On the ninth pocket of atmospherically compressed vapour

(Or in other words, on cloud nine) lol.

I know it's been a while since either of us posted, but we have been busy with things that really would make dull reading. However, now is a good time to post I reckon. Now that we have told everyone that needs to know, we can now officially announce the engagement of me and Chris.

I know some of you may think that we are both a bit young to be considering this. And I suppose maybe you're right. However, me and Chris have known each other most of our lives. Also, we have decided to do this properly. Marriage won't happen till we are both out of school and have decent jobs so that we can afford a decent home for ourselves.

It is a little weird to think that I have a fiance and it will take a bit getting used to. But it is a nice feeling. I haven't stopped smiling since he asked me. Although we aren't planning actually getting married for atleast the next 5 or 6 years, we have discussed in length the ceremony. I think it will be fantastic.

Anyway, that's all for now. I promise that we will update more often in the future.

-Paul

Stupid, good-for-nothing, know-it-all teachers!!

Honestly, for the most part, I like my teachers. But sometimes they really do just annoy me. As I mentioned in my post yesterday (it was yesterday wasn't it? Ah well) that I am going home this weekend for half-term. Now it appears I am going home to a concerned Father thanks to the actions of my English teacher.

All because of a stupid poem I wrote for a peice of homework over the weekend. She says she is concerned about the level of "graphic violence" in my course work and thinks it would be best to talk to some one about it. In the mean time, she has spoken to my Father about her concerns and my attitude toward work and now my Father wishes to "talk" to me upon my return home on Friday evening.

This is really the last thing I need right now. I mean, what am I suppose to say to him when he asks why my work is dark and often filled with death and blood? I mean I can hardly tell him the truth, that would be definitely a bad thing to do. Yet any other excuse I can think of is just as bad. I guess I will just have to think of something.

On the plus side, the teacher did like my poem despite the dark nature to it.

-Paul

Countdown to Half-Term

We are on the final countdown till we break up this Friday for a week of Half Term. I for one can't wait. I am constantly in a daze at the moment. I have all but lost track of time and need to ask frequently what day it is. I had a lot of stuff planned for next week. Do my homework, work on rehersing my lines for Oliver Twist, help out in my Fathers office. Well, our office now. I need to get used to that. I was also going to work on a few personal projects. But as the last two days have warned me, I am desperately in need of some R & R. And so, having said that, Jack, Chris and Tyler will be pleased to know, that is exactly what I intend on getting. I will lock myself away from the outside world and get some much needed rest. But not before I go to the hockey this Sunday, which is one thing I have sorely missed this year.

I would like to think that things will get easier after half term, but if I'm being realistic, they won't. I suppose it is my fault for selecting so many lessons to take during my Sixth Form. Where as most are taken 5 or 6 lessons, I foolishly selected 10 (Maths, English, Double Sciences, Art, IT, PE, History, Graphical Products Technology, Drama and Music). This of course doesn't leave much time during the day to relax and even less time in the evening giving how much homework I generally get each week. Coupled together with the Community Service work I'm expected (and enjoy) to do plus the rehersals three times a week for Oliver, I am finding it less likely that I am getting to bed before 2am these days.

I guess I'm just a sucker for punishment. I've been told, and looking back I now tend to agree, that I always bite off more than I chew. Get myself into too many projects and before I know it, I've no spare time for myself. I can't even remember when this behaviour started. I guess I use it as a security blanket. If I keep myself busy I don't have to face the troubles of the real world.

Well, no more. After this school year, I'm going to make sure that I have time in my life for myself. Starting with next week.

-Paul

General Update On General Things

It's been a while since I posted anything so I thought now is as good time as any. I am slightly bored and have little to do so I thought "Why the hell not?". And today of all days, it being Charles Darwin's 200th birthday. So let's take a moment to remember the "Man of Evolution" himself. In his day, people thought he was mad. The idea that man evolved from monkeys was just too far fetched for most to beleive. Yet here we are, 200 years on and his teachings are still being debated. I for one believe that all live evolved from single celled organisms. I mean, look at it. Human conception begins with the joining of two single cells and 9 months later, a baby is born.

