New look joella
Inspired by the superior readability of the India blog, I have give joella a face lift. Which includes her (ie my) face -- I had delusions of anonymity, but there's not much point really, she's part of my life now.
I am quite taken with the self-portrait -- one shot, no repeats. Ooh, it's very honest, said M. Not sure what to make of that.
Birthday drinks tomorrow, hooray! And definitely more photos to come: just need to buy a "USB port splitter" (sounds painful) so we don't lose the internet or the wireless network while I am having my arty pretensions.
joella
Friday, January 30, 2004
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Something old, something new...
For my birthday I got, among other things (mostly plumbing tools), two CDs off my wishlist.
The first -- Cut, by The Slits -- I have wanted for years, partly for nostalgic reasons, partly because everyone should have some 70s feminist punk in their CD collection, and partly because it has one of the best album covers ever in the world ever. Women had their own breasts in those days.
The second -- Educated Guess by Ani DiFranco -- is brand shiny new yet in back to basics style: I have had years where I've listened to practically nothing but Ani DiFranco, and I admire her enormously, but the last few albums have been a bit disappointing. Too fussy, too many instruments, too abstract, too bloody grown up. This often happens with artists, but I don't want it to happen with her as we are almost exactly the same age -- I *want* to be liking music made now by someone my age, or rather I want people my age to be making great music. It's not all about 20 something angst, surely?
On the strength of three listens, no it's not. There's plenty of 30 something angst too. Bring it on.
joella
For my birthday I got, among other things (mostly plumbing tools), two CDs off my wishlist.
The first -- Cut, by The Slits -- I have wanted for years, partly for nostalgic reasons, partly because everyone should have some 70s feminist punk in their CD collection, and partly because it has one of the best album covers ever in the world ever. Women had their own breasts in those days.
The second -- Educated Guess by Ani DiFranco -- is brand shiny new yet in back to basics style: I have had years where I've listened to practically nothing but Ani DiFranco, and I admire her enormously, but the last few albums have been a bit disappointing. Too fussy, too many instruments, too abstract, too bloody grown up. This often happens with artists, but I don't want it to happen with her as we are almost exactly the same age -- I *want* to be liking music made now by someone my age, or rather I want people my age to be making great music. It's not all about 20 something angst, surely?
On the strength of three listens, no it's not. There's plenty of 30 something angst too. Bring it on.
joella
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Blair vindicated?
I don't support (or believe) either side (or the Iraqi one) in this Hutton business, it's all boys and toys as far as I'm concerned.
Rightly or wrongly, it looks like the BBC have come off badly. They may have no easy leg to stand on in their reportage today, but this deranged photo of Tony Blair they're using on BBC Online says quite a lot about how they feel, I reckon...
joella
I don't support (or believe) either side (or the Iraqi one) in this Hutton business, it's all boys and toys as far as I'm concerned.
Rightly or wrongly, it looks like the BBC have come off badly. They may have no easy leg to stand on in their reportage today, but this deranged photo of Tony Blair they're using on BBC Online says quite a lot about how they feel, I reckon...
joella
Could you please knock me off my feet for a while?
... being a fine line from Galaxy of Emptiness by Beth Orton, which I am currently listening to a version of on the ever-splendid Radio 6.
A splendid sentiment, and one which the weather has delivered today: it's knocked the whole country off its feet, sometimes literally. I am a bit pissed off about this, as it was plumbing night, and I didn't get there.
It wasn't that I didn't try. S walked here through the snow after the traffic backed up, so keen was she. I gave her hot soup and toast, and M and S here loaded us up with mobile phones, blankets, flasks of hot tea and Kendal mint cake in case we didn't make it to Berinsfield.
I cleared the snow and ice off M's bashed up but still super-modern car, silently offering thanks that the 2cv is in someone else's care these days, turned the heating up to 11 and we slithered off down the road with our tools in the back, thinking dammit, how girlie are we if we can't even get to the class?
But after an hour of near stationary traffic combined with ABS-enhanced slide terror whenever we got into second, we had only gone about five miles, and we decided that there is a fine line between brave and stupid, and we were in danger of crossing it. So I did a stylish U-ey and we came home again.
