Clicky

Something I found on the 50books blog that I thought you might like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAWR6hzZek

PATTOTE: Better living under a rock.

Spice up your life!

Of all things, the Spice Girls are coming together for a reunion tour. Do you think their horrible platform shoes will make a comeback too?

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm the teensiest bit curious to hear what they'll come up with. And yes, I've got Wannabe stuck in my head. I'm feeling nostalgic. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Blackwell's

I'm still working on finding a job, but since arriving in this damp and misty land I have comforted myself by enjoying the great bookshops - second-hand, new, antiquarian, bizarre. In addition to the ubiquitous Waterstones, I've also found Blackwell's, which focuses on fantasy, sci fi, with a heavy dollop of manga. I'm pretty meh on the manga, but fell in love when I found the final installment of a trilogy which hasn't actually been released back home yet, Voice of the Gods by Trudi Canavan. Admittedly it has the tawdry US cover, but still! (Aside: Dear US publishers - tawdry covers are what gives fantasy such a bad name. She's a priestess, not an Orion slave girl.)

They also have some really great miniatures and models. Would you like a phaser for Christmas? Would you like a Dalek as a doorstop? Want a life-size cardboard cut-out of David Tennant to kiss goodnight? Blackwell's is for you!

PATTOTE: I wish I had never discovered Dr Who. Do I really need another obsession? Not so much.

Up, up and away.

Hello, my chickens. All those loyal readers out there. All two of you. I've been out of touch again, like the bad blogger I am. My only excuse is that I was pinned under the weight of my belongings all week and couldn't get to the computer. It's true - the Complete Works of Jane Austen pinned my left arm, while the Complete Gilmore Girls Season 2 DVD Boxed Set held down my right. I flailed awhile but I was fighting a losing battle with the cupboard eating my clothes and I decided to give up. I was liberated eventually and have been staying with The Sister and her family. It was brilliant, despite sundry nappy-changing traumas. Who knew so much crap could come out of one baby? I didn't.

Over the weekend I went helicoptering with Kristy and Alison. It was totally awesome. We flew from Maidenhead, over Leavesdon studios, where they film the Harry Potter movies. I saw the Privet Drive set, and what looked like The Burrow. The weather was predictably horrible but the flight was totally worth it. And don't I look awesome in my headphones?



PATTOTE: Better living through being high. Off the ground, you ingrates!

This is the first day of my life

I arrived in England this morning at 6:55 on an overcrowded plane from Johannesburg. Virgin provides so-so food, fantastic entertainment and the smallest economy-class seats ever.

I only told The Sister I was arriving today, so I could make it a surprise for the The Parents. It was worth it to see their faces. And now I'm here. And strangely, it doesn't feel strange at all. I had a pang as the plane landed. "I don't live in South Africa anymore." Maybe as the excitement wears off and I start looking for a job, reality will beat me over the head with a mace. But for now I'm just fine with being excited.

PATTOTE: Better living through world domination. I have to start somewhere.

Free at Last!

I got my passport!
Free at last, free at last, no thanks to the Home Office, free at last!