Light Entertainment

Lei and I travelled on the 2 o'clock bus to Sheringham. When we arrived we noticed one or two people dressed in costume. Sheringham bus-stop had been turned into a 'Santa's grotto'. A small stage had been erected outside the theatre-house. After a short stroll to look at the sea we returned to find actors from this years pantomime on the small stage, singing. A woman was stood infront doing Poi with fire. We watched the singing and entertainment for a while... The baddie character from the patomime was singing a Lady-Ga-ga song. After three attempted to switch on the Christmas lights.. (I'm still unsure if that was on purpose) we walked along the sea-front, then caught the bus to Holt.

Walked around Holt viewing yet more, Christmas lights and Christams trees. Lei and I walked to my parents house, unfortunately they were still visiting my sister. My parents never arrived home. We slept in the conservatory where we could watch the stars.

Step Closer

Spent the most amazing night with Lei. Walked a large circle around Norwich in the early hours of the morning. The last few weeks have just felt unreal ... I should pinch myself.

Starkers

I can't beleive my cleaner walk in to my study room this morning whilst I was stark bollock naked. I admit I had slept in - and should have been up and ready. She first knocked on the door but before I had time to answer her the lock was being opened. She entered looking down at the floor, grabed the bin, emptied it, appologised and left locking the door behind her. I'm still amazed even now. I just sat on my bed naked from the waist down staring in disbelief. Rupesh the Indian guy nextdoor was locked out of his room. She had entered his room and locked the door behind her. Rupesh was in the kitchen making breakfast. On his return he found himself locked-out.

I'm feeling quite good. Bought some second hand army surplus running shoes for 10 UK quid. Managed to do some situps. Not too many but I'm beginning to start training again.

Walking through Norwich market I heard someone call my name. It was Mike, someone I haven't seen in some time. We went for a chat in the local coffe shop. It seems that he has started talking to a Chinese student and doing her work for her. He said he quite enjoyed having her around and since she keeps sending him papers to read, he has been learning quite alot. We also discussed education and Aspergers.

Went to UEA to collect my proposal. I'm happy with my mark - infact I think it was quite generous.

We are not a Loan

It was a very warm night. I realised I had the heating turned-up fully. Just didn't sleep - though I wasn't too bothered :) as I stated. There has been a small change to my lifestyle - for the better I think.

Woke early - Dalma had ordered a taxi for 6:30 am. She has lots of toys and clothing to sell left behind by her previous housemate. We packed two large bags into the taxi and traveled to a 'car boot sale' held on the outskirts of Norwich. When we arrived we were told where to pitch our wares. Dalma unpacked her stuff along with the rest of the traders with their white vans and cups of coffee from the burger van. Because it was still early morning it was quite cold. Condensation kept forming on the plastic bags and CD covers. We wiped the merchandise clean with tissues as best as we could. Dalma made some money, though I thought she would have made more and I think she thought so also. Surprisingly !! Everyone started to pack away at about 12 noon. The pitch was supossed to be until 2pm. We eventually packed the left-over stuff back into bags and went to look for a busstop. As there were no buses running on a Sunday Dalma ordered a taxi.

Back at accommodation I finally got more sleep. I woke at 16:00 feeling more revitalised. Tomo was preparing sushi in the kitchen, it was his turn to cook this weekend. The sushi of course was great...

It has been a great-day !!! I know - I said something positive for a change :)

CONTENT...

That's Vintage

woke fairly late to go travel to Sheringham then Holt. The bus driver did his best to convince me to buy a direct ticket to Holt, though he was only traveling as far as Sheringham. Actually I should have - it would have been cheaper. Did some work on the bus. Just as the bus arrived at Sheringham a bus was leaving to Holt WTF !! Went to my usual coffe place in Sheringham - did more work. I don't think they appreciate it - you're supposed to go there to speak to your friends. Since I don't have any friends I find it hard to care. Went for a walk along the sea front. Really miss the smell of the sea breeze. Though it wasn't a particulally warm day it warmed my soul.

