DE-FENSE!  DE-FENCE!
Yep, I'm watching the American Football live from our very own Wembley.  It's been a busy weekend, what with another installment for Operation:Pizza, upcycling (I WILL finish that bookcase, I WILL,) editing, and booking a foray to Berlin for my Birthday, so I'm enjoying watching someone else run around for a change...
I've also been doing my bit for the planet.  Earlier this year I came to the conclusion that, rather than solely supporting charities that help people, it was time to help the physical world that we rely on to exist.  So, on Friday, I joined the Conservation Volunteers at Lloyd Park for a few hours before heading out to a fundraiser for Greenpeace.  Okay, so I know some of you might find their methods extreme, but until our Government starts putting sanctions on those corporations that seem hell-bent on putting profit before the environment, someone needs to take action - and action Greenpeace take.

Anyway, mini rant over, it was a great night, and I fully recommend their dos to anyone who wants to support their work whilst enjoying live music, comedy and cake.  Besides, who says giving to charity has to be completely selfless?  Weeding around sapling trees and clearing rosebeds of litter on Friday was a very calming experience and one I probably wouldn't have signed up to if I hadn't expected some personal benefit.  Even after giving blood on Tuesday I got a packet of ginger nuts and several glasses of squash.  It almost made the dizzy spell worth it!
So, so forth people - do something for charidee.  Just make sure you enjoy it too...

Evening all!
Hope you have all had a lovely weekend, relaxing indoors perhaps, safe in the knowledge that you go about your business without prying eyes paying attention to your every move?  Yes?
Well I'm sorry, but I'm going to spoil it for you.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a lovely weekend visiting friends out on the commuter belt and, prior to that, enjoyed a night out with the girlies in London.  But what I have learnt during these jollies has left me disturbed.  You see, what I have learnt is about cyber-stalking - and how scarily easy it is.
Take scenario number one.  Girl goes to an open mic night.  Girl sees boy and decides she quite likes him, but can't quite muster the courage to begin a conversation.  However, her interest surpasses her shyness and she "friends" him on facebook, looks up where his next gig is - and drags me along (after I've looked him up online myself, of course!).  Girl again couldn't bring herself to talk to the said young man, but has sent him an innocent query via the medium of social media about his work
And then there's scenario number two.  Girl visits wildlife hospital with mates.  Girl comments of attractiveness of male giving a talk about, let's say, hedgehogs.  Later that evening, after a couple of glasses of wine, girl and mates, armed with his first name, place of work and home town (more fool him for disclosing this during talk about his prickly friends) are able to locate him on Twitter, facebook and You Tube.  Girl promptly follows boy, but will be unfollowing him before posting this blog (for obvious reasons).  Besides, his girlfriend looks really nice, and is only 20...

Finally scenario number three - girl and mates then start googling each other and their other mates.  Girl is relieved to find nothing too incriminating about herself (well, under her real name anyway) - apart from an email sent for her day job that has been released under the Freedom of Information Act - eeek!  Luckily it was very short and did not include any bad jokes, but STILL!  Another mate came up a little worse for wear, with names of siblings, ex wives and financial situation being easily accessible.  Yikes...
So... the moral of the story?  Look yourself up - and get yourself removed from any sites you don't want to be named on.  Oh, and if you want to find out the relationship status of "Dave" who works at your local, message my mate Jules - damn that girl is good!
Oh, and if all that stalking makes you hungry, go eat pizza.  I recommend my mate Phil's creations but, if you don't fancy a trip to Bucks and live in London,, check out Operation:Pizza - new blog posted on Friday.  
Of course if you do fancy Phil's Parma Ham Special, just look him up online - I'm sure you can find him...

So.  I usually get this blog out every Sunday.  But for some reason I've been really tired the last couple of days and just didn't really have the energy to write it.

... and checking out other artists at work at Making:Uncovered, but the rest of the time I've been chilling.  Well, apart from replacing the light fitting in my lounge, sorting out my electricity account, setting up my life insurance, and registering with a GP that is.  

But other than that I've just been pottering at home, mainly sat on my backside writing my Operation:Pizza blog, my Overground Underground blog and doing a bit of editing.  

Hey, I even sat on my butt when I did a bit more work on my latest picture and cracked on with some up-cycling - hell, I was even on my arse for half of yoga!  In fact, the only thing I didn't do resting on my behind was paint the hallway.

Yeah, I've no idea why I don't feel fully rested...

Night all!

I have a confession to make.

For the last five hours and 14 minutes I have been checking my mobile incessantly.  Why?  Because that is how long it's been since I heard from a guy I've been chatting to online, a guy I've arranged to meet for a drink next week.  And it also happens to be how long since I sent him my picture...

Yes, yes, I know I'm being pathetic - he's probably busy seeing his friends or something and, if he isn't and he's decided to retreat in horror after seeing my mugshot, then, well, sod him!  But, as with all these things, it's all very well knowing the theory...

And the theory is something I've been researching of late.  As you may recall, as few weeks ago I mentioned that a friend and I were going to join forces and explore the industry that is dating - or, more specifically, dating advice for women.  Well, I have to say, it's a fascinating subject.  I've been reading blogs and watching videos made by one dating guru who tells me that in order to find and keep my man I need to sign up to his online coaching course or risking being alone - for EVER.  I'm waiting for my copy of "The Rules" to arrive in the post and have been mesmerized by Neil Strauss' "The Game" - a look at the underground world of pick-up artists, which, whilst rather shocking, does not strike me as that dissimilar to the advice us girls are given all the time.  Last night I (shamefully) admit I went on a singles night where the ladies were advised that the key to nabbing a man was to wear heels and ask to use his phone.  Yes, really.  

At the end of the day, it all boils down to the same thing.  If you're a guy trying to get laid or a girl looking for the love of your life, all these people are telling us that we need to arm ourselves with an arsenal of manipulations to get what we want, pure and simple.  Apparently being your charming, honest self just won't cut it - in fact, it can lead to a lifetime on the shelf.  

Interesting?  I hope you think so.  Because there's more to come...

Dating isn't the only thing I've been researching this week either.  I am on a mission to find the best pizza in London - a mission I am taking VERY seriously.  Read my brief here and watch this space for updates on Operation: Pizza.

Well, that's it from me tonight.  I'm off to bed - and taking my bloody phone with me.  Just in case...