Binge Watching

Last night I went on a binge of an anime I purchased earlier in the day.

I headed to another town yesterday (to JB Hi-Fi) to go and buy two Wii U games (they were each $20 less than anywhere elsewhere) for The Chook's birthday, which is coming up in a few weeks. I couldn't help myself from browsing the shops other wares.

I came to the anime section and went on a hunt for a certain Studio Ghibli film, though while they had many, the one I was after was missing. So, I started looking for other anime that I knew ... and found one that had been airing on TV recently, which (while I had missed the first few episodes) I had coincidentally become rather fond of. I couldn't help myself, I purchased it and in the evening began watching it ... which then became early morning - I had watched all 26 episodes! Oops. I guess I miss watching anime.

FYI, the anime I speak of is Ouran High School Host Club. I can hear laughter ...

I also picked up three children's films (buy 2 get the third free) - Despicable Me 1 + 2 and Rise of the Guardians. I also purchased Tim Minchin and the Heritage Orchestra - Live at the Royal Albert Hall ... I love Tim Minchin's songs! I spent WAY too much money, but it was nearly worse - so I did control myself to a degree - that counts, right?


Speaking of watching TV, the Doctor Who box set came in the mail 2 days after the last post. I had also gone to a local store and purchased the 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition (even if the 'Australia tax' is insane). Oddly enough I have yet to watch more than the first episode - I had put it on to make sure it would work and couldn't help but watch at least one episode! So, I guess I'll be binge watching Doctor Who now ... but I also have NCIS season 11 awaiting my attention too!

Oh, boy. For someone who doesn't watch an awful lot of TV, I'm certainly watching an awful lot of TV! *Help Me!*

I think I shall go now,

PsychoScissors out. 

Been A While ...

Not much has happened in the interim. Just the usual - take Chook to school, study some, pick up Chook.

I did recently purchase the Blu-Ray Box Set of Doctor Who Complete Series 1-7 from the UK BBCShop and I am waiting for it to arrive, rather anxiously. I'm starting to worry it might get lost or stolen or be delivered to the wrong house ... but it really hasn't been long enough for it to arrive yet. It has been 9 business days since it was dispatched, I just need to be patient.

On the topic of Blu-Ray, I actually had to go out and buy a Blu-Ray Player ... JUST so I could watch the aforementioned Doctor Who box set. I have even cracked the region restriction, just in case they come as Region 2 only - though according to an email explaining why I could not purchase the 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition from them, they don't sell Region 2 only items to Australians (This is only one of the reasons given in the cut and paste email, the real reason is licensing).

Thinking of parcels apparently summons a delivery person. Just received a parcel with the last ball of yarn I need to start a Doctor Who themed crochet project. I have decide to make my own 4th Doctor scarf! Not some small imitation, a full length (nearly 6 metres) scarf - although I am still tossing up whether I will make it the full width (30cm/12") or a skinnier version (20cm/8"), and whether I will make it in single or half-double crochet. The 'pattern' I am using is for an 8" wide by 15' to 18' long scarf, made in single crochet. I have enough yarn for this version, but getting more yarn isn't hard - it doesn't need to be the same dye lot, as the new yarn wont be worked next to the old. The only issue would be the mustard colour, as I will be hand dying it (couldn't get the right colour from the yarn company). But if I make the scarf to the pattern I will only need a quarter of the ball, so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure I'll figure it out.

I can hear the school regional athletics final from here. The school next door is hosting it and I can hear it clearly ... they must be blasting the kids ears out! Their PA is nowhere near my house.

Better do some study now.

PsychoScissors out.

This is why my blogs don't last ...

After the 'honeymoon' period of making an okay amount of posts, they eventually drop to nil. What can I say? Keeping a blog is very low on my priority list.

It's that time of the year again where the 'winter blues' are kicking in. I now know this is true. After several years of this happening at the same time of the year, it becomes obvious.

I'm regressing into a teenager.

End.
PsychoScissors

New Computer and Catch-up

Well, I ended up buying parts for a new computer. I did some research and found a suitable build for the price I was willing to pay. It took a while to get to me though, the company I purchased from was having a supplier issue. I was very happy when it finally came and it is working well.

Windows 8 is annoying, but I'll get use to it. I have uninstalled several of the apps that came with it, I don't need it sucking up my internet allowance. The app store has been disabled and unpinned too. I also find the menu annoying - I just type in the name of what I'm looking for instead.

