I had a busy day today, so I bought a man a fish. Just kidding. I had one of those days where lots of people need lots of things and suddenly the day is over.
The lesson for today:
Whenever I need to provide data to someone, I should pause, breathe, consider, then build a report rather than running an ad-hoc query. The next time they need it, I’ll be laughing. Really. And looking smug.
I know it sounds like a second rate Jimmy Hendrix song, but it’s not. I was waiting for the bus yesterday, and a tuna truck pulled up in traffic. Through the window I could see a lady sniffing at an air freshener. Well it made me smile.
I’m now back in Reading after a few weeks away from work, and feeling much more balanced having had the chance to catch up with normal life. For some reason I found it much easier to relax by maintaining minimal contact with the world, so I haven’t posted for a while.
Our street was closed off again recently due to a gas attack at the pub next door. I think it’s been the fourth time the road has been closed in the past couple of months due to some kind of fire or danger.
It seems more likely to be a homophobic attack instead of related to any terrorist activity. I guess this kind of thing is bound to happen occassionally around Soho but I find it hard to imagine how people would feel compelled to do something like that.
I have been doing a little cartoon work, but I got slightly disheartened when my PC crashed halfway through saving my best piece and corrupted the file. I’ll put some work up when I get back into a cartoony mood.
The new camera is very tasty. I was looking through some photos from our time off last night, and the difference compared with anything I’ve used before is quite significant. I should probably take it out around London and try to take more shots that can be incorporated with web design work - textures and abstract pieces. I’m still a little conscious about wandering around with anything expensive looking on my neck, but I suppose Wing Chun in probably still ok with a cam-neck.
I’m thinking about adding Flickr integration to the blog and posting photos up, but I haven’t quite decided yet. I guess it’s in fashion to completely expose yourself online, so I should catch the boat. If anyone makes the obvious joke I’ll be dissappointed in you.
I was happily tapping away last night, and there was an explosion outside the window. Quite a nice looking one though.
Our flat looks out onto a church in Soho (the church is on Wardour street) - the churchyard had been rigged up with fireworks. Not only does the church have coloured lights on the gate all year round, but fireworks!
I have to say I’m all in favour of this kind of behaviour. This is why I like living in London 
I’ve been suffering from an affliction that seems to affect a number of people I know. If I’m full of energy about a particular project, then I’ll wish to devote lots of time to getting it underway.
The problem is that when I spend more than a certain amount of time working on a new design, I get slapped with a stupid stick. I lose any ability to make sensible judgement about what is good and bad. The only solution seems to be to walk away and lose interest for a while.
I’ve spoken to people who suffer from this with painting or writing, and I’ve always summoned the appropriate amount of sympathy while not quite understanding what all the fuss was about. OK, I get it now!
I’m really hoping that when I get home tonight I’ll have regained an objective eye, but right now I honestly have no idea if I’m going home to a work or art or a kid’s crayon drawing.