Behold the LJ cuts! Partly because Blogger keeps complaining about the html (it's probably right but they're horrible to search through). Out of all the memes I've seen going round recently, these had the funniest answers.

Your Political Career

What Kind of God Are You

The Ultimate Farscape AU

The end of last week was bad, mainly due to work. Thursday afternoon we had the company day out (well, afternoon) where we did West African drumming, which was really good fun. There were people who found moving their feet and clapping difficult and they were all impressed that I knew the answer to the question: what does c stand for in the equation e=mc². Oh dear. I work with arts students. This is not good.

In the evening I had my first Rotaract president's meeting, which was good fun. We established that as a club we all get our weekends booked up quickly. I could have done without it though, because I didn't get home till 10.30 and then was so tired I just fell into bed. And couldn't sleep.

I did get eleven and a half hours Saturday night though. I didn't hear my parents go to bed or get up. And the cat didn't come in till I got up, so he didn't even get to sleep with me (which was probably just as well because I was hot enough on my own as it was). It's almost worrying that the best bit of my weekend was the amount of sleep I got and the warm house I got to have it in...

Nilmandra wrote about things to be thankful for and it was quite timely for me because I was really stressed out about various things this morning. Part of it was work, part of it was Rotaract and not knowing things for certain. But I got more work done today than I thought I'd get through (although I did get to one point where my vision went funny and another point where I didn't think my right shoulder was going to let me go near a mouse again) and I've just come back from a meeting. We're having a chocolate day on 25th, so everyone's excited about that.

I also got a letter this morning to tell me I was the person who won their place at Conference free! Which is to the value of �174, so I am amazed. And great because I booked my flight to Australia at the weekend so I am now broke.

When various people post/tell me about crap stuff going on in their life I realise how grateful I am I don't have that. But I'm also grateful I have a roof over my head, a job and friends. No matter how much I might winge about the first two, at least I'm not leaving on the streets.

I do have proof that I am a rain god, though. On Saturday I did my washing. I pegged it out in the afternoon, went in, got as far as thinking about sorting out the stuff I'd bought in Reading (mostly food, I have to say), at which point it chucked it down. So I got my washing in, which by this point was wetter than when I'd pegged it out. By the time I'd got all of it, and me, inside it stopped raining. I decided to go for a simple life and leave it in. So it didn't rain at all for the rest of the day.

I've also been redesigning the Wallingford Rotaract website, which is currently a fairly generic one shared by other clubs in the district. I've just copied the text over, since I'm more worried about the design than the words, and the contact form doesn't work but it can be found at www.paranoidangel.me.uk/rotaract. If anyone wants to take a look and let me know what they think, as long as it's honest, I'd love to know because I know they look different on different computers.

Quite a few times at work when checking questionnaires I've come across something like this:

Thinking about the crisps you eat. How often do you buy each of the following brands?

Now, quite often they will say in another question:

Now please think about the crisps you eat. How often do you buy each of the following brands?

That first sentence: Thinking about the crisps you eat. sounds to me as if it isn't a sentence. But Word doesn't flag it up in its grammar checker, so that and the other example I gave is probably why people do it quite a bit.

My question is, why isn't it a sentence? Or why is it a sentence and doesn't sounds like one. I don't know enough english to know the answer to that one. Ultimately, it doesn't matter because your eyes tend to skim over it if you're an interviewer reading it out, or a respondent filling in a questionnaire. But it's annoying me.

There is a long story connected with this but I'll cut off all the reasons why and go straight to the question. We need a publicity stunt we can do in the town (it's only a little market town I live in) that will get new members for Rotaract (so we're trying to attract 18-30 year olds) and be quite silly.

There have been various ideas and tales of what we used to do back in the good old days but my dad pointed out that at uni RAG tended to do that sort of thing. Be ridiculous, I mean (and raise money for charity, which is also good). So, does anyone reading this have any RAG stunts they remember that could be modified for our use?

I know we used to do gnoming (it took me a while to remember what it was called), which I think involved cling film, flour, water and water pistols. Which probably wouldn't go down too well with the town council. There were also deliveries (flowers, beer) which I can't see a way of using.

And now I'm off to watch last night's Bill. Which I'm only really watching for Gina Gold these days.

I think I've pretty much had all of my holidays worked out for next year (which includes conventions as holidays).

