I'm So Happy

2010-03-13T12:52:00.001-08:00

I'm going to update this blog much less.

Follow me here instead.

http://lennylikeslibraries.blogspot.com/

Mofo

2010-03-08T23:26:00.000-08:00

This is going to be so fun

Warm Bed

2010-03-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

I don't want to get out from my warm duvet.
Gustac Holst is the best thing to wake up to. It makes me feel powerful.
The days are getting longer and I'm feeling a bit happier.
I am applying for a few jobs, keeping busy at work, and enjoying it there very much.
I have day trips planned to Cambridge and to Bristol.

I've started a blog about Libraries also. Have a read? Tell me some stories about Libraries?

XX

P.S. Holst's Jupiter is totally in Jurassic Park right?

Babe

2010-03-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

Applying for dream jobs is hurting my tiny little brain.
I have a weekend with Marcus planned...mostly spent cooking.
Also I am taking my granny to her local antique fair Saturday.

Sleepovers

2010-02-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

I am going to this and I cannot wait.

As part of Museums at Night 2010, this is a unique opportunity to spend the night at Churchill's secret wartime bunker. Participants will be welcomed into the rooms after closing time, and introduced to some of its secrets through documents and objects which tell the extraordinary stories of the space and those who worked here. The evening will be a full 1940s experience, with films from the period as well as guided tours of our historic spaces, and time to explore the award winning Churchill Museum. The evening also includes dinner, breakfast and a cash bar.

As during the Blitz, participants must bring their own sleeping equipment including sleeping bag and pillow. Participants must be aged 18 and over.

The package includes:

* A guidebook and personal facsimile pass
* After-hours entry to Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
* A welcome talk providing background to the site and Churchill’s use of it 70 years ago
* Guided tour around the Cabinet War Rooms
* Films, objects and replica documents relating to the site available to examine in detail
* A two-course evening meal and breakfast the next morning
* A cash bar

apparently the food is based on ration meals and we play games like tiddlywinks.
If you want to come with me, email me.

X

Thick

2010-02-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Has everyone forgot what a nasty racist thug Cheryl Cole is?
Also the fact that she looks like a plastic barbie doll doesn't seem to bother lots and lots of men.

VOM

Snow Times

2010-02-25T11:40:00.001-08:00

Hot tubs in the snow.
This was pretty amazing. We had turkey Vultures flying overhead, and the tub had disco lights. Thank you Dave, I love you.

XX

I am in the middle of applying for a bunch of seriously excellent jobs. Will update soon, with pictures of where I may be working, (fingers crossed)

Heart-attack holiday

2010-02-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

No make-up, no vegetables, no sleep.
what a babe.

I just came back from a week stuffing my face with burgers:

I will leave the reviews to some chump named Marcus...I do however think Louis Lunch and Shake Shack were my favourites. [Can I count Shake Shack as I have gone before?]
I am sleepy and not-recovered, and getting up at 6 every morning for work is killing me. I have spent the evenings applying for amazing jobs for next year, helping Marcus with burger-dream-plans, and generally not being able to sleep.

I also managed to shove tacos, chocolate covered bacon, pancakes, pork buns, Chinese rice cakes, steamed dumplings and other things into my mouth hole...

We did take multi-vitamin pills with us.
We also managed to go to some bars, the Jersey Shore house, bowling, a hot tub in the snow, a library, a cigar bar, the natural history museum, the met, where the last scene of Men in Black is filmed, Queens Zoo and a few other places.

Now for sleep.

Total Recall

2010-02-22T16:46:00.001-08:00

The good guys dress in black

2010-02-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Men in Black may be the best film ever made.

XX

Rare Books and Manuscript Library

2010-02-22T12:35:00.001-08:00

After 18 months of wishing and hoping I finally made it!

Dream Library.
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Camberwell still have not bought back their post-grad in book conservation. However they have a two day course in paper conservation that I will hopefully do sometime this summer.

It is nice to be back at work, and drowning in books.
I was very good in New York, and only bought three books, (all Love and Rockets), a Zine about being a librarian, (by the woman who runs the Zine Library at Barnard!).

More photos from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut...when I am not sleepy from jet-lag.

Will you be my

2010-02-11T23:05:00.001-08:00

I have around 20 half finished Valentines cards...but I didn't have the time to finish them. I will make it up to my friends with letters and postcards and I will let them touch my fat post-america bellie [burgersburgersburgers]

xx

play it again

2010-02-11T23:03:00.001-08:00

Duvet Days

2010-02-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

my face hurts. I am too too tired.

Off to America tonight.

Staying with the boys in Brooklyn, CT this weekend and New Jersey for a night on Tuesday.

Lazer tag, burgers, museums, galleries, the highline, themed bars, possibly sledging, good mexican food, book shops and comic book shops. oh and blue moon and pumpkin beer.

I wish my school had little beds so I could take a lunch time nap!

I am currently finishing off the Key Stage One Literacy room and the stock room. When I come back Ill finish putting the non-fiction books onto dewey decimal, do the humanities room with Sheyene, supervise kids three times a week, during lunch, in the ICT room and get our non-fiction library open after school. Also got to do all my end of the week stuff today...print off certificates and time tables.

FLIGHTS TONIGHT

Going to start knitting again. Might even go to Stitch and Bitch with two of the girls from work. I want to learn to crochet also.

This was the most pointless entry ever, I just don't want to get out of my warm bed.

XX

I'm a drunk

2010-02-09T23:23:00.000-08:00

Sarah is such a frickin babe! Look how purdy her eyes are!
Gaggle video is up here.

Witches Hat

2010-02-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry mum. The above is called a Witches Hat. Also...sorry again Alex.

I should be at French class, but instead I came home, [by 4.15. AMAZING], and I am packing my bags for my American adventure.

Also Alex sent me a link to The Highline...and a bunch of other excellent free things in New York. I AM READY

ValVal

2010-02-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

Bluestockings

2010-02-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

I want to go to Bluestockings! ['a bookstore, fair trade cafe and activist centre']. There seem to be lots of places like this in New York. Heck even Barnard College has a big zine section in their library. I may have to call up my St Louis friend Andrew to remind him of our greencard-marriage sooner than I thought.

Friday, February 19th @ 7PM - $5 Suggested
Workshop: Saiya & Liza “Make A Sex Education Comic”
Join the editors of “Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf” for a hands-on workshop about making comics that draw on personal sexual experiences. Saiya and Liza will chat with some of the prior contributors, and they’ll be asking you dear participants to determine the theme of the next issue. Bring your pencils, your ideas, your stories, and start making meatloaf!

This is our last night, and we are going for drinks two blocks away with a bunch of lovely people...so I may have to go here beforehand, even just for a nose.
Sex+Comics=WIN.

NEW YOIK GET READY

2010-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

This photo makes me so happy. I am truly a horrid evil person.
I made Alex fall off of this round about seasaw/sore thing... In all fairness the whole playground was a deathtrap and it was an accident. I didn't relise how fucked up she was till afterwards. SORRY ALEX I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

ANYWAY.
I fly back to America on Friday for 8 days. I am staying with Michael Bender, Dave Pinke and Russel Pinke, and my boyfriend is coming along too! HURRAH. My favourite Alex will also be there, (for she has been dating Dave since a few days after the above photo was taken).
Basically we are going to loads of amazing burger places, and Marcus is making a little burger film on his super8 camera. We are also going to hidden away Mexican places, to get chicken at MumaFoku [hardest reservation in New York], and for food in Jersey! We will go to lazer tag, Yales rare book and mansuscript library, loads of comic book shops, loads of record shops, the hungarian pastry, target [guilty pleasure], to hunting themed bars in red hook and dive bars in the lower east side, and to run around in the snow in Connecticut, and New Jersey, we will go to the naturual museum of history, Guggenheim, Met, Queens Zoo, the park where the last scene of Men In Black was filmed, and to run around Central Park. Basically we are doing loads and loads and trying to spend very little money. I think I am most excited just to see the boys, and mumma Lorraine, and hopefully see some Jersey friends, and to walk round American pharmacies and round Union Square... and I am excited to climb into bed with Alexandra and Dave in my jammies for morning chitchats.
LONGEST SENTENCE EVER, [shows how excited I am?]
Also it will be pancake day, valentines day, presidents day AND Chinese new year. INSANE.

