Dear Diary
Apr. 7th, 2020 02:16 pmI have officially hit the point where I'm climbing the walls and want to get outside. It's only been a couple of weeks, I wouldn't have thought staying at home all the time would be quite this difficult. It's more craving the normality of my normal life and the partial fear that it's never going to be the same. I'm a cranky old man stuck in my ways and I don't like the idea of my life forever changing. It's done that enough.
All those little jobs around the house have been done. I've done everything I can in the garden. I suspect if it was possible to purchase the supplies, I'd be re-decorating!
I have also been roped into playing a ridiculous game on my tablet. Samantha & Lucy both play a game called Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and they needed more friends so I got talked into playing. While it does kill a few minutes, I'm not entirely sure I get the game. Having said that, I suspect cranky old man is not the target audience for the game. I also haven't a clue who Kim Kardashian is, past a name I see/hear every now and again. Why didn't they want me to play some football based game? I'm finding myself curious about what other simple, time-killing, games are out there but I wouldn't have a clue where to start?
So lets throw this out. Anyone got any recommendations of free, easy to use, games for either android tablet or pc?
All those little jobs around the house have been done. I've done everything I can in the garden. I suspect if it was possible to purchase the supplies, I'd be re-decorating!
I have also been roped into playing a ridiculous game on my tablet. Samantha & Lucy both play a game called Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and they needed more friends so I got talked into playing. While it does kill a few minutes, I'm not entirely sure I get the game. Having said that, I suspect cranky old man is not the target audience for the game. I also haven't a clue who Kim Kardashian is, past a name I see/hear every now and again. Why didn't they want me to play some football based game? I'm finding myself curious about what other simple, time-killing, games are out there but I wouldn't have a clue where to start?
So lets throw this out. Anyone got any recommendations of free, easy to use, games for either android tablet or pc?
Sometimes, acting like a brat gets you the thorough spanking you've been hoping for. ( but sometimes )
Music Monday
Apr. 6th, 2020 04:15 pmLucy listens to Lindsey Stirling a lot, and I fall in love with this track a little more everytime I hear it. There's not a lot of contemporary music I listen to, but this girl - and 2cellos - have opened up my eyes and I'm starting to learn/listen to more 'new' music
Lucy is currently doing a Disney challenge, working her way through their back catalogue. Although she doesn't seem to be doing it in any obvious order which seems strange to me (I'd do it chronologically, if I were so inclined) but that's her prerogative.
This afternoon she watched Hercules. Strange as it may seem, this is one I'd seen before (took my son to the cinema to see it when came out) and I didn't think much of it then, I I'm honest so I'm not really sure why I ended up watching it with her today. Boredom, I suspect.
And I still didn't think much of it. Although, I have enough to say about it to be writing a blog post about it, apparently. Must be going stir-crazy here if I'm writing about a Disney movie! Having said that, it's certainly not the worst Disney movie I've ever seen either. What struck me about it was how unserious it is - and the comic book geek in me much more appreciated how Hercules here is depicted more as a super-hero rather then a classic mythical hero.
I'm guessing a lot of critics get snobbish because it doesn't stick to the original myths of Heracles. But does anyone want to see Zeus as he is depicted in myths - as a horny old bloke who fucks everyone but Hera (well, ok, yes - lets meake that 'does anyone want their children to see that movie?!) But who really expects a huge amount of original source material accuracy from a Disney movie?
What it is, however, is fun. It's hilarious and has a nice love story. Megara (or Meg if you want) is a great character. Nice change after all those fair princesses. Hades is also a great villain and I also liked his two stooges.
The movie's downfall was the music. None of the songs are memorable. How many years after Frozen is everyone still singing Let It Go? And I can't remember a single song from a movie that I finished a couple of hours ago.
This afternoon she watched Hercules. Strange as it may seem, this is one I'd seen before (took my son to the cinema to see it when came out) and I didn't think much of it then, I I'm honest so I'm not really sure why I ended up watching it with her today. Boredom, I suspect.
And I still didn't think much of it. Although, I have enough to say about it to be writing a blog post about it, apparently. Must be going stir-crazy here if I'm writing about a Disney movie! Having said that, it's certainly not the worst Disney movie I've ever seen either. What struck me about it was how unserious it is - and the comic book geek in me much more appreciated how Hercules here is depicted more as a super-hero rather then a classic mythical hero.
