Happy Autumn!
September 25, 2009
Excuse the lack of updates, I’ve just had the week from hell. Work was busy because the other girl in my team was off so I had to keep things going. That wasn’t the problem though. The problem was I haven’t been able to sleep properly for about a week, not even when I’m exhausted. As soon as I lie down I’m wide awake again. And I had to work an extra five hours, which meant getting up a lot earlier and getting home a bit later. Ugh.
But the week’s over! And there are reasons to be happy… welcome to autumn! I know I’m a few days late, but still. I love it – even being cold in the morning. In fact, especially being cold in the morning. I’d rather wrap up against the cold than suffer through the heat, thank you. Plus I have a spiffy new red mac from New Look and it’s good to have the excuse to wear it. Yesterday morning I got into Glasgow at about 7.30am and the sky was absolutely beautiful. I meant to take a photo but I forgot my camera. Sigh.
And I’m currently listening to Friday Night is Music Night on Radio 2, hosted by Ken Bruce who is basically a legend. On the show are the Swing Cats, a jazz quartet from Glasgow who are absolutely amazing and exactly my kind of ladies. I’ve just discovered them tonight, so I’m a little excited. They just played two of my all-time favourite songs: “Oh Johnny” by the Andrews Sisters and “Everybody Wants to Be A Cat” from the Aristocats! No one can beat that in my view. Their website doesn’t seem to be working, which is annoying… I wanted to post a link. Boo. They have a page here on Freak Music anyway. Looking at the sample set list, I’d kill to go see them. That’s how good they are!
So, what’s been happening lately? I would like to tell you all to go and see Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. Michaela (my Cineworld Unlimited card buddy!) and I have now seen it twice. Okay, I haven’t read the book – I didn’t even know it was based on a book. But I laughed through the whole thing, and comedy in animation these days doesn’t make me laugh out loud that much. So that was the first reason to fall in love with it. Second was the animation – very well done, I thought. People keep saying the fact that 3D films are more popular means that they put less thought into the film and more into what they can make stick out of the screen and poke you in the eye. Not in this film. There were one or two moments of intense 3D (sit in the front row and get seasick when the water comes out of the giant sardine bowl) but it didn’t feel like the film was an excuse to showcase their 3D tricks. It was more like 3D was the cherry on top… Plus, have these people seen the trailer for Pixar’s Up? I saw the trailer in 3D and I couldn’t help but think, at the close up of the old man’s face, how much detail they’re putting into the humans now that would have been near impossible years ago. (Up is out here on 9th October and I can’t freaking wait! Come on Pete Dockter!!). But yes, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs is a must see. With the voice talent of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, MR T!, Neil Patrick Harris (Steve!) and the hilarious writing and directing of Phil Lord and Chris Miller you won’t be disappointed. “Come on – we’ve got some diem to carpe!” (and to Michaela – meet me in the forest!)
Oh and in more animation news – I almost died when the trailer for Toy Story 3D came on. Michaela had to tell me to actually breathe. That’s on next Friday at Cineworld, and should be interesting! I’ll be the geek in the front row salivating. See you there 
Music and such.
September 1, 2009
Okay, so I’m actually thinking of selling my PC (for the small amount of money I’ll get for it) to get a laptop. Maybe.
This morning I got a text from a friend I haven’t spoke to much lately, Rick, saying “Happy unbirthday! have an awesome day” which actually did brighten up my day a bit. That’s the kind of thing that makes me smile, and I think I should do little things like that more. There’s so many people I haven’t spoken to in ages.
Strangely, it actually is my brother’s birthday today. He’s 18 (I can’t believe he’s 18 already, seriously!) so happy birthday Paul 
And I’ve just reminded myself to change the calender…
Anyway I wanted to update with pictures for this entry, but since I’m stuck updating on the wii and can’t be bothered going all the way downstairs to steal my dad’s laptop (it’s cold, okay?!) so here’s the list of songs I’ve been listening to lately and am therefore recommending to everyone who’s reading this.
Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson
It took a while, but it’s finally grown on me. Now every time it comes on the radio I turn up the volume and refuse to be disturbed.
The Black Eyed Peas – I Got A Feeling
When I told Caragh just how much I loved this song she thought I was being sarcastic. I’ve never been a fan, but the first time I heard this song I fell in love with it for whatever reason. I guess it reminds me of those fun nights out where you really do just know it’s going to be awesome. Could do with one of those soon!
Hockey – Song Away
This kind of annoyed me at first, but it’s one of those songs that’s catchy and you can’t help but like it, even if it is a little annoying.
Mika – We Are Golden
I literally have nothing bad to say about Mika. The man just rules.
Paloma Faith – New York
I actually hated this the first time I heard it, it’s the way she says “and I – I – I” for some reason it really bothered me. Loving it now, though I still think ‘Stone Cold Sober’ might be a wee bit better. Hmm.
Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts
I’ve been singing this in my head for about a week now. It’s nothing too special, but it’s a nice catchy song.
Boys and Girls – Pixie Lott
I wasn’t sure about this at first, but Iit does make me feel upbeat and cheers me up when I hear it in the morning. Nowhere near as good as ‘Mama Do’ though!
The Yeah You’s – Getting Up With You
“I didn’t wanna get out of bed this morning” I sing this every day. It’s too true. If you haven’t heard the story of how they came up with their name, it’s kinda hard to explain. I heard them on radio 2 one night (think it was on the Radcliffe and Maconie show but I could be wrong) but basically when asked how they got their name they acted out a conversation: “You alright?” “Yeah, you?” or something to that effect. Interesting choice anyway.
U2 – I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
Okay, so it’s obvious U2 aren’t as good as they used to be but this song grew on me very fast. Also fun to listen to at work when I feel like I really am about to go crazy.
Ruby Turner – This Train
I’ve only heard this a couple of times actually, but it’s a fantastic song. It has the sound of a classic about it, which is what I like being an oldies fan.
The Duckworth Lewis Method – Meeting Mr Miandad
If you haven’t heard this, you must. The band was formed by Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy (I have to add how much I adore ‘My Lovely Horse’, ‘National Express’ and ‘Pop Singer’s Fear of the Pollen Count’ – if you haven’t heard them, you really should. Though if you haven’t heard ‘My Lovely Horse’ then you clearly haven’t watched enough Father Ted, and you should go do that before you do anything else. Ever.) and Thomas Walsh of Pugwash. The entire album is compiled of cricket songs.
Newton Faulkner – If This Is It
Not a majorly special song, but it did give me a kind of happy nostalgic feeling.
Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – Lucky
Makes me smile every time. Does anyone else remember ‘Bubbly’ by Colbie Caillat? I adored that song!
The Ex Lovers – You Forget So Easily
May have gotten the title wrong on this one, I’ve literally just this minute heard it. It’s the record of the week on the Radcliffe and Maconie show, and worth a listen. As is this show. Can you tell I’m Radio 2 obsessed?
And that’s all my rambling for tonight. I’m off to watch Hello Dolly… if I have time. Early night tonight, I think. Couldn’t sleep last night – must have been the thought of coming back to work after a long weekend. And I was bloody right to dread it, I might add. Sigh.