I took this photo when I was over last time...but I did not buy it?! In fact Alex and I tried to buy non-alcoholic beer, (accidentally). This time I will be pouring Hebrew into my mouth hole, as well as 40z and Sparks. [in moderation of course].

Also I am lazy and missed out so many capital letters in this blog post. LAZY.

I Love John Coplans

2010-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Photos taken while revising. University did not suit me then.

I forgot how much I love John Coplans.
I wrote about his work for one of my exams and haven't thought about him much since.
These images are too good.

I spent most of the day doing laundry, eating crap, reading comics, making crappy things for a certain non-crappy boy for the 14th [vomit] and generally sulking about in my pajamas. I am happy to do loads of stuff alone...potter round museums, go for a drink, have long walks, but I really can not cope with my own company when I am at home. I went a bit mad and started looking at the photos and the history of American school buses. What is wrong with my brain...

If anyone wants to take photos of me to mirror those ones then let me know. especially the knee one grabbing one.

overgrown

2010-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am looking at lots of photographs of overgrown and abandoned homes. This is not really the best way to spend a Sunday...especially as I put aside today to sort lots of things out. I think I am a bit obsessed with them because I love the description in Day of the Triffids, when he comes back to London years later, to find the pavement split, and plants covering all the buildings. Also I can't work out if I find the photos horribly sad or incredibly beautiful...maybe that weird mix of the two?
Anyway I need to stop faffing about on the internet.
I have however half sorted my room and made a mini book, (bound with three sections instead of one. I have always been too lazy to do this before).

The museum yesterday was incredible, everyone should go! Lots of weird things in jars, lots about the history of surgery, lots of saws, lots of dead babies. glorious.

My lovely friend Bryony has quit the internet, so that she can try and do more things. I don't feel the urge to quit the internet, and I think I do quite a lot...BUT I do want a new hobby. I think I want to re-start life drawing classes. Latty and I used to do them in Brighton together, and my friend AnnaMarie has decided to start posing at classes. I think I would quite like to pose for classes during the summer holidays or if I get onto my post-grad.

I am once again rambling. I'm going back to work.

XX

burgers in my mouth hole

2010-02-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

Only a few days left till Marcus and I go on our mini burger tour of the East coast of America. I am too excited.

surgeons

2010-02-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

I have been busy/sleeping lots so have not updated this thing. my bad.
Been busy with university interviews, friend's club nights, winning bingo, seeing family. nothing to exciting.

Tomorrow I am off to the Hunterian Museum. I have wanted to go for the longest time but have been super lazy. I might pop into John Soane's next door, though ideally I will save that to March, as I plan on going to a candlelit night.

In a week I fly to America with Marcus. We are going to be staying in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. We are going to eat a lot of burgers, some good tacos, (tongue taco, head taco), go to some libraries and museums, eat at moma foku, stay in new jersey with lovely lorraine, go to connecticut for lazertag and SET, go to Queens Zoo, and where the last scene of Men in Black is filmed. Marcus is making a burger film on an old super 8 camera, I'm going to take lots of photos, we are going to hang out with some of my favourite people. hurrah hurrah hurrah. I am excited.

XX

a room of one's own

2010-01-31T08:40:00.001-08:00

This time in two weeks I will be in New Haven, Connecticut, with a bunch of lovely people. Inbetween stuffing burgers, buying books, visiting libraries, and probably drinking and playing ping pong, I will hopefully get the boys to drive me past Yale's School of Art and Architecture Renovation. Just look how gorgeous it is.

Also I saw today in some retail magazine that the amazing house looking over Highgate Cemetary is on sale...if anyone wants to give me 5million...then that would be wonderful.

just give me concrete

2010-01-31T08:37:00.000-08:00

bringing up baby

2010-01-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

want. need.

playlist

2010-01-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

mine

2010-01-27T23:02:00.001-08:00

Track Listings
1. Rise Above - Chuck D & Henry Rollins
2. Nervous Breakdown - Morris, Keith
3. Fix Me - Iggy Pop
4. American Waste - Fallon, Nick
5. I've Had It - Bixler-Zavala, Cedric
6. I've Heard It Before - Moreira, Jeff
7. Room 13 - Taylor, Corey
8. Wasted - Exene Cervenka
9. Jealous Again - Oliveri, Nick
10. TV Party - Rollins, Henry
11. No Values - Williams, Hank III
12. Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie - Ween, Dean
13. Depression - Casey Chaos
14. Six Pack - Patton, Mike
15. Police Story - Ice-T
16. Revenge - Araya, Tom
17. Thirsty And Miserable - Lemmy
18. What I See - Dukowski, Chuck
19. No More - Armstrong, Tim & Lars Frederikson
20. Black Coffee - Rollins, Henry

love and rockets

2010-01-27T12:18:00.001-08:00

My body in cartoon form. MEGA.
I want to be Maggie for halloween next year [really I want to just be her everyday].

I have spread the love of 'Love and Rockets' around amongst a bunch of my friends. HURRAH.

polaroid boy and polaroid girl

2010-01-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

nice things

2010-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

book love

2010-01-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

In less than three weeks I would of been inside you.
I hope you are excited too.

Love Lenny

GIMME BRAINS

2010-01-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

yeh yeh but he's drop dead gorgeous

2010-01-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

I bought a sailor hat from the Imperial War Museum...I am the gayest straight girl around. Oh Dear.

Imperial war museum was amazing. I have never seen the section about children and the war before, or walked round the old house. Also last time the Blitz experience didn't work properly and my chair did not shake. I spent the whole day eating salami in tiny breads from Sainsbury's, oh dear. The last few days I've just had tomatoes, sesame sticks, breads and meat...not one green thing has enter my mouth hole. Oh dear.

I do need to update at some point as I have been with all sorts of nice things.
Lots of glorious free things, museums, galleries, getting dinner made for me, walking miles and miles round London, Tate Modern, dancing to Men In Black with my little brothers, dying my K Records t-shirt with Kool Aid, blah blah blah.

Charlie and little Chris are on their way over for a cup of tea before the Vivian Girls tonight. I am going to make them listen to Veruca Salt...they are going to hate me.

pretty far out

2010-01-24T03:30:00.000-08:00

my alarm went off 3 houra ago, and I am still in bed, (on my 4th cup of tea), procrastining by looking at old photos and girl frenzy articles and listening to cheesy girl bands.

Off to the Imperial War Museum today, then home early to sort my life out, [actually do some interview prep work, instead of just thinking about it]

xx

story of my life

2010-01-24T01:52:00.000-08:00

a favourite one

2010-01-23T15:11:00.001-08:00

This one cooks and buys me food lots.
AMAZING

crisps

2010-01-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

Josh posted some old photos of us when we were kiddlewinks.

