With 2004 very nearly over, let us take some time to reflect on what’s been learnt this year…

*insert passing tumbleweed here*

Ah, well the thought was there.

I’m currently installing proggys on my new computer. Everything’s going according to plan - a plan that I drew up using primitive pencil & paper a while back, which sees applications grouped in terms of category in the Start menu.

This is something that I always used to do anyway. But this time it’s going to be revolutionary. None of that toilet-roll internet guff.

Five things:

1. I’ve got something in my eye and it won’t shift.
2. I’ve caught up with my recordings of The Bill. Last Wednesday’s episode was awesome.
3. I managed to stop twiddling my hair for over two weeks, but have been at it again today.
4. I’ve just donned a hat to remind myself to stop when I subconsciously go to twiddle.
5. And the hat is great for holding my broken-strapped headphones to my ears.
6. I can’t count.

I watched Love, Actually last night and was rather impressed, actually. I mean, it’s not been placed on my top fifty film list (or top one hundred, actually). But it was far more entertaining than I expected, actually.

Lots of great faces and actually funny, actually. And that’s not knocking Richard Curtis’ other work - he co-wrote the BlackAdders after all, actually. It’s just that while they entertained, Four Weddings/Hill/Diary didn’t do it for me, actually.

Kris Marshall very much stole the show again though, in my opinion, actually. Which reminds me, actually: I must watch this year’s My Family Christmas special, actually. I taped it, you see, actually.

The top I’m wearing smells of chips.

Join us.

NB. The quality of the cutting out on this picture is admittedly poo. But given it was done on a Windows 3.11 system I’m fairly pleased with how it looks. So: shut up.

Ah-ha-hahahahaha!

Yes it is - it’s Christmas Day.

Happy Birthday, Jesus. (It’s not all about getting presents, you know.)

…or is it the yellow cable? Yes, it should have been the yellow cable.

My new computer is here. Hurrah!

I spent this morning backing-up my all-important files to CDR ready for the system changeover. I’ve since installed my [previously unused] brand new & genuine copy of Microsoft Windows XP Pro (with SP1), which I got for the bargain price of £3.55 in June of this year. And now I’m on the server downstairs waiting for SP2 to download on my computer upstairs.

Only bugger is that I won’t be able to properly use it for a short while - what with tomorrow being Christmas Day and all. Then I’ve yet to install everything.

Which reminds me - I probably won’t be accessing my emails as much as usual. Not until my new computer’s fully operational at least. As for the blogging, I’ve still got a trusty Windows 3.11 laptop kicking about that I often use for site & blog updates. You’ll just have to wait a wee bit for me to publish them, that’s all.

And on the off chance that you don’t hear from me in time: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Play safe, people

Insomnia often sees me desperately trying to gain some shut-eye in attempting to kip on my bedroom floor. In past years this was always a good remedy for a bout of restless nights, be it brought on through back pain (ridiculously heavy school backpacks) or just plain over-awakeness. But this last year or so it’s not been too helpful at all.

In fact, last night was particularly unpleasant. I shan’t dwell, but this fatigue will probably see my existing cold & sore throat with me over the official Christmas period.

I’m not too bothered, as this’ll be my first ill-spent Christmas since the age of three; it’s mainly the lack of sleep that’s the bother.

And we all know how much not-being-able-to-sleep annoys me.