To make up for it we're buying copper tubing and compression fittings at the weekend and we're going to bloody well practise.
joella
... being a fine line from Galaxy of Emptiness by Beth Orton, which I am currently listening to a version of on the ever-splendid Radio 6.
A splendid sentiment, and one which the weather has delivered today: it's knocked the whole country off its feet, sometimes literally. I am a bit pissed off about this, as it was plumbing night, and I didn't get there.
It wasn't that I didn't try. S walked here through the snow after the traffic backed up, so keen was she. I gave her hot soup and toast, and M and S here loaded us up with mobile phones, blankets, flasks of hot tea and Kendal mint cake in case we didn't make it to Berinsfield.
I cleared the snow and ice off M's bashed up but still super-modern car, silently offering thanks that the 2cv is in someone else's care these days, turned the heating up to 11 and we slithered off down the road with our tools in the back, thinking dammit, how girlie are we if we can't even get to the class?
But after an hour of near stationary traffic combined with ABS-enhanced slide terror whenever we got into second, we had only gone about five miles, and we decided that there is a fine line between brave and stupid, and we were in danger of crossing it. So I did a stylish U-ey and we came home again.
To make up for it we're buying copper tubing and compression fittings at the weekend and we're going to bloody well practise.
joella
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Happy Birthday to Me
... and everyone else whose birthday it is today -- I now know *four* people who share my birthday, which is very cool in itself.
It's also Holocaust Memorial day here in the UK, which is quite a new thing. It depressed me a bit at first that they chose my birthday to have it, but I don't mind anymore. Makes me remember that I was lucky to be born in more ways than one.
Shalom, sisters and brothers.
joella
... and everyone else whose birthday it is today -- I now know *four* people who share my birthday, which is very cool in itself.
It's also Holocaust Memorial day here in the UK, which is quite a new thing. It depressed me a bit at first that they chose my birthday to have it, but I don't mind anymore. Makes me remember that I was lucky to be born in more ways than one.
Shalom, sisters and brothers.
joella
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Upcoming Aquarius Birthday Extravaganza
Seeing as it's my birthday this week, I have done what I always wish my friends would do when it's their birthdays, which is a) announced the fact loud and clear, and b) updated my Amazon WishList. (No prizes for guessing where *I* went on holiday).
If you want your birthday remembered, you have to make it easy for people, I always say. Mine is like a Hindu festival, celebrations are carefully planned and go on for days.
My birthday is a big deal. But if I forget your birthday, it doesn't mean I don't care about you, it just means I don't have a diary (unless I've known you since you were 15, you're part of my immediate family, you're my dead dog or you live with me, I really won't have this information in my head).
Tell me it's coming up and I'll get you something I like. Tell me what you want and I'll get you something you like. Let's be adult about it in 2004.
joella
Seeing as it's my birthday this week, I have done what I always wish my friends would do when it's their birthdays, which is a) announced the fact loud and clear, and b) updated my Amazon WishList. (No prizes for guessing where *I* went on holiday).
If you want your birthday remembered, you have to make it easy for people, I always say. Mine is like a Hindu festival, celebrations are carefully planned and go on for days.
My birthday is a big deal. But if I forget your birthday, it doesn't mean I don't care about you, it just means I don't have a diary (unless I've known you since you were 15, you're part of my immediate family, you're my dead dog or you live with me, I really won't have this information in my head).
Tell me it's coming up and I'll get you something I like. Tell me what you want and I'll get you something you like. Let's be adult about it in 2004.
joella
Unmatchable chat up line
I've just returned from a trip Up North -- to Manchester for work, which happily also allowed me to visit N&D and their nearly upon-us bump, and then to Lytham to visit the parentals and little sister.
She and I went out to the pub on Friday night, where I was happy (as I always am) to sink a few pints with Mr P, whom I have had a bit of a thing about for about the last fifteen years. It's been a mutual bit of a thing, but it's never really gone anywhere: I am 100% sure we would be a disaster as a couple, and he is for the most part in agreement with this assessment of the situation.