Will make a proper update soon, about museums and pubs and food and happiness...but I am lazy/doing post-grad interview prep.

airbrushed

2010-01-21T23:25:00.001-08:00

Going Insane Going Out Of My Mind

2010-01-16T04:01:00.000-08:00

What an ugly little rotter I was [am].

I have a last fm. add it.

Vivian Girls in Oxford last night was so good! Charlie and I drove home shouting along to old songs, Moldy Peaches, XHeadwalkX and other tunes of our youth! What a good man! We had scotch eggs and fatayers with dip! MORE ROAD TRIPS PLEASE!

I have a busy few weeks coming up, spending minimal money, but still going out and seeing friends. I have babysitting, bingo, drinks at the Blackfriars, anniversary meals, London dates with American friends, dying old t-shirts with Kool Aid, meals meals meals, Brighton to see sixth form friends, French lessons, blah blah blah.
I need to get a new memory card, or some film.

Also tonight I have a hot dinner and movie date with my gran. RAD

Ddv is my hero

2010-01-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

I recently helped my granny sort out loads of stuff from her attic, (mostly old photos and letters). I found a bunch of negatives and asked her if I could have them. Marcus' brother Dominic has scanned a bunch of them for me, and they are truly beautiful. I must now repay Dominic with some sort of edible delight, (though this might not be for a while as I am skint. Sorry Dom).
I have asked the family to tell me who is who, (I think mostly my Grandad's dad, but I want to know who everyone is). When I know, I will pass on stories.

XX

Glamour

2010-01-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Someone pay for me to go to this.

Thursday 11 February, 7pm (90 mins)

£10 / £8 concessions

Two writers bring their own perspectives on what it means to be a feminist.

Glamour

Carol Dyhouse examines with wit and insight, the history and meaning of costume, cosmetics and perfume. Using a rich variety of sources, from women’s magazines and film to social surveys and life histories, she disentangles some of the feminist arguments surrounding femininity, appearance and power. The book explores historical contexts in which glamour served as an expression
of desire for women, and an assertion of entitlement to the pleasures of affluence.

In collaboration with Zed Books

The Noughtie Girl’s Guide to Feminism

Come and hear about this more light hearted look at feminism and find out why Levenson feels so many women nowadays have an “I’m not a feminist but ...” attitude. She suggests feminism for the noughties seeks to reclaim individuality and choice, where men and women should be given equal opportunities and equal choices.

Ellie Levenson is a freelance journalist and lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Hiding in Marcus' room

2010-01-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

Marcus has gone off to play football for an hour, and it is too cold for me, so I am hiding in his room. Oh dear!

I have been busy with my brother's 4th birthday party, babysitting, falling over in the snow, pie and mash, broadway market, Wellcome collection, the new Japan Centre, seeing my beautiful friend Emily, (who is over from America for 4 months), catching up with Cat, and generally being grumpy and eating too much, (the latter will end when the weather gets better and the days get longer).

There are a million books I want to buy with war time recipes in, and a million comic books I want to buy too. I have no monies, and I am trying to not spend at all before going to America.I am going to spend the next 5 weeks going to museums, galleries, on lots of London walks, and having cooking dates, and making nettle soup. blah blah blah

I have been off the radar recently and not seen many friends because of my awful December. I am feeling much better now, and wearing make-up (well 1 or 2 days a week), sleeping better, and generally being back to myself.
Now I am suddenly busy with friend dates every night. I promise to write about stuff so you know what I am up to [hello Mum!].
The Wellcome centre's new exhibition is AMAZING, (and not just because their are photos of my beloved Claude Cahun). It was really busy on Saturday, so hopefully I will go alone soon, and spend a rainy day pottering around, reading everything.

Next Sunday is my year anniversary with Marcus! I am going to have a magical surprise for him, and we are spending the day in cooking, and just hanging out. I might even put on a posh frock.

I am going to make it through this year

2010-01-04T23:15:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve Marcus and I stayed in and made pies on sticks!
We made mince pies and apple pies, because the 1st is his mum's birthday. I wanted to avoid New Year's parties, because of the awful December I had, (and because New Year's is shit anyway right?]
Anyway, we stayed in, drunk free champagne, did some pie making, and watch naff reality police shows.

I have a lot of resolutions sadly, most are just making more time for things like cooking, museums and seeing friends. I am also not going to eat any school dinners for the rest of the year, and I am going to make an effort to make packed lunches! From next week I will hopefully be making a Bento-box for myef at least once a week. Here's some inspiration:

rubbing kitties on my titties

2009-12-21T01:55:00.000-08:00

Kitten hot water bottles.

I made it home. Delays and diversions and snow and vomit make this a bit of a miracle.
I am going to spend the week mostly in my onesie, drinking too much tea, and being a lazy sod. This is much needed recovery time after a truly horrid month.

I want to do some rad cooking this week. some sort of jelly, (probably champagne and fruits), some mince pies, who knows what else.
I plan to make pie lollipops like these on New Years Eve with Marcus, for his mum, for her birthday.

ATP-MBV2

2009-12-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

Somerset from Dave Pinke on Vimeo.

Beautiful Dave Pinke made this rad film of ATP.

I spent a lot of ATP having a cry and being worried, because of recent deaths and other upsetting things.
However, I went for a swim, went bowling, played air hockey, had good food in Minehead, and played Bingo. I watched Sun Ra, Bob Mould, Yo La Tengo, Lilys, The Pastels, Sonic Youth, Witch, Swervdriver, Josh T Pearson, and a few others.

The Americans were over for the week after, and although I was feeling lame, we still had pub hang-outs and Pakistani food.

I am currently making all my Christmas presents, and wearing the amazing bunny jammies, (thanks Michael Bender), and drinking too much tea. I took the day off work today because I am poorly, and had a fever and felt so cold my teeth started bashing together.

Off to France on the 19th for some much needed recovery.

XX

Thanks to everyone who has been looking after my recently. Special thanks to Marcus, because he has been looking after me AND letting me boss him around when I am poorly! what a winner!

Ginger

2009-12-01T13:18:00.001-08:00

I miss American news!

When I lived in New Jersey a school a couple of miles away was put on lock down...because OF A NINJA SIGHTING!...which turned out to be a kid on his way to a karate class!

I miss my mumma

2009-11-30T23:46:00.000-08:00

I miss my mammy!

In less than three weeks I am flying home!
19th till the 26th!
Roast Chesnuts, long walks with our greyhound, creepy Christmas music coming out of all the speakers around town, my bed, (SO SO COMFY), having a million cats jump on me, bike rides round town, scary fireworks flying round our garden. I AM EXCITED!

Free the WM3

2009-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

when I have nothing to do I start missing people something rotten

2009-11-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

This photo may be the creepiest of me yet.
I'm such a creep/lurker. BLARF.
Taken in Bender and Pinke's old apartment September 2008.
I miss hanging out at their house, and I miss their bat wall.

I miss America so much.
I am getting excited about going back! I have two American boys coming over Friday, and two American girls coming over, (for several months) in January! I miss good burgers, pumpkin beer, the subway, 'italian ice', giant tumble dryers, meatl loaf, corn bread, having a chicken club sandwich for breakfast in old diners, bowling late at night, and I miss all my American friends. I need to save up money, so next summer I can go to either Texas, St Louis, or Pensylavnia to visit friends, (with NJ, and NYC thrown in too). Someone give me a bunch of money so I can go live there for three months. Thanks.

XX

kigurumi

2009-11-28T03:09:00.000-08:00

I want to spend all day in bed in one of these:

love me some kigurumi.

bunnies!

