Hi! I’m back from abroad over the weekend, but it seems like I’ve returned to total madness.

The electronic version of my second article in Target Magazine is available (from 19:00 on 03/02/2009) for your viewing pleasure. Read it here. Also on the shooting front, there is now some uncertainty about coaching times, as Jim was indicating he might want to change them. I've nothing concrete on this, but it will either turn out to be good and very tiring, or bad and very frustrating. The best scenario would be an increase in coaching prior to Wolverhampton, and the current status quo afterwards. Finally, I located my hat, which is now waiting in the blind locker at the range for collection on Thursday. Now if I can stop forgetting things all over the place like goods dropping off the back of a speeding truck, that would be real good.

It snowed again. Naturally, everyone's acting like the world's come to an end and we'll all be held hostage in our houses for the foreseeable future. Honestly, I've never seen anyone act as melodramatically when it comes to the weather as the people here in the UK. Is it any wonder foreign visitor’s think we're all complete nutters? It rains, and we make a song and dance about it in a way that would make the Venetians proud. It snows, and by Thor, you'd better start seriously re-evaluating your definition of the word normal, and hope you're still remotely sane at the end of it all.

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( Uni-Things )

The heating and plumbing issues are mostly fixed. Our regular engineer finally materialized after a long pleasure stint in New Zealand, and promptly diagnosed several frozen valves, the contraction of which had caused the leak in the pipe and the resulting low water pressure. All's well now, however the heating still loses pressure occasionally whilst it's switched off, but apparently that's about as close to normal as we're going to get. At least the water flows properly, the house is no longer in danger of collapsing from water saturation and the rooms are reasonably warm. All this for £60. It could be worse.

That, my friends, is it. I’m waiting on a special delivery, the non receipt of which will probably cause me major headaches in the power department later today, but as I’m about to leave and it’s not here, what’s a guy to do? I’ll post again soon, as soon as things settle down again and I can stand to endure this mad world.

Another week, another shoot. Today I initially did some supported practice with the old Air-Arms; just to be sure, I was still in shape after several weeks of unsupported-only leagues. The results were quite pleasing. Then, I finally tried out the Feinwerk-Bau rifle Ali's been tempting me with for some time. It looks sexier, and is more streamlined than the old Air-Arms, and is also narrower at the but end meaning I could wrap my left hand right around it with the fingers resting on my right arm below the shoulder. This made things much more stable. The only thing I had to get used to was the trigger, as even though the weight difference is marginal, it's thinner and tapers off towards the end, meaning less pressure is needed to move it initially which could result in inadvertent and premature shots. Nevertheless, I took to it fairly quickly and actually quite like it now. I think Jim also doesn't mind loading it, which is of course the other half of the challenge when shooting. Later, Amanda allowed me to try out her newer Air-Arms for a few unsupported shots. I liked it as it's a lot lighter than the rifle I'm used to using, but her trigger is much heavier so it's necessary to hold the aim fractionally longer which is still tough for me at present. Nevertheless, I'm come to the conclusion that I may be unfairly disadvantaging myself by using a rifle that is far heavier than that of other competitors, particularly at Wolverhampton. The plus side though is that it should build up my stamina, which can only be a good thing for my naturally weak arms. Jim has said we can take both the old Air-Arms and the Feinwerk-Bau to Wolverhampton so I can choose which to use for the supported shoot on the day. I'll have to think over the options for the unsupported over the next few weeks. I also got tacit confirmation of Jim being able to come with us to Wolverhampton, which is a relief to me even if I never say that aloud. I'm still relatively new to the sport compared to most who will be there, and although I've no compunction about rocking the boat in terms of changes that should have been made to the sport a long time ago, I'm still weary of causing irreparable offence to the wrong people. After all, quite a few have influence of sorts, or have technical expertise that could be useful, and I don't want to alienate myself from the outset. I think I'd just feel a little more comfortable with Jim there, especially as someone's bound to raise high dudgeon about my seated unsupported shooting style. Generally, I was happy with the evening, although the effective doubling of the TaxiCard rates is going to cut heavily into my bank balance, and I won't mind admitting this concerns me a little.