But it's never been quite as simple as that, and every now and again he tries to get me into bed. It's kind of a ritual we go through. I think he sees it as a form of chivalry, and I take it as a form of flattery. Roles are defined and the outcome is always the same. (Except once, but that's another story.)(Well, twice. Kind of. But we're older and wiser now.)
The obvious rebuttal -- that I'm already in a relationship -- cuts no ice. He knows M, and they get on well, but he has, as he says himself, the morals of a pole cat.
Any attempt at the 'we're much better as friends' argument is held up as cheesy (which when you're pissed, it is) and he points out that he's not offering lifelong, just night-long, and he'll still respect me in the morning. Which is true.
So my latest and most successful tactic is to point out practical barriers. No, I can't come back tonight, my parents want to see me. Tomorrow then. No, I can't, I've got to get up really early to get to Preston to catch the train home.
Look, you come round tomorrow night, we'll do mad passionate whatever and on Sunday I'll run you back in the van.
What, to Oxford?
Yeah. I can set the diesel off against tax.
With a line like that, I said, I'm almost tempted.
joella
I've just returned from a trip Up North -- to Manchester for work, which happily also allowed me to visit N&D and their nearly upon-us bump, and then to Lytham to visit the parentals and little sister.
She and I went out to the pub on Friday night, where I was happy (as I always am) to sink a few pints with Mr P, whom I have had a bit of a thing about for about the last fifteen years. It's been a mutual bit of a thing, but it's never really gone anywhere: I am 100% sure we would be a disaster as a couple, and he is for the most part in agreement with this assessment of the situation.
But it's never been quite as simple as that, and every now and again he tries to get me into bed. It's kind of a ritual we go through. I think he sees it as a form of chivalry, and I take it as a form of flattery. Roles are defined and the outcome is always the same. (Except once, but that's another story.)(Well, twice. Kind of. But we're older and wiser now.)
The obvious rebuttal -- that I'm already in a relationship -- cuts no ice. He knows M, and they get on well, but he has, as he says himself, the morals of a pole cat.
Any attempt at the 'we're much better as friends' argument is held up as cheesy (which when you're pissed, it is) and he points out that he's not offering lifelong, just night-long, and he'll still respect me in the morning. Which is true.
So my latest and most successful tactic is to point out practical barriers. No, I can't come back tonight, my parents want to see me. Tomorrow then. No, I can't, I've got to get up really early to get to Preston to catch the train home.
Look, you come round tomorrow night, we'll do mad passionate whatever and on Sunday I'll run you back in the van.
What, to Oxford?
Yeah. I can set the diesel off against tax.
With a line like that, I said, I'm almost tempted.
joella
Monday, January 19, 2004
All New Technicolour India Blog
The Milester and I have added selected holiday snaps to our holiday in India weblog. I am very pleased with the teamwork this represents: I did the selection, optimising, resizing, title and descriptions and page design, and M put all this in a database and generated the pages.
The Milester and I have added selected holiday snaps to our holiday in India weblog. I am very pleased with the teamwork this represents: I did the selection, optimising, resizing, title and descriptions and page design, and M put all this in a database and generated the pages.
Boo Hoo
There's something wrong with our boiler. When we got back from our hols it was running on nearly no water pressure -- we took one of the radiators off to paper behind it before we left, and S turned off and possibly took off another one and didn't turn it back on again, and basically the whole system was full of air, the top floor ones weren't even getting warm and it's a miracle there was enough oomph in it to heat the water.
So I rang the boiler man in a panic and he told me how to top it up and then to bleed all the cold radiators and turn the off ones back on and it might all be ok. We also found a bit of a leak from the one we'd taken off and tightened that up.
But I don't think it is ok. It works all right when the heating's on, but overnight it loses pressure again and needs more water...
And with my extensive plumbing knowledge I don't know how to fix it. Arse.
joella
There's something wrong with our boiler. When we got back from our hols it was running on nearly no water pressure -- we took one of the radiators off to paper behind it before we left, and S turned off and possibly took off another one and didn't turn it back on again, and basically the whole system was full of air, the top floor ones weren't even getting warm and it's a miracle there was enough oomph in it to heat the water.
