:: Chris Turner's Journal ::

:: Thursday, June 26, 2003 ::

Network finally working

After 2 days solid, I've finally configured the network so that I can share files & printers around the home. Phew! That was easily the most complex computing job I've ever done - but I couldn't let it go until I knew I'd finished it.

I guess I'm like that with problems...they really niggle me, constantly, until I solve them. Maybe that's where I get my stubborn persistence from :)

Anyway, I have to run down to the bank to sort some stuff out, then get ready for work. It's going to be another great day of manning the RailEurope phones! I swear, soon, I'll be saying "Good afternoon, RailEurope..." in my sleep.

:: Plod 10:41 [+] ::
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New Look

Not my Blog...me! I've got myself yet another new haircut, as I wasn't happy with the way the old one turned out. It's nice & spikey now, and I like it that way.

Now all I have to do is find the woman of my dreams ;)

:: Plod 11:59 [+] ::
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New Speedy Connection

Well, I'm finally on a 1-meg connection! Very nice & fast. I haven't worked out how to configure the wireless network yet - that's going to require a few calls to technical support lines tomorrow, but I'm determined to have it all working by tomorrow evening.

I was supposed to be travelling up to London with Liz tonight - we were planning a meal & stuff, but she had a migraine this afternoon and didn't feel up to it. It's a shame, because we were both really looking forward to seeing each other, but I tried to reassure her that it was okay - sometimes, these things just can't be helped.

I'm not due back at work until Thursday (yay!), but I'll be on the 1pm-9pm shift when I get there. I'll be able to update my blog far more regularly now I've got my own internet connection back. I'm also going to put a couple of poems up in the next couple of days - just in case you thought I'd lost my ability to write ;)

:: Plod 23:20 [+] ::
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Good afternoon, RailEurope, You're through to Chris...How can I help?

I've said that all bloody week, and I'm getting a little tired of sounding like a machine every time I answer the phone. Still, work's good, pays well and is soooo much better than every other job I've had. I'm quite happy. I've also met this smashing work colleague, Laura, who is such a laugh to be around - she really keeps me sane in an otherwise insane office environment. Why do I keep writing the phrase, "I met this girl" in my blog? Anyone would think I'm searching for someone :)

I also heard, interestingly, that my ex-girlfriend Katie Scott is trying to hunt me down for whatever reason. I went out with Kate when I was 15, so that's a good 6 years ago now. Why would she be trying to look for me? I guess it's to find out my degree results, but I haven't got them yet. I don't know why else she'd try and contact me - it's not like I've got anything to say to her.

In other news, I've spent the weekend seeing Paul and Liz, which has been very nice - but tiring. As usual, I spent too much money with Paul, but it was a great day out. We just sat in a beer garden most of the day catching up on stuff, and I met his rather charming sister (also called Laura) on the train up to Bromley. Fancying my mate's sister? Now that would be weird. I don't think he could handle it :)

I'm working till late all this week (1pm - 9pm), but I'm going up to London with Liz on Tuesday (friend Liz, not ex-Liz), so that will be great...I love spending time with her. Hell, anyone who knows me knows how much I care about her. It's not like a state secret or anything.

I was also reminiscing in the car about ex-girlfriends and love affairs...Kate, Liz, Lorelly - and then perhaps my favourite of all, Lindsay. Sure, we didn't spend much time together - but she was easily the most beautiful girl I ever had on my arm. I'm going to write her an email soon and try and jog a few memories along the way. I remember thinking that she was rather short when I met her (5'5"), but that she had the most gorgeous eyes and hair I'd seen. When she kissed me in a convenience store, I was stunned. Anyway, I digress. I'm sure people reading my blog don't want to know about my shit-strewn path of ex-girlfriends :)

I've been developing in recent weeks with my guitar, and have learnt some really cool stuff. I'm a lot more confident with my performing than I have been before. But where did that comment come from? I have such a random mind. One minute I'm thinking about ex-girlfriends, the next I'm thinking of my guitar. Perhaps it's because they're things that are important to me.

I hope that whoever reads this is having a nice summer as well! Please note that my email address (should you wish to contact me) is going to change very shortly. And now I'm off...I have a letter to write to Lindsay, and I'm tired enough as it is!

:: Plod 23:18 [+] ::
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A Whole Week of Gossip & News

Apologies for not being around much over the last week...so much has been happening, and this is the first time I've been able to get on the net!

Obviously, I've just finished university...but I don't know what grades I got yet. I'm supposed to find out the first week in July. To celebrate, I took Kirsten out to the Sheffield Lyceum to see "Buddy" - the Buddy Holly story - and it was excellent. The finest musical I saw since Phantom of the Opera - the London cast were on tour up in Sheffield, and they simply kicked the shit out of every other company I've ever seen perform up north. It just goes to show the standards of London compared to the rest of the country - I'm so lucky to live in the theatre capital of the world.

Then there was the move home. That was strenuous - especially since I lived in the attic (for that, read: "roof") of the house, and I had to bring everything down from top to bottom on my own. Dad was a bit useless, but I suppose he is getting on a bit.