I'm guessing a lot of critics get snobbish because it doesn't stick to the original myths of Heracles. But does anyone want to see Zeus as he is depicted in myths - as a horny old bloke who fucks everyone but Hera (well, ok, yes - lets meake that 'does anyone want their children to see that movie?!) But who really expects a huge amount of original source material accuracy from a Disney movie?
What it is, however, is fun. It's hilarious and has a nice love story. Megara (or Meg if you want) is a great character. Nice change after all those fair princesses. Hades is also a great villain and I also liked his two stooges.
The movie's downfall was the music. None of the songs are memorable. How many years after Frozen is everyone still singing Let It Go? And I can't remember a single song from a movie that I finished a couple of hours ago.
We were supposed to be in Barcelona today, flying over this afternoon for a long weekend and coming home early Monday evening. Obviously, we're not there. We have managed to get our money back and will be rebooking once the lockdown both here and in Spain is all over, and we're allowed to travel again. Hopefully at some point this summer, for a week to ten days, rather than just a long weekend. We'll see.
I'm trying to be positive. It's not a huge thing in the scheme of things and we haven't lost any money, but I am disappointed. We all are, not just me. I was looking forward to it - I haven't been to Barcelona in many years and neither Samantha or Lucy have been there. The hotel we booked is about 15 minutes outside of Barcelona and we were all tempted by the rooftop swimming pool and cocktail bar. We'd planned on having one lazy day - either by the pool or the beach - and then one, maybe two days sightseeing depending on how we felt
I'm trying to look forward to next time, but it's hard when there's no end in sight to the current situation
I'm trying to be positive. It's not a huge thing in the scheme of things and we haven't lost any money, but I am disappointed. We all are, not just me. I was looking forward to it - I haven't been to Barcelona in many years and neither Samantha or Lucy have been there. The hotel we booked is about 15 minutes outside of Barcelona and we were all tempted by the rooftop swimming pool and cocktail bar. We'd planned on having one lazy day - either by the pool or the beach - and then one, maybe two days sightseeing depending on how we felt
I'm trying to look forward to next time, but it's hard when there's no end in sight to the current situation
About A Girl
Apr. 2nd, 2020 02:22 pmI am very proud with how well my girls are coping with the lockdown right now.
I know Lucy is really struggling due to her routines being off - she can't go to the gym or any of her support groups. We can't go on any of regular dates (me/Samantha, me/Lucy, Samantha/Lucy, all of us - we have weekly dates). But we're taking longer walks with the dogs each morning, spending more time outside in the garden. We're also having a lot more sex. Twofold - life-affirming in scary, death-filled times, but also the BDSM element helps calm her mental health issues. I'm sure there's some psychological reason but all we know/care about, is that it works.
Mental health wise, Lucy is struggling. I know she's hallucinating more and she's telling us that they're saying both Samantha and I are already dead, she's seeing us as dead. Her anxiety is high and her mood is low. I can't even begin to imagine how terrifying it must be for her. All we can do is support her the best we can. I just want to hold her, and she just wants to clean.
Samantha, on outward appearances, is coping remarkably. She's adjusted swiftly to lecturing remotely and is continuing to support her colleagues and students. She's a shining light. She is, however, having terrible nightmares and, similar to her trauma last year, is utterly afraid either Lucy or I are going to die, and doesn't want to let either of us out of her sight.
Me? Well my trauma response is numbness, supporting the people I love and eating my bodyweight in carbohydrates and sugar. I'll deal with everything after the end of times and I know my girls are safe
I know Lucy is really struggling due to her routines being off - she can't go to the gym or any of her support groups. We can't go on any of regular dates (me/Samantha, me/Lucy, Samantha/Lucy, all of us - we have weekly dates). But we're taking longer walks with the dogs each morning, spending more time outside in the garden. We're also having a lot more sex. Twofold - life-affirming in scary, death-filled times, but also the BDSM element helps calm her mental health issues. I'm sure there's some psychological reason but all we know/care about, is that it works.
Mental health wise, Lucy is struggling. I know she's hallucinating more and she's telling us that they're saying both Samantha and I are already dead, she's seeing us as dead. Her anxiety is high and her mood is low. I can't even begin to imagine how terrifying it must be for her. All we can do is support her the best we can. I just want to hold her, and she just wants to clean.
Samantha, on outward appearances, is coping remarkably. She's adjusted swiftly to lecturing remotely and is continuing to support her colleagues and students. She's a shining light. She is, however, having terrible nightmares and, similar to her trauma last year, is utterly afraid either Lucy or I are going to die, and doesn't want to let either of us out of her sight.