So I rang the boiler man in a panic and he told me how to top it up and then to bleed all the cold radiators and turn the off ones back on and it might all be ok. We also found a bit of a leak from the one we'd taken off and tightened that up.
But I don't think it is ok. It works all right when the heating's on, but overnight it loses pressure again and needs more water...
And with my extensive plumbing knowledge I don't know how to fix it. Arse.
joella
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Woo Hoo
So off S and I went to Blanchfords (Tool Merchants To The Stars!) where I bought my first Kit.
1. An 8" adjustable spanner which goes up to 22 (that's twice as good as 11!) because, as I now know, tubes come in 15 mm (known as 15 mill) and 22 mm (etc) diameters.
2. My favourite tool that I have ever owned ever, a pair of Rothenberger 12" pump pliers -- devilishly expensive but aesthetically very pleasing, comfortable to wield in fantasy mode *and* -- get this -- ALREADY USEFUL: I wielded them experimentally in the direction of the Belfast sink we had removed from our kitchen last year and which ever since has been sitting on its side outside the back door still wearing its U-bend because I wasn't in when it was left there. I had thought this was an irredeemable situation but no -- it unscrewed like a dream.
3. A pipe cutter that will have to go back because I got the wrong size (22 rather than 15 -- we won't get to 22 for *ages* is my guess). But I reckon after only one lesson I have enough confidence to take something back to the plumbing department of a builder's merchant's. Can't be bad.
Could it be that all you need in life is a little knowledge, a little confidence, enough authority (eg: this is my sink, I might be a girl but I am entitled to have a go at removing the U-bend) and the right tool for the job?
Or am I just a bit pissed? It can't be that simple.
joella
PS The pic of the pliers is not my photo, it's lifted from the Rothenburger website. I have reversed it to reflect the fact that I am left handed -- the tool itself (unlike many I have used) is blissfully symmetrical.
So off S and I went to Blanchfords (Tool Merchants To The Stars!) where I bought my first Kit.
1. An 8" adjustable spanner which goes up to 22 (that's twice as good as 11!) because, as I now know, tubes come in 15 mm (known as 15 mill) and 22 mm (etc) diameters.
2. My favourite tool that I have ever owned ever, a pair of Rothenberger 12" pump pliers -- devilishly expensive but aesthetically very pleasing, comfortable to wield in fantasy mode *and* -- get this -- ALREADY USEFUL: I wielded them experimentally in the direction of the Belfast sink we had removed from our kitchen last year and which ever since has been sitting on its side outside the back door still wearing its U-bend because I wasn't in when it was left there. I had thought this was an irredeemable situation but no -- it unscrewed like a dream.
3. A pipe cutter that will have to go back because I got the wrong size (22 rather than 15 -- we won't get to 22 for *ages* is my guess). But I reckon after only one lesson I have enough confidence to take something back to the plumbing department of a builder's merchant's. Can't be bad.
Could it be that all you need in life is a little knowledge, a little confidence, enough authority (eg: this is my sink, I might be a girl but I am entitled to have a go at removing the U-bend) and the right tool for the job?
Or am I just a bit pissed? It can't be that simple.
joella
PS The pic of the pliers is not my photo, it's lifted from the Rothenburger website. I have reversed it to reflect the fact that I am left handed -- the tool itself (unlike many I have used) is blissfully symmetrical.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Adult education is for grown ups
Too tired to think right now -- verrrry long week at work, verrry tired. But my colleague and v good friend S (not S at home, different S) and I started an Adult Education Course this week.
Put it this way. Victoria Beckham can Learn to Fly all she wants, because we are Learning to Plumb.
Saturday, I'm off to buy adjustable spanners.
joella
Too tired to think right now -- verrrry long week at work, verrry tired. But my colleague and v good friend S (not S at home, different S) and I started an Adult Education Course this week.
Put it this way. Victoria Beckham can Learn to Fly all she wants, because we are Learning to Plumb.