2009-11-25T23:21:00.001-08:00

I've asked my dear friend Michael to pick this up for me:

I have training at canary wharf today. day off tomorrow for eid. oh and I sent off my university application. blah blah blah

hell on wheels...?

2009-11-22T23:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some really bad photos from my phone of the bout, and one of me at practice on Thursday. I don't think there was even one point in the game where Birmingham were ahead of us! HURRAH!

hair

2009-11-22T06:01:00.000-08:00

Once again I have a fashionable Ian Huntley haircut.
Marcus greeted me with 'hello bowly' yesterday.

London Rockin Rollers whopped Birmingham in the bout. Derby photos to come soon. I have my skills assessment on Tuesday, then I can scrimmage.

the stuff of nightmares

2009-11-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

My housemate Jonny just showed me this video. I am blown away.
Joss Stone's record label did not give her any money for her new video, so she funded it, and her brother directed it.
It may be the best/worst thing I have ever seen.

Bambi is my friend

2009-11-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

If I win the lottery I would like a nice house with pigs, cows, chickens and a forest full of deers. close enough to London of course.

Why do I fancy 70% of the men in this show?

norway film photos

2009-11-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

dad got this developed for me.
Thank you daddy

There is no real order to these photos...if you want to know more, just ask me..

also he wants me to mention his twitter to you.
he is an ITN news cameraman, and has more followers than lots of the reporters and news readers. I hate twitter...but if you don't...then add him?

some old photos

2009-11-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

Photos from last Apri;/May that I never put up. Most of them are from Southend...and one of the science museum and and a few of London.
I am getting my Norway photos back on Friday, along with a mystery film!

I have derby practice here tonight:

holy moly.

homesick [AGAIN]

2009-11-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

I want it to be Easter so I can take Marcus home again. [In case you haven't noticed, I think he is pretty great]. This photo makes me super happy. I miss my mum's food, and how my house smells as Christmas.

I am always super busy. I am home tonight, but then will only be home again on Thursday, (around 10.30 after Derby) and then again on Monday. I have no money and spend no money, but I am always busy busy busy. I need to stop and be still for a while.
Also, I should probably invite more people round for dinner, so that I can be home on more than 2 nights a week.

XX

Women are the only exploited group in history to have been idealized into powerlessness

2009-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is happening in sunday:

I am exciting, because I missed handmade and bound on Sunday, and because I get to see the friendliest man alive, Jimi Gherkin!

When I get my film back of Norway photos I may every well make a small zine. Probably just do a tiny run and give it to a few friends and some family members.
Panning on making little comics for friends for Christmas, because I am poor poor poor.

I am a tiny child

2009-11-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

Halloween was good.
Marcus and I had very last minute costumes, and Charlie had put the most effort ever in to his [see above]!
Anyway I went to my brothers' party and trick or treating with them.
Then to my housemates' club night, and then to a party in Old Street.
Halloween always makes me a bit depressed because of how awful a lot of womens' costumes are. PUT IT AWAY LOVE!
Anyway, I didn't see too many people dressed as hookers, and I did see a lot of fun costumes, (though they always seem to be on blokes?).

The next day I went to the Day of the Dead event at the British Museum. I have been looking forward to this for the longest time, and it was pretty amazing, (apart from the crappy food). Anyway we saw the alter, the parade and my brothers made ponchos and masks, and my poor boyfriend was forced to carry Tommy on his shoulders. My friend Shelagh runs a youth group and the kids had made a coffin for the parade...when the coffin got into the middle of the room, a mexican-style Michael Jackson popped out, with loads of confetti! WIN!

Also these two photos make me very happy:

Charlie when I first knew him, so 4/5 years ago. look how young he is! no facial hair, shiny face, floppy straightened hair! MEGA
and Dom with some girl who had passed out at the party on Saturday.

XX

Also I have been lazy and poor, but have some exciting things coming up, including a residential trip with some of the kids at my school and their parents...for campfires, pond dipping, archery and castles!

Snow and treehouses

2009-11-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

I can't really put into words how wonderful Norway was.
I got so much done, so I will just bullet point about everything. Ask me about it if you see me, and I will ramble on about snow and Norwegian apple juice.

Day 1.
Moss-Jeloya.

picked up from Rygge airport, and had Norwegian conversations with my driver.
Stayed in an ex scout lodge by a beautiful lake.
walked miles to the far side of the neighbouring island Jeloya.
Went to Hotell Refnes Gods, to see some of Edvard Munch's work, (had to be let into a locked room. spesh).
walked about the beach, saw a dead shark thing?
went into town, bought a memory card and some more film, alost bought a viking hat.
went to a weird Norwegian bakery, and had some norwegian flat bread with cheese.
walked round some bars and galleries.
went back to the hostel, explored, looked at all the weird scout stuff.
watched the sunset by the lake.

Day 2.
Moss, Oslo, Bergen.

Got up just after 5 so I could watch the sunrise over the lake!
Got a bus to Oslo, passed mist covered forests, and creepy theme parks.
had a walk round Oslo for a little bit.
got a 7 hour train from Oslo - Bergen. This was the best part of the holidays, went through mountains, passed waterfalls, passed crystal clear lakes, saw red log cabins with treehouses, and passed snow with animal prints scattered through it, SO AMAZING! The train was pretty buff, and comfortable, and I had as much free hot drinks as I could handle.
was only in Bergen for 5 hours and 8 minutes!
Went up the funicular, up mount floyen!
Sat at the top of the mountain drinking hot chocolate and admiring the view!
Had a walk round Brygen, the old wooden part of town. was a bit crap.
went to the Garage metal bar, and drunk with a bunch of lovely people.
walked round, stumbled upon metal bands rehearsing!
got on the train again back to Oslo. I had no sleep.

Day 3.
OSLO!

I got to Oslo before 7, but the sun was already half up.
I did so much I don't know how!
Walked through Slottsparken
went for a coffee
went to Frognerpark to the Gustav Viegland Sculpture gardens...lots of creepy naked baby statues.
got the train to Toyen and wondered round the park.
Botanical gardens.
Munch Museum [so good! especially the room about conservation of his work!]
got two buses to Edvard Munch's memorial in a really beautiful graveyard.
went to a zine shop in the side of a colourful squat.
went to Helvete! [i was reading Lords of Chaos...so this was amazing]..its now a posh coffee shop.
went to the national gallery...bit of a let down, but had a few nice pieces.
walked round, and went to a flower market.
sat by the opera house with a coffee
train to Rygge while the sun was coming down.
naps at the airport, naps on the plane, home. bed. naps for ever.

XX

\

take anything you want

2009-11-01T13:23:00.001-08:00

Zuiikin English - Sankakukin Trouble - The most popular videos are here

dirty tricks

2009-11-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

this is AMAZING!
"another effective slap is to the boy's groin"

Norway, Halloween and other things soon. Promise

XXX

chugga chugga choo chooo

2009-10-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I am back, and sore and tired.
Above are some photographs from the train journey, but I will post more, and about what I did soon. I did so much things, especially in Oslo. I am paying for it today with a sore back and tired muscles.

XX

preparation.

2009-10-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Norway
In 12 hours, I will be entering you hard.
I am ready.
I hope you are ready too Norway.
Love
Lenny

norway or bust

2009-10-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

"if I stay in one place I lose my mind
I’m a pretty impossible lady to be with"

I am too excited about Norway.
I feel like I haven't gone away by myself in a very long time.
I am excited that I will be moving constantly, and doing quite lonely activities, (cycling round small islands, climbing Oslo's highest hill to watch the sunrise).

