Sunday, 31 July 2011
Saturday, 30 July 2011
1/365
So. I've finally bitten the bullet and started a 365.
I want to learn to use my camera properly. I usually adjust the depth of field, but that's as far as I go. I see so many images day to day that I want to capture, and I can't quite seem to record them as I see the scene. As Mr.Flibble says, the best way to get good at something is to do it every day.
Let's go then.
I'm not massively happy with either of my photos today, so you get both of them. I think I would've liked better light in the landscape, and more of the grass in the mushroom photo to be in focus, but I didn't notice until I uploaded it. Hey, room for improvement, right?
I want to learn to use my camera properly. I usually adjust the depth of field, but that's as far as I go. I see so many images day to day that I want to capture, and I can't quite seem to record them as I see the scene. As Mr.Flibble says, the best way to get good at something is to do it every day.
Let's go then.
I'm not massively happy with either of my photos today, so you get both of them. I think I would've liked better light in the landscape, and more of the grass in the mushroom photo to be in focus, but I didn't notice until I uploaded it. Hey, room for improvement, right?
Friday, 1 July 2011
Sunday, 26th June.
What a bizzare day.
A whole year since I graduated. A whole year since that Dr Who finale and the cracks in the walls, and Hannah's amazing call on the sleeve of a jacket..
In the morning, a nice amble back. A shower, and lots and LOTS of sunshine.
Meeting for lunch. Wait outside in the sun. First pub does not do food (definitely missing a trick), so have a drink, and wander to the second pub. It does food, with a 50 minute wait.
We wait.
I believed it would be fine - I was going to London that afternoon to swap a petticoat for one of the correct colour. I invited Hannah, and it became a last minute half-day trip.
All was good.
We finish lunch, help to pack the car, and I boogie on in to town, where I meet Hannah, fresh from her fishy pedicure (which is apparently like holding your feet in the bubble stream of a jacuzzi..). We head straight for the train station. It is hot, though we bypass icecream, as I was pretty full at that moment in time.
We buy tickets. We get on the train to Liverpool Street, which has arrived rather early. At platform 4.
A woman gets on the train, shouting that anyone for London Only should get off the train immediately, and get on the one at platform 3, which was leaving that second for King's Cross.
We try to get more information, but she's already left to tell the next compartment. We dither a little, and some other passengers who were heading for Liverpool Street decide to get off, so we follow.
More accurately, we run.
As soon as we're on the train, it leaves. The announcement is made that this is the train for London King's Cross, stopping at Royson, Hitchin, Stevena... Hang on! *stopping* at??!
We had been conned! We were on the slow train. But still, Hannah's phone reliably told us we were due in at 17:36. This was still enough time to tube and walk to the shop (which closed at 6). I e-mailed them and tried to warn them that we were on our way.. However, the train line was awful. We stopped, seemingly at random, and went very slowly. And there were 7 tunnels that really hurt my ears.
Eventually, we were at King's Cross. I had to get a tube ticket. Then we realised that the lines we could have taken to do the journey in 2 stops we all out. CURSE you line works. Sunday travel is NO FUN.
So, we have to noodle round and go in a big circle. It is hot. And crowded. And distinctly Not Fun. We then run from Liverpool Street, trying to use a combination of remembering the directions given on the website, and the signposts and road names. We get there, passing a market and Patisserie Valerie.
The shop is closed.
Amazingly enough, we were only 15 minutes late.
We turn round, and decide now is a good time for ice cream.
We're sitting under a sort of marquee. There is a teeny tiny dog on a lead. It is adorable. We drink ice cream milkshakes a little too quickly. But they were good.
We sit, and ponder. "We're in London. What should we do now?"
We ponder some more. And eventually decide that it's London! there exists the West End!
Our phone batteries are starting to run low. We hurriedly look for the details on last minute tickets, and possible shows are narrows to Phantom and Les Mis...
..Neither of which have a show on on Sunday.
I call mum quickly. She has a laptop, and can search more rapidly than we can. We conserve our battery, but first put a plea out to any London people on Facebook who might want to meet up with us.
A call from mum reveals that the only show on Sundays that we haven't missed is Thriller. Which we decide to pass upon.
No replies from London people, via Facebook or text. We decide to retreat, go home, possibly get out the paddling pool, and maybe make a little dinner.