I've decided I need to really push ahead with my plan to dispose of unneeded assets, and particularly the many computer and electronics related items here. To that end, I was fortunate that my Kensington AC/DC 70W Universal Notebook Adapter and Creative P5800 5.1 Speakers both sold on Amazon within 24 hours of each other. I've also re-listed my Nokia N70 and N91 on eBay, although I've had to depreciate their value by a further 12-30%. I'm hoping to sell some of the stuff in lots; otherwise, I think I seriously risk entering a situation where the marginal cost of selling individual items outstrips the marginal revenue generated from their sale. Yes, I'm serious here, and no, this isn't just some economic wind blowing with no substance. I do believe the gradient for depreciation reduction factors has steepened sharply recently, particularly for second-hand items, as has the useable sales opportunity window. My aim is to recover a reasonable cash bank before I travel to Wolverhampton, both to offset the cost of that trip and my increased local travel costs. My other concern is a large balance transfer related cash outflow which will have to be settled by June, unless I can find an interest-free offer for a sufficient period onto which it can be shifted, and for which I am eligible.

I finished reading "The Crow Road" early on Wednesday morning, and I really enjoyed the book. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a somewhat long read, who likes adventure and who is prepared to wait until the very end of the book before the mystery is resolved. There is a lot of plot padding throughout the book, and many sub-plots, which are perhaps not strictly critical to the overall gist of the story, but are nevertheless mildly interesting. I'd say the story fits into the family/crime genre, with heavy emphasis on romance. I should also probably caution that the book does contain several explicitly sexual scenes, and language that may be unsuitable for minors. The book is by Iain Banks, and is available as an audio book or in print (I'm not sure about electronic versions, sorry.).

That's all for now. I'm going away abroad until Monday for a short break as I haven't really been anywhere outside Aberdeen since summer. Uni's had a couple of spanners thrown into the works regarding note-takers, as two of them are abroad until a fortnight into the new session. I can only hope something will be sorted out by the admin personnel before classes start again on Tuesday. I'll have e-mail access, of course, whilst I'm away, but anyone trying to phone me should note they might not get through at all times whilst I'm roaming and should therefore please leave a message when asked to do so. Thanks, and have a great weekend.

EDIT: Something crazy's going on with me. I lost my hat, AGAIN, for the second time in just a few months. I'm hoping that a) I just left it at the rifle range and b) someone hasn't taken it in which case it's probably bye bye and thanks for all the fish. Several clubs use the range, so it's not impossible that it may go walkies over the next week. Gah, I just so hate losing things, and it's so frustrating!

Shamelessly copied from Maria, thanks for sharing!

1. What was the first thing you had to drink today?
My usual beverage - sparkling water. Although if you mean when I woke up properly this morning, then it's tea.

2. Will tomorrow be better than today?
Yes. If I thought it wouldn't be, there wouldn't be much point in living, now would there?

3. Is your shirt yellow?
No. I don't like yellow shirts, but yellow t-shirts are OK.

4. Would you date your number one?
What if I have more than one? I'd have difficulty choosing. Maybe we could agree to a schedule of rotation?

5. Kissed someone whose name started with a H, J, W?
No.

6. Do you want to see somebody right now?
Yes, absolutely.

7. How many piercings do you have?
None. And it'll stay that way if I have anything to say about it. This is 2009, not 1969.

8. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
This question.

9. Do you like coffee?
Yes! Absolutely yes! Whoever doesn't doesn't kno what they're missing. As long as it's not Nescafe.

10. Do you prefer the ocean or pool?
Ocean. More freedom, and every one's different.

11. What's your favorite color skittle?
When was the last time I even had Skittles?

12. Do you drink water daily?
No. I'm guessing painkillers and the sparkling stuff doesn't count.

13. Where are you?
In reality or in my head? On my bed in my room, or somewhere that isn't cold, isn't dark and where there are many beautiful people and sceneries. Or maybe both.

14. Is the opposite sex confusing?
Yes. And it doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon.

15. What is wrong with you right now?
Everything. Don't ask me, it'll just make everything worse.

16. Do you miss anyone?
Yes. Are you trying to get me even more depressed or induce suicidal tendencies or something? Sheesh, talk about inspiring questions!

17. Where were you at 2:02 this morning?
See question 13.

18. Did you go to sleep last night smiling?
I didn't have a mirror, so I don't know. But as we're trying to stay positive, let's just go with yes.

19. What do the majority of people in your life call you?
My forename, or my surname. It seems to be 50/50. I don't know whether that's something to be proud of or an insult.

20. Do you have trust issues?
Don't we all? CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

21. If your parents didn't like the person you were dating, would you lose them?
No. But on this point I'd probably lose most of my aunts. That's if I haven't already, but thats a long story. I'd still have my grandfolks, but it'd be a close call.

22. What's the most interesting thing that happened to you today?
I started reading a book. No really, this is a good one and it isn't fanfiction or one recommended to me. I also made a secretary smile.

23. What are you listening to?
Radio 1 Bergen.

24. What was the last thing you ate?
Macaroni and tube pasta mix with mince.

25. Are you happy right now?
Define happy. And don't say the opposite of unhappy.

26. What color is your hair?
Black.

27. What do you dislike at the moment?
The cold. This is getting repetitive.

28. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
Can I cheat? Because it's a tie between questions 4 and the second half of 13.

29. Who makes you happiest right now?
She knows who she is, even if she doesn't know she knows.

30. How long is your hair?
Short enough to need cutting in a week or two.

31. Are you tan?
No, or naturally so. Take your pick.

32. Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months without cheating?
Ah, now we get to the interesting ones. Yes. But remember, I'm marginal, so there would be qualifying conditions.

33. What color are your eyes?
Brown.

34. Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
Most probably so.

35. Did any of your friends date any of your ex's?
Depends if the ex was/is literal or casual. They probably weren't my friends before she became an ex, and they probably aren't now. So no.

36. Ever broke a bone?
No, and it's one of the things I'm proud about. It's also one of the things I don't intend to start now.

37. are your parents still together?
My dad's dead. But they were together until he died and since they were married.

By the way, the new book is "The Crow Road", by Iain Banks. It's mostly romance/family, but so far it's quite a good read. I was sent the book as part of the first batch of books with my new library selection, and it wasn't one of the ones I'd added to my wish list. More later.

Phew, what a day! I decided to have a proper clearout both with paper (should keep the recycling people happy) and electronically. Having got rid of a lot of junk cluttering up my desk, some of which hadn't even been read yet, and deleted over 2500 e-mails over the last few hours, I think I'm ready to start 2009 on a reasonably organised note.

I have just a few things to share with you.
1. First Direct have, for some time (although I only found out about it today) been offering a £250 interest-free overdraft with their 1st account. I asked them about it today, as I had to use it to pay off that credit card bill, and at present, there is no pre-defined repayment date. Do the maths people - a smart person would, if they budgeted well enough, use that additional £250 and put it in a high-yielding savings account - after all, you don't get any credit interest with the 1st account, and First Direct only pays a miserly 0.1% on their savings. Can I recommend ING Direct's Savings Account with its introductory interest bonus, which has the added advantage of same-day transfers if moving money to or from a First Direct or HSBC-affiliated linked account.

2. I've been using YouMail for a while now to spruce up my mobile voicemail. They have a huge range of voicemail messages available, just be sure to choose carefully - some of them could be ever so slightly inappropriate for say, your stockbroker, teacher, current girl/boyfriend (notice I didn't say ex!) or mother. A quiet room some good timing with the refresh button on your keyboard and of course a phone should get you decent recordings.

3. If you haven't already, get yourself a copy of Clive Cussler's Arctic Drift, the latest book in his Dirk Pitt series. I obtained my electronic copy today, and its well worth the read. You don't have to have read the preceding 19 books in the series, but I'd recommend it if you're ever bored or have time on your hands as they are definitely well worth it, both individually and collectively.

Finally, tomorrow I'll be taking down all of my fan fiction and other fiction/non-fiction works hosted at all the various places across the internet so I can make a start on re-working all of them. It'll take time, because I'm also starting revision for my upcoming exams on Friday, but I've decided most of these works have been hanging around with loose ends for too long and I want to get some mileage on them before Uni takes up all my time and I lose the opportunity completely.

OK, it's getting on, the fireworks are starting up, and so that's the sign for me to go. To one and all, a very happy new year 2009. Enjoy the extra leap second at 23:59:59 tonight (or should it be 23:59:60?), the parties and anything else you're doing to celebrate, and see you all both online and off next year!