The sunset and sunrise times are noted down my lovely nerdy Norway book, as well as a million places I want to go, from the Munch Museum, to a weird Elvis cafe, built into the side of a church. Its probably best to update when I have been.

I am currently reading a book about death metal, murders, and church burning in Norway. On Sunday, I am getting my nails painted with satanic pentagrams and upside down crosses so that the Norwegians will love me.

I blew off Roller Derby tonight, as I am far too tired and feeling a bit sickly.
I went to the British Museum with my school yesterday. Had a group of 8 year 6 children to look after, and take round the different rooms, showing them about ancient Greek life. I am such a nerd, that I found it a bit too exciting.

XX

Handsome Haystacks turns 26!

2009-10-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this, I made a pinata cake, for Andy 'Haystack's' birthday.

It cracked when we made it, so we had to do last minute repair work, which meant we couldn't decorate the dome. also we made the dome so thick, that it took him ages to punch through it... and when he did, the cake got a bit smooshed!

Anyway, devils cake, with butter icing and filling and covered in jazzies [well...jazzles?]. eyeballs, sequins and smarties round the edge. and hidden in the pinata were skull candies, monster toys, dinosaurs and starbursts.

It was Roisin's toyboy's 26th, and we spent it in Kingston, by the river, drinking pints and eating too much sugar. Haystacks is a good man, and a giant man, so I am glad we made him a good and mighty cake.

first attempt was not so great, but i am sure i will make more marvelous pinata cakes in the future.

XX

One of these things is not like the other...

2009-10-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Ocktoberfest, St Louis, 2008.
This girls didn't appreciate me taking this photo.
Some of them were not smart enough to get it, and just gave me pitying 'aw fat girl' faces...others understood, and sulked off.

I had the best 4 days in St Louis!

I miss haunted houses, the zoo and Andrew's family's Watergate Salad.

Next summer I will hopefully get to Texas or St Louis to see R.T. or Andrew.
I miss my Americans. I can't believe its been over a year since I moved back to England.

Where The Wild Things Are

2009-10-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

blah blah blah. They have made it into a film. it looks pretty blah blah blah.

This looks better:

i'm going to make some amazing lunches next week. Inspired by this glorious website.

keep on the sunny side.

2009-10-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

We women aint got yours man smarts...but we'll give it a go?

My laptop has not had a working cd/dvd player or burner for about 18 months, so I can't make mix-cds for anyone. I would love to do a mix trade anyway, by sending zip files, (with yousendit or with email or something). Anyway let me know by email, facebook, or I guess here. [This includes you mum and dad. send me your magical music mixes folks]

xx

mouthguard

2009-10-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

I had a super busy weekend.

Firstly I went to the Museum of Childhood. I went to see the Wonderland exhibition, but ended up spending far more time in the permanent collection, looking at old dollhouses and puppets.
The Wonderland exhibition was a collection of work by East London Printmakers, based on fairy tales. They were all really good quality, but not all my cup-of-tea, though I did like a few of the black and white pieces. It was also really nice to read about some of the more unusual stories.

I then went to The Gallery with Sara, and caught up over chili and cake! I bumped into the lovely Joe too who was putting on an acoustic night there. Sara and I wondered round and went to a pub in Broadway market, had a wonder threw London Fields, and found some potted flowers. Amazing Times!

Saturday morning I went to the Imperial War Museum. I am kind of in love with it! I just went to the Blitz experience, Trench experience and round the Holocaust exhibition. The holocaust stuff was amazing, but really upsetting. There are loads of videos of people who lived through it, and lots of stories about different individuals who didn't. The home-front event was just a few people sewing together a patch-work quilt..so not very exciting. I am going to try and go back soon, because Horrible Histories have a Terrible Trenches Exhibition, which sounds amazing, (apparently loads of things to smell!)

I then went to see my granny, to sort out a load of boxes of photographs and documents from her attic. I found photos of my great grandad in his WWI uniform, and articles my mum wrote for her university paper on punk, and photos of my granny and grandad kissing in the 50s.

I then took her to the theatre, with Marcus' mum, to see a Feral, (produced by my friend Simon Beyer). I thought it would be good, but was a bit anxious about my granny liking it, (a play about autism...with puppets), but it was incredible! If you get a chance, or fancy doing something a bit different, then go see it, because it is an excellent play! My granny and I are going to do something once a month, either the theatre, or me cooking for a proper meal, (with multiple courses) or opera/music fun-times.

I spent Sunday at London zoo with Marcus, looking at the baby lions, sloths, butterflies, gorillas and loads of monkeys. The best thing was seeing the naughty otters getting fed. They made mewing noises and little birdy-tweets. I just want to have a million fluffy baby animals round me all the time.

We went to St John in the evening, and Marcus' got us a free course, that wasn't on the menu, because he is a fancy-smancy butcher, and supplies some of the meat to them. I had potter pork and Vension pie, and stole some of Marcus' apply crumble. He also ordered us nice red wine, and we basically stuffed our faces with beautiful food. nom nom nom. Marcus is the best date ever. I am overwhelmed by how amazing he is. I am a giddy school girl. PUKE PUKE PUKE.

I also managed to go out for a coffee, go to the pub, have pizza with my cousin, go to a comic book shop, went into Foyles in town, and pulled half my finger nail off, (and sobbed very loudly in Marcus' quiet house late at night about this).

I don't really have any photos as I broke my memory card, so there are only rubbish phone photos. SORRY. I will get a new memory card, and I am going to start using my film camera more. I have lots to write about some of the things at the museum of childhood and christmas presents, (I am starting early. making presents is a bitch)

XX

Some Girls are Better than Others...

2009-10-10T01:34:00.000-07:00

Ode to Bryony Beynon!
What a woman!
I met BB at a Le Tigre show when I was 16.
I also lived with her for my first year in Brighton.
She is a winner, plays in a rad band, puts on awesome shows (next one is the 30th) and basically wins at life.
She cycles a beautiful pink bike round town (though no helmet. tut tut tut), spends time tangled up with a lovely boy, and studies hard at Goldsmiths!

BRYONY=WINNER!

BB I promise promise to take you to the Russian Tea Room soon...and maybe Hackney Marshes and the Freud Museum, (so you can annoy that American 'intellectual' on your course).

BB...marry me?

Off to the Imperial War Museum, then to see my granny and cousin, and then to the theatre, to see http://www.ambassadortickets.com/1416/681/Wimbledon/Wimbledon-Studio/Feral!
My mate Simon produced it, andhe is amazing, so this play will also be amazing. Its about autism and has puppers! what's not to like??

'So I just need to be a cat, so as I’m not Matthew. No more.'

In a world of sadness and chaos exists Matthew’s struggle to confront his tortured mind and the man he never wanted to become. His remaining hope is to lose himself in the solitude of a feral world.

Feral is a touching play that combines gripping text, puppetry and physical theatre to tell a story of solitude, self-loathing and strength.

Sketty return after their debut critically acclaimed show Imogen with another piece of original and emotive drama.

Previous Press for Sketty:

'Imogen is as charming and emotionally potent a new play I ever recall finding'
Time Out Critics Choice, 5 Stars

'With the fewest of props and huge amounts of imagination, Sketty has created an infinitely touching piece, quite beautifully performed.'
The Daily Telegraph.

'This is just the kind of show that you discover on the Fringe, which makes the whole Edinburgh experience worthwhile.'
Lyn Gardner, The Guardian.