Saturday, I'm off to buy adjustable spanners.
joella
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Unprecedented admission of massive musical misjudgement
I think this needs to go on the record immediately.
I got the Smiths wrong. I was never a fan even though I was just the right age to be one. I wasted a chunk of my adolescence.
It was one of those things. At 12 and 13 in Blackpool in the early 80s, you were either into Duran or Spandau. I was into Duran (a wise choice I still think), and therefore spat in the gutter at the sound of the first chord of True.
At 15 in Blackpool in the late 80s, you were either into Billy Bragg or The Smiths. I was a Bragg fan (and still am) and the Smiths were therefore rubbish.
And then I got older and along came dope, indie, folk and psychedelia and I never gave them a second thought. (Apart from Panic: to this day I still use the phrase "says nothing to me about my life" whenever the occasion merits.)
Why didn't I realise it wasn't that simple? I've picked up a few Smiths albums along the way but never really taken them that seriously, even though some of my favourite people rate them as the best band ever.
But they've been creeping up -- I've listened to more Smiths over the last year than ever before and thought I should add some to the playlist for my upcoming Birthday Drinks. I settled on How Soon Is Now, put it on loud loud loud and decided it was just about perfect.
Resolution #7: Do the Smiths justice.
joella
I think this needs to go on the record immediately.
I got the Smiths wrong. I was never a fan even though I was just the right age to be one. I wasted a chunk of my adolescence.
It was one of those things. At 12 and 13 in Blackpool in the early 80s, you were either into Duran or Spandau. I was into Duran (a wise choice I still think), and therefore spat in the gutter at the sound of the first chord of True.
At 15 in Blackpool in the late 80s, you were either into Billy Bragg or The Smiths. I was a Bragg fan (and still am) and the Smiths were therefore rubbish.
And then I got older and along came dope, indie, folk and psychedelia and I never gave them a second thought. (Apart from Panic: to this day I still use the phrase "says nothing to me about my life" whenever the occasion merits.)
Why didn't I realise it wasn't that simple? I've picked up a few Smiths albums along the way but never really taken them that seriously, even though some of my favourite people rate them as the best band ever.
But they've been creeping up -- I've listened to more Smiths over the last year than ever before and thought I should add some to the playlist for my upcoming Birthday Drinks. I settled on How Soon Is Now, put it on loud loud loud and decided it was just about perfect.
Resolution #7: Do the Smiths justice.
joella
Gender related timepiece rant alert
My watch stopped yesterday. It last stopped a year ago. It seems to be stopping every year around this time. Whenever it stops I have to take it to an expensive watch sanctuary for a little break. I think they have to send off to Switzerland for new batteries or something. Either way, it costs a packet.
My watch is 14 years old. It was stylish (and expensive) when I got it, but these days it is just naff. One day it might be retro cool, but not this decade.
It was a birthday present from my parents, so I want to keep it (and as I said, one day it might be retro cool). But I suddenly realised that maybe investing in a new watch (simple, functional, not at all bling) would be a sensible thing to do and possibly not much more expensive than getting current watch patched up.
So I went surfing for watches. I have only two fixed criteria: it must be waterproof -- properly waterproof and not mimsy splashproof -- and it must display the date, and preferably the day. Anything else, I'm open minded about.
If you have a big hairy arm and you are looking for an enormo chunk-watch, you are spoilt for choice. Never have I seen so many practical, good looking wrist accessories. But if you are a woman and want to buy something vaguely in proportion to your anatomy *and yet useful and hardwearing*, you're stuffed.
Women obviously don't need to know what date it is (maybe we can just tell by the moon?) and we obviously only put our watches on when we are hanging around being dainty. Who needs to know the time in the bath?
I'm Outraged of Oxford.
joella
My watch stopped yesterday. It last stopped a year ago. It seems to be stopping every year around this time. Whenever it stops I have to take it to an expensive watch sanctuary for a little break. I think they have to send off to Switzerland for new batteries or something. Either way, it costs a packet.
My watch is 14 years old. It was stylish (and expensive) when I got it, but these days it is just naff. One day it might be retro cool, but not this decade.