Me? Well my trauma response is numbness, supporting the people I love and eating my bodyweight in carbohydrates and sugar. I'll deal with everything after the end of times and I know my girls are safe
Adventures Of A Young Naturalist
Apr. 1st, 2020 10:35 pm
In 1954, a young television presenter named David Attenborough was offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to travel the world finding rare and elusive animals for London Zoo's collection, and to film the expeditions for the BBC.
Now 'the greatest living advocate of the global ecosystem' this is the story of the voyages that started it all. Staying with local tribes while trekking in search of giant anteaters in Guyana, Komodo dragons in Indonesia and armadillos in Paraguay, he and the rest of the team battled with cannibal fish, aggressive tree porcupines and escape-artist wild pigs, as well as treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather, to record the incredible beauty and biodiversity of these regions. The methods may be outdated now, but the fascination and respect for the wildlife, the people and the environment - and the importance of protecting these wild places - is not.
Written with his trademark wit and charm, Adventures of a Young Naturalist is not just the story of a remarkable adventure, but of the man who made us fall in love with the natural world, and who is still doing so today.
I give it a strong 5/5
For Sir David Attenborough fans this is a must read, telling the adventures of his quest for animals for London Zoo. Yes, it was done in the days before 'breeding programmes' became a major requirement of zoo's, but you get a real sense of adventure of those early years of the 1950's as he and his team filmed and collected animals never seen before.
It's narrative is so well written, that I felt drawn into the adventures, I could feel the heat, sense the rain and hear the mosquitoes buzzing, and you will too!
You will not be disappointed in the slightest in purchasing this book, I already have the second book of Sir David's Zoo Quest adventures ready to read.
This country is proud to have such an amazing naturalist, his inspiration and enthusiasm has no age barrier.
Drugs, religion, football and BDSM
May. 5th, 2019 09:15 pmI managed two days on that 30 day challenge then lapsed. It's not a good start, is it? Although, well, somewhat extenuating circumstances courtesy of My Lady Samantha
While we're not technically in a 24/7-type relationship, over the last month or so while Samantha has been off and her health on the mend, things have been moving a little more in that direction. I'm certainly not complaining, it's a lot of fun but I do need to make sure if we keep making these steps, that we sit down and talk about it, set guidelines and boundaries rather than just falling into it the way we seem to be. For example, when do I get to express my dominant side? But the details are not especially relevant for this post, just the fact that it seems to be happening.
I have been spending maybe a little too much time on my tablet in the last week. I'm not sure how I ended up playing it, but I've got a little addicted to a 'magical farming' game called Decurse. We have a strict no electronics in the bedroom rule and I maybe tried to play the game in bed the other evening (I had crops to harvest). That earned me a thorough not-fun spanking. And it gets worse. Yesterday morning when Samantha & I were getting ready to head to the supermarket, I ignored her while playing my game. She took the tablet off me and ( what happened next is under the cut to spare those who don't want to read it )
I'm only allowed my tablet for an hour a day for the rest of the week and I've definitely learned my lesson about ignoring Samantha. She's not sure yet if she's going to let me watch the Man City Vs Leicester game tonight or not.
Speaking of football, Manchester City won the 2019 FA Women's Cup on Saturday with a 3-0 win over West Ham. Another match I wasn't allowed to watch. I wish I was more excited, I love Manchester City and women's football is grossly under-represented - and as a straight man I should thoroughly enjoy watching women play? But it doesn't. I support them, of course, and the juniors - the games just don't excite me the way the A team does.
Now, on to that already-neglected 30 day meme
Day 3 - Your views on drugs and alcohol
Like most things, they're both fine in moderation. I love a good beer and I do enjoy both smoking weed and edibles. I don't like being drunk or feeling like I'm not in control, I like the nice buzz from them though - both very pleasurable
Day 4 - Your views on religion
I'm a lapsed Catholic. I grew up in the church - Sunday school, altar boy, the works. I still believe in God but not in the strict formalness of Catholicism and there's so much of the teachings I disagree with (and I lot I still try to live by). I attend church on the main holidays but don't necessarily feel welcomed due to my family situation
While we're not technically in a 24/7-type relationship, over the last month or so while Samantha has been off and her health on the mend, things have been moving a little more in that direction. I'm certainly not complaining, it's a lot of fun but I do need to make sure if we keep making these steps, that we sit down and talk about it, set guidelines and boundaries rather than just falling into it the way we seem to be. For example, when do I get to express my dominant side? But the details are not especially relevant for this post, just the fact that it seems to be happening.