XXX
p.s. I spent the morning crying to a Barclays adviser in an Indian call Centre, because they paid my rent twice by mistake. ARSEHOLES

history dork

2009-10-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

I am not going to go to the Barbican this weekend, instead I am going to the Imperial War Museum. Oddly enough I can't find anyone that wants to go at 10 on their Saturday morning...mmm. [I am making up for lack-of-lie-in by coming home before 9 tonight and getting straight into my jammies]

I am actually going to a family event, because I am such a dork.
"life on the homefront"

I have become really interested in war time diets recently. Ration recipes and Victory gardens. I really am a horrible dork, someone should just punch me right in the face. I'm going to post nice photos of Clapham Common and the Tower of London turned into allotments soon, and I am going to cook some ration recipes.

Also I hope to see loads about the Womens Land Army! I had to do some work on the top floor of school, and spent a bit of time looking through WWII books in the humanities room. amazing.

Also I had a blast at Roller Derby Training Yesterday, but forgot socks, so I now have comically large blisters. BLAGH

sorry mum. sorry dad

2009-10-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

stick and poke tattoo.

Thanks Bryony!

XXX

I think I just wet myself

2009-10-07T08:49:00.001-07:00

All Tomorrow’s Parties is honoured to announce that the legendary Pavement will curate ATP in May 2010!!!

It would be fair to say, we at ATP get to present some very special bands. But we are beyond excited to announce that legendary US band Pavement will headline and curate the weekend of May 14th-16th in 2010!

After years of speculation, arguably the most important American band of the Nineties is returning to the stage with the line-up of Mark Ibold, Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West reuniting for dates around the world in 2010 including curating and performing at ATP Weekend 2 on May 14th – 16th.

Described in their own Wikipedia entry as having experienced "moderate commercial success," Pavement's catalogue for the Matador, Domino, Drag City and Treble Kicker imprints has come to define in the eyes of many, the blueprint for independent rock over the past generation and we are thrilled to have them join our illustrious list of curators.

Tickets are priced at £160pp for room only and £170pp for self catering and go on sale this Friday 9th October at www.atpfestival.com

See below for full information on Early Bird and Instalment Tickets...

A second ATP festival weekend featuring a different curator on May 7-9th, 2010 will be announced next week!

edit
I probably wont be able to go to this anyway.
I get school holidays off only....though they very nicely have given me the friday and monday off for December ATP...but only because I booked it before starting the job.

DAY OF THE DEAD

2009-10-07T05:34:00.001-07:00

Holy Moly, the British Museum is putting on a special Day of the Dead event! I am hoping Alexandra has come back to me from America, so we can go and dance and get our faces painted...

Special event: Day of the Dead
Sunday 1 November, 11.00–17.00
Join the fiesta!

In Mexico, Day of the Dead is an annual festival where families gather
to remember the dead. This year, celebrate Day of the Dead
at the British Museum with free events and activities including:

-A Day of the Dead altar created specially for the Museum by Mexican artist Adriana Amaya
-Music and dance performances
-Stilt walkers
-Children’s art and craft workshops
-A special display of macabre papier mâché Day of the Dead figures from Mexico
-A skeleton trail for children
-Film, talks, workshops and a lecture for adults
-Mexican street food
-Colourful carnival processions

edit
Bryony is working at this! AMAZING!

I am so sorry. Goodbye

2009-10-05T23:22:00.001-07:00

I may go to this on Saturday day time. Heather and Ivan Morison at the Barbican.

I am so sorry. Goodbye explores the relationship between the built environment and nature. The double-domed pavilion takes its inspiration from the structures built by utopian communities in the west coast of the US in the 1970s. Designed as a tea house, I am so sorry. Goodbye provides a place of rest and shelter, where one is served hibiscus tea, a beverage popular in various parts of the world and thought to have medicinal properties. A transparent dome at the top of the structure alludes to a spaceship or futuristic aircraft, a vehicle which might transport one away from a time or place of catastrophe.

I guess the exhibition is photos, and maybe part of the structure or a copy of it?
When the end of the world comes, I will be fully prepared to build the sickest treehouse around. and I will know not just to raid super markets to tinned food...but to raid garden centres for seeds and tools. and to raid chemists and libraries.
[not that this will ever happen, but if it did...]

I need to go this weekend, for the chance of getting my greedy paws on some free art.

I guess I should actually get up now.

I feed the pigeons, I sometimes feed the sparrows too

2009-10-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

I put my trousers on, have a cup of tea, and I think about leaving the house.

my bed is too warm to leave.
I hate winters when you come out of the shower and stand in the cold shivering, with drops of water collecting on the end of your nose. yuck yuck yuck. I also hate this when I am sick. I spent most of last night coughing/hacking/sniffing. joyous.
ANYWAY, Charlie sent me some marvelous photographs of our weekend fun.
We firstly hung out in Hackney Downs, which is right by my house. I actually wanted to go to the marshes, because they are covered in purple flowers, but I am lazy and ill. We went on all the playground things, and I swung much higher than him. We have known each other 5 years and I don't think we have ever been to a playground together.
He also helped me carry a massive bin bag full of helium filled balloons and 2 cakes all the way to Soho!

I made Harry a cake with Satantic pentagrams, and an upside down cross. I made Marcus a football cake with AFC Wimbledon scoring, while an MK Dons fan lies in a pool of blood. I was quite proud of my effort, though I have no idea if they tasted any good.
I had a good time, though people kept buying me drinks, resulting in me making a fool out of myself, and not catching up properly with the people I wanted to...oh and my first hang over in years... not classy.
We went to Garlic and Shots and the Intrepid fox. Marcus has some really lovely friends, and I was happy that a bunch of my friends came out to see him too. good times. The last 9 months have gone very quickly and it is all very strange. Marcus is a real gooden, I'm gonna have to 'lock that down'.
In fact the last year has gone mad fast. I think I need a diary with a key, like the girl in Twin Peaks, so I can put down all the things that have happened to me in the last year/year and a half. crazy times.

I am excited that it is getting colder, as soon I can march around in my old work steel-toe boots, and wear ridiculous hats and thermal underwear. I like marching round in heavy boots, crushing leaves and stomping through frosty grass. Winter is coming.

XX

[I did type this at 6.30 in the morning. excuse random/cryptic/puke worthy comments]

chugga chugga

2009-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

When did the London Transport Museum Shop get so cool???
I'm spending another night in, so sorry for the boring updates. I can enjoy my own company when I am up and out and walking and exploring...in fact I quite like being alone and try and get to lots of places early...BUT I can't stand my own company when I am home alone, I go slightly mad...
Out tomorrow and Thursday skating, and Wednesday I have a tattoo date with BryBry.

XX

boobs and bergen

2009-10-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

My body is going through a weird second puberty... which is good and bad.
mainly all the negatives and positives are boob related. Good-bigger boobs. bad-sore boobs and none of my bras fitting. If any secret rich people read this, please feel free to buy me some nice bras, or some sort of inflatable padded support top, so that they don't hurt when I go up and down stairs.
THANK YOU.

What Katie Did.

I am 100% not preggers, so I can only assume that someone is slipping me hormones in my tea, or that I am just a freak of nature.
Also although I like nice undies, please do not think that I am into tarting up. I do not like sexualised clothes at all. you will rarely see me in a low cut top or a short skirt. You will mostly see me in t-shirts, blouses, and cardigans. sorry dudes-boob tubes aint my thing. I have also started wearing more skirts and dresses, because wearing jeans seems to lead to lots of abuse on the streets, (I have a big fat bottom, and men think it is appropriate to strike up conversation with me about it. it is not appropriate. it is not wanted. you will find my fist in your face).