Playing games on this thing is a dream, it doesn't have all the best stuff in it, but it is far superior to what I had. Serious gamers would probably laugh at me having an APU instead of separate CPU and GPU, but it was cheaper this way and I have the option to upgrade in the future if I wish. I just need to make sure I don't go crazy with gaming again, I'm usually pretty good - I go months without games usually and when I do play, I usually only play for a couple of hours - but sometimes the old gamer comes out and I spend days, weeks even, just playing computer games. Not cool.

A couple of weeks ago I had a nasty fever and the Chook was home sick too. We both spent several days at home doing sweet stuff all and feeling sorry for ourselves. I then had to work hard to catch up on missed study time ... and I didn't make it on time.

I got most of my work done, then I had printer issues - it didn't like my netbook, at the time I didn't have my new computer. So I ended up handing in almost all of my work two days before it was due. I finished two more assignments on the due date. When I went to hand them in I tried asking for an extension, but the secretary didn't know how to do it and the coordinator (who I knew DID know how) was busy on the phone. The only assignment I had not handed in was writing 3 short fiction pieces. I only needed two extra days so I hoped that a late assignment wouldn't matter too much, considering it IS done via flexible learning.

Well, that's me all caught up.

PsychoScissors out.

Edit: P.S. Forgot to say that someone replied to the letter to the editor in my previous post. He pointed out that secular religion is an oxymoron and said that we need our constitution to be reformed to allow freedom of or from religion.

Letters to the Editor

So, I had to submit a piece of writing to a newspaper/magazine/publisher for my writing course and one of the options was to send a letter to the editor.

It was published and someone had written a letter to the editor in reply. Here they are (Sorry mine is a little wonky):

So ... apparently my line of reasoning is hard to follow and secularism is a religion ...

My first thought after reading it - "You, sir, are an idiot."

I won't be dignifying this with a response, you can't fix stupid or the blindly religious.

PsychoScissors out.

Fair thee well XP, we had a good run...

Ok, so some of you may know that Microsoft's support was removed for Windows XP recently. Well, I was happy enough to continue to use it, removal of support does not mean you can't use it. Unfortunately, I had a glitch today and I was unable to fix it - I used my phone to browse the internet (since this was one of the services effected) and was unable to find a solution. I tried a repair install to no avail. So I did a complete wipe and re-install. This would have been fine, since they have supposedly made it so that when you go to activate it doesn't need to authenticate, but it doesn't recognise the internet connection through my mobile internet dongle ... I've had this problem before, I fixed it by lugging my computer to my parents house.

But now that I have this problem, I thought that maybe I should just upgrade my OS - I don't want to go down the linux path - so that leaves Windows 7 or 8, which are the same price. Then I got to thinking, that would probably be wasted money on my computer. My machine is aged to the point that if the motherboard, CPU or video card failed, I could not find replacement parts. I have new RAM and power supply, but the RAM would be incompatible with a new system. So for a new system I would have to replace, at the minimum, CPU, motherboard, video card and RAM.

While I know how to build a system, I do not have the time or patience to slog through all the info about all available parts and to figure out what I want vs. what I can afford. Pre-built systems are not what I'm after either, because they come with the things I don't need - adding to the cost. I don't need a DVD burner, case or hard drive - I have these things already, in perfect working order and compatible with future systems.

Ugh, I'll have to grab out my netbook to do my course work, until I can figure out what to do about my desktop. I just hope the operating system on it doesn't crap itself too - it runs XP as well! I'm pretty sure I have Open Office on it. Luckily I was able to put all of my recent work on to my external hard drive!

*Sigh*

PsychoScissors out.

Window Replacement

Today, one of my windows is being replaced ... exciting right? It was broken on Friday, when the lawn maintenance blokes were, well, mowing. A rock went through one of the windows (duh), I heard the rock, but assumed it was just lots of tiny stones hitting the wall and glass, as usual. It wasn't until Saturday morning that I noticed the glass on the floor and the rock beneath the curtain, it wasn't completely smashed - more like a large bullet hole. I told my parents (I am lucky enough to be renting a unit from them) and on Monday morning they contacted Body Corporate.

The Body Corporate decided to contact their resident representative to have a look ... this happens to be my neighbor. I found him waiting for me when I arrived home from picking up The Chook. He said "It would have been nice to have known about it when it happened." Thing is, I didn't notice till the Saturday and Body Corporate management is not available on the weekend, so Monday was the first opportunity to contact them. He also said "It's odd that the mowing guy didn't notice." To which I replied, "He was wearing earmuffs and operating a loud machine. How would he notice a smallish hole in a window slightly screened by a rose bush?" He also decided to ask where a stone would have come from ... you would think it was his money on the line.