It was a birthday present from my parents, so I want to keep it (and as I said, one day it might be retro cool). But I suddenly realised that maybe investing in a new watch (simple, functional, not at all bling) would be a sensible thing to do and possibly not much more expensive than getting current watch patched up.
So I went surfing for watches. I have only two fixed criteria: it must be waterproof -- properly waterproof and not mimsy splashproof -- and it must display the date, and preferably the day. Anything else, I'm open minded about.
If you have a big hairy arm and you are looking for an enormo chunk-watch, you are spoilt for choice. Never have I seen so many practical, good looking wrist accessories. But if you are a woman and want to buy something vaguely in proportion to your anatomy *and yet useful and hardwearing*, you're stuffed.
Women obviously don't need to know what date it is (maybe we can just tell by the moon?) and we obviously only put our watches on when we are hanging around being dainty. Who needs to know the time in the bath?
I'm Outraged of Oxford.
joella
New Year's Resolutions
A bit late, but I've not been in the right head space.
Last year's Year of Living Healthily went pretty well on the whole. I did not smoke anything at all ever apart from a bit of vicarious deep breathing next to smokers at parties. I am a non-smoker in the eyes of the life insurance company, so it must be true. Hooray!
Also, life in my large intestine is much improved. And while I never really got there with the exercise thing, I'm certainly not any *less* fit. I did get a bit too pissed towards the end of the year but hell, it was a difficult year. And the holiday at the end was full of long walks, no hangovers and many many portions of fruit and veg.
So that was the most successful New Year's Resolution I've ever had -- but it was state of mind focused rather than target focused. So maybe that's the secret.
Which completely contradicts the resolutions I have come up with so far. Bugger.
But for the record, these are:
1. Wear dangly earrings every day (this stolen from M's daughter, but it's a great one)
2. Leave the gym (waste of fucking money -- put money not spent on gym into holiday fund)
3. Buy toilet paper in many shades and not puritanically restrict myself to white recycled (already bought embossed aqua)
4. Have people round for Sunday lunch (improve culinary repertoire, drink posh wine in comfort of own home, by necessity stay relatively sober on Saturday night)
5. Explore alternative career options (starting introductory plumbing course on Weds)
6. Take photos all the time and put them here (India ones coming soon)
A couple more areas deserve more resolve than I have currently committed to them -- these are strategies for maintenance of friendships in a year of multiple births, and improving my relationship with my bicycle. But there's time. Maybe I should have March resolutions for these and just concentrate on getting through the winter.
joella
A bit late, but I've not been in the right head space.
Last year's Year of Living Healthily went pretty well on the whole. I did not smoke anything at all ever apart from a bit of vicarious deep breathing next to smokers at parties. I am a non-smoker in the eyes of the life insurance company, so it must be true. Hooray!
Also, life in my large intestine is much improved. And while I never really got there with the exercise thing, I'm certainly not any *less* fit. I did get a bit too pissed towards the end of the year but hell, it was a difficult year. And the holiday at the end was full of long walks, no hangovers and many many portions of fruit and veg.
So that was the most successful New Year's Resolution I've ever had -- but it was state of mind focused rather than target focused. So maybe that's the secret.
Which completely contradicts the resolutions I have come up with so far. Bugger.
But for the record, these are:
1. Wear dangly earrings every day (this stolen from M's daughter, but it's a great one)
2. Leave the gym (waste of fucking money -- put money not spent on gym into holiday fund)
3. Buy toilet paper in many shades and not puritanically restrict myself to white recycled (already bought embossed aqua)
4. Have people round for Sunday lunch (improve culinary repertoire, drink posh wine in comfort of own home, by necessity stay relatively sober on Saturday night)
5. Explore alternative career options (starting introductory plumbing course on Weds)
6. Take photos all the time and put them here (India ones coming soon)
A couple more areas deserve more resolve than I have currently committed to them -- these are strategies for maintenance of friendships in a year of multiple births, and improving my relationship with my bicycle. But there's time. Maybe I should have March resolutions for these and just concentrate on getting through the winter.
joella
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