I've got:

• Redemption at the end of February
• Australia from Easter (end of March) till mid-April
• National Conference on May Day bank holiday weekend (where I will be celebrating my birthday)
• Banbury Camping Rally at the end of August (assuming the rest of the club talk me into it and we get a luxury tent between us - I really don't like camping)
• SG10. I just knew they were going to announce more of them at some point. There's no way I'm doing SG9 the week before Redemption, but since I know I'm going to be talked into going to SG10 anyway, I might just as well admit it now.

At least, of those, Australia and SG10 are the expensive things. Australia I'm saving for now, and I'll have time to save for SG10. And I should still have 9 days holiday left from work, although I may keel over from alcohol poisoning and lack of sleep after all of that.

I've been reading lots of Harry Potter fan fic recently. The thing about it that's really annoying me is that it's all full of Americanisms. Now, I know they changed the title of the first book, and presumably Americanised everything else, so there's probably no grounds for me complaining. But Hogwarts, does not have semesters. Some universities do, but I didn't go to one (on purpose) so I really don't understand how you fit two semesters into three terms. And unless boarding schools work differently, no-one is going to graduate. They'll just finish school and leave.

Something that really confused me in a fic today: Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were told to charm the windows of the first floor of the house they were living in at the time so that nothing would get in (as they were possibly going to be attacked). I spent a fair few minutes trying to work out why they would want to charm the windows of the first floor and not the ground, until I realised it had been written by an American, and they meant the ground floor.

Admittedly, this also confused me completely when I was in Las Vegas. When we first went down from our room back to reception I was looking in the lift for the button that said 'G'. The American friend I was with had to press the '1' button for us, because I was just lost. I really can't get my head round it for some reason, even though it ought to be more logical that our system.

I also meant to post this link last time - Funny Olympics animation. I particularly liked the fencing one, but then I would.

A fic I read today included a bit where Sirius and Remus had an argument. I got quite excited when they were building up to it because I love a good argument in my fic. I commented on someone else's a while back, when she had Elrond and Celebrian fight, that it was my favourite bit. She replied to say she knew I'd like that bit. So I know I like arguments, other people know I like them, I just don't know why. I know there are people who write them so the two people involved can have make-up sex, and there are people who read them purely for the sex. I read them for the argument - once they make-up I'm bored and skip the sex.

I was going to say I think I'm weird but I know that I am. I also think this morning came as a bit of a shock after three increasingly late nights followed by three increasingly late mornings, so I'm tired now and should probably go to bed once my housemate's out of the bathroom.

Unfit for Society recs have been updated. I've appreciated them a whole lot more for the great Sirius/Remus ones I've found on there.

Computer Stupidities has also been updated.

I haven't posted for a while because everything has been very stressful and I didn't really want to admit the world existed for a bit. Last Thursday was the president's night dinner. I was spending lots of time organising that and trying not to think about having to get up and say a few words - but it turned out that was the least of my problems. The chef we had discussed the menu with left and the food that we got was not up to the standard we were expecting from the price.

So I was just getting over the stress of that when we had the Charity Funday in town on Sunday. We were running a Harry Potter quiz on the basis it went over well last year and there is a new film out. Sadly, it went badly. Not many other people there did very well either. There weren't very many people there and the weather wasn't great (it did keep raining).

So I'm just getting over that (although I still have some more Rotaract-related stuff to do that I really want to get out of the way) when HASA has a flare-up. If it's not one thing it's another.

Now, I knew I wasn't going to enjoy elements of being Rotaract president because I don't like leadership. But that doesn't stop me doing it. And in all fairness one of our old presidents said it was horrible for the first few months, and this is coming from someone who did it three times. So I'm hoping that one will settle down.

And I do like being busy. I'm very bad at having nothing to do because I get bored. Except it's now quarter to 10 and I need to watch The Bill before tomorrow's episode, Atlantis before the weekend when I can watch the next episode on dad's computer, do some more reviews for Sel (if I can find them), write some birthday drabbles, and some scenes for the HASA Tag Team Challenge. OK, so some can wait but where has this evening gone?

I'm actually feeling like I'm catching up. I still have a load of things on my to do list, and another load that haven't made it to the to do list but none of it is particularly urgent. Although I really ought to watch Thursday's Bill before Wednesday. I managed Wednesday's last night but two in one night was a bit much.
 
I've been so busy this week (and in comparison had practically no work to do at work). Monday was Tae Kwon Do, Tuesday was my first Rotaract meeting as President (could have gone better in my opinion, although everyone else seemed happy), Wednesday was my landlady's daughter's birthday barbecue. So free food, although it made me feel sick, and I didn't get any sleep because the party went on till late. I did get to see next door's new dog though, who was really sweet and friendly.
 