But I am getting off subject. This is supposed to be an update blog. I had my controlled fitness test yesterday and the results weren't that great. The school reckons that I can return to light PE duties and they have allowed me to attempt the cross country run next Monday, but I was made to promise that any sign of difficulties and I am to drop out. This all sounds good, but they did note that my lung capacity was still down on what it should be, so it looks like the problems aren't going away as quickily as they should. I am contemplating a visit to my family doctor during half term in just over a weeks time.

Other than that, things aren't too bad. The rehersals for our end of year play are going well and we have been measured up for the costumes. So thats good. I am, however, still in two minds as to what to do about the situation with Nicky. It is wrong for his "friend" to expose him to the things he has, but how do I do something about it with out letting on that I know about it. The more I think about it, the more I think that I am going to have tell him the truth, explain the circumstances and hope he will understand.

In the mean time, I have more pressing matters to attend to. Too personal to go into details about on a public media such as this. I guess it is true what they say. You can go through your entire life with out any concerns and then, out of no where, a whole bunch of them turn up together. Sometimes I think Man would have been better off remaining as monkeys, cos you never see a stressed monkey. Give them a tire swing and a banana and they are content. Though, not very realistic is it? You don't see many tires in the jungle.

-Chris

A Worried Friend

Alot of things have happened over the last few weeks. Some to me and some to people that I care about. Some of the things that have happened have been mentioned before in this blog and some of them are too personal to post on the public domain.

One thing that has happened has started to worry me a lot. Someone I care about is going through a hard time at the moment from what I assume are constant confussing thoughts about a crush he has. Unfortunately he feels that he can not talk to me about this. The hardest part about this for me is to see a friend of mine suffer. I'm sure he knows that I wouldn't dream of judging him and I'm sure he has his reasons for not telling me.

Now, he has decided to bottle his feelings up and ignore them. This too worries me greatly. I know what can happen when strong feelings are bottled up. Eventually you are forced to face them as they fight their way to the surface. Often the result is far from pretty too. I have learned, often the hard way, that talking about your problems is often the better solution.

It has also came to my attention that he is barely sleeping these days. I'm not sure of the cause of this, but if it is related to these "thoughts or feelings", then surely ignoring the situation will only make things worse. If nothing else, health should always come before pride.

He has claimed on a few occasions that the situation is "complicated". Truthfully, when are matters of the heart not complicated. Bottom line is, there is nothing that he can say that will make me think any different of him. But I also realise that pushing him into talking will only push him away.

I just hope he will realise that I am here for him and want to help in anyway that I can because it is killing me not being able to.

-Paul

Why is it?

Why is it, bad things happen to good people? My cousin Nicky, whilst he can be annoying at times, has had a hell of a weekend being stuck in hospital after collapsing at school on Friday. Turns out, he has Epilepsy which means he is going to be prone to black outs and fits.

He's eleven years old and never hurt so much as a fly. And now he has an illness that could effect his every day life. It's not fair really. And this isn't the first time that bad things have happened to good people that I've known.

I once knew a great guy, give to charaty and helped people out when ever he could. Until one day his car was smashed into by a drunk driver. The drunk survived whilst my friend died. If anyone can tell me where the justice is in that, they deserve a nobel prize or something.

I know they say that life is not fair, and it seems, every now and then, life throws you a curve ball just to prove that fact.

-Chris-

New Web-Site

This week has been a long one so far. What with so many things to do and so little time to do them. But we have managed to find and hour here and there to work on a new project. Namely a new website. It was Jacks idea so we can share our art work, poetry and stories with our friends. The site is far from impressive at the moment and uses a badly chosen template. But, when we get more time, we are going to rework it. At the moment, it only has a few bits of information and a few pictures on it, but I have asked Jack to log on to my PC back at home and email a selection of stuff to add.

The web-link can be found on our profile (under the profile pic). But here is the link now:

http://dragonstar2008.webs.com/index.htm

Like I said, it is very basic at the moment, but we are working on doing it up a bit over the next few weeks or so. Let us know what you think.

-Paul

**UPDATE**

We have worked on it during a spare period this afternoon and I think it is some what better now.

Frustration on a Monday Morning

Well, it's Monday morning. I know Monday mornings are supposed to be bad and that very few actually like Monday mornings, but I used to like them. This morning, as with the last two Mondays, our first task of the day is a an 8 mile cross-country jog. Call me weird if you want but I enjoy doing cross-country.