One final attempt to find people in the station, after passing two warring women and checking the tourist information out, and we call 3 of our friends. Alex has her phone off, John is in York, Phil is available! And currently deciding where to have dinner! Result!
We establish that we shall meet at Tower Bridge. Off we go!
We meet, with impeccable timing, Phil and Irina : ) We skip along, look at shops, find water (where we take many photos), cross the bridge, and head towards curry.
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Curry touting is a new phenomenon to me. They were desperate to get us through the door. £8 each for a 3 course meal, with 2 rounds of free drinks. Madness.
Eventually ended up in one that had a lovely sign outside "We don't tout, because it's illegal". He was nice. And gave us free drinks. We ended up paying with a fifty pound note. And talking about Jonas Brothers, Jack Black, Joe Bleill et al. And Julian Barratt.
We had fun. Half-day trip could have its title restored.
We remember that we still have to get the train back to Cambridge. We're going to have to get the tube to King's Cross. Joy.
What faff. We end up at the station, at 23.30. There was a quick train at 23.21. The next train is 00:07.
It is the notorious SLOW train.
If there's a stop on the line, it stops on it. We played dots/boxes, until I was actually falling asleep. There were lots of "gleeks" around, including someone who was in the costume team for the London shows.
We were back at Cambridge at 01:39. Luckily, we were met at the station and driven back (thankyou Rich!), else we would have been in bed at 3am.
It was quite a day.
A whole year since I graduated. A whole year since that Dr Who finale and the cracks in the walls, and Hannah's amazing call on the sleeve of a jacket..
In the morning, a nice amble back. A shower, and lots and LOTS of sunshine.
Meeting for lunch. Wait outside in the sun. First pub does not do food (definitely missing a trick), so have a drink, and wander to the second pub. It does food, with a 50 minute wait.
We wait.
I believed it would be fine - I was going to London that afternoon to swap a petticoat for one of the correct colour. I invited Hannah, and it became a last minute half-day trip.
All was good.
We finish lunch, help to pack the car, and I boogie on in to town, where I meet Hannah, fresh from her fishy pedicure (which is apparently like holding your feet in the bubble stream of a jacuzzi..). We head straight for the train station. It is hot, though we bypass icecream, as I was pretty full at that moment in time.
We buy tickets. We get on the train to Liverpool Street, which has arrived rather early. At platform 4.
A woman gets on the train, shouting that anyone for London Only should get off the train immediately, and get on the one at platform 3, which was leaving that second for King's Cross.
We try to get more information, but she's already left to tell the next compartment. We dither a little, and some other passengers who were heading for Liverpool Street decide to get off, so we follow.
More accurately, we run.
As soon as we're on the train, it leaves. The announcement is made that this is the train for London King's Cross, stopping at Royson, Hitchin, Stevena... Hang on! *stopping* at??!
We had been conned! We were on the slow train. But still, Hannah's phone reliably told us we were due in at 17:36. This was still enough time to tube and walk to the shop (which closed at 6). I e-mailed them and tried to warn them that we were on our way.. However, the train line was awful. We stopped, seemingly at random, and went very slowly. And there were 7 tunnels that really hurt my ears.
Eventually, we were at King's Cross. I had to get a tube ticket. Then we realised that the lines we could have taken to do the journey in 2 stops we all out. CURSE you line works. Sunday travel is NO FUN.
So, we have to noodle round and go in a big circle. It is hot. And crowded. And distinctly Not Fun. We then run from Liverpool Street, trying to use a combination of remembering the directions given on the website, and the signposts and road names. We get there, passing a market and Patisserie Valerie.
The shop is closed.
Amazingly enough, we were only 15 minutes late.
We turn round, and decide now is a good time for ice cream.
We're sitting under a sort of marquee. There is a teeny tiny dog on a lead. It is adorable. We drink ice cream milkshakes a little too quickly. But they were good.
We sit, and ponder. "We're in London. What should we do now?"
We ponder some more. And eventually decide that it's London! there exists the West End!
Our phone batteries are starting to run low. We hurriedly look for the details on last minute tickets, and possible shows are narrows to Phantom and Les Mis...
..Neither of which have a show on on Sunday.
I call mum quickly. She has a laptop, and can search more rapidly than we can. We conserve our battery, but first put a plea out to any London people on Facebook who might want to meet up with us.
