What a fantastic long weekend. And just how shit it is to be back in work with nothing to do. It's fucking baking in here already, can't wait for everyone else to get in and switch on all the computers and monitors for a fun filled day of sticky heat and boredom. Always a good combo. Didn't do very much on Friday but still had a wonderful day just sitting around and reading and stuff. I wasn't keen on heading out to watch the match later but I made the effort to head out. It was blowing a gale outside which made my road feel a little creepy. All very dark and any distant sounds drowned out by the noise of the trees in the wind. Finally made it to the pub and found a little corner to sit on my own. The three screens were showing some rugby or other which a few people seemed to be interested in. Ticks round to 8 o'clock with no sign of it coming on one of the screens. I could ask and I know they'd flick it on one of the screens but I just really can't be arsed. Asking them to switch it over would mean I'd kinda feel obliged to sit there for the full match watching it when if I'm honest with myself, I'm just not bothered enough. I've grown so tired of football, I see it more of an annoyance than a pleasure. It's been ages since I sat and focused my full attention on a match. I just didn't really want to be in the pub full stop so I finish my drink and walk home. Silhouettes of foxes on the road home. I sat and watched Vanilla Sky again, absolutely ace film.
Saturday was shopping first then gym and then a trip to my old favourite - Christmas Tree Farm. I'd bought some big bags of carrots in Sainsbury's and chopped them up. All the animals were up the top end in their little shed areas. Understandable as the weather was shit. A troop of cubs were in. They had me chuckling when they were telling me all about how one of the sheep had snapped the handle off their bucket while sticking his face in to get the carrots. They were so enthused about it all, it was quite sweet. Good to see all the animals again, especially the cows sticking their tongues out for carrots. The llamas were being a little cheeky, using their long necks to reach over the fence further than the sheep they were in with. Lots of the sheep had colds, as one of the cubs pointed out to me 'he's got snots up his nose!'. Must be annoying not having the right gear to clear the snotty passageways. The baby goats are terribly cute.
Made sure I got in plenty of reading this weekend. I'm working through my vietnam book and my science one but decided to tuck in to 'conversations on conciousness' as well. Just a philosopher talking to many different people in the field of studying consciousness. The conversation format makes it quite easy reading and she talks to lots of people so there's regular stopping points. I've always been fascinated by consciousness and it makes for interesting reading when so many of them have firm beliefs that their theories are correct when it boils down to us knowing pretty much fuck all about it all. Certain theories are obviously wrong due to the philosophical problems inherent in them but the huge array of theories currently in existence is testament to our incredibly feeble understanding. I've always appreciated the point of view that we just don't have the right brain set up to ever be able to understand it, it is just outside of what our brains can handle. I like some of the arguments and thought experiments though. It's a head fuck alright.
I've bought some Aloe Vera juice as someone my missus knows says her friend uses it to help her Crohn's. I've tasted it in the past and it is fucking disgusting like, even when diluted in orange juice, but, if it helps even the tiniest amount then it will be worth it. I try to eat lots of turmeric an arl as that is seemingly quite a powerful anti inflammatory. Can't wait to be off these steroids, I'm going to do shit loads of exercise over the christmas period to rid myself of the extra weight when I'm off them.
Had a walk through the park and woods yesterday. The old mansion house in the middle of the park was open, which I'm not used to seeing. The lower ground floor is used for the golf course but I've never seen the top open. Had a wander in (here:-  ). There was a 'friends of beckenham place park' room which was crammed with information about wildlife and the house itself. Quite sweet that people would maintain this jumble of information. Old wasps nests, skeletons, floor plans....every bit of space taken up. Of course the people there started talking to me about it all. They only open on a sunday afternoon as they don't have enough volunteers to open other times. At the mention of me just living down the road the woman tried to press how desperate they are for volunteers. I'm trapped now. They show me some of the other rooms in the place but thankfully some other people wander in with some questions meaning I can escape. It was very shabby inside but with some money spent on it it could be such a grand location. Addington palace charges ridiculous amounts of money for weddings etc and this would be the ideal place for a similar thing if only someone would invest the money the place needs. The faded grandeur of it all was quite sad to see. I'm pleased I saw inside though. Wandered round some of the woods and sat in my favourite 'be my guest - edward opponheim' seat. |