In Holt I was finally able to get my haircut. As always my barber and his wife were looking awesome. Complete with vintage 50s clothing, he with handlebar moustache. At the back of the barber shop they had started selling vintage eye-wear.

Bought a oven dish - it was quite expensive. Hope it doesn't break in the oven :/

Dead men's Spex Website
My Barber's Website

Look at the Stars

Well, it's been a interesting couple of weeks - there has been a change...

Though my work is suffering badly. I tried to write a 'literature review' which ended badly. I really need to master how to write good Latex documents. My problem was that I spent far too long reading the book 'Six Degrees - The Science of a Connected Age'. There are some nice references in the back pages, and it did give me some clues to a good direction to follow. I emailed Greg - my supervisor, and I hope he might help me get my arse in gear.

Not really worth mentioning but I became more of a sheep and bought an MacBook Pro - I got a virtual Machine windows partition running... and visual studio. I need to be using it more. I'm liking it but still a bit embarrassed to be seen with it in public.

Still really love the place that I'm living. I hope to be cooking for the people I'm living with soon........... I will attempt the BBC goodfood 'fish pie'. fingers crossed !!!

Need haircut... badly !!!

No Sweat

I've moved back to Norwich. I'm now sat in a dark study room in UEA accommodation. The accommodation is situated off campus and looks like a prison cell block. Generally there is a smell like a Berlin metro station. I've met most of the five other people living here. One Japanese man, one Indian man and two women one of which is Chinese. They all seem lovely and I'm pleased. While I was moving my stuff into my room around the corner came two men that looked like Disney cartoon characters of a pair of criminals both holding dog leads with Bulldogs. The thing is - I was walking up a small stairway as they appeared at the top. The two Bulldog were snuffling near to my face. I was quite taken a-back. They mumbled, " ees.. all right." just like cartoon characters complete with dark fishing jackets, shaved heads, short stocky and stubble... funny.

My supervisor emailed me suggesting I use my own social circle to test my third year project. He doesn't know I don't really know or speak to many people... I hope to speak with him tomorrow. Really need to get this proposal done and remember how to use Latex.

Yo Douché !!!

Been travelling on the early bus from Holt into Unversity. The bus becomes quite packed. I tend to close my eyes and meditate - there some interesting smells as people board at each stop. Hair laquer, chewing-gum, puke !!! I opened my eyes after noticing the puke smell. The bus had just stopped to pick someone up - I assumed the smell was from them. But no, I noticed the girl sat infront had her head turned slightly towards the window. She looked uncomfortable as she had bile smeared across her cheek. There was nothing I could do for her as I tried not to alert others so as not to embarress her.

A young school boy sat next to me on the bus. Aside from the puke smell - the smell of the bus and sat next to the school boy reminded me of when I use to travel to school by public transport.

When I arrived at UEA I noticed the fly to my trousers was undone. I must have been exposing myself all this time without noticing, I hope nobody else did too.

Did a Japanese Oral class - it was crap. Nobody wants to speak. What was interesting was that a chinese girl that I previously had noticed was there. I noticed her because she seems to be very nervous looking. She hadn't brought the correct book with her - as of course, I own all books I let her share mine. When she gets nervous her leg shakes rapidly. Another thing is that she literally puts her head into the book when reading. I tried to make her feel more at ease. I tried sometimes fucking things up when asked a question - I hoped this would make people more willing to make mistakes. (obviously they just think I'm a twat.)

I found a room - well it's more like a prison cell. Literally the walls to the room are bare grey brick work. A cupboard and a desk. I move in on Monday.

You Sushi opened in Chavfield - I'm doing my best to ignore it...

Hello Alan - Norwich Bookshop Waterstones

Went to the first lecture of Japanese language. As expected it went terribly. I think the lecturer already hates me.

I've spent too much on books today. I bought the romanized edition of 'Japanese for Busy People' despite having already bought the Kana version - I also bought the workbook and a very expensive book on System Networking.