I have been spending maybe a little too much time on my tablet in the last week. I'm not sure how I ended up playing it, but I've got a little addicted to a 'magical farming' game called Decurse. We have a strict no electronics in the bedroom rule and I maybe tried to play the game in bed the other evening (I had crops to harvest). That earned me a thorough not-fun spanking. And it gets worse. Yesterday morning when Samantha & I were getting ready to head to the supermarket, I ignored her while playing my game. She took the tablet off me and ( what happened next is under the cut to spare those who don't want to read it )
I'm only allowed my tablet for an hour a day for the rest of the week and I've definitely learned my lesson about ignoring Samantha. She's not sure yet if she's going to let me watch the Man City Vs Leicester game tonight or not.
Speaking of football, Manchester City won the 2019 FA Women's Cup on Saturday with a 3-0 win over West Ham. Another match I wasn't allowed to watch. I wish I was more excited, I love Manchester City and women's football is grossly under-represented - and as a straight man I should thoroughly enjoy watching women play? But it doesn't. I support them, of course, and the juniors - the games just don't excite me the way the A team does.
Now, on to that already-neglected 30 day meme
Day 3 - Your views on drugs and alcohol
Like most things, they're both fine in moderation. I love a good beer and I do enjoy both smoking weed and edibles. I don't like being drunk or feeling like I'm not in control, I like the nice buzz from them though - both very pleasurable
Day 4 - Your views on religion
I'm a lapsed Catholic. I grew up in the church - Sunday school, altar boy, the works. I still believe in God but not in the strict formalness of Catholicism and there's so much of the teachings I disagree with (and I lot I still try to live by). I attend church on the main holidays but don't necessarily feel welcomed due to my family situation
Day 2 - Where you'd like to be in 10 years
May. 2nd, 2019 08:35 pmAlive would be a good start. Alive, as healthy as possible and in full control of my faculties would be nice.
10 years from now I'll be 76. I hope that I'll still be with my girls (without being too much of a burden on them). Samantha will be 60 - still not retired unless she takes early retirement. Lucy will be 50. Maybe I'll even be a grandfather (my son 32 this year)
Other than that, I genuinely don't know where I'd like to be. Alive and healthy, I'll shoot for that
10 years from now I'll be 76. I hope that I'll still be with my girls (without being too much of a burden on them). Samantha will be 60 - still not retired unless she takes early retirement. Lucy will be 50. Maybe I'll even be a grandfather (my son 32 this year)
Other than that, I genuinely don't know where I'd like to be. Alive and healthy, I'll shoot for that
Day 1 - Your current relationship
May. 1st, 2019 08:18 pmI'm always happy to talk about my girls and I think most of you have been around here long enough to know our situation but for those who don't, here we go.
I am in a polyamorous triad with two women - my wife Samantha and our girlfriend Lucy, although we generally think of her as being part of the marriage as well. We've exchanged rings and if the opportunity ever arose for a marriage to include another person, we'd jump straight away. The three of us have been together for the best part of a decade. Samantha and I have been married for almost 15 years, were dating for 5 years before that and have known each other since the late 90s.
I met Lucy in 2010, we had a sexual bdsm relationship for a couple of months. She knew I was married. Samantha watched a number of times and also joined in. We started spending time together outside of that, and Samantha & I realised we were both developing feelings for Lucy. We sat down and talked about it, just the two of us and then with Lucy. 6 months later, Lucy moved in with us. That was in 2011.
If there's anything else you'd like to know about it, feel free to ask.
I am in a polyamorous triad with two women - my wife Samantha and our girlfriend Lucy, although we generally think of her as being part of the marriage as well. We've exchanged rings and if the opportunity ever arose for a marriage to include another person, we'd jump straight away. The three of us have been together for the best part of a decade. Samantha and I have been married for almost 15 years, were dating for 5 years before that and have known each other since the late 90s.
I met Lucy in 2010, we had a sexual bdsm relationship for a couple of months. She knew I was married. Samantha watched a number of times and also joined in. We started spending time together outside of that, and Samantha & I realised we were both developing feelings for Lucy. We sat down and talked about it, just the two of us and then with Lucy. 6 months later, Lucy moved in with us. That was in 2011.
If there's anything else you'd like to know about it, feel free to ask.
A couple of unrelated points:
I'm sick. I've got some kind of virus, started coming down with it last night - temperature, congestion, coughing, sneezing and very little throat. No appetite and all my old bones are aching. Probably only a bad cold but it's a doozy of one. Today has most been spent curled up on the couch, watching Star Trek on Netflix and doing crosswords on my tablet.