My parents have now told me that if he comes up to me with questions that are for the owners, to refer him over to them - I am the renter. I do not speak for the owners, even if they are my parents.

End rant,

PsychoScissors out.

Mumble mumble....

Every Monday morning the kids at The Chook's school sing the National Anthem with the teachers and parents joining in. I usually stay out of singing it because I can't stand singing it so badly, but today it was worse than usual. There were fewer kids and all of them were mumbling - "Ausmnsal et us-eoice, fo-e a un n-fee...", I couldn't help myself, I said "Oh, come on" and started singing it, with the aim of getting them to lift their voices ... It back fire and I practically ended up singing it alone. Couple that with the fact that I can't stand being centre of attention, good or bad ... let's just say I didn't have much fun.

I also hate the fact that so few know that there is actually a second verse to our anthem. I think it is much better than the first verse too, far more uplifting.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll join with hearts and hands
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plans to share
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair
In joyful strains, then let us sing
Advance Australia fair

Oh, but no one cares. No one likes singing our anthem, probably because we are forced to sing it for years in primary school. And then there are those who think that Waltzing Matilda would make a better anthem ... yes, let's sing about hard times, taking sheep and committing suicide when the corrupt law enforcement comes. Really good anthem right there! I will agree that it is far more fun to sing, but doesn't say much about out country ... just be glad we don't sing Advance Australia Fair in it's original form - look it up if you want to learn more.

Wow, did I really just have a rant about our anthem? How many people actually care so much? ROFL.

PsychoScissors out.

Feeling Cold...

It's windy and overcast outside. I am here wrapped in a blanket and still my extremities are purple. I am considering turning on the heater. It's always cold in my house - my house is oriented towards the east, only my kitchen window faces north and the western side of my house is in constant shade from the trees on the neighboring property. Only on 40+ degree days does it get uncomfortably warm in here. So cold.

Ok, the heater is on. I only ever heat the lounge room, both entrances have doors on them. I have just looked at the weather - apparently the maximum temperature is 15 degrees, tomorrow is supposed to be 14. Definitely cold enough for heating in my opinion. Must remember to put flannelet sheets on the beds!

And I still have not planted out my winter veg! Soon it will be too late for most. The seedlings are still waiting for transplant, like so many other things waiting for my attention. Every list sees exponential growth daily.


We are going without TV and video games here. The Chook has been ignoring my warnings about the consequences of not tidying his toys away, even taking anything that he doesn't put away by the end of the week has not worked. He was warned that he would loose all of his toys and gaming privileges if he didn't get it done this week and he didn't do a thing. So now he has no toys, no TV, and definitely no video games. He is left with his drawing things and books.

The only thing he has truly been unhappy about was the TV. I have turned all power to the TV etc off. I have even removed the external hard drive on the computer (which contains the files for all of the games) and the computer is to stay off at all times - except when I need to do my studying, which he is not home for.

I have told him the TV will go back on next week on Monday and that he will be allowed to choose a few toys from the confiscated mass to play with. If he can be good and tidy up when asked he will get some more toys and he may be allowed to play a video game for one evening. If he can continue to keep things tidy when asked he will get toys back, if not he looses some. Some might think this harsh, but nothing else has worked.

Well this is joyful...

PsychoScissors out.

Do they test this shit at all?!

I am trying to do one of the assessment tasks in my study material and it is asking me to make a mind map. Unfortunately, the information it asks for is really beyond the scope a mind map can reasonably cover. I have started over multiple times to try and incorporate all information requested, but it's imposable.

This is not the first time I have been faced with the maddening improbability of completing a task before me. I seriously doubt that content of this course has ever been tested. Also, the editing in many of the books has been nasty! So many spelling, grammar and syntax mistakes. Words missing! Pieces of text that don't belong! Were they not paying attention? Did they not think that someone doing a writing and editing course would not notice these, often simple, mistakes?

I am seriously PISSED OFF at the moment! But it's not just the improbability of completing tasks and poor editing of the study material that has me fired up - this entire course has been one massive mess! I won't go into detail about the other shit ... I've told enough people the rest of this madness.