I spent the day doing child protection training and learnt loads of stuff about sexual, domestic and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. one in every ten children suffers from some sort of abuse. This scares me greatly. Also one in every four women is raped at some point in their life. Things like this make me want to run away to Norway, and build a house in the woods, and never see people again.
...though I also think I may be a bit over-emotional...because of the second puberty business...and all those nasty hormones destroying my mind.

Also I have become slightly obsessed with looking at google maps + photos of the Oslo-Bergen train line... It's going to be good:

[also i am well aware that my dad and other inappropriate people read this. sorry to embarrass you by talking about tits. GET OVER IT]

edit
I just found this photo from a year ago, (in New York, with gorgeous Jim and handsome Ian), where I seem to be angrily mis-treating my boobs. I think they are now growing to punish me for past-cruelty.

She was sweet sixteen, baby beauty queen

2009-10-03T01:26:00.000-07:00

I still look exactly the same.
Boxing day 2003.

my auntie is rad

2009-10-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jenni Dutton

Jenni uses the subject of the female body and clothing to work with the concept of absence and transformation, exploring associations around memory through her mixed media constructions. The initial idea may come from a certain feeling, or a thought, or from sensations evoked by playing with materials, combining them and letting connections develop through a variety of processes. Sometimes a particular feeling of unease or discomfort manifests itself in the piece, through combining certain materials with forms alluding to the female body.

My auntie is pretty rad! She lives in a small town in Somerset, and has a studio in a converted barn in the next village. What a good life.

I have spent the evening in drinking tea, baking cakes, and listening to Belle and Sebastian. I just realised how horrid and twee this is, so I need someone to bring over some stella and listen to metal with me please.

The roller derby story is not being run in tomorrow's Guardian, but soon soon soon.

Will have some photographs of my other secret activities soon.

XX

Roller Derby

2009-10-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

I must confess one of my secrets, for a fear I will be found out soon anyway. I have started roller derby, and been training with the London Rockin Rollers!
We learn all sorts, from different knee slides, to running on our toe stops! I am ok at a few of the stops, and I like how cross overs feel...but I SUCK at skull crushers and t-stops. However I managed to do skull-crushers for the first time yesterday! I am ridiculously excited about this!
I am borrowing a kit for a while, but slowly buying my own things. I also have a bright pink mouth guard! From now on I should be practising Tuesdays and training Thursdays! The girls how train us are so so lovely, and very patient!
Anyway, I go with Roisin, and it's a lot of fun! We even play stuck-in-the-mud! The flash didn't take on my photo, but you can still see how great we look.

Derby track in America:

and The London Rockin' rollers:

I was going to keep this secret for a while longer, but we had a Guardian photographer come in to our practice. Saturday morning there may very well be photos of me sweating, falling, stretching, or something equally embarrassing in the Guardian. Hurrah.

Americans Invade

2009-09-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

[ignore my stupid clothes. I used to dream of going to the warped tour when i was 12/13, so I had to go, even though I may of been the oldest person there, and had to drink a beer alone in a sectioned off part!]

One of my best friends from America just found out she is coming to live here for a whole Semester! I know her from working together in New Jersey, but she goes to NYU also! She will be living in Kings Cross, very close to me, and I will finally have someone to drag to the Globe on a regular basis! Emily is a hot babe, with an awesome humor and awesome skirts. My American accent might come back, so apologies for that! Emily bring me over a twinkie?

LOVE YOU MISS EMILY GRACE BUCK!

XX

snore fest

2009-09-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

I went to see the André Kertész - On Reading exhibition at the Photographers gallery at the weekend. I really enjoyed it, though not on any deep level, I just felt happy to see photos of people like me, and places I was familiar with, (lots of New York, Paris and London photos). The idea of the exhibition is a really simple concept, and I am sure many A level students have done projects with the same theme....but it all somehow worked perfectly.
I also realised I never read at home, only in pubs, cafes, on trains, or in parks. I even sat in the cafe reading for a bit, but I got a bit anxious as it was super quiet, and I kept being clumsy and making noise and getting tortilla all over my lap.
There's an exhibition showing some stylist's work upstairs, but as I am not really into fashion, or fashion photography, I skipped round it super fast. However, there are one or two photos towards the back that were awesome and reminded me of Cassandra's photographs.

I have been super busy, making things, running off to secret places, exercising for secret activities, working hard, sorting my life out post robbery, and generally faffing about. I spend my time mostly getting into long conversations with strangers, sometimes good [two 60+ posh men in town] and sometimes bad [two Raynes Park chavs, one of whom claimed to be a communist and the other who fell in love with my eyebrows]?

I did manage to go see a filming of Never Mind The Buzzcocks with Thuy, Missy and Tristan. It was actually really funny, and had some sexy men on stage [Alex James, Peter Serafinowicz and Phil Jupitus. BONER]

The only thing better than a cheese-making man, is a butcher. WIN.

Norway in less than a month
AND
New York In February! [well New York, New Jersey and Connecticut!]
[Though I am currently more excited about two of my favourite Americans, Bender and Pinke, coming over in December AND the two Emilys coming over for a few months in the new year!]

This babe is 27 today! Happy Buffday Roisin

muscat and dutton

2009-09-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

This photo makes me so happy!
Who says you can't be friends with your ex!
In fact Charliekins is one of my best friends, [even if he did smoosh cake in my face once]
I am going to bribe him (with a good lunch) to help me transport birthday cakes Saturday. [Please Charlie]

ANYWAY. Spending the night in, (a first in a long time), and I am planning my boyfriend and his best friend's birthday cakes. HURRAH
I can only wish that they are half as good as this one! [cake wrecks]

I'm not sick but I'm not well.

2009-09-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

I have been super lazy with this blog...and just talking about Norway...mainly because this is the only thing on my mind! [and my secret activity...which I shall maybe reveal soon.]...oh and I have another secret Marcus'-birthdat-related thing too, which will be revealed next week.

I sometimes volunteer at the Arcola, and used my free comps to take the gorgeous Thuy to see The Shawl.
It was really good! It was about a con man, and contacting the dead/reading minds, blah blah blah. BUT it was done really well, and wasn't spiritual or hippie-ish at all! hurrah!

A troubled woman seeks guidance from a silver-tongued clairvoyant, who in turn reveals to a manipulative young trick the art of his craft. But who's deceiving whom? Is there such a thing as an honest charlatan?

Mamet's razor sharp text is a lyrical exploration of trust, greed and betrayal, and the power of spiritual knowledge in a secular world.

"The finest American playwright of his generation."
The Sunday Times

I have also spent time with my family, at my grans birthday, eating my dad's pizzas, and cheering on my brother at football. Hurrah.

We had EID parties and Eid assemblies and Eid activites all week at school!
I stuffed my face on several occasions, and Shaman did some mendhi on my hand.
BOOM. [i look so serious in this photo. It is just taken at 6 in the morning beofre-work. apologies for the sulk-face]

I found a metal-travel guide! and so should be going to some Norwegian metal bars on my holiday!!!

Life is good at the moment, and I now have a phone that works. Hurrah

XX

my love for you is ticking clock

2009-09-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

Kevin Smith is doing a signing on the 6th of October.
I just want to go to touch his beard mainly.

more norway rambling

2009-09-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Slight change of plans to Norway:

First day will still be staying in Moss, exploring the galleries, lighthouses and having a cycle.

