The Soapbox Scene

Picture the scene.
A classy, somewhat upmarket pub in the West End of London.
A shiny, marble bartop crammed with beers from all over Europe on tap.
Insano behind said bar wearing a T-Shirt that reads - I'm not fluent in Idiot, so speak slowly. She's leaning against the back fridge, crammed with ciders, watching the crowded bar, or more accurately, the wall clock. Only 3 more hours to go.

A young man walks upto the bar. not much to describe with other than the words - Oh no.He orders a drink. Insano pours said drink for him before placing on the and requesting the £3.50 payment.

'So, where you from?' he asks
'Guess' she says, rolling her eyes.
'Australia?'
'No.'
'New Zealand?'
'No.'
'Canada?'
'No...South Africa.'
'Really? You know the problem with...'

You have no idea how often I get lectured about all the wrongs of my own country and what I must do to fix it. Usually by some limey 'rude boy' who hasn't left his borough, nevermind London.
Throw into the argument that I alone developed and implemented apartheid, committed worse human rights violations than Mugabe and I'm a raging racist.
All because I'm a white South African.

The East End of London has been barred from my pub for abusive behaviour towards an employee.
And for thier own safety - I throw a mean right hook.

It's amazing that in this day and age of internet and free information, people choose to remain ignorant on teh history and cultures of other countries. Sjy News is not the be all and end all in information.
In the words of Frank - You need to keep an open mind, my friend.

Fingers crossed...my cv is going to a potential employer today.

It's also the wettest summer...ever! My tan is suffering.

Onto Music:
Maroon 5's new single 'Makes Me Wonder'



I loved the first Album - Songs About Jane. The lyrics were sensual and intelligent. The music smooth and easy.

This new album? The songs have fallen into the disney school of songwriting - Lame lyrics, bubblegum pop tumes and Adam sings like Micky Mouse.
BLEH!

Catch Up

Things have been a little hectic of late.

This little insano has been flat hunting, job hunting and sleep hunting for the past few weeks.
Results?
Flat found - move in tomorrow.
Job found - start Monday
Sleep - pending.

The past few weeks have really shown me the amazing support system that can be built up by not pissing people off and working one's arse off.
For example...

I started working at the pub in December on a part time basis. Did my job well, didn't screw anyone over and generally had fun. When they found out my full time job was no longer there, immediate offers of full time employment was given.
Not only that, but my manager and mate gave me a couch to sleep on while I went about looking for a flat.
I guess, in a way, I really enjoy working in a bar. Just wish it paid more! The hours are awful, my feet and legs are in constant pain and the customers don't tip, but there's something theraputic about pouring that perfect pint and uber cool about mixing drinks.

Ok, I blame Tom Cruise and that movie of his - Cocktails. To a six year old, being a carribean barman is the ultimate cool thing.

I would rant, but i don't have the energy. Need to save it for tonight's shift. And tomorrow morning's move as well as tomorrow night's shift and I think i'm working Sunday too. Oh well, no rest for the broke.

But below are two vids I recommend...

I give you the new White Stripes single - Icky Thump.
About bloody time.


And here is the preview to the MCR video for Teenagers. Can't wait for the full vid to hit our broadband-waves!!! May 15 2007

New Year Ramble

So it's New Years Eve today. Everyone else I know is busy getting themselves ready to hit the streets and party like there's a liquor shortage! Me, on the other hand, will be pouring said liquor for said punters. Yep. I'm working on New Years Eve. No new years kissage for this old bird. Just work, work, work.

But working comes with its rewards.
For example.

the other night at the pub, I was relegated the job of wedging the lemons and limes. So while i'm playing with slippery fruit and a rather sharp chef's knife, I spaced and began working on a story i've started to write. I was able to plot out a sub plot, rewrite scenes etc. It was productive.

I was also able to do a little bit of shopping and partying this weekend. Went out with D and got rather drunk. Some lesbian was hitting on me at the hetro Dublin CAstle. Granted, I was more interested in the Italian stud she had with her. He was yummy. Lucy came over yesterday and we hung out in Camden. Bought some more bling for my hat and a bottle of DK Be Delicious, which was on serious sale!

I stat work at 7:30pm tonight and will find my bed tomorrow around 7am. Lets hope everyone comes and parties hard, tips me extravagantly (cos the brits don't tip at all!!!!) and has a good time.

Then its back to the office from the 2nd. bleh!

Wet Pants

You gotta love living with a guy. Take yesterday for example. I called P knowing that he'll only rise at about 9am (joys of being a waiter) and reminded him of teh pile of laundry that he said he'd do. Apparently he did the laundry, cos by the time I dragged my exhausted carcass home, the pile was gone from the middle of the living room floor - don't ask.

I promptly passed out in bed (it was only 9pm). At about 12:30am, I was awoken by P and his cousin coming home. Have never met said cousin and left him sleeping on my couch this morning. I have work tonight and wanted to wear my jeans, so i asked P if he had hung up the laundry. He muttered something and disappeared for a while. I went back to sleep, but woke up a little later. Turns out that P put the laundry in the washer but didn't hang it up until I reminded him when he got home. If I ha known this, I would have hung it up myself.

SO today, I threw on damp jeans, which froze solid the moment I walked out the door. And yes, I only have one pair of jeans. I wil buy more the moment I can affor to.

But that isn't the end of my night. Oh no. After waking up the second time, I couldn't fall back asleep. I blame the few pots of coffee I drank yesterday at work. I was wired from about 1am til 3am, then dozed until 6am. Crawled out at 7am and made it to work in time for our end of year meeting/debriefing etc.

Now for the past few weeks, I have been contemplating leaving my current job for anything better paying, regardless of career progress etc. My boss outlined the strategy for next year and the sheer volume of work lining up was enough to make me want to hide under my desk. Overwhelmed just isn't the word. And just as I was running through my various options, up comes this proposition. Next year sometime, he will be looking to recruit an events manager.

Dammit! Thats the carrot to my proverbial donkey. Looks like i'll be sticking around.

Loaded the new media player update. Spent yesterday drooling over the new look and the options and downloaded some xmas songs - turns out i had none. SO now i'm getting all xmassy, well, kind of. maybe its just the cold that i'm mistaking for xmas spirit. SOOOO damn cold. Global warming my ass!

Blogville is also very quiet with the ghosts of bloggers on leave. Am I too much of a geek to not blog during the festive season? yes, I have no life. and due to this i'm looking forward to work tonight.

Ok, i'm actually looking forward to seeing one of my two bosses at the pub.

I am Insano, queen of the geeks. I embrace my geekness and lesser geeks must bow before me.