The way it goes
Time for another blog post, seemingly months in the making. There is literally no excuse for my complete lack of correspondence. Well, unless you count Facebook that is. As usual, much of my life is conducted under the cover of confidentiality and NDAs. General writing is also hampered by the fact that I simply wouldn’t post about stuff that I used to post about. I think it’s a mid-thirties thing.
I’m still effectively living in Northern Ireland. Officially, I’m living in Liverpool but am spending five days a week back at Anne-Marie’s place in Kilkeel, occasionally staying weekends too.
I’ve made an effort to get home as much as possible. The acquisition of a slightly battered BMW 5 Series has helped out enormously in this area. It doesn’t cost 120 quid to get up to the airport and back anymore. Still, Easyjet take the piss – charging just short of a score of shekels if you fancy carting more than hand luggage. You learn to economise and keep two separate wardrobes in check.
Duality has recently extended to technology. After a top win on the cards I bought a second 360. This has turned out to be a nifty investment, as I’m able to play games with the missus and kids whenever I’m stopping in Kilkeel for the weekend. Ginge and I have recently gone mad on Bomberman Live, getting involved in some epic contests with other players around the globe. It is testament to the game’s enduring appeal that you can still find players so long after its release, and that the same mechanics are essentially in play from when the old Amiga heads knew it as Dynablaster.
Gutting to have to buy everything twice. Hoping that some of my pals in the games industry will sort me out with a copy of Crackdown 2 if I show proof of purchase on a first copy :)
Haven’t managed to make it down to Southampton since April despite many threats to do so. I did take Kira to watch the Saints trounce Oldham 3-1 at Boundary Park. She enjoyed it immensely, although Ginge must be concerned about my overt attempts to ensure the kids don’t end up supporting Liverpool. I think Kira enjoyed the banter more than the football. That, and the “emo encounter” we witnessed in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens. Hooded youths have nothing to fear, believe me.
Charlotte is having a joint Hallowe’en / birthday party this Saturday. She turns fourteen in a fortnight, and yes, I do feel old. In addition to providing a good opportunity to down a couple of scoops at the homestead, I will also enjoy the process of vetting any lads she decides to invite, and perhaps, lifting them up by their throats.
Inspired by a recent spate of walking dead media experiences, I shall be going as a zombie. Don’t try this at home, kids - ‘cos I’ll have already done it. Also, if you get the chance, check out Max Brook’s excellent World War Z. One of the best zombie things I’ve encountered for a bit. It’s out on paperback and audiobook, so if you have eyes or ears, you’re in for a treat.