I had forgotten the date and was reminded by a crew of workmen that were busy building a stage in the centre of the bookshop that no-less than Alan Partridge would be making a appearance at around 18:00 pm. I purchased a copy of his book and waited around until 18:00.

I went for a coffee and when I returned at around 15:00 a small queue of Partridge fans had already started to form. I joined the end of the short queue to wait a further three and half hours. The girl in front of me had travelled three hours from Nottingham to meet him and seemed to know everything about him. Whilst we waited a Big Issue sales man took the opportunity to try sell us magazines. Towards 18:00 o'clock the queue had reached way round the corner. I couldn't see the end.

Finally as we were lead into the bookshop in front of the stage- I was near the front in the third row. Alan made his appearance posing down the escalator- book in had. He read some chapters from his book that made everyone laugh. Just amazing how he stays in character. I stood mesmerised as I watched the real Alan Partridge before my eyes. For the book signing he wore a latex glove so as not to catch anything from the great unwashed his adoring fans. Of course my meeting with Alan was ruined by the stupid security next to him trying to get me to pose for the camera that was not there. (I hadn't brought one with me - and I don't have a mobile.) Alan signed my book and went to shake my hand, but Ah Ha !! I was too busy being distracted by security. He said thank-you Richard and that was that.

We need Information

Cut my parents lawn - read a little about my project...

So far I only found a very bad article by Microsoft. Also looking at the 'Social-Engineering Toolkit.'

I don't even know what is expected of me... I emailed my supervisor and haven't heard anything back. Want to get this proposal written ...quick.

Local yokels

My sister and her family hired a beach hut at Old Hunstaton'. I drove mum and dad to Hunstanton using my dad's new "Tom-Tom sat'-nav'." It's been something he's been wanting for some time. For some strange reason I have never been to Hunstanton, let alone the beach. We walked along the sand-dunes looking for my sister - mum found this quite tiring, so I set-off ahead to make things easier.

I eventually found the beach hut in prime position next to Hunstaton RNLI and the cafe my sister hired the hut from. Another couple had joined them who also came down from Leicester. Notable moments were :

walking almost half a mile to the sea shore - as it was low tide.
walking on old razor shells and trying to avoid crabs 'n' star fish.
a slightly odd smell from the sea
cake
The RNLI hovercraft being called into service
Three people said thank-you to me... (that never happens)
A wedding party with lots of Russian people- released paper lanterns into the sky- in daylight .. why not at night ? eh- ?

I imagine the beach would have been better if the tide was in... Nice warm relaxing day.

Where's Your Jumper ?

Completely unorganised, need to get stuff done - caught bus into Norwich. At UEA I went straight to Dr Milner's office. I asked if I could sit-in on his 'Sound and Image' lecture.

Really interesting lecture and lab' session 'Discrete Fourier Transform'. IF lecture is to prepare students for the coursework - to create a speech recognition phone dialing system.

Went to Sainsbury centre of Visual Arts to look at the 'John Hedgecoe Exhibition'. I have been meaning to go for some time, and was glad that I did. There's some nice prints - (I assume he prints all his own work.) My eyes are so bad !! I inspected each and every print closely. Then made a return visit glancing pictures that looked the most pleasing.

Another heatwave - why am I wearing this jumper ???

I plan to go to a lecture at 6pm about Japan's earthquake disaster - I'm only going because I think my Japanese lecturer may be there.

FLIP

Suppose I might post some updates while I'm not too busy. It sometimes quite nice to read back on old entries.

I'm currently living like Alan Partridge in a 'Travel Lodge' for four days. Not sure why but I'm doing the basic course in Java at UEA. I'm doing it - not because I can't do basic Java - but mainly because I was scared of not progressig and I wanted to show some commitment. Silly really.

Apart from morning lectures I managed to go see the new remake of 'Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy' at Cinema City. It was good. The storyline seemed easier to follow than the old 80s version. I was surprised that the little theatre was full, mainly with people over the age of 50.