The only thing that has gone right for me - ever - would be my son. Everything else has been hell. Is it any wonder to anyone that I have an insistent itch to destroy everything? Bah, who am I kidding? Who really cares? And who doesn't get the need to punch everyone in the face every now and then? Don't worry, I have never acted on that particular need - although I do occasionally indulge in destruction ... of my own property. Usually a journal or blog, and today I had a go at my current text book. Don't worry, it's still usable, just a little worse for wear.

Ok ... I'm starting to feel a little better, still pissed off, but calmer now. But hey, being angry is better than being comatose.

Well, I'm going to attempt to smooth out some of the wrinkles of the study text.

PsychoScissors

Back to School ... and other randoms.

So today the chook has gone back to school, which means I am back at my desk doing my utmost to study. A few days ago he said he was excited to go back to school and see his friends again, but yesterday he was whinging that he didn't want to go back because he didn't want to do work. Despite this he seemed very happy this morning.

His school has also changed it's start time, so I had fun this morning trying to remember that I needed to leave 15 minutes earlier. He couldn't find his little bow and arrow this morning. He really wanted to show everyone at school, so I helped him look, nearly making us late in the process.


Last week my washing machine ceased operating. The locking mechanism for the door chucked a hissy-fit - *click, click, click*, then silence. I went online and found that over the last year many others have had issues with this model, the biggest being circuit board failure and door lock failing/melting, and the manufacturer was not being very helpful. So, I was understandably freaking out.

I purchased it 2 years and 6 months ago, so 6 months out of manufacturers warranty. Joy. I knew that the laws had been changed to cover expected life of an appliance, a washing machine is expected to last 5 years before breakdown. Although I knew this, I also knew I would have difficulty dealing with them. At my mother's suggestion I went and spoke to the manager (possibly owner) of the store I purchased it from. He organised to have a repairman out and to wrangle the manufacturer for me! So now my machine works once again - and so it should! When you spend that sort of money on something it shouldn't fail so soon.


I have wanted to get/make a nice utility belt for everyday use for some time now, to use in place of a handbag. A few weeks ago I purchased one from Ishka. It is black suede and very utilitarian, so definitely something you could use everyday, but also looked nice. Unfortunately, I apparently do NOT have the hips for it and it is too stiff, so the pockets end up being useless too me and it sits awkwardly. At least I didn't pay full price.

I am now looking at making my own from fabric for flexibility. I have found many images of ones I like online, but most would not be very useful on a day to day basis or only go with a few outfits. I think I am going to have to design my own, but it will probably take me some time - my list of things to do grows exponentially everyday! Oh, well, another of my ideas assigned to the scrap heap.

That's all from me for now.
PsychoScissors out.

School Holidays and a Sick Little Chook

It is autumn school holidays and my 'Little Chook' (my son) has a nasty cold. He was so snotty yesterday that he had to hurl due to chunks in his throat - yummy! I am hoping he feels better soon, as I don't wish to take him anywhere to pass on his germs to the next unsuspecting child.

But even with this set back, we have both had a fair bit of fun staying in. You see, The Chook has made a list (with a little help from me, he's only a Prep) of things he would love to do during the holidays. While there are a few out-of-house things, such as ride bikes and go see The Lego Movie, a larger proportion are all crafty things and we have nearly all that we need here at home.

So far we have made a marble race track out of a pool noodle, pet rocks with houses, and a mini bow and arrow (using an icy pole stick, string and cotton buds). So far I think his favorite has been the pet rocks with houses. His pet rock's name is Bob. Bob likes mess and making lots of noise. My pet rock is called Lela, the complete opposite of Bob. She is neat and likes to read books in bed. Yes, we went a bit crazy.

I am having The Chook keep a scrapbook of all the things we do during the holidays to show his school friends when he goes back. He draws a picture of what we do, glues in photos and other keepsakes, and I write a short sentence describing the day.

Well, here's hoping our holidays only get better and that you (if you are having them) are enjoying yours!

PsychoScissors

Here it goes again...

So here I am again, starting yet another blog. Why? Because now I have to. The course that I am studying requires me to have a blog ... Hi Barry!

So please good people, bear with me (grrr...me bear), maybe this one will last.

To be completely honest, the reason I don't maintain a blog is because there are so many other things that need doing that keeping a blog constantly updated is low on my priority list. There are many other great blogs out there that have far more interesting things to say than I ever would want to make public knowledge.

Okay, so there you have it - my first post on THIS blog.

Enjoy (or not),
PsychoScissors