I do not like my twitter name. It's currently
flyingtojack.
jackjanderson has already been taken which is annoying because that would be my preference. So, my question, as I'm pondering this, is: how do you choose your social media handles?
I mentioned in my last post that Samantha has been 'suggesting' that Lucy & I start blogging again. With Lucy, it's become less of a suggestion and more of a demand so I suspect Lucy will also start updating her journal again. It helps with her mental health, gives her an outlet and she enjoys being able to talk to people about fandom things. I know I do enjoy blogging when I'm doing it but always struggle to think of things to post so I went onto the Pinterest and found one of those 30 day writing challenges. I was going to answer the first one in this post but honestly feel like I'm about to go back to sleep, so maybe later
I'm sick. I've got some kind of virus, started coming down with it last night - temperature, congestion, coughing, sneezing and very little throat. No appetite and all my old bones are aching. Probably only a bad cold but it's a doozy of one. Today has most been spent curled up on the couch, watching Star Trek on Netflix and doing crosswords on my tablet.
I do not like my twitter name. It's currently
![[profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
I mentioned in my last post that Samantha has been 'suggesting' that Lucy & I start blogging again. With Lucy, it's become less of a suggestion and more of a demand so I suspect Lucy will also start updating her journal again. It helps with her mental health, gives her an outlet and she enjoys being able to talk to people about fandom things. I know I do enjoy blogging when I'm doing it but always struggle to think of things to post so I went onto the Pinterest and found one of those 30 day writing challenges. I was going to answer the first one in this post but honestly feel like I'm about to go back to sleep, so maybe later
Still alive
Apr. 23rd, 2019 02:57 pmIt's been a while since I logged in or updated or even thought about the dreamwidth and I wanted to ask you apologise. If you read Samantha's journal I then you'll be know what's going on been going on the for the last few months. And for those who don't, her dad died unexpectedly at the beginning of the year and she had what she's calling 'a mental health crisis'
With a lot of support from myself and Lucy, our doctor, the local mental health team and bereavement counselling she's on the road to recovery. And you have no idea how much of a relief that is. I'm not too proud to say I was scared I was going to lose her 😢 Lucy has been amazing throughout; I was concerned the stress was going to trigger an episode of her own but it's like her nurturing instincts kicked in and took over.
In the last maybe 10 days, things are returning to what resembles normal around here. Samantha is still signed off work and it's been agreed that she will be back in September for the new school year. We're finding our groove again and I feel like I have her back; my wife, my lover, my dominant, my best friend
The three of us are taking a long weekend break to Amsterdam this weekend. I think we all deserve to get away, enjoy each others company and press reset. I'm looking forward to visiting a few museums, exploring the red light district, indulging in some coffee shop treats and... Well to be honest some romantic walks along the canals.
I'm currently finally setting up the tablet I got for Christmas so any app recommendations you may have would be great.
So far I've got Facebook, twitter, duolingo, BBC sport, Man City app, good reads, Spotify
For now, I still have over 1000 unread emails to catch up on and then I'll be back to Dreamwidth. Samantha has 'highly suggested' Lucy and I come back to social media...
With a lot of support from myself and Lucy, our doctor, the local mental health team and bereavement counselling she's on the road to recovery. And you have no idea how much of a relief that is. I'm not too proud to say I was scared I was going to lose her 😢 Lucy has been amazing throughout; I was concerned the stress was going to trigger an episode of her own but it's like her nurturing instincts kicked in and took over.
In the last maybe 10 days, things are returning to what resembles normal around here. Samantha is still signed off work and it's been agreed that she will be back in September for the new school year. We're finding our groove again and I feel like I have her back; my wife, my lover, my dominant, my best friend
The three of us are taking a long weekend break to Amsterdam this weekend. I think we all deserve to get away, enjoy each others company and press reset. I'm looking forward to visiting a few museums, exploring the red light district, indulging in some coffee shop treats and... Well to be honest some romantic walks along the canals.
I'm currently finally setting up the tablet I got for Christmas so any app recommendations you may have would be great.
So far I've got Facebook, twitter, duolingo, BBC sport, Man City app, good reads, Spotify
For now, I still have over 1000 unread emails to catch up on and then I'll be back to Dreamwidth. Samantha has 'highly suggested' Lucy and I come back to social media...
Hello to all the new people I've added through either the friending meme or one of the addme communities. Welcome to my Dreamwidth, I'll try and be suitably entertaining.