And finally, there's my new summer job - working for the lovely people at RailEurope (we have a website, I'm sure if you're *really* interested it won't be that hard to find). I've met some really nice people, but a lot of the other student workers really don't seem to have a clue when it comes to engaging with the real world. I like to think I do a better job than most. I've been hand-held by this smashing girl called Laura - she's a very lively, over-the-top sort of girl, and we get on very well. The boss has changed my hours for today, so I'll be working late into the evening.

Anyway, breakfast's ready (!) so I'll be off now...and back in a day or so! :)

:: Plod 08:46 [+] ::
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The Final Push

Today's the day of my last exam - "The USA and the Cold War, Part 2". 3 hours of non-stop rollercoaster fun, courtesy of the history department, I'm sure. I've revised for it, but there's only so much my brain can handle. I'm going to the library in a few minutes to see if I can stuff a couple of hours' worth more information in there - if it gets me any extra marks, it has to be worth it.

I'm confident that work has gone well so far - my dissertation was as good as I could make it, and my last exam went well, so I think I'm on course for that 2:1 that I need to confirm my place at UCL next year. I'm very drained on the work front. I've had a headache nearly non-stop this last week or so, even though I've taken paracetamol for it. Maybe it's all just due to general stress. Me - stress - ha! I can't wait until 4:30 this afternoon - then it'll all be over.

Needless to say, my writing has been put completely on hold - all of it - until these exams are over. Tonight, me & Chris have got to get the house ready for a "university inspection" where some official bods come and take a look to make sure the house is fit to live in. It'll pass, no sweat, but we've got to do some tidying up. I suppose that means they'll come and have a poke around my room too. It's annoying, because I wanted to spend tonight out with my friends - all night - since I don't have to get up or go anywhere tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I have no plans to do anything. I might spend a bit of time with Chris - we've hardly seen each other since easter, and he leaves on Friday (whereas I'm leaving on Saturday). Obviously, we'll see each other over the summer - he only lives in Streatham (SW London for the uninitiated, whereas I'm from SE London) which isn't so far away, but it'll be weird not living together anymore. He's been a great housemate over the last 2 years, even if he wasn't around all that much!

Right, enough blog writing. I'm going to throw some clothes on and get out of the house. Wish me luck! This is the big one.

:: Plod 08:52 [+] ::
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One Down, One to Go

Phew! I've done the first 3-hour exam, and I think it went well. My arm is killing me, though - I have neat writing, so it takes me ages and it really hurts after about an hour. I got talking to this girl Cathy (who has been in my seminar group for a year, now) and she was really nice - it was the first time we'd ever really spoken. Seems strange! She's coming down to London next year to start training as a teacher. Naturally, I spouted on about how great London is ;)

I treated myself when I got home to a southern-fried chickenburger (microwaved) and two glasses of pineapple and coconut juice. That stuff is heaven in a glass, I swear. Go and buy some. Now. Or find some pineapples and coconuts and mash them together. Whatever's easier.

:: Plod 13:42 [+] ::
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Demands for an Update

Okay, so I've been asked for an update and had complaints that my journal isn't updated daily.

I've been revising.

I've not been going out.

The highlight of my weekend was having a pizza.

I bet you're glad you asked now, aren't you? :)

:: Plod 00:20 [+] ::
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20 Questions

I ripped this little survey off Mallory's blog (sorry babe), because I thought it looked quite interesting. You might learn something new! :)

DESCRIBE YOUR...

Wallet: Black leather wallet that's falling to bits from having too much money in it (yeah, right!).
Hairbrush: I use a comb, question-type-person.
Toothbrush: Blue funky electric one. No better than "manual" toothbrushes, it was a gift from an over-zealous mother.
Jewellery worn daily: Gold (9ct) signet ring with inset diamond on ring finger of right hand, "peace and happiness" rune necklace, Celtic necklace
Pillow cover: Plain blue or black. What does it matter? I'm always asleep, so I never see it.
Blanket: At the moment? Some kind of tartan thing. But usually it's plain black.
Cup: China mug with Oscar Wilde quote - "I have nothing to declare except my genius"
Sunglasses: Standard black sunglasses - not designer or anything funky. We don't get much sun over here, so I hardly ever wear them.
Shoes: Caterpillar boots - big, clompy, builder's yard type. I have two pairs, either black or suede - both as clompy as each other.
Handbag: I don't have a handbag, baby. I told you, getting into that dress for Comic Relief was a one-off.
Favourite shirt: Stoney-blue Reebok polo-type shirt, because it's sooo comfy, and you can see my necklace nicely.
Cologne/Perfume: Ralph Lauren "Romance"
Cd in your stereo: Tchaikovsky - "The Nutcracker Suite"
Tattoos: None, though I had an interesting oil stain on my leg the other day that looked like one.
Piercings: None, though I came *that* close to having one in my left ear
What you are wearing now: Boxer shorts - I haven't been out of bed too long :)
Hair: You can see it in my photo album! Brown / dark brown, fairly short...like having little bits dangle in front of my eyes. It's very thick, though.
Makeup: I don't think aftershave counts as makeup.
In my mouth: Menthol-flavoured chewing gum
In my head: Noel Coward quote - "Never fear the audience, nor despise it. Coax it, charm it, interest it, stimulate it, shock it now and then if you must, make it laugh, make it cry, but above all - never, never, never bore the living hell out of it."
Wishing: That I would find that perfect woman
Is next to you: An empty beer bottle, two glasses, an empty coke can and a mug of "tea" that Chris gave me, made with powdered milk. I haven't touched it, and its been there since last Friday. Maybe I should clean up.
Some of your favourite movies: The Godfather, A Clockwork Orange, Requiem for a Dream, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Goodfella's, Star Wars, The Exorcist
Something you're looking forward to in the upcoming month: Graduating from university
The last thing you ate: Aside from the chewing gum, Sausages & pasta
Something that you are deathly afraid of: Being alone forever

