Random stuff from the weekend:
Last night’s trip to see Derren Brown’s ‘Evening of Wonders’ was bloody brilliant. The man is a genius. I had a fantastic seat, close to the stage in the stalls. I’ve had so much fun trying to figure out how he did all the tricks, and I’m getting there gradually. I’m not someone who needs the mystique to be maintained - I need to know all the secrets! The second half of the show was a reproduction of some Victorian magic/psychic tricks like the levitating table and ‘The Oracle’. There were none of the physical feats of the ‘Something Wicked’ tour. It was more a mind reading show with virtually all of the pieces involving the audience’s participation. Googling Derren’s name and the tour name will reveal much discussion/debate/speculation on how the tricks are done so I won’t bore with my theories. I will say that I did spot how the Oracle trick was done, although even knowing that I’m still impressed with Derren’s abilities; I’m sure I couldn’t do it!
I’m very glad I didn’t go to the Taste of Grampian event. As it was I was out from 5.30pm until 12.30am, and I am feeling pretty rough today.
I woke this morning at 5.30am to the most awful smell of oil. The Aga had gone out in the night and the whole house had filled with oil fumes. I was almost sick. I had to open the windows to get some fresh air into the house despite it being a cold morning. I eventually got back to sleep at about 7am and snuck in a couple more hours of sleep before Mum brought me my breakfast. I’m still feeling a bit nauseous though. I think this is probably the Aga off for the summer, there seems little point in relighting it only to have to switch it off again in a couple of weeks because the kitchen is unbearably hot (we have an old Aga that doesn’t do varying temperatures).
I still haven’t found myself a new facial moisturiser. Perhaps I should wait until I’ve finished off my No7 stuff.
BP: 117/84 (am)
<rant> This morning I found myself Shouting At The Television - a former favourite hobby of mine. It’s my habit to start and end the day with BBC News24 (and then to do my utmost to avoid the news in between times). So, late morning I was watching a news conference given by Tony “I’m a smug, arrogant, condescending ass” Blair and Thabo Mbeki. Blair had just finished saying something very important that he had to clear up because we are all idiots and couldn’t possibly understand things ourselves and Mbeki started to speak - no doubt to say something equally important (but probably minus the patronising tone) when Matthew Amroliwala decided that what Mbeki was about to say wasn’t important and reminded us that Blair was going to be asked a question by a “Western reporter” (clearly meaning a “more important reporter”). Grr. </rant>
Went to Millers for lunch with Mum. It’s such a strange place. You can buy animal feed, hire a digger, buy a bridle, have your lunch in their cafe, pick up a tin of beans, a newspaper, a jar of fancy home-made-style chutney, some locally grown strawberries, a dvd about tractors and spend a small fortune on a tweedy, conservative outfit all in the same place. It’s eclectic to say the least. I was on the look out for some local Craigmyle cheese, but they only had the Wee Wummle and I’m not all that fond of Camembert-style cheese, so I didn’t get any. Ideally, I’d like to try the Morven, at a push I’d give the Learney a go (partly because it’s named after our hill!) We came home with full bellies, a newspaper and some strawberries (which were very good).
At home I watched Mum plant things while I enjoyed sitting out in the sun. It was such a beautiful day here today.
While I remember: I watched Little Children last night. It was okay, although I probably wouldn’t bother watching it again, but mostly because it’s not my ‘type’ of film - it’s one of those arty, ensemble pieces where not a lot happens and there’s no real resolution at the end. The acting was excellent - I really felt a great deal for Kate Winslet’s character. The story was involving, but unfulfilling (oh, the irony!). I think the 8.0 rating that it currently has on IMDb is a little generous, but not too far off the mark. I have Perfume for Sunday night.
Tomorrow evening I am off into Aberdeen to see Derren Brown. I’m looking forward to seeing him live, but I have my concerns. I’m (almost) always impressed by what he does. I just wonder how edited things are and if the live show will ruin spoil my high opinion of him.
If it weren’t for my plans for tomorrow evening I think I might have tried to persuade Mum and Dad that we should all go to the Taste of Grampian food and drink festival. It looks like a good day out with lots of food, drink, crafts and entertainment. As it is, I don’t want to tire myself out before the evening. If Mum or Dad spontaneously suggested going for a wee while then I might say yes, but I’m not going to bring it up.
