Goodbye 2007
Welcome to my ‘end of year’ blog! Just talking about what has been and gone in 2007, and a bit of what may lie ahead. I am not sure I would be writing such a long and detailed blog, let alone one at all, if not for the inspiration of others! I cannot let these people down, and in doing so hopefully more of you out there will be entertained by my ramblings and reminiscing! Am posting this now as I shall be out the house most of tomorrow.
Beginning of 2007:
The year started off reasonably well, working in my local archive after several months with nothing exciting and then later being offered a job in Bristol. Seems slightly ironic that I am ending 2007 in the same way I started, back in my local archive.
January I visited some friends in Liverpool, and here I shopped ‘till I dropped and did touristy things that included a tour around Anfield football stadium, home of Liverpool F. C. *cheers* This was followed up in March when I went to London and fangirled the musical Avenue Q and Jason Isaacs in The Dumb Waiter, which was an amazing experience. I will never forget the thrill of buying tickets for the front row of one of Jason’s plays, and him being on a very small stage about 1 metre away from me. Here is an extract from my blog on the event:
“You walk up a small staircase into the auditorium and then suddenly you see the stage only a foot before you, with Jason and Lee each on a separate bed. I walked to my seat thinking 'oh my, that is Jason Isaacs over there and you are sat in the front row!!!'. Honestly you could leap onto the stage in seconds, you'd be arrested but you could do it! *laugh*”
(my youtube video)
The Dumb Waiter - 50th Anniversary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T73v3LASLI
Lee Evans and he acted their socks off that night, and am so glad that his new film Good with Viggo Mortensen has worked out after all (keep eyes open for this film in the new year!).
I don’t know if this is testament to how busy the end of 2007 has been for me but had totally forgot I had also seen The Phantom of the Opera with my mate Linds and co. during this mini visit! Me of all people forgetting seeing that show! If anyone has the chance to go next year and see it, take it! Great cast, so I hear. ;)
Middle of 2007:
Now here we reach a defining life-chaning moment in my life. Having got to know a girl named Nikki very well at the workhouse I reluctantly agreed to accompany her to the London Expo convention in May (she persuades me to do all sorts of things I’d never usually contemplate it seems upon reflection!) to meet some voice actor from an anime named Fullmetal Alchemist. Here is an extract from my blog of the UK Risembool Rangers first meeting with Vic:
“The Rangers (with the aid of shouting 'red dawn') soon met up in the main gangway of the convention, and admired each other's costumes. They were very well done, was almost regretting not joining in…almost, am not quite that confident! We were joking around talking about how someone would hear the name 'Vic' and twenty heads would immediately look in that direction when suddenly…someone shouted "Vic!!!!" and I had time to see Vic Mignogna's head for a couple of seconds before he was literally pounced on by the group, honestly it was that fast! He hugged everyone and welcomed us all, people handed him drawings and double-checked times for various things.”
Had no real idea what manga or anime was beyond some Studio Ghibli films. Life has literally not been the same since. Not only did I meet some lovely people there and online as a result of this convention but have been hooked on anime and manga ever since, and this was aided by Nikki’s influence. It has reached the point where I am now lending manga and anime to Nikki, hee hee. The London Expo in October was just as fun, and am very much committed to the May Expo 2008 already! I would never have guessed I’d be such an anime fan or taking part in cosplay, or glomping people I don’t know?!:
“I spied a 'Tennant Doctor' cosplayer walking towards the line, shouted and waved my 'Bad Wolf' sign at him; he ran up and offered me Jelly Babies and a hug! Very sweet guy. I sat back down next to my Liverpuddlian friends, to which one asked me if I knew who that cosplayer was, "Oh no, never met him before!" "Oh…right!". But when I see it in their eyes I did just hug a random stranger and take sweets from him and he just happened to be dressed as The Doctor!”
Not all experiences in 2007 were positive, for example First Great Western became my nemesis during my daily commute to work in Bristol. Never again! Though on the up side I read many books, listened to a lot of music and had a sexy guy to drool over sporadically. I do miss working in that city already, but not the trains! My new job not only gave me new experiences and skills but also made several good friends from it. One of whom was stranded with me in ‘Harry Potter and the flooding of 2007’ incident! Gloucestershire is still now, months later, recovering from the July floods.
End of 2007:
Have just spent a rather splendid Christmas time with friends and family. Nothing catastrophic happened, which in itself is a big relief too! Really was great to see friends I don’t see for months on end and catch up. *sends them a big hug* I have also been spoiled by my friends and family this year. Was really expecting nothing and have been very touched by all cards and gifts and sentiments! I have several still to post, my bad, and hope those concerned can forgive this delay.
So, as stated at the start of this blog, am ending 2007 as I started back in my local archive. My employment prospects have not brightened much except that I have gained valuable and enjoyable experience in the work that has come my way. I am not quite where I wanted to be in life yet but at least am feeling happier and more positive about things than this time last year. I am sure this is mainly due to my friends’ and family’s support and endurance!
Plans for 2008?