Do you like candles: Sure do - great for a bit of mood lighting.
Do you like hot wax: Ditto Mallory's answer. So long as it's not on me.
Do you like incense: We've got it burning right now
Do you like the taste of blood: Not through choice
Do you believe in love: It keeps me going - of course I believe in it!
Do you believe in soul mates: Yes
Do you believe in love at first sight: "love" at first sight is impossible. "Love" is what is left when youthful passion and the desire to make love every 20 seconds has burned away.
Do you believe in Heaven: Yes
Do you believe in forgiveness: It's a fundamental teaching of Christianity, even though sometimes I find it hard
What do you want done with your body when you die: Cremate me nicely and give me a headstone somewhere. Scatter me somewhere nice in London - just don't leave me in an urn on your mantlepiece. I'd get bored.
Who is your worst enemy: Thankfully, I don't have any "enemies", but I can think of a few people who'd like to have a go if they could get close enough.
If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be: I already have a dog (Dylan), a cat (Brandy) and three fish (Moby, Verne and Kubrick)
What is the latest you've ever stayed up: 3 nights in a row - saw three sunrises and three sunsets
Ever been to Belgium: Yes, briefly, when I was on a French exchange 7 years ago. Not very interesting.
Can you eat with chopsticks: Yes! (will have to teach Mallory). I struggle a little with the rice sometimes, but usually I'm fine with them.
What's your favourite coin: The 50p, because it's big and shiny.
What are some of your favorite pig out foods: Doritos, anything chocolate. I *adore* pralines :)
What's something that you wish people would understand: Me
Anyone you miss that you haven't seen in a long time: Kelly Snow. I used to fancy her something chronic back in school, and I still carry a torch for her now. She's the prettiest girl I ever saw - and I mean that.

:: Plod 14:11 [+] ::
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The Joy of Revision

Are you beginning to see a pattern in my life?

My head was literally aching with revision yesterday, and today it's time to do it all over again. I think with a good session today, tomorrow and Sunday I should have covered just about everything (well, everything I'm ever going to know), so fingers crossed. I keep praying that everything will go well, so I'm sure it will.

Other than that, I have no plans, no appointments, no nothing. I met Liz for lunch yesterday, as I seem to do every Thursday, and it was very pleasant as always. I'll probably see her next week some time before we all leave Sheffield - though of course she's coming back next year to work as a classroom assistant.

Time to hit the books, methinks.

:: Plod 12:23 [+] ::
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New Photos in the album

I was just mooching around today and came across a couple of old pictures, as well as the now famous one of me in a dress (for charity, I swear). I've uploaded a couple to the album (click the link down there on the left). Don't forget that I have a public album which is open for submissions!

:: Plod 14:07 [+] ::
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Strangers in the Night

Met a curious girl this evening while perusing Yahoo! Chat - something I almost never do. Most online conversations are about sex and nothing but sex, and most rooms are full of desperate people who can't get laid in real life. But tonight, I ran into someone who didn't quite fit that bill.

I don't even so much as know her name or where she's from. All I know is that she's an English student from the US. But in a way, that's nice. No details keeps things interesting. It means we don't make stupid small talk about how much we'd like to fuck each other or stuff like that. Just good chatting. She was an interesting character - not some kind of pussy "yes" girl, which made a refreshing change. We talked about poetry & a few other artsy-fartsy things, and there seemed to be a little spark - in a bouncy-off kind of way (not a romantic way), which was pleasant.

I don't know if I'll ever see her again - all I have is a chat name (bluestocking03 - written here for my reference), and nothing else. Its certainly going to send me to bed with a few amusing thoughts in my mind.

Whoever she is, she certainly made my night. She may only ever be a fleeting stranger, but I'll remember that conversation.

:: Plod 04:08 [+] ::
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Bastard on eBay

I've just had to deal with the charming buyer on eBay, clowyn1 - have a search for him when you're next at the site. The little shit bought three of my items, didn't pay, lied about me not contacting him, and left me three negatives in my selling profile. Great. So I end up copping a whole load of crap all because of that loser.

I swear, if I could meet him, I'd smash his head in.

:: Plod 12:12 [+] ::
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