However, due to medical reasons, they are not ready to allow me to participate. All because of a chest infection at the end of December that went wrong and turned into a case of Bronchitis. Which basically means that my lungs became inflamed and it was hard to breathe. I have been given an inhailer to help with the symptoms if they get bad, which thankfully they've been ok. But the school refuses to let me join the running untill atleast the start of February, at which time I will be put under a controlled fitness test.

In fact, I haven't had much problem with my breathing since I finished the course of anitbiotics, untill last night that is. It was quite scary. Just walking from the shower rooms back to the dorm room (all of about 50 meters) I became a bit breathless. For those who don't know what it is like to become breathless, I can tell you it is not a pleasant experience. Tie that in to the fact that I couldn't find my inhaler straight away, I started to panic. Which I don't think I need to tell you, didn't help in the slightest.

This is a huge set back for me. So close to my fitness test. If I fail this fitness test, I may be excused from Gym class altogether. They also may make me seek further medical advice from the doctors, and I hate going to the doctors. Sitting for upwards of an hour in a room full of sick and possibly contagious people can't be good for anyone. I guess we'll just have to see what the next few weeks bring.

-Chris-

Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

I have recently been asked if I was Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. Truthfully I've never really thought about it much. I think I am. I mean if the baby was an accident and the mother can't care for it, there is always adoption. And there are always people out there looking to adopt because they are unable to concieve themselves for one reason or another.

But then on the other hand, if the mother is just a child herself and the pregnancy was the result of an abusive attack, or there is serious medical risks to the mother if she carries full term and it could kill her, then sometimes abortion may be the safest option.

It's an interesting dilema. If there is no risk to the mother what so ever and the mother simply doesn't want the child, then I think abortion is worng. It should never be considered a quick fix to a problem which, with proper precaution, could have been prevented.

It is a sad truth that we now live in a world where sex has become a game or "something to do to pass the time". There is very little love involved and people are constantly looking for their next one night stand. I personally don't go for all that rubbish. It's nasty and it's highly risky. Not only is there pregnancy to worry about, but there are any number of diseases that could be caught.

Bottom line is, people need to start taking responsibility for their actions, think things through and take the needed precautions if they do feel like messing around. Thats just my two-cents anyway.

-Chris-

The Week of Hell

Finally Friday is here. This week has been an extreamly long week for me. What with one thing or another. Firstly there is the school work. It has reached an astronomical level due to the up coming final exams in May. Teachers insisting we cram in as much early revision as possible. Surprise exams being held in all classes. Course work to be completed to high standards. But hey, thats the price you pay for good qualifications.

On the plus side, I found out yesterday that I have been awarded the role of The Artful Dodger in the schools end of year production of Oliver Twist, for which we start rehearsing for tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait. I love that play and playing Jack Dawkins is a dream come true. Even if it is for just 3 shows. I'm really pleased that Chris got the part of Charlie Bates too. For those not firmiliar with the story, Charlie Bates and Dodger are the bestest of friends. The fact that Chris is my best friend means the chemestry is already there.

I've been practising my cockney accent using the line "My name's Jack Dawkins. Better known to my more intimite acquaintances as The Artful Dodger." This production is of course a play and not the musical version. Last time the school tried doing the same play that was currently playing in the West End, they got their wrist slapped for it. Lesson learned and they stopped doing it. Although, they may be pushing their luck a little with this one. As long as I get to do it thats all I can say.

Tomorrow will be fun though. A few rounds of Archery in the morning Sports lesson and then to the Drama hall. So whilst the week as been long and otherwise boring, it will end well.

-Paul-

Random thoughts

I'm in a bit of a random mood today. I don't know why. Perhaps it's too much Irn Bru, maybe it's the fact we have had the afternoon off. But being in a random mood has giving me loads of time to think. I have realised, much to my dismay, that the amount I have in common with myself is almost scarey. What scares me the most, however, is that there are some things I DONT have in common with myself. For example, cheese on toast. Do I like it? I do, but I don't. Especially when it is slightly under-cooked and the cheese just falls off the bread. I hate that. Another thing I hate are evil chipmunks in ferraris, which granted you don't see too many of these days. Perhaps it's the financial situation meaning that chipmunks can't affort ferraris these days.

