Volunteering is good for you (I guess). One thing that has come back to me is how much I dislike working on a PC now. The only good thing about using a PC is that it ensures you appreciate the brilliance of your Mac when you get home. The one I work on when volunteering is generally pretty good as they go, but it keeps crashing programmes (mainly Explorer, which is itself a dog). Volunteering also makes me think about the fact that I do not have a job. Working at home on papers (and previously thesis) means that I am isolated and able to focus on getting words out. Sitting in an office with other people is a strange experience now and takes some getting used to.
Watched ‘The Kite Runner’ the other evening (came through in the post) and was impressed. I missed it when it was out at the theatre and remember that there was much raving about it. There was also raving about ‘The Da Vinci Code’ book (which I have yet to subject myself to), so I am cautious about that sort of thing. With these limitations in mind it was with some hesitation that I approached it, but was pleasantly surprised. It was a good movie and would recommend it, although the last scene did a pretty good job of nearly torpedoing all the good work that had come before.
Finished reading How to be a Bad Birdwatcher. Was generally interesting, rather an eclectic book and difficult to classify. Also read quickly through another old classic in the form of Thunderball by Ian Fleming. No thinking required, just turn the pages and try to keep up. At the moment I am working my way through McMafia by Misha Glenny. Is generally good, although I am not so keen on the subtitle of the book ‘Seriously Organised Crime’.
It is sad that MJ has died, was only 50. Also unfortunate that there has to be such an overwhelming focus on him to the near exclusion of all other news. Is it really necessary to spend extended periods talking to his concert crew hearing how he was brilliant during his final rehearsals. This is also compounded by the person next door playing his music and whistling along really badly. Not a Diana moment.
