My thoughts on trains

Truly fabulous things are trains. If I travel on one more than once a year however it's a 'red letter year' (apparently if you say it it's real, those are the sayings rules). As a student trains were part of my life and I had some fairly eventful journeys due to never understanding that if you are doing University work for Philosophy and Psychology as I was, and you make eye contact with any fellow traveller - they will tell you a) their philosophy of life & peace in your time or b) that they are a psychopath. Honest.

Yesterday on the train to Dublin I chose to read Virginia Woolf - which considering my previous experiences was a bold move. Mind you I'm no longer 18 and open-faced in a short skirt so that may have had something to do with the lack of wierdos too, it's the only reason I've found to bond with my wrinkles. Normal service will be resumed tomorrow - ie. I hate aging but that's another subject entirely.

I constantly travel in a car in lots of short bursts in my more and more parochial lifestyle. Huge excitement then when I packed (optimistically) 2 books for the journey. Oh the envy I felt of every commuter who can do this sort of thing routinely. Potentially 4 hours of reading - complete bliss.

So out came Mrs Dalloway which I began to devour. Blimey I thought - no wonder she was depressed. Anyone with that stream of consciousness going on in their head all the time must be a bit doolalley. It then occurred to me that most blogs are a bit like that - just not as well written.

Perhaps if I travelled by train more often I may have got to this grand age and have read more than about 3 non-fiction books in my life and might know 'stuff' - well, I know lots of 'stuff' but I mean useful stuff that would help me understand The Guardian.

The Big Day

Well, can anyone really get away without mentioning Barak Obama today? No - not really and rightly so. Bet you think this blog is gonna be all about the 44th President of the United States of America? Nope.

It's the other 'Big Day' I'm on about ... The Wedding Day - not of anyone in particular just any old couple thinking of tieing the knot, getting spliced, and so on.

How will I remember Obama's inauguration speech - it was on in the background as I messed about with photos on the computer of my faintly ridiculous but I think fabulous new range of Wedding Stationery - if I was Pavlov's dog I would now associate President Obama with cats in top hats and veils.

Well I did say it was a bit ridiculous. All the best ideas are ... in 1964 a black President was a ridiculous idea too thought the many. I just hope it doesn't take over 40 years for my designs to catch on.

I did warn you I was low brow.

www.lighthousecards.co.uk

Crikey! Haven't blogged for a month - can't imagine what I've been doing what with a business that makes hand painted Christmas cards, two children in assorted plays and ... a life!!!

Yea!

Making hay while the sun shines - I enjoyed every mad minute of the lead up to the Christmas which included my first civil partnership to be known as 'Bob and Keiran's Big Gay Day'!

It was fabulous and so heartfelt - fabulous location 'The Mill' at Ballydugan - must remember this for future 'do's. It was brilliantly Christmassy too from the freezing puddles outside on the cold, crisp & sunny day to the beautifully subtle pink Christmas decorations. The Belfast Gay Choir was in attendance, there was barely a dry eye in the house. Well done lads for a truly wonderful day which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance.

Other highlights of the season were Paul's first speaking part as The Grumpy Innkeeper in the Sunday School Nativity Play - favourite line said in a strong Belfast accent (think Jim in Corry) 'I've got pizza and a pint for two fifty but no beds mate' - marvellous.

Jack was Servant 3 in the school nativity play - hilarious as he had to wear leggings. Photos to be hidden til he is 18 for maximum embarrassment.

Claire held a soiree for friends to which I contributed the rocket fuel mulled wine and homemade honeycombe - this is the 2nd time this year Claire has held the party in her house and I've helped cater, I'm hoping that we can up this to at least 3 times in 2009 as it really saves on stress. Well for me anyway. Big Thanks Claire.

However, the big hit of the season has to be the Wii. I may never need to go out again. Saw the New Year in playing Tennis - bizarre; although my favourite has to be the cow game on Wii play, for the uninitiated it's truly wonderfully silly. Saving for the Wii Fit now ...

Gotta go, a grudge match of Top Trumps is waiting ... thanks Santa! (not).