Walked back to my room in the rain (I was wearing only a shirt with not coat. Before I returned to my room I went to buy expensive pizza from Dominoes. As I was leaving Dominoes a taxi drove past steering through a large puddle. Needless to say I was soaked. I've mainly just been sat in my room the last two nights drinking coke and eating pizza. I feel like the loser in Ghost World where nothing seem to go right. Oh yeah - today I bought Kevin Mitnicks ' Ghost on the wire'.

Tryin to think of what to write for my project proposal. Now that I think about it my project seems to be the most creepiest of them all. Pinpoint the Social Landscape (yes - I WROTE IT INCORRECTLY PREVIOUSLY.) Been looking for past papers on the subject. I've also finally atually started to read Kevins other book - Art of Deception.

Can Do

For the past few weeks I've been waiting for my re-assessment results. I'm very bloody relieved to be told I can continue on into my third year. I'm so glad I didn't have to give my parents yet, as always, bad news. Feel like I dodged a bullet.

Oh well _ not a well..

I'm back home where I started. I've taken resit exams and not really sure if I'm going to progress into third year of University.. Well at least I got a project sorted, Footprinting the Social Landscape'. It was my third choice and not much to do with network security. I need to do a few things now that I can sleep properly again. Find a new place to live - make appoinments to see if my collar bone healed okay. And get a job - I really hope I progress, if not I will have to find a way of getting back on track. FML

The Truth Hurt

I was in bed but early in the morning I just couldn't sleep. Something was on my mind that I just cannot forget. Instead I got dressed and went for ealy morning run. I'm still able to run into the city and back - which I was surprised about. Despite it being 5 a.m. there were still a few people hanging around in the city center.

I took a look behing 'Frank's Bar' and found someone curled-up asleep on the concrete floor. I tried to destroy some dustbin-bags but failed. I spotted a freegan looking for food in the bins. ( A taxi driver informed me that the council have shortend 'Kebab house' licenses. It's to stop the people travelling to work in the morning bumping into the people still on their night-out, drunk buying their kebabs.)

Ran home - but the f*c*ing shower is broken ...FML

Have to find new place to live soon...

I've been Tired

Woke quite early - but spent all day in bed listening to depressing music... Forgot it was the peace camp at Norwich Forum. Finally made it into Norwich at about 5pm. Drank coffee and was ignored... Walked about a bit. Bumped into Ga Chun Yau. He was waiting outside 'Norwich Arts Centre' with a bunch of kids. He told me he was on a photography assignment. He looked embarrassed to be standing with a bunch of kids, or was he embarrassed to be seen with me..? Dunno. Wished him goodluck. Then back home to fill an empty cup with lots of tea.

SeaFood Sunsets

Spent most of my day in bed with my arm still strapped unable to move watching youtube. Gave my dad a bottle of rum and card for farthers' day. For an unknown reason he can't drink dark rum - otherwise I wold have got Navy Rum and not the girlie Bacardi stuff...

My parents took me to eat at 'Cookies Crab Shop', known more generally as Cookies. I wasn't sure as to what to expect. Mum was telling me to dress warm, and also mentioned something about a shed. When we arrived at Salthouse I realised why my mum had suggested warm clothing. You have to pre-book at Cookies, which is why I was thinking it was a fish restaurant.... I was half wrong !!!!

Cookies is actually very awesome. A quick Google revealed that it had been mentioned on the 'Channel 4' websites' top ten fish-shops food category. It seems to be just a fish-shop, with a few tables, in an out-house building. Then there a few more tables in a shed or under a garden tent. The owners catch all the seafood themselves ( Salthouse is by the sea and in the middle of nowhere- which makes it abit querky and also charming.)

