In which I defend TWILIGHT

Something I have noticed recently is the number of people, especially in the "alternative/goth" crowd who are very open and very vocal about their apparent loathing of Twilight - the film and in some cases the books too; I say some cases, because I'm sorry, but I honestly do not believe that you read ALL FOUR of the novels if you really hate them that much. NO-ONE with any sense would spend that much time and effort reading books they claim to despise.

OK, so I fully appreciate that Stephanie Meyer's books are not for everyone and that the film is not adored by all; that's the beauty of subjectivity when it comes to art, literature, music, poetry and so on and so forth. However, don't just hate them because your little friend does. Why jump on the bandwagon of Twilight hatred simply due to the fact that you've heard that "sparkly vampires are gay" and you prefer your vamps from the Joss Whedon stable? Guess what, I LOVE Buffy AND I love Twilight.

Don't start with the "oh noes, it preaches abstinence and Christian morality" bollocks because I don't think that's reason enough to hate the Twilight Saga - Have any of you read The Chronicles of Narnia? Hmm? In fact, how about the large majority of fairy-tales and children's' stories? Infused with morals and dos and don'ts. And so what if Edward and Bella aren't leaping into bed with each other straight away, so what if he makes Bella wait to be married before having all Teh (headboard-breaking, feather pillow-destroying) Sex? Not-withstanding the fact that Edward was from a different age when being in the same room as a girl required a chaperone, it's actually NICE to see them showing some self-restraint.

The bottom line is, these novels are tales of romance, family loyalty, friendship, peril, depression, choices, love, humour and coming of age and if you insist on focusing on the seemingly popular reasons to dislike them, you are missing out. I'm a 29 year-old woman with a good degree in Comparative Literature and I can certainly see the appeal. So there.

Flat Watch - Part IV

Ha!

I finally met one of the new downstairs neighbours! :D

Becca and I were just leaving the house to go and see The World/Inferno Friendship Society at The Engine Rooms with a few others and as such were dressed rather splendidly. The nice chap came back up the steps after I bid him a cheery "hello!" and shook hands with me - his name is Olly and appears to be quite nice on first inspection. Apparently the other guy is called Damian and they've gone off to Greece for a holiday - they will be back soon and we'll see them then.

A quick mention about the band we saw - they were quite spectacular and unlike anything I've seen live before. Their current line-up includes Brian Viglione from the Dresden Dolls which made me very happy indeed. Absolute mad joy and lots of dancing - check them out on their Myspace or at a venue near you if you EVER get the chance!

Flat Watch - Part III

Well, we still haven't met them. When Barnaby and I went outside today they had already left for another load of boxes etc, so we will have to wait and see.

I did spend quite a lot of time peeking out of the window at them, curiously. They have lots and lots of books which I take as a good sign. Obviously, the books could be complete rubbish, but still, anyone who loves the printed word must have some redeeming feature, in my book (Terrible pun. Sorry.)

Is it really lame that I secretly really hope they are a gay couple? I miss my House Queer so much, it would be just dandy to have some new ones downstairs, sort of House Queers twice removed. MY ARMY OF GAYS MUST GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH! Mwahaha.

In other, non stalking related news, there's a BloggersANONYMOUS 20six Reunion going on in London this weekend and I am full of squeaky excitement about it. YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Flat Watch - Part II

They've moved in!

I saw them shuttling things between a car and the flat this morning - the one thing I did notice was a large box of cables, much like the kind that Phil has for all his computery things.

First impressions - they do not appear to be gay. They look to be late-twenties, nice enough blokes, lots of DVDs (I spied the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in their collection), lots of cooking materials and so on.

Barnaby and I will introduce ourselves in a while when we venutre outside!

Exciting!!

Flat Watch - Part I

According to the large green sign out the front of our house, the basement flat has finally been let. It's been vacant since The Major, at the grand age of 90-something, left to live in a care home. After being entirely renovated (we know, it took weeks and was very noisy) it sat empty and waiting for a good long time, almost to the point where we thought no-one would ever move it and claim residence in the Crescent. But no! Apparently, it has been snapped up and we wait with anticipation to see who our new downstairs neighbours will be! Well, I do, because I'm nosey ;)

Will it be a couple? Gay or straight? A small family? A rich single guy or girl? Will they be nice or complete mentalists? Watch this space...

Congratulations!

My best friend Lird, one of 3 members of the UEA Mental Institute (tm) got married to her lovely fiance Chris at the weekend:

Full report to follow with more photos once they arrive on Facebook! The whole weekend was so fabulous that any blog entry without photos just won't do it justice :)

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Thomas!

I <3 Vince, saviour of life as we know it.

I fell asleep this afternoon and dreamed that my wonderfcul cat Vince was sent to us from the future to help destroy an evil force which would rise in the next year, one which only he could save us all from.

It was a fabulous dream.

I love my Vinceh Kitteh. He's black. soft and very affectionate, nearly two years old and smells like an old library.

Here he is, chilling out with Fleepz, clearly plotting something.

Drowned At Pride

One of my favourite people, Lady Becca Doom celebrated her birthday on Friday and we went out for curry and gins. She'd booked a table at Planet India, a completely amazing veggie restaurant and it was brilliant - there were about 15 of us all altogether and there was much quaffing of wine and nomming of tasty curries! Becca LOVED her present: a Hello Kitty cuddly toy in blood-splattered scrubs and a handmade lollipop necklace in her trademarked red and black. I'd spent quite a while putting it all together for her and seeing her face when she opened the parcel made it all worth it - she almost cried!! We piled down the Caroline after eating for drinks and more carousing, and that's where Mark and Mickey met us - they were staying for Pride at our house and brought cupcakes to the pub! A great evening :)

After carefully watching the weather forecast for days prior to the 1st August, our worst fears were confirmed when the heavens opened at about 3pm on Saturday and everyone got DRENCHED. Mark and Mickey were dressed as sailors and Phil and I were Cyber Pirates!



At least the weather had held off for the duration of the Parade and much fun was had by all as we danced our way along the route and into the park. The day was lovely but much more subdued that previous years - I think the weather had a lot to do with it. Sadly, one of our lovely houseguests took a turn for the worst when she got really, really sick and as such we spent the rest of the weekend chilling in the living room watching cartoons - she has since been diagnosed with Swine Flu, bless her! So far we don't seem to have it, bit head-coldy but nothing serious thankfully! OINK!!