Updates

[alixandrea]

Well, what a year that was. Full to the brim with ups and downs, I gained a new band, got married, went cruising on our boat again and helped fit our fire into our existing heating system, meaning we would never have another cold winter again. I managed a Whitby again and generally had a wonderful time there, despite getting stupidly wet and muddy... Erik's cousin has had his first baby (through his wife obviously...) which does take the pressure off us a bit! ;-) And we also adopted Tariq and his family, who also have a little girl. Maybe when L is a bit older they can play together. :-) In the same year, my favourite coat was stolen from me; my mum's cat Jack, Keir's cat Bean, a boat friend of ours called Nathan, and another boat friend (and KSR veteran) called Eddie (who wrote and read a poem for us at our wedding) all passed away within a few months of each other. Eddie was found on his boat just before Solstice - his doctor had told him countless times to stop drinking but sadly, despite valiant attempts, Eddie lost his battle with the sauce and most likely died of a ruptured stomach ulcer. Or maybe his liver finally gave way. He was the most incredible poet I have ever heard, and I consider it an honour to have seen him perform live, and a double honour that one of those times was at our wedding. I'm hoping that his lawyer, who has all his poems, will be posthumously publishing them so the world can continue to appreciate them. Unfortunately no-one told us when the funeral was, so we missed it. :-( Anyone who knew him and wants to go visit his grave with us, let me know, as Erik and I are planning a trip up there soon.

Eddie reading us our poem.
http://petal.fotopic.net/p14468766.html

This year I have resolved to be nicer to people, more patient. I also intend to either make FU my ideal band, or find one that fits the description. I'm 25 this year, which means I need to start working hard on my music career NOW if I intend to make a go of it, as it takes a good 5-10 years to become fully professional. Speaking of bands, our first gig will be in March (sorry Rome Burns, the January gig fell through :-( ) I'll keep you all posted on that one. I've spent a lot of time recently listening to Within Temptation's new album, having got it for Erik as a post-Christmas present. I love Sharon Den Adel's voice so much, and although I don't want to sound exactly like her, I do know I need to extend my upper range back to where it used to be (before Skelliga). I also want to keep my lower range though. This means a lot more singing exercises and possibly some more lessons, although I'll see how I get on practicing on my own first. I'd love to have more lessons but finding the right teacher and affording it are both substantial obstacles right now.

Financially I am better off now than I ever have been, I went sales shopping with a vengeance the past few weeks and have come out with some lovely things. I've also finally ordered my 'Rock boots, which I'm looking forward to wearing soon. :-) Winter is still an expensive time for us boat-wise though, and I want to save for my new coat, as well as all the other things I have on my 'to get/do/fix' list. Singing lessons, like weekly swimming sessions, will be easier to keep to when the weather improves. The latter, however, is mandatory, I have to get back in shape!

Work is a bit crazy right now, with 150 Higher Level Stewardship applications to get out the door before the end of the month. They take a week each to go through, not including down time on our computer system. Which is often. I am earning overtime with this though, which is definitely a bonus. :-) It occurred to me a few days ago that I've now been with DEFRA for over a year. This feels great. :-) Long may it continue.

Life in general is mostly good, despite the shake-ups. Christmas was a bit stressful due to family issues (my aunt and my grandfather's second wife are both intolerable on occasion). At least I don't have to go through that again until next year. Note to self - call Nana to say thank-you and tell Pops what you bought with the money (a battery for Hela). Erik's still out of a job so no presents to and from each other this Solstice, although we plan on having our snake tattoos done fairly soon. I also need to get my naming band extended, since my name has changed again. I also plan on having my lip pierced again, as well as several other tattoos to celebrate the many life changes I've been through in the last two years. The piercing may have to get done soon, so that it's healed well enough by the time we start gigging. I'll have to wait until the end of the month to get paid though!

That's it for now, I can't think of much else to say. If anyone knows anyone who can give Erik a job, please let me know, apart from that, happy 2006!