I chose Lobster Royal salad, as did my parents. It was quite a lot of meat for me, as usually I only eat mackerel or salmon - and other than seafood... I'm vegetarian...err... okay... piscasalian ??? whatever... (but I really don't eat meat really- I just like to prove I still can sometimes, if that makes some sense?) It goes without saying it was all very fresh and lovely. What wasn't lovely was the sexist man on the other table. Quizzing the Polish waitress whether she could cook...(yes, I'm sure this is her dream job - and oooh... you're so funny - can I keep my job if I laugh hard enough) and also the racists on the other table that think Japan Earthquake (of which is still feeling the effects and yet more tremors) is something to laugh at. Yeah - that's right, it's just me I guess ( I just can't find anyone to get-on with.) I still recommend a visit to Cookies Crab Shop the staff and owners are friendly, the food's fresh and well cooked, and it definitely is something different. No pretentiousness here !!!

I'm spending the rest of the night in bed, arm strapped, eating ice-cream. I secretly think it's pretty cool having a metal plate bolted to my right clavical. I've been watching youtube clips on surgery and now I want to watch the film 'Kickass' again

Cut You...

Woke at 6am for my second shower this morning. One before I slept and now that I have awoken. I needed to be clean using the anti-bacterial liquid the nurse gave me at the hospital. For hospital I packed a pair of slippers, some pyjamar bottoms and a rather fetching purple stripped dressing gown. Also a copy of the book ' The Facebook Effect' by David Kirkpatrick. Though later I opted to read through lecture notes on my eeepc.

After some questions to make sure everything was correct and a large arrow drawn on my shoulder indicating the area to cut, I changed into the gown, surgical stockings, my rob and slippers. I was tagged on one ankle and one wrist then walked to the theater. The anesthetist stated the wrong shoulder that would be operated on, I quickly pulled down my gown over my shoulder the large arrow made it clear that it was my right clavicle and not my left. The surgeon Mr Patel entered the room in his work clothes complete with blood stained boots...

After an injection I was asked some questions about UEA as I waited for the anesthisia to take effect.. My mind may have been playing tricks but I'm sure the last question I remember laughing at was, “ are you a member of any terrorist organisations ?” The last option from a list being ANC. I think I laughed-out-loud and was told that not many people laugh to that question. Next thing I was waking in th recovery room with a slight sore to my lower right hip. Obviously they had taken some hip bone to encourage the growth on my shoulder. I had entered for surgery around 12 noon time, and woke according to the clock on the wall at 2:10 pm.

When finally a bed had become available I was wheeled through the corridors on my trolly. It was quite enjoyable and i wished I had recored my journey to the ward on camera.


My right arm was totally numb and I was unable to move it. I sat telling myself that moving my arm would would just be a question of mind-over-matter (shows just how little I know about medicine.) I could bend m fingers in one direction but not the other, fascinating !!! I used my left and to raise my right and see if I could not hold it in position.. totally impossible !! Just like a dead piece of meat.

The nurses obviosly are doing a great job under challenging conditions. They have to make endless MRSA swab tests and fill paper-work – new forms that require more added detail. They brush-off abuse from old racist patients as if it were nothing. The old man across from me is particularly trying to make things difficult babbling to himself. Lights are out !! It;s 11:30 pm and the use of my right hand has been restored- hence I'm now typing this on my eeepc in the dark. I feel like I'm in an episode of the award winning BBC drama 'Getting On'. People are snoring and mumbling to themselves in their sleep...

The Badest Ballad of Bad

Today was Pentecost at Norwich Cathedral, apparently. After listening to the 'Bishop of Norwich' deliver his sermon and listening to the choir I creeped out just before you have to do that hand-shaking thing and wish people well. There was no easy way-out. So I had to hurdle the red rope obstructing my exit. The nice lady that sometimes speaks to me saw, and came rushing over to help. Even though I could have easily managed stepping over the rope, I had now caused a slight kerfuffle as I appologised not wanting to offend her. "See you next week", then I made my escape.

Outside Neros, as I drank my morning coffee there were lots of teenage girls sat on the floor outside H.M.V. Five large security men dressed in black supervised them. They were waiting for J.L.S whoever they are ?

Did some C++, of which I should be good at by now - I'm not....

I have my operation tomorrow. I'm not too sure how I feel about that. It will obviously be strange to have a piece of metal supporting my collar bone.

Best of British

Didn't get out of bed until 16:00. I just couldn't. When I did finally rise I went for a walk around the city and drank coffee. I knew it would be a mistake, and it was. Watch 'The Spy that Came in from the Cold'.... Bought lots of sweets, though I didn't really need them. I also spent some of last night reading old entries into this blog. It's so embarrassing to read what I wrote - oh well.

Creature Comforts

A surprising turn of events !!! I was picked-up by my family to spend the day at 'Africa Alive'. Africa Alive is a zoo. It's actually the same people that own 'Banham zoo', which is situated close to where I grew-up in Attleborough. It's quite sad to see the animals in cages, but I was assured that the zoo is actively involved in conservation work; I have no reason to doubt that. I enjoyed the lemurs and the otters the best. There was a rather good display of birds of prey.

The Projects

It was the last day for 'CMP Third Year' project selection. I was supposed to discuss my selection with the supervisor but haven't. All three of my selections are with the same supervisor and security related.

Went shopping in Norwich City centre for a new bowl as I've managed to smash most of my kitchenware on our kitchen floor. Didn't buy a bowl, instead, I bought a chopping board a sharp chopping knife and a reduced in price tea-pot... GOOD-JOB !!!

I'm now sat in my room eating a box of FAB ice-lollies.... I really tempted to buy a Macbook... If I keep putting it off, in time I shall forget. But the University have just opened a MacLab. It's been sponsered by Apple; I gues to try and encourage us to use their products.

Hospital

It seems my right clavicle never healed properly and I'm in need of surgery. I had an appointment to see the specialist last week in which the surgeon tried his best to embarrass me. Waiting in the partitioned examination room in walked the surgeon and three women clasping clip-boards. I was wearing one of those strange gowns that they give you. The surgeon examined my shoulder and asked why my arm was covered in red blotches. The night before I epillated the whole of my arm and shoulder which left red Marks all-over. Suddenly he told me that I shouldn't have done it, and he couldn't operate until the marks had disappeared. He further examined my left shoulder and after measuring both clavicles with measuring tape prescribed me anti-biotics. Actually he was okay, I was just alittle embarrassed to be standing in front of the women. I will go for a pre-assessment Wednesday. Think he said something about taking some bone from my hip to encourage the growth around the metal plate they're shoving in.

Warm Silence

I've been listening to this; wrapped in blankets...

Gypsy the Dog

Unsurprisingly I've been so so lazy. Went to visit my mother in hospital. She seemed better today after the previous night being sick, a reaction to the anesthesia. On the way back to U.E.A I chanced upon a man laying on his back across the pathway. As I approached him he looked to have pissed himself. Someone previously cycled past him and gave a glancing look. I started to quiz the piss stained man without much success. He had a worn face, his lips had white puss and he smelt of drink. He tried to explain that someone had stolen his dog Gypsy. Can I find it for him ? eh, what ? After determining that he was just drunk I turned and walked away. As I walked away he was shouting TWAT !!! YOU CUNT !! An ambulance had stopped and asked me if he was okay. I indicated that he was drunk and they drove away. Hope he's not dead, still, I can't say I that bothered.

Fruit Juice and Fifty Pence Piece

No reason for this post - other than an odd thought that I will share with err... whoever.

um... scrap that. I changed my mind. I hate coincedence !!! There, I said it...

Or is it ?

What ?

Wish is my #CMD_SHELL

Since my last post I have spent alot of time visiting hospital. Firstly I managed to fall off my bike breaking my right clavical. It didn't hurt much though I sat concussed at the side of the street waiting for the ambulance for almost one hour. While I was waiting a few street people asked me for money and cigarettes. Also, just before Christmas, I was punched in the face. Blood was dripping over my face; later it developed into a black eye. I walked through coffee shop in the Forum to get tissue for my wound, I was alittle embarrassed. Everything is just trouble at the moment... though I probably been asking for it... work, famly life, money. I'll see what else I can get people to break for me for 2011.