A call from mum reveals that the only show on Sundays that we haven't missed is Thriller. Which we decide to pass upon.
No replies from London people, via Facebook or text. We decide to retreat, go home, possibly get out the paddling pool, and maybe make a little dinner.
One final attempt to find people in the station, after passing two warring women and checking the tourist information out, and we call 3 of our friends. Alex has her phone off, John is in York, Phil is available! And currently deciding where to have dinner! Result!
We establish that we shall meet at Tower Bridge. Off we go!
We meet, with impeccable timing, Phil and Irina : ) We skip along, look at shops, find water (where we take many photos), cross the bridge, and head towards curry.
Curry touting is a new phenomenon to me. They were desperate to get us through the door. £8 each for a 3 course meal, with 2 rounds of free drinks. Madness.
Eventually ended up in one that had a lovely sign outside "We don't tout, because it's illegal". He was nice. And gave us free drinks. We ended up paying with a fifty pound note. And talking about Jonas Brothers, Jack Black, Joe Bleill et al. And Julian Barratt.
We had fun. Half-day trip could have its title restored.
We remember that we still have to get the train back to Cambridge. We're going to have to get the tube to King's Cross. Joy.
What faff. We end up at the station, at 23.30. There was a quick train at 23.21. The next train is 00:07.
It is the notorious SLOW train.
If there's a stop on the line, it stops on it. We played dots/boxes, until I was actually falling asleep. There were lots of "gleeks" around, including someone who was in the costume team for the London shows.
We were back at Cambridge at 01:39. Luckily, we were met at the station and driven back (thankyou Rich!), else we would have been in bed at 3am.
It was quite a day.
Monday, 27 June 2011
Ceilidh #4 - Clinical Graduation Ball - 24/06/2011 - 10pm
A ceilidh! At a reasonable time! Though, my idea of 'reasonable' where a ceilidh is concerned is out of place right now. As you know.
A soundcheck that started late and finished early. Si beag si mhor was not played (*shock!*). A slow air instead. It was on the same page at least.
On the way out of hte soundcheck it started to rain.
It rained lots more on the way back for the ceilidh. I had a nap inbetween. We found out things were running late.
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We got to play. It was very dark, so I obtained a pair of light up antennae (aka desk lights). It was also very amplified. After we finished playing, it felt like we were underwater. I sat where the red light was.
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The dancers had had a little to drink.. Paul called and was incredibly bouncy : )
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I think I have ceilidh withdrawal. I also don't have a 'cello at the moment. I might have to do what I've wanted to do since I was eleven, and buy a double bass.. ...
A soundcheck that started late and finished early. Si beag si mhor was not played (*shock!*). A slow air instead. It was on the same page at least.
On the way out of hte soundcheck it started to rain.
It rained lots more on the way back for the ceilidh. I had a nap inbetween. We found out things were running late.
We got to play. It was very dark, so I obtained a pair of light up antennae (aka desk lights). It was also very amplified. After we finished playing, it felt like we were underwater. I sat where the red light was.
The dancers had had a little to drink.. Paul called and was incredibly bouncy : )
I think I have ceilidh withdrawal. I also don't have a 'cello at the moment. I might have to do what I've wanted to do since I was eleven, and buy a double bass.. ...
Friday, 24 June 2011
Ceilidh #3 - Yarden's Birthday Ceilidh - 23/06/2011 - 20:00
My first ceilidh at a normal time! Though, "normal" is a bit skewed for me at the mo..
Discovered how wobbly the speakers. Did not fill me with confidence in the slightest. Met the soundcheck bunny:
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Also made an apple meringue pie. And there were two other AWESOME cakes - discoworld, and a giant ukulele..
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Lots of playing, awesome people, a dance (woo, hop step!), an *interesting* waltz combination, and party rings. What more could you want? Oh yeah! Pretzels. They were there too : )
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Then talk about Cake Officer, tidy up, bump into lots of lovely Fitzbillies, and back to Yarden's kitchen for more random funtimes. With some tree lamps. With ravens and bats. Oh yes.
Lots of interesting conversation and Things in the kitchen. Including, but not limited to, the tuning of hardanger fiddles, swear words you can play, eating malteasers with chopsticks (record: 15 in 30 seconds), general giggles, f-holes and soundholes and tea.
