I only usually write a blog if I can't sleep or something like that (I see the same applied for Luke recently); I'm not finding any trouble sleeping tonight though, I just read Dan's blog and Luke's blog and thought I'd write a blog. So here we go.
I hate my hazy memory which stops me from remembering what I did exactly on each day of my trip to Vancouver is March 2008. In fact, since March 2008, I've been back to Vancouver, and my friends from Vancouver have been over here twice. Crazy. So I pretty much have to cut that series of blog entries short and start fresh.
Since March 2008 I have graduated from University with a BSc (Hons) 2nd Upper Class in Professional Broadcast Techniques; I've failed to get a media job; I've succeeded in getting a regular joe job at a bowling alley (and it's been very good for me); I've welcomed my mum back home after her 8 months traveling around the world; I've done 4 weeks work experience at the BBC (and didn't really get a whole lot out of it, sadly, except the realisation that I don't want to work in preproduction); I've moved house; I've kissed two Amandas (it didn't work out very well with either... their loss)... What else? Well, I'm about to enroll back at Salford Uni to do a Masters.
Phew.
I think the most positive thing about the past year has been working at the bowling alley. It sounds sad, but there's something about it that I've come to really like. It can be dull at times, but I've gradually come out of my shell with a bunch of people there and feel very comfortable working there. It's what I consider my first real job in most ways. It's had its ups and downs, and there was a period just before summer when I was really feeling down over a bunch of small things, as is usually the way. I managed to dust myself off though, and I've had another amazing summer thanks to my wrestling buddies from across the country and the globe. I hate being so far from them all but I'm just lucky to know them all and be a part of this community.
I'd like to think I'm pushing on the verge of becoming a more outgoing person. I'm not there yet for sure, but I'm making efforts here and there. It's hard to put myself out there a lot of the time and break the routine of sitting at this computer. I'm glad I know a few people who get me to come out now and then but I wish I was more than just a fringe member of these groups of people; I still do feel insecure around new people most of the time but I'm learning to fight through that and get to know more people slowly.
On the horizon, aside from the Masters course, is NAW wrestling this weekend; an ISIS gig in October which I don't know quite what to expect from but am excited by the prospect of going; Emma turning 5 (WOW. Where did those years go?); a few cool new albums coming out (Flight of the Conchords! Baroness! I'm sure there's more!)... Finishing decorating this flat so my mum can be happy in her home again.
Until next year,
Alex
Vancouver March 2008
Aylesbury August 2008
Vancouver Feb/March 2009
Newcastle August 2009