Thursday I ushered Harry Potter. I then went for a look for Harry Potter fan fic but luckily none of it interests me particularly. Friday I was in! But then I had stuff to watch I'd taped in the week and some writing to do. I hadn't done any for ages, so I quite impressed myself.
 
And in a bit I'm off to Guildford to see Spiderman 2 and the shops (which are apparently pretty good). And I'm definitely not going to do any thinking about Rotaract at all.

I found a link to this website: BritSlash and it's really quite disturbing. I was just getting over the idea of Eastenders fanfic and then saw the Midsomer Murders an Taggart slash. And the question I have to ask is why? I so don't want an answer to this one (not least because I can only think of one potential answer), but who is there in Midsomer Murders to slash? Mind you, it took me some time to get over the idea of The Bill fan fiction. Or Red Dwarf for that matter, although that's for an entirely different reason.

Yesterday I helped clear a load of bushes for Emmaus. The link is to the Oxford branch and there's a picture of the site on there. It's changed a bit now - all the bushes at the front, near the wall, from the left side of the photo to the middle of it are gone. We cleared more than that but you can't see it for the bushes in this picture.

There was a big police station opposite, which wasn't terribly exciting, although there were a few coppers on bikes hanging about. Not long after there was a bloke taking photos of four of them.

Then, in the evening, I went to the work hen party of my boss. It was quite good, although I couldn't finish my pizza, even though I was hungry before I sat down. After we ate, we went to Bar 38, or at least we tried, because they wouldn't let anyone with trainers in. I really don't understand the no jeans and no trainers rules in pubs/clubs because what do these people expect me to wear out in the evening - the same clothes I wear to work? I don't think so.

Anyway, after that we went to Brannigans. I'd never been, but everyone told me it was shite because it was full of fifteen year olds and no-one liked it there, but we had to go because it was what you did on a hen night. Apparently. I didn't know there was a handbook. Although I did see four other hen nights by the Riverside that night.

They were right - Brannigans was shite. Not so much for the reasons they said - I was avoiding pissed blokes attempting to chat me up. I was really hot but that could have had more to do with the Sambuca I'd downed not long beforehand. They were playing dance shite loudly, so you couldn't hear what anyone was saying (it was also really dark near the bar where we were stood, so I couldn't work out who anyone was - they looked different all dressed up). I'm not against loud music but only if it is actually music (ie has a tune) and if you're going to dance to it. It's not terribly helpful if you want to stand around and chat. I was quite glad I was only there for an hour before I had to go and get the last train.

I'm not quite with it today due to sleeping late, then not being bothered to get up. I ate lunch at 4 o'clock, which probably didn't help. I've really not woken up properly, although I did get some of the things done today that I meant to, which is something. Tomorrow I'm hopefully going to see Troy and remember to listen to the first in the new series of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.

They sent round a recruitment e-mail at work and talked about the American office (which currently consists of one person) and said it could be as big as the one here, meaning there could be opportunities to work over there. Which all assumes rather a lot, mind you, but before I went to America last year I would have jumped at the chance. Which only goes to show it's a good idea to recce a place before you consider living there.

I was there just under a week and after that time I was desperate to get out. The whole country was driving me crazy. And yet I want to go back, which is even more crazy. I don't think I'd survive longer than a week though. I'm hoping Australia won't be so bad being as it's a bit more like here and the accents don't drive me mad. Not yet, anyway.

I'm almost in two minds about Australia. I keep thinking it would be better if I went with someone else, then I'd have someone to talk to. But going on holiday with other people is a pain if you want to be doing different things. There's probably less to do in the evenings but then I could just go to bed earlier and get up earlier to do stuff in the daylight. And I can do what I want when I want, once I've decided what that is. It's also a bit complicated going with someone else being as I want to see my family and meet up with my friends out there.

Barn Dance was last night and it went well. We made a profit, which was very good, and everyone looked like they were having a good time. Which means we'll do another one next year, which I'll be organising, which is scary. The Rotaract year starts in July, so hopefully I'll be more confident by then. I'm not growing up for the purposes of responsibility though. What a horrible thought.

I went to a Murder Mystery dinner last night. I thought the bloke who dunnit was far too obvious, so I went for someone else! I did get my poem read out though.

I thought I was doing really well this week because I didn't feel tired at all Thursday and Friday. Saturday, though, it hit me when I went to Tescos and all I could do when I got back was lie down and watch a lot of Time Trax. But then I didn't get home till 2am, which I haven't done for what feels like forever and now I feel great. And I drunk alcohol last night, which I also hadn't done for a while either.

