A Dog Called Kevin

This weekend saw the beginning of an official project called the Urban Exploration Project. This concept, proposed by my Most Delicious Friend Regina Silverspoon ®, is nothing more than taking good photographs in urban areas and posting them in one place.

Today's exploration was of Highgate Cemetery. We took a guided tour of this very beautiful, surprisingly uncreepy place. More about the cemetery on my other blog.

We also passed by Holly Village which is a group of eclectic gothic cottages built in 1865 for Baroness Burdett-Coutts' retired servants. We are sure that vampires live there.

Walking back through Waterlow Park we were mowed down by various very-pleased-to-be-out-in-the-freezing-cold-running-around-the-park-chasing-sticks dogs. One dog was a bit older than the other raggamuffins and was much happier sniffing the ground tentatively and was thrilled to shivering bits to receive generous pats on the head. His name was Kevin. What a cool dog-name.

Too Close For Comfort

A bit of a sombre posting tonight. There's a story in the news at the moment about the murder of a woman in her offices. I know the company where she worked. They are a competitor; we talk about them all the time.

It's a truly awful thing that happened. Locking up our offices the other night, I felt a flutter of unease. It's one of those tragedies that I will not forget. Despite the dozens of other murders that take place all across London and in my own neighbourhood, and despite that fact that I did not know her, this one feels a little too close to home.

A story about a date

Last Saturday we had a party. A housewarming party. It was a good party. Some say a great party. 80's theme: the music, the food, the outfits, the works. I played Queen of the Cocktails and got everyone verily drunk.*

My French Friend was there. She lasted until the jug of Shakey Milken Banana with Whiskey** was passed round, and claims to not remember much else after that. That would include not really remembering giving out her phone number.

Sunday dawns, or rather afternoons, and My French Friend receives a voicemail message from someone called Ned***. It's not a common name, Ned. He mentions 'party' 'your number' and 'dinner' and she thinks that she vaguely remembers someone she thinks may indeed have been called Ned and even remembers possibly, maybe giving him her number.

I receive a frantic French accented email: "Who ze hell iz Ned?"

Duly, I gather Housemates around my laptop to view the photos in an impromptu identification parade. Girl Housemate #2 points a finger and declares: "Ned!" She proclaims him to be 'nice', 'sweet', 'funny, if a bit cocky.' Fair enough. Sounds harmless. Attach. Send.

"Aah, oui, I remember zis person. Cool."

A date is susequently arranged. The day arrives and she goes on her way with my voice ringing in her ears: "I expect full details please!"

I expected to hear about the restaurant, the bar, the conversation, the did he go in for a kiss. What I did not expect was a text message an hour later: "Nightmare...it's not who we thought it was! It's the Wrong Ned!"

What are the odds? Two boys, both called Ned, at the same party, talking to the same girl. Poor Ned the Wrong. What's more no one really knows who Ned the Wrong actually is. I didn't invite him, Housemates 1, 2 and 3 didn't invite him. My French Friend's face must have been a picture. She called me on her way home, walking in the rain rather than getting into the same cab, and I laughed until I couldn't breathe. With her, of course, never at her, hahahaha.

*they all made it home safely
** secret recipe available to those who submit something, anything, which makes me laugh out loud
***name changed to protect the flash, boring, posh boy

He's just not into you

"Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love." - Charlie Brown

The Shins or Happy Coincidence

I know I said this wasn't a blog about bands, but this is more than that. This is about those rare moments when things seem connected and all's well that ends well.

While I wasn't reading about BitTorrent and while I definitely wasn't installing it, I came across a mention of a band called The Shins. Now, given my already stated impeccable taste in music, in theory I should already be aware of this band. I was not. That said, I filed it away for future reference and thought nought more of it. But Hark! A few minutes later, mine ears are pricked to the radio, for what should be playing but the new single by The Shins! (It's called Phantom Limb and I love it). "Hmm", I mused. I read it about it and then it (aurally) appears. "It must be a sign!", I declare with certainty. I have subsequently acquired all three albums.

Were it not for me absolutely not investigating the pirate underbelly of music downloading, which for the record is Wrong, I would never have come across this brilliant band. It makes me happy when one thing leads to another which leads to Good Things.

Yesteryear

Whilst the year past was a truly rubbish year for me, I will allow myself to look back at My Favourite Things About 2006. Surely I can find 10 of those...

1. My favourite entire album, the one that makes me feel happy
The Killers, Sam's Town. I didn't have to think about that for very long.

2. My favourite "Have you ever heard..?" "No, I haven't." band
This is a toughie because there are two neck and neck, both introduced to me by my Most Delicious Friend, Regina Silverspoon ®. In order that I not have to make a decision I will have both.
Sub-favourite 1: Interpol
Sub-favourite 2: Diamond Nights

3. My favourite place to be
My new house. End of.

4. My favourite event of the year
My French Christmas.

5. My favourite new word wot I learned
Putain!

6. My favourite item of clothing which I wore the most all year
My River Island jeans.

7. My favourite place I love to hate
Ikea. I hate that they're so fucking clever. With everything. Like marketing and store layout and delicious cake sit downeries. Fucking smart arses. I hate that I vowed never to go back and now I'm going with My French Friend next weekend and I know I will spend my money no matter how much I mutter about it. Bastards.

8. My favourite purchase
Star-shaped fairy lights. From the place I love to hate. Oh the irony.

9. My favourite past-time
Making and receiving "mix-tape" CDs.

10. My favourite thing to think about. Endlessly.
*Censored*

So long, and thanks for all the fish!