Most of the important stuff about me is in either my profile or my sidebar. But, for clarity's sake, an introduction of sorts
I'm Jack, I'm 66, I live in Wales with my wife and our girlfriend
I'm a lifelong geek and have been a fan of superheroes and sci-fi/fantasy for decades before it was cool. Marvel & DC - both movies and the TV shows. Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Stargate, Supernatural.
I'm not, however, a reader of fanfiction or someone who 'ships'
I'm a voracious reader and love science fiction and detective novels - favourite authors include Michael Connelly, Dan Brown, Arthur C Clark, Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein
I love classical music and opera, and have recently started listening to some jazz.
I dabble in various hobbies and pastimes. I'm thinking of doing some form of study in psychology or philosophy. I enjoy DIY, fishing, gardening, RAF history, football and astronomy
I love talking to people and will happily chat to anyone about anything. I tend to post about music, football, books, tv/movies, geekery, family, BDSM, polyamory... life in general.
Anything else, just ask
Most of the important stuff about me is in either my profile or my sidebar. But, for clarity's sake, an introduction of sorts
I'm Jack, I'm 66, I live in Wales with my wife and our girlfriend
I'm a lifelong geek and have been a fan of superheroes and sci-fi/fantasy for decades before it was cool. Marvel & DC - both movies and the TV shows. Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Stargate, Supernatural.
I'm not, however, a reader of fanfiction or someone who 'ships'
I'm a voracious reader and love science fiction and detective novels - favourite authors include Michael Connelly, Dan Brown, Arthur C Clark, Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein
I love classical music and opera, and have recently started listening to some jazz.
I dabble in various hobbies and pastimes. I'm thinking of doing some form of study in psychology or philosophy. I enjoy DIY, fishing, gardening, RAF history, football and astronomy
I love talking to people and will happily chat to anyone about anything. I tend to post about music, football, books, tv/movies, geekery, family, BDSM, polyamory... life in general.
Anything else, just ask
Spotify Wrapped
Dec. 10th, 2018 10:03 pmSamantha not-so-gently prompted me to post this, she's curious about some of my stats. Specifically the age of the music I listen to since I do tend to listen to Classical and Opera. Admittedly this year I've listened to a lot of 2Cellos & David Garrett so those may be older pieces but they're more recent productions - I don't know which date it would take for the tracks
I also, this year, discovered jazz thanks to a Spotify recommendation.
I spent 1309 minutes listening to music on Spotify - so about 22 hours.
My most played artist was 2Cellos - I listened to them for 1 hour
My top artists are 2Cellos, Russell Watson, Razvan Stoica, David Garrett and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
My top played songs are Somewhere Over The Rainbow (really?), Near Light, Nessun Dorma, Rodeo and First Gymnopedie.
My top genres are classical, jazz and latin. I am surprised that opera isn't there.
The oldest song I listened to was Flamenco Sketches by Miles Davis, recorded in 1959. I almost feel I need to apologise to Samantha for how that wasn't as exciting as she thought it was going to be
The website did give me an exciting little graphic but I don't know how to share it - it only gives me Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and... something that looks like a phone in a speech bubble. No idea what that was.
I also see the Goodreads Year In Review has been posted. That'll give me something to talk about tomorrow. I'm also thinking of going through the friending memes and communities and seeing who's out there that might be worth adding to this motley crew of mine.
But for now, the girls are saying something about bed and I'm thinking that's a nice idea.
I also, this year, discovered jazz thanks to a Spotify recommendation.
I spent 1309 minutes listening to music on Spotify - so about 22 hours.
My most played artist was 2Cellos - I listened to them for 1 hour
My top artists are 2Cellos, Russell Watson, Razvan Stoica, David Garrett and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
My top played songs are Somewhere Over The Rainbow (really?), Near Light, Nessun Dorma, Rodeo and First Gymnopedie.
My top genres are classical, jazz and latin. I am surprised that opera isn't there.
The oldest song I listened to was Flamenco Sketches by Miles Davis, recorded in 1959. I almost feel I need to apologise to Samantha for how that wasn't as exciting as she thought it was going to be
The website did give me an exciting little graphic but I don't know how to share it - it only gives me Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and... something that looks like a phone in a speech bubble. No idea what that was.
I also see the Goodreads Year In Review has been posted. That'll give me something to talk about tomorrow. I'm also thinking of going through the friending memes and communities and seeing who's out there that might be worth adding to this motley crew of mine.
But for now, the girls are saying something about bed and I'm thinking that's a nice idea.
Man City 3 - 1 Bournemouth
Dec. 1st, 2018 08:16 pmAnother new month, another attempt at blogging but once again no idea what to write about. Same old boring Jack. Samantha suggested I write about today's football match and I think she had a very good point.
I was born and raised in Manchester and have supported Manchester City FC since I was knee high. Today they played, and beat, Bournemouth 3-1 at home in the 2018/2019 Premier League.
That's 'soccer' to any confused Americans reading.
And the Premier League is the top level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League.
Most importantly - we're currently at the head of the table. Today's win gave us a good five point lead.

This was far from a straightforward win for City, with the visitors in the game until the latter stages having pegged back the champions who had initially led through Bernardo Silva's strike.
City were much better after the break and goals from Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan sealed a 3-1 victory that also extends the Blues' unbeaten Premier League run to 20.
Next up City travel to Watford on Tuesday evening for what looks like a tricky test against the Hornets. Though the Blues have won handsomely on the last two visits, scoring 11 goals in total, this is likely to be a closer game
I was born and raised in Manchester and have supported Manchester City FC since I was knee high. Today they played, and beat, Bournemouth 3-1 at home in the 2018/2019 Premier League.
That's 'soccer' to any confused Americans reading.
And the Premier League is the top level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League.
Most importantly - we're currently at the head of the table. Today's win gave us a good five point lead.

This was far from a straightforward win for City, with the visitors in the game until the latter stages having pegged back the champions who had initially led through Bernardo Silva's strike.
City were much better after the break and goals from Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan sealed a 3-1 victory that also extends the Blues' unbeaten Premier League run to 20.
Next up City travel to Watford on Tuesday evening for what looks like a tricky test against the Hornets. Though the Blues have won handsomely on the last two visits, scoring 11 goals in total, this is likely to be a closer game
aka What I'm Reading Wednesday
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need to Survive When Disaster Strikes by Cody Lundin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bookshelves: adventure, reference, social-sciences, survival
This book gets you thinking about your priorities in various different scenarios, some of which are gruesome and antipathic. The options are explained and you're taught how to deal with them. The point this book strikes is that nothing is impossible if you are prepared and determined. In showing you how and why to prepare this book improves your chances, you have to do the rest.
Next up is When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance & Planetary Survival by Matthew Stein. I appear to be in the mood to prepare for the end of the world. Which, considering the current state of affairs and politics and all that shit... maybe it's not such a bad idea?

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bookshelves: adventure, reference, social-sciences, survival
This book gets you thinking about your priorities in various different scenarios, some of which are gruesome and antipathic. The options are explained and you're taught how to deal with them. The point this book strikes is that nothing is impossible if you are prepared and determined. In showing you how and why to prepare this book improves your chances, you have to do the rest.
Next up is When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance & Planetary Survival by Matthew Stein. I appear to be in the mood to prepare for the end of the world. Which, considering the current state of affairs and politics and all that shit... maybe it's not such a bad idea?
Love yourself first
Aug. 9th, 2018 09:32 pmSometimes when I'm futzing around on the internet, my heart breaks at how many people seem to hate themselves. Everyone seems to put themselves down - they think they're too short, too fat, too skinny, they don't have the 'right look'. Even my beautiful Samantha was berating herself the other day for turning grey - which I think just makes her look even more sensational.
It makes no sense - she calls me her 'silver fox' and told me that when I started turning salt and pepper that it was sexy and made me look distinguished. But apparently when a woman goes grey it means she's 'let herself go'
Fucking ridiculous.
It turned into a wonderful conversation though about the things we love about each other, and the things we love about ourselves. And what, I hear you asking, do I love about myself?
My optimism. I love that I see the best in people. I look for the good in everyone and in life.
My hair. Sure it's grey but I've still got a full head of thick hair.
My geekiness. I was a geek for decades before it was cool, always loved science-fiction and superheroes.
My sense of humor. Sometimes it's a bit dark but for the most part I love to make people laugh and try not to take things too seriously. See point one.
My chosen family. Samantha and Lucy. My son. The older I get, the more I appreciate them, the more I love them. They are mine. And they like me the way I am.
So now let me turn it around to you and try spread some joy and love around - what do you love about yourself?
It makes no sense - she calls me her 'silver fox' and told me that when I started turning salt and pepper that it was sexy and made me look distinguished. But apparently when a woman goes grey it means she's 'let herself go'
Fucking ridiculous.
It turned into a wonderful conversation though about the things we love about each other, and the things we love about ourselves. And what, I hear you asking, do I love about myself?
My optimism. I love that I see the best in people. I look for the good in everyone and in life.
My hair. Sure it's grey but I've still got a full head of thick hair.
My geekiness. I was a geek for decades before it was cool, always loved science-fiction and superheroes.
My sense of humor. Sometimes it's a bit dark but for the most part I love to make people laugh and try not to take things too seriously. See point one.
My chosen family. Samantha and Lucy. My son. The older I get, the more I appreciate them, the more I love them. They are mine. And they like me the way I am.
So now let me turn it around to you and try spread some joy and love around - what do you love about yourself?
Fishing is more than fish
Aug. 4th, 2018 10:15 pmMy girls are having a home-spa weekend so I escaped the house for the day today and spent a wonderfully relaxing day, sitting on the shores of a local lake, fishing. I didn't catch a single thing which doesn't bother me - and besides, it's a catch and return lake
It's the act of fishing I enjoy. Sitting out in the glorious sunshine and fresh air, being by the water, a cold beer in hand, music playing softly in my ears. I dozed off for a while, I read for a bit, I did a crossword. I watched the fish in the lake. It's almost meditative, being able to just let my mind wander. I met fellow fishermen, made some new friends, saw some amazing 20lbers reeled in. There's a sense of camaderie, of adventure, of challenge.
Most of all it's fun, I've caught the sun and I avoided being exfoliated or masked by Samantha and Lucy!
It's the act of fishing I enjoy. Sitting out in the glorious sunshine and fresh air, being by the water, a cold beer in hand, music playing softly in my ears. I dozed off for a while, I read for a bit, I did a crossword. I watched the fish in the lake. It's almost meditative, being able to just let my mind wander. I met fellow fishermen, made some new friends, saw some amazing 20lbers reeled in. There's a sense of camaderie, of adventure, of challenge.
Most of all it's fun, I've caught the sun and I avoided being exfoliated or masked by Samantha and Lucy!
10 Things That Make Me Smile
Aug. 3rd, 2018 12:15 pmApparently continuing on with my self-care theme and mostly inspired by yesterday's post - thinking about what makes me happy, about what makes me smile.
1) My wife's smile. When something really excites her, she beams. She has dimples, her whole face lights up and she smiles from ear to ear. It's infectious and always makes me smile.
2) When Lucy doesn't realise she's being watched, and she's dancing and singing as she cleans. A mop makes a good microphone stand!
3) The successes my son has in his career. I'm very proud of what he's accomplished. Something to do with computers that I don't understand Wat all!
4) A rousing uplifting piece of music. Jupiter, from Gustav Holst's Planet Suite is one such piece. I can't not hum along.
5) Manchester City winning.
6) An evening spent with a good coffee, a good book, my girls, my dog and some good music playing. Best way to spend an evening
7) Receiving a thorough spanking. Falling into subspace and flying on endorphins.
8) Playing with the dogs. I'm never too old to roughhouse on the floor with them. Sure I may need help getting back up again these days but that doesn't stop it being a whole lot of fun
9) Superhero movies. I love both Marvel and DC and as an old-school geek it makes my heart swell how popular they still are
10) Winning a game of monopoly. Because we're old and boring, the three of us love to spend an afternoon playing boardgames and monopoly has always been a favourite. I'm competitive by nature and winning makes me feel good
1) My wife's smile. When something really excites her, she beams. She has dimples, her whole face lights up and she smiles from ear to ear. It's infectious and always makes me smile.
2) When Lucy doesn't realise she's being watched, and she's dancing and singing as she cleans. A mop makes a good microphone stand!
3) The successes my son has in his career. I'm very proud of what he's accomplished. Something to do with computers that I don't understand Wat all!
4) A rousing uplifting piece of music. Jupiter, from Gustav Holst's Planet Suite is one such piece. I can't not hum along.
5) Manchester City winning.
6) An evening spent with a good coffee, a good book, my girls, my dog and some good music playing. Best way to spend an evening
7) Receiving a thorough spanking. Falling into subspace and flying on endorphins.
8) Playing with the dogs. I'm never too old to roughhouse on the floor with them. Sure I may need help getting back up again these days but that doesn't stop it being a whole lot of fun
9) Superhero movies. I love both Marvel and DC and as an old-school geek it makes my heart swell how popular they still are
10) Winning a game of monopoly. Because we're old and boring, the three of us love to spend an afternoon playing boardgames and monopoly has always been a favourite. I'm competitive by nature and winning makes me feel good