Second day I will wake up early, get a quick train to Oslo, then I will be getting a 7 hour train across the country!!!
Apparently one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world!
Here are some photos to prove that:

Its the highest train journey in Europe, going over 4000 feet above sea level! I will go through mountains, and past still clear lakes, and rushing rivers, and its going to be so epic/sublime/fucking brilliant.
Also I get loads of tea and coffee on the way there, and i am treating myself to this amazing meal:

The Bergen menu includes:

* Lefse flatbread with smoked trout
* Lefse flatbread with shrimp salad
* Marinated prawns
* Lefse flatbread with cured reindeer meat
* Game titbits
* Reindeer meat
* Mountain cranberries
* Reindeer paté on ryebread
* Brown Betty with whipped cream

I will be in Bergen from 5-10 at night, so I am planning on seeing a few more lighthouses, drinking some good beer, (hopefully in a metal bar), seeing the 18th century wooden waterfront houses, and traveling up the funicular cable car of Bergen! A super steep, and very cheap cable car, giving fantastic views of Bergen and the Fjords!

I am planning on only taking:
a notebook
a camera [maybe a digital one too]
a toothbrush and babywipes
thermal underwear
marcus' new thick coat
and one change of clothes.

I am getting the overnight train back to Oslo, and enjoying the free pillow and slippers on board the train.
I am then spending the day in Oslo doing free things, including seeing Edvard Munch's grave, the national gallery, and a sculpture park! I will see Scream and hopefuly some of Munch's jealousy pieces:

This whole holiday, including accomodation, flights, train journeys [5], cable car and a meal on the train is costing me under £120! I will obviously need a bit of money to buy some tinned fruit in the supermarket, and a maybe a warm crepe. but yes. pretty much sorted!

Although I have managed to book all this amazing stuff for super super cheap, with lots of free things shown in... I stil dont know how to find out roughly what the weather will be... mmm.. I am assuming cold...

ahh nuts

2009-09-22T23:11:00.001-07:00

theft and norway...

2009-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I have my bag stolen.
This included my wallet, cash, cards, ni card, driving license, mobile phone, ipod and oyster card!
Anyway, it has mostly all been sorted out now.
I do not know what I would of done without this gorgeous man:

He walked home with me being grumpy, didn't tease me for crying down the phone to mum, and helped me sort everything out. This morning he paid for a weekly oyster, and then went out and did a big food shop for me, and bought my keys all the way to work. Basically he is now my hero, and I shall have to bring him more smoothies to work, and more weird food supplies. I even made him sing 'apple bottom jeans boots wid da furrrr' to cheer me up on the walk home. what a winner.
Also my mum, my friends, and even the people at work are wonderful, and offering me all sorts of things! people are so lovely sometimes.

I need people's phone numbers. facebook/email them to me please.
Three are sorting me out with a new phone and sim [for free].

I am going to Norway, alone, for three days in October. This is taking up nearly all my thoughts, as I am getting so so excited about it! I have found a list of lighthouses in the south east, and I am going to do a massive epic cycle tour one day and take photographs of loads of them. I am staying in a tiny town with little art galleries and lakes. I might go kayaking too.
It is quite liberating to be free of my possessions, though I prefer being phoneless while cycling past log cabins in a cold land, than phoneless cos some one has stolen all my stuff...

ANYWAY. I have found some amazing photographs of where I am staying and lots of the places I will see on my epic cycle/photography tour.

be jealous:

The area I am staying in, I am cycling too, and round a big island to the West.

and some of the lighthouses, [including a reproduction oldie-timey one]

2009-09-21T12:45:00.001-07:00

robbed
no keys, no phone, no wallet

Moss, Norway

2009-09-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

I am going away to Norway for 3 days, to enjoy the cold, and to take nice photographs of lakes and little wooden houses. Above are some photos of where I am staying and the view from where I a staying. When I have more money/can drive, I will venture to North Norway...but for now, I'll stay south.

I am far too excited.

every day is women's day...

2009-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Soviet women's day posters.
Wen I have money/a more permenent residence I am going to buy one of these posters. mmmmm.

Last nights show was magical. Bryony raised over £400 for London's last Rape Crisis centre [in Croydon...so not proper London]. Vogue were amazing, as were the other bands, the food, the companys, and the Rampart centre is amazing, (though you can't go on their fabulous roof anymore).

I have spent the day being lazy and for once haven't gone mad.
I think I am growing up, as slowly I am able to have nothing to do, and not freak out.
Being busy always tires me out sometimes.

busy busy

2009-09-19T02:33:00.000-07:00

Things I have been up to:

-I had Thursday night dinner club! I cooked a bit veggie curry thing, and has Missy, Natalie, Thuy and Roisin over. nom nom nom. I made a green lemon drizzle cake for dessert!

-wedding [amazing. I danced..and cryed]

-looking after my brothers [we made a den of sheets and pretended to be in space]

-went to Soho Live [my beautiful Toni got me VIP passes, so we were able to sip cocktails in a quiet part of the bar]

-took over an after-school club as someone was poorly. ['make and do' - we made all sorts of mini beasts, and ended up covering the whole room in glitter glue and sequins....]

-I went to the Dorchester to visit my Gemma [where I ate all her bread rolls, and she treated me to fancy cocktails]

-went to see her new fella's gig at the Dublin Castle. I forgot what a weird venue it is.

-I volunteered at the Arcola. There are two shows on there at the moment, and I am seeing one of them, The Shawl, on Tuesday.

-I booked return flights to Norway for £6 each [plus a visa card fee]. so I will be going to Norway October half term, either with Marcus, or by myself. Either was will be a marvelous adventure!

-I started something secret on Thursday. I am so so sore, but it was so much fun. When I have been going a few weeks, I will talk about it...

ANYWAY.
I broke a bunch of memory cards, so here are some shitty phone photos of amazing books from my school. I pretty much spend all day cataloging books, telling children not to run, helping with educational games [ones about typing, ones about the Tudors], organising the plasma screen, blah blah blah. I really enjoy it.

poor/happy

2009-09-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

If you aren't going to this....then what are you doing with your life?
Money going to London's last Rape Crisis centre. [London? It's in Croydon...which I still refuse to think of as London.]

and if you aren't excited about Pavement reforming... then I don't think I love you anymore.

I have been super busy. Tuesday was my first night that I went straight home after work and I went a little bit mad. I will post more about the busy things I have been up to, and I can shortly reveal my secret project!

2009-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am off to a wedding, of two of my favourite people!
It's a gay Jewish Wedding, which sounds to me like the best kind of wedding.
Awkard photos of me dancing with Marcus, and stuffing large amounts of cake into my tubby face soon! PROMISE!
also lots of other things to talk about, jobs, museums, private views at galleries, vendee ham, Big Take Over 2, Buthchery, blah blah blah

XX
Eid Celebrations coming up, so I get a 3 day weekend soon! BOOM

I love Vanessa Davis

2009-09-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love Vanessa Davis...though I can't find much more of her work than Spaniel Rage...

my new job is going well. The children are super well-behaved, (almost like characters in Doctor Who). I spend most of my day putting books onto the system, helping children with typing, eating biscuits/lemon slices/jam tarts/cake in the staff room, and going to meetings. It's Roald Dahl Day coming up soon, so we are doing lots for that! I have also volunteered to help out in different after-school clubs, including Cine club, (where I get to learn to make animations! AMAZING!)

I have Thursday night ladies club tonight, (Roisin, Thuy, Missy, Natalie and I cook dinner for each other and talk about comics, work and idiots we know! hurrah)

awkard

2009-09-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

awkard family potraits.
I save far too many images on my computer.
Most of these are from here.