I've also realised that Paul is a fool. Well, this afternoon he is. Strutting around with out his socks on as if he owns the place. Makes me disgusted. But he will regret it. I'm just waiting for him to kick his footlocker by mistake. In his sockless state, that would hurt. And oh, how I would laugh. Bwahahaha.

I have also managed to put the finishing touches to a BRILLIANT idea I have had. All I need is a hundred monkeys, two meters of purple string and a blimp, then nothing can stop me from taking over the world. Nothing I tell you. Well except from a pin to burst my blimp. But then I shouldn't have told you that. Damn my big mouth.

Also, after much research, I can confirm that it is impossible to lick your own elbow, but it is not impossible to lick someone elses elbow. I also found out today, much to my amazement, I am still able to suck my own big toe. Not quite sure what purpose that could possibly have, but it is nice to know.

-Chris-

My points of veiw by Chris

I have a free period so I thought I would contribute to this blog. Mainly to see what all the fuss is about. First things first, I can't write a blog with out mentioning Barak Obama. I think it is great that the "Most powerful man in the world" is black. I think it is a huge step towards World Equality. I can't help but feel a little disappointed though that the same day he was announced as President Elect, states like California and Florida ruled in favour of Proposition 8, which fundimently bans same-sex marriages, which in my book was a huge step backwards in terms of World Equality. So by my reckoning, America is no better off now than they were 5 month ago.

Who knows, this radical new direction our cousins across the water are going in may be the push we here in the UK need to get rid of Labour from power, keep the Conservatives from power and allow someone like the Lib-Dems take over in Downing Street. Unfortunately I won't be old enough to vote in the next General Elections in June, not unless the new law that has been floating around for some months now to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 is passed between now and then.

I think the voting age should be dropped to 16. In the UK, at the age of 16, you are legally old enough to join the armed forces, leagally old enough to own/rent your own property and 16 is our legal age of consent, so we are old enough to legally become parents. Surely, these decisions are perhaps just a little greater than whos name you put a little cross next to on a peice of paper. I think it is funny that at the age of 16 you can die for your country, but you can't pick who is running the country you die for.

Speaking about military terms, I think I am right in saying that Obama mentioned during his inauguration speech that he will be planning pulling troops out of Iraq. It will be interesting to see if he actually carries this out. I think it is about time. We've been in there for 6 years, and there has been no sign of the WMD's that Bush promised us. My Dad reckons that this war in Iraq was nothing more than Bush Jnr finishing off what his Father started in the early 80's. The only good thing to have come of this war is that someone as evil as Saddam Hussain was caught and executed.

Anyway, those are just a few of my views on the way the world is at the moment. No doubt I will add more at a later date.

-Chris-

A new year, a new begining

2009 has arrived and with it, a whole new life. 2008 was full of things that has helped shaped my life. Some of them good, some of the bad. Thinking about it, I'm kinda glad 2008 is over. But what does 2009 have in store for me? Who knows. I do know that I am going to make an asserted effort to remain in touch with my old friends Angie, Tyler and Simon. I've missed them over the last few months. It's been my fault though. I have been too busy with stuff to be able to make time to get online to speak to them. But not anymore. Things are starting to slow down abit at school as I head towards my finals so I will have time. Or atleast I will make time.

I now have a new family of sorts (my Father remarried) and I even have a brother now. Although me and Jack didn't originally get on, we have become quite close over the last few months. He's an alright kinda person, but he does distance himself at times. He's not the sort of person that opens up easily. His Mum Sarah is great though. She has a great sense of humour and she was very helpful last August when my Uncle Alex died. I regret giving her a hard time when she first started seeing my Father.

Chris and I are just as close as we've always been. He's still some what of a prankster, which as almost landed him in trouble a few times over the last couple of months. Starting with a prank that went quite wrong. He added pepper to a first year students lunch in revenge to a prank played on him earlier. He didn't realise that this student was actually allergic to pepper and he had a bit of a nasty reaction to it. He's was fine after a few hours and he kinda saw the funny side of it, but still. It could have been a lot worse.

Me and Chris are planning a trip to Greece this Summer, we are not sure exactly where yet but where ever it is, it should be fun. My Father and Step-Mum are planning a family trip to Paris some time during the summer to. So that should be fun, I enjoy going to Paris. Though I do prefer Barcelona.

So, all in all, 2009 should be an interesting year.

-Paul-