Am rather amused that despite not knowing my job prospects beyond March I have a calendar of dates for gigs, conventions and meet-ups already! Cities that will be visited include London, Manchester and Cardiff - and possibly more! Maybe I shall have a chance to stretch my wings beyond England’s shores too, one can but hope! All this is making me, for the first time in many moons, very positive for 2008 and looking forward to getting stuck in.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the best in 2008!
Beginning of 2007:
The year started off reasonably well, working in my local archive after several months with nothing exciting and then later being offered a job in Bristol. Seems slightly ironic that I am ending 2007 in the same way I started, back in my local archive.
January I visited some friends in Liverpool, and here I shopped ‘till I dropped and did touristy things that included a tour around Anfield football stadium, home of Liverpool F. C. *cheers* This was followed up in March when I went to London and fangirled the musical Avenue Q and Jason Isaacs in The Dumb Waiter, which was an amazing experience. I will never forget the thrill of buying tickets for the front row of one of Jason’s plays, and him being on a very small stage about 1 metre away from me. Here is an extract from my blog on the event:
“You walk up a small staircase into the auditorium and then suddenly you see the stage only a foot before you, with Jason and Lee each on a separate bed. I walked to my seat thinking 'oh my, that is Jason Isaacs over there and you are sat in the front row!!!'. Honestly you could leap onto the stage in seconds, you'd be arrested but you could do it! *laugh*”
(my youtube video)
The Dumb Waiter - 50th Anniversary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T73v3LASLI
Lee Evans and he acted their socks off that night, and am so glad that his new film Good with Viggo Mortensen has worked out after all (keep eyes open for this film in the new year!).
I don’t know if this is testament to how busy the end of 2007 has been for me but had totally forgot I had also seen The Phantom of the Opera with my mate Linds and co. during this mini visit! Me of all people forgetting seeing that show! If anyone has the chance to go next year and see it, take it! Great cast, so I hear. ;)
Middle of 2007:
Now here we reach a defining life-chaning moment in my life. Having got to know a girl named Nikki very well at the workhouse I reluctantly agreed to accompany her to the London Expo convention in May (she persuades me to do all sorts of things I’d never usually contemplate it seems upon reflection!) to meet some voice actor from an anime named Fullmetal Alchemist. Here is an extract from my blog of the UK Risembool Rangers first meeting with Vic:
“The Rangers (with the aid of shouting 'red dawn') soon met up in the main gangway of the convention, and admired each other's costumes. They were very well done, was almost regretting not joining in…almost, am not quite that confident! We were joking around talking about how someone would hear the name 'Vic' and twenty heads would immediately look in that direction when suddenly…someone shouted "Vic!!!!" and I had time to see Vic Mignogna's head for a couple of seconds before he was literally pounced on by the group, honestly it was that fast! He hugged everyone and welcomed us all, people handed him drawings and double-checked times for various things.”
Had no real idea what manga or anime was beyond some Studio Ghibli films. Life has literally not been the same since. Not only did I meet some lovely people there and online as a result of this convention but have been hooked on anime and manga ever since, and this was aided by Nikki’s influence. It has reached the point where I am now lending manga and anime to Nikki, hee hee. The London Expo in October was just as fun, and am very much committed to the May Expo 2008 already! I would never have guessed I’d be such an anime fan or taking part in cosplay, or glomping people I don’t know?!:
“I spied a 'Tennant Doctor' cosplayer walking towards the line, shouted and waved my 'Bad Wolf' sign at him; he ran up and offered me Jelly Babies and a hug! Very sweet guy. I sat back down next to my Liverpuddlian friends, to which one asked me if I knew who that cosplayer was, "Oh no, never met him before!" "Oh…right!". But when I see it in their eyes I did just hug a random stranger and take sweets from him and he just happened to be dressed as The Doctor!”
Not all experiences in 2007 were positive, for example First Great Western became my nemesis during my daily commute to work in Bristol. Never again! Though on the up side I read many books, listened to a lot of music and had a sexy guy to drool over sporadically. I do miss working in that city already, but not the trains! My new job not only gave me new experiences and skills but also made several good friends from it. One of whom was stranded with me in ‘Harry Potter and the flooding of 2007’ incident! Gloucestershire is still now, months later, recovering from the July floods.
End of 2007:
Have just spent a rather splendid Christmas time with friends and family. Nothing catastrophic happened, which in itself is a big relief too! Really was great to see friends I don’t see for months on end and catch up. *sends them a big hug* I have also been spoiled by my friends and family this year. Was really expecting nothing and have been very touched by all cards and gifts and sentiments! I have several still to post, my bad, and hope those concerned can forgive this delay.
So, as stated at the start of this blog, am ending 2007 as I started back in my local archive. My employment prospects have not brightened much except that I have gained valuable and enjoyable experience in the work that has come my way. I am not quite where I wanted to be in life yet but at least am feeling happier and more positive about things than this time last year. I am sure this is mainly due to my friends’ and family’s support and endurance!
Plans for 2008?
Am rather amused that despite not knowing my job prospects beyond March I have a calendar of dates for gigs, conventions and meet-ups already! Cities that will be visited include London, Manchester and Cardiff - and possibly more! Maybe I shall have a chance to stretch my wings beyond England’s shores too, one can but hope! All this is making me, for the first time in many moons, very positive for 2008 and looking forward to getting stuck in.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the best in 2008!