Sam's Sort Of Blog Thing

Time To Quit (again)

March 13th 2012

I have to quit smoking again. For real, this time.

Got a kick in the pants today from the doctor. Not what you think, though. I was refused something I wanted because I smoke. So I have to quit for at least 6 weeks and if I can do it properly this time, I can stay off the fags.

Today is my last day smoking for 6 weeks. To help me along, there will be no more smoking by anyone in my house or in my car so that I'm not even tempted.

In addition, I am trying to get more exercise by doing more walking. The most fun I have walking is doing geocaching so I'll be doing more of those. Not so bad now that Spring is almost sprung. Oh gosh though it does hurt my back! I walked around a park today, got two caches and used my trusty Leki walking stick to help me along. It honestly made walking lots easier and I felt better after stretching a bit.

So bye-bye cigarettes. Here's where the real work begins. Wish me luck!

Bah Humbug!

December 10th 2011

Here we go again. Or rather here we are again. This started in October, didn't it?

I don't know why I don't like Christmas exactly. It may be to do with the enforced jollity thrust upon us by TV, websites, radio, shops and other media. It might be that fact that it should be a jolly pagan celebration. Maybe it's the awful times I had as a kid at Xmas. I feel sorry for people who feel compelled to send a zillion cards, spend every last penny on gifts, worry endlessly about family visits and then excuse it all with "it's just for the kids". The fuss and hullaballoo just drives me around the bend and I was gratified to find that my folks feel the same. When I asked to visit for a roast dinner, crackers and cosy time, they said they don't do any of that. Great! Perfect! Now I don't have to worry. Happy days.

So what will I do for my week's holiday off work? I'll watch TV, I'll play computer games, I'll see the Significant Other and I'll have my Mum up for a visit. No dinners, no presents, no decorations and no stress whatsoever. Ahhhh...

What is Prog Rock?

December 10th 2011

Interesting question. One of my work colleagues asked me this on Friday last and I tried to explain in terms of classical mixed with rock, long complex tunes with many layers and usually pretty talented and well-trained artists. Gatefold sleeves, Roger Dean, dragons and magic, two tracks per album... that kind of thing. I assume there is a dictionary definition. Let's see... *rummage rummage* ah! Prog Archives Definition of Prog Rock There you go. There will be a test later.