… because I can’t drive.

One of the regulars in the Whey Pat is a member of St Andrews Coast Guard unit. He was talking about a recent incident. I said very little apart from asking him to repeat occasionally (background noise was very high and he has a rather strong Fife accent). My apparent willingness to listen before/without commenting and to try to understand what he was saying* and looking vaguely young and athletic** interested him. He then asked where I worked.

On learning that I worked in St Andrews, he asked if I could leave my desk at a moment’s notice and if I’d be willing to carry a pager with me. (My answers were “I’ll have to ask my bosses but I can’t see them objecting” and “why not?”). However, my inability to drive was then mentioned. This disqualifies me since I’d be unable to get to the mustering point in time and unable to drive the CG vehicles. I have no argument with this but it’s slightly saddening.

Also, thinking about it in the cold light of the mac monitor, surely I’d need both to be able to drive and to have a car right next to my workplace. Even if I do learn to drive, I’m VERY unlikely to buy a car. I have almost no need or desire togo anywhere that is inaccessible by public transport. I think the only thing that might change this is having to shop for a family and I’ve ensured that this will not happen.

*What he had to say interested (or at least entertained) me and I had absolutely nothing I wanted to say to anyone about anything at that point. Also, I still retain some pleasant memories from my long-gone days as a Sea Scout – it may be the one long-duration area of my past where the unpleasant things are more forgotten than the pleasant things.

**I was wearing tracksuit trousers: they’re my only non-work trousers that comfortably fit around my waist at the moment.

The Intolerators

This was the result of the palm software published by Insights. Thanks !

‘This is a Helping Supporter’s profile.

Others can find them complex and difficult to understand. Empathic and compassionate, they have a strong need to contribute to the welfare of others. When they are helping others understand the importance of their ideas, then they can be the most convincing. They would be prepared to walk across broken glass in bare feet to help a friend in need. Achieving great personal financial success is not top of their personal achieving agenda.’

I have to admit that I found it very hard to answer the questions, so I’m not surprised that it doesn’t accurately reflect how I currently perceive myself. However, it’s not too far off – I guess it’s the ‘me’ who exists when I’m not hovering around the borders of the black land.

Right now the black land is calling me somewhat louder than piu forte. I’m doing my best to ignore her but I can’t quite drown her out.

=================================

Clarification: ‘the black land’ is depression. It is not a person.

I’ve created a Fairtrade directory web page. Please have a look and let me know what you think of it.

I’ve avoided using frames, so Pete shouldn’t kick my bum too hard!

This weekend I watched all of series 1 of The Sopranos. Also I’ve been very emotional.

Are the two linked?

Photos, scatology and the nearest I get to pensées about my recent highland holiday are up on Digital Evidence.

I’m now back home at Mycelium Mansion and have caught a cold from someone at work…

I’m a Philosopher/Scientist!
Which Enemy of the Christian Church Are You?

Take More of Robert & Tim’s Quizzes
Watch Robert & Tim’s Cartoons 

I wish there had been room for certain shades of grey in this quiz – and that it recognised the CPA!

To paraphrase Ms Gaynor:
‘And so I’m back, from outer space
and Bush is still in charge of the place’

In truth, we had heard the result … what the fuck happened? What went wrong? Actually, I don’t want to know just now …. I don’t want to hear how or why Joe and Josephine Sixpack voted the way they did. With the exception of (and any of her family and friends who voted against Bush) and and her ilk, all of the US is off my christmas card list forever.

Later, I’ll want to know how I can at least try to prevent some of Bush’s worst excesses and how to help the US find a candidate who can repair some of the damage Bush has done to my world. (I realise this sounds a little big-headed but you know what I mean.)

Moral majority? I think not. How can killing ever be moral?

• I have issues with abortion but I have nothing in common with those who would (and do!) kill doctors who perform them.
• I have nothing in common with those who make dupes so poor that they have no choice but to join the army, get caught up in and brutalised by an un-necessary war, then left to rot by their cynical masters.
• I have nothing in common with those who vote to increase the scourges on their own backs.

Will all such people please leave my planet. I and my fellow small furry creatures want to be able to gather together in a cave and groove with a Pict without fear of annihilation, thank you.

me on holiday in toonland