Next weekend is Conference, so I should at least be alright for that, although whether I'll be able to do Wide Awake Club is something else.

I was very good this morning because I tidied my room (it had got to the point where you couldn't see very much floor anymore) and cleaned it. I also did my washing (of course it's rained all day so I couldn't hang it out, should have done it yesterday), updated my website, replied to e-mails and done some other stuff. I still have stuff to do, I've just got to the point now where I'm quite bored. I do have some Teachers to watch though, and I have just remembered I taped Murder in Suburbia last night. I might even be good and so some Rotaract-related ringing up as well.

What I want to know is: who were the blokes with the suitcase of money in Auf Weidersehen, Pet in Comic Relief on Friday? I can't help feeling I should know, but I think they probably used to be big. Plus I never know what any musician (if that's the right word) looks like anyway. I now have a hole in my inflatable chair that I can't fix. I think I'll have to buy a new one next week. Just as well I picked up a new Argos catalogue last time I was in Oxford.

Slept till noon yesterday, which was good. Went to bed at 1am though cos my feet were cold. And I was bored. Still haven't watched the Angel episode I finished downloading on Friday. Might do that after Cold Feet if its finished virus checking. But probably not as I have loads of mp3s filling up my hard drive. I'm trying to get enough to fill a CD, so far I have just under 400megs worth, which lasts about 6 hours. I've got a few more ideas of songs to download yet though. Should keep me going at work and at home when the radio's really annoying me (so always then).

Very nearly have the final version of Dropping Eaves done (go me!) and managed to write another 1000 words of Isildur/Haldir. The latest bit is angsty though, which is my forte. Love writing angst, its so fun to do nasty things to the characters.

Spent most of today helping out at the world pooh sticks championships. I got to sort the sticks out again as I did it last year. But the marshalling of people went much better this year with more people. And I got time to have a go myself. I did spend the day facing the sun though, so it seemed really dark when I got in. Plus my face feels hot and looks a bit red, so think I have got myself sunburned already! And technically its still winter - although explain that to the daffodils.

Went out for milk and a pizza yesterday and came back with three books as well. Damn those charity shops! Although I don't have to worry about not having anything to read now, specially as I don't think I'll be going home before Easter to get my books and doubtless borrow one of mum's. Very annoying - they're resurfacing the hall at the lesiure centre so no Tae Kwon Do on a Monday for a bit. Now that Farscape's finished. I won't know what to do with myself - although I should really finish the LOTR DVD. And then start working through another one.

I actually remembered to watch Red Dwarf on Thursday. I thought it wouldn't be that exciting as I've seen it so many times before and it was only series 1. But it was great - I haven't seen any Red Dwarf for so long I'd forgotten how go it was (prior to series 7 of course). Must watch some more soon, I think. Blogger template still a pain in the arse, surprise, surprise.

Not going to try going to Tescos after work again (at least not until after they've finished the road works in Didcot). I whipped round in 10 minutes, so the bus driver coming back from Didcot decided to go a different route, so I had to wait 40mins for the next one to come along, who luckily took me all the way into Didcot and back, because I was really cold by this point. It's just as well I wasn't planning on doing anything tonight. Its just been one of those days at work today as well. And the rain made it get dark earlier, which just made the whole thing more depressing.

I have to take the Rotaract meeting tomorrow, which'll be kind of scary. I'm not sure there'll be many people there though, and there's not much to say, so shouldn't be too bad. Should be a short meeting as well. Maybe I'll get through more of the SG3 video.

Its always hard going back to work after the weekend, its even harder when you've had a 3-day weekend. Not that I'm complaining though, I'm quite glad I only have 4 days this week, I'm looking forward to the weekend already! I only have two projects on at the moment, but they are being really complicated. Not to mention the amount of time I have to spend waiting for things to be done on them by other people and running some big tables for other projects. I had a headache by the time I got home (although the heat probably didn't help).

Tonight's Rotaract is my first as secretary. Haven't decided how I'm going to write the minutes yet. Last night I dreamt that I went to the meeting and forgot to take anything to write on! Now I'm hoping it isn't going to rain before I leave as my washing is hanging outside, hopefully drying. Could potentially be a long meeting tonight as well, so not really going to get much done before Friday. And I have to decide what I'm going to do about my Tescos shopping. I might just get the minimum possible when I go to Reading on Sunday.

The internet is so slow after getting used to adsl!