Bit of a downer, but my VISA ain't gonna be through in time for the Houston workshop. Ironically, although it has been recommended for approval - it has to go through further processing, mostly because of when I changed my surname from my dad's to my mum's!

The band is going well. Work is going smoothly, although still more hectic than I would like. I can't wait until I'm not 140-200% utillised! (That'd be 100% on rechargable work and 40-100% more on other duties/projects). The Birchwood office should be up and running by the end of this month. And hopefully I can give Vulcan a version of their booking management software which they will be inclined to use.

Emma is busying away with art. Things seem like they are settling down. I hope by the summer this will be the case. 12 months is more than enough time to settle in to a new job and new life and new band and new office and new ambitions. Isn't it?

On day 2 I need to work my ass-off catching up on stuff and getting organised for work. So I'm using the Studio's alter-ego of being my day-job office. I may be the only person in the UK who actually went to an office today. The weather conditions are harsh. Light fluffy snow with a solid half inch of ice underneath. Lame by other countries standards, but when you're not used to this kind of thing.... it causes major havoc. The roads are like death traps. The lorries are doing their usual... drive up your ass so you can see nothing but their engine radiators. And lets not forget the courtesy of another driver taking the time to give you a dirty look because your wheels are spinning as you're pulling out of a frozen side road, only for them to slide right past the give way at the upcoming round-about... (lucky for them a lorry wasn't leaving the docks or that dirty look might have been their last!).

Anyway.... work... laters!

Snow Day Picture

Happy 2010...

...make this century a good one!

Things are still fantastic. Work is settling down. I've managed to get the ideas flowing although the standard is still a bit low. Today will be one for the books. Lee and I are jamming with Kate Willis. She's my old drummer from Cold Phoenix (and the start of Untamed Aggression). 9 years later and we're about to get some funky groove on again. It might be that things don't work out for this band, but it'll be good to see her again and jam again. I'm off to storage to digg out my Fender amp and pedal board, i'm also gonna search the memory boxes for the Psycho Girl lyrics. Blast from the past.

Things with Emma are fantastic. I totally f*cked up yesterday by not introducing her to an old friend (Ash Disaster). I think she forgives me now though :)

Need to catch up with Macca soon!!

I really couldn't be bothered with the work I had to do today. But never-the-less I finished it. I guess that's why I'm doing well so far. It seems to be about having faith in my abilities and pulling the finger out when it's needed. The strange thing I've noticed is that I'm struggling to work while Emma is away. I kinda thought it'd be the other way around. But while she's so far away I keep feeling down. I perk up every now and again when I hear from her, but I slowly drop in to a lul I can't get out of.

 But like I said... I got it done, and I'll be working with a group of people down south for the next 3 days which should help the time pass. I've had a few moments of musical inspiration over the past few nights. They almost led to something. If i'd done my work sooner (rather than just feeling sorry for myself) I'd have been able to record or write some stuff down. Nevermind, at least these moments are happening more often now.

We've settled on a temporary band name (me and Lee that is): 'Goodbye Chicago'  We'll see if it sticks.

I might force an entry or two while i'm away this week. But I imagine there will be little from when Em gets back till I'm away in Sharjah a few days later. 

I spoke to Dom last night about the idea of sharing a studio space in Liverpool. He seemed quite keen on it. We'll have to see how it pans out. Could be very promising for all! Also started a band with Lee. Just need a drummer to really get things rolling.

 Through-out it all.... i'm still misserable. :( 

Have you ever been hit so hard by love that the simplist things can cripple you from functioning?

I'm getting by, but it's so difficult. Almost at the point where I'd rather just give up on everything else. But I know I need to keep going. And I will. But this is different, this is new, this is right. I can't wait till she's home. 

So i've got a heap load of work to be getting on with. Plenty of complex delivery challenges, backed with both political and timescale complications. Fun eh? I'm glad that it'll keep me busy and I feel a bit more justified in my role. But from now until late september, it will be a scarey ride. I'll be out in Sharjah on the week of the 24th. Which means i'm missing Leeds festival. I'm a bit gutted about this, but it's more important that I get established in my new job. It's all about getting an easy life isn't it?

There is a big plus for my music. Two of the big MDs (one of which I've already spoke too) are keen music enthusiasts themselves. Apparently the other one has his own recording studio out in Sharjah which is quite interesting. I'm off to the Caven on Sunday with Lee and my cousin Dominic. That should also be quite musically inspiring.

But above this all lies one simple problem that I am helpless to control.... I miss Emma. Every minute seems like an hour. :(