered around Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent and of course, Alan Rickman. Rupert Grint surprised me though – a very strong and enjoyable performance.

As for the rest. Yeah, silence says more than words could ever…

My girlie, Catherine, is performing in Ulysses the Opera on London’s South Bank this week. Very much looking forward to that! Although, I’ll be sick of travelling by…Hmm, lets say THIS AFTERNOON! But still, cannot wait.

Check out the website for more info, and sure why not drop by if you’re in London this week! =)

http://www.ulyssesthemusical.com

Right now – I’m off to mull over this ‘Moon’ review and enjoy more of Pollak & Smith.

=)

x