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Discovered how wobbly the speakers. Did not fill me with confidence in the slightest. Met the soundcheck bunny:
Also made an apple meringue pie. And there were two other AWESOME cakes - discoworld, and a giant ukulele..
Lots of playing, awesome people, a dance (woo, hop step!), an *interesting* waltz combination, and party rings. What more could you want? Oh yeah! Pretzels. They were there too : )
Then talk about Cake Officer, tidy up, bump into lots of lovely Fitzbillies, and back to Yarden's kitchen for more random funtimes. With some tree lamps. With ravens and bats. Oh yes.
Lots of interesting conversation and Things in the kitchen. Including, but not limited to, the tuning of hardanger fiddles, swear words you can play, eating malteasers with chopsticks (record: 15 in 30 seconds), general giggles, f-holes and soundholes and tea.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Ceilidh #2 - Magdelene May Ball - 23/06/2011 - 04:30
Well, how much faff can we pack into an afternoon? Quite a lot it seems :P
I'll apologise now for my raginess. Being on the Science Park with 'cello and Stuff, making several trips both home and to Magdelene (for black tie clothing), finding soundchecks postponed and then cancelled, dress codes changing and the distinct Lack Of Busses does not a happy Danielle make.
When we eventually got there (after I made an apple meringue pie and slept for a good few hours), we were first taken to the green room. Where there was a bagpiper just about to start warming up. Oh my bagpipes are loud in small, confined spaces. If we weren't awake before, we certainly were afterwards.
Other items discussed: whether the womens' and mens' polos were different. Conclusion: yes. They button in opposite ways, and the womens' are fitted. Bathrobes were also brought up.
We waited for a bit for the stage manager to come grab us, and shortly thereafter found out we weren't to be soundchecked or mic-ed. Wasted afternoon sprang to mind, but hey. I had the morning after the ball to make up my hours in work, right ; )
We haggled to get the caller and leader amplified, albeit to their 75dB level, and started to play. Many people materialised, and soon it was hard for the caller to actually explain the dances. Much improvisation ensued. We're not sure if we could be heard, but we reckon we stayed in time. I hope James's foot is ok from the stomping..
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It was rather cold, but my fingers just about survived : )
Went straight to work from the ceilidh, arrived at 7am, and was literally the only one in the office. Got a surprising amount of work done..
Now: quite sleepy.
I'll apologise now for my raginess. Being on the Science Park with 'cello and Stuff, making several trips both home and to Magdelene (for black tie clothing), finding soundchecks postponed and then cancelled, dress codes changing and the distinct Lack Of Busses does not a happy Danielle make.
When we eventually got there (after I made an apple meringue pie and slept for a good few hours), we were first taken to the green room. Where there was a bagpiper just about to start warming up. Oh my bagpipes are loud in small, confined spaces. If we weren't awake before, we certainly were afterwards.
Other items discussed: whether the womens' and mens' polos were different. Conclusion: yes. They button in opposite ways, and the womens' are fitted. Bathrobes were also brought up.
We waited for a bit for the stage manager to come grab us, and shortly thereafter found out we weren't to be soundchecked or mic-ed. Wasted afternoon sprang to mind, but hey. I had the morning after the ball to make up my hours in work, right ; )
We haggled to get the caller and leader amplified, albeit to their 75dB level, and started to play. Many people materialised, and soon it was hard for the caller to actually explain the dances. Much improvisation ensued. We're not sure if we could be heard, but we reckon we stayed in time. I hope James's foot is ok from the stomping..
It was rather cold, but my fingers just about survived : )
Went straight to work from the ceilidh, arrived at 7am, and was literally the only one in the office. Got a surprising amount of work done..
Now: quite sleepy.
Ceilidh #1 - Emmanual May Ball - 20/06/2011 - 04.30
Soundcheck enhanced by the remains of the 7-layer dobos torte cake from the OotH garden party.
Actually soundchecking people after having some random fun playing songs with each person on a different note. Am last. Si Baeg Si Mohr as soundcheck choon.. Played it rather a *lot*. Couldn't seem to get my mic working. 2 microphones, several cables, and a short while later, I'm set.
Wake up at 3am. Snooze alarm once. Apparently turn off alarm. Panic, but still make it on time, even conforming to my rule of "Danielle cannot walk into town without bumping into at least 3 people she knows".
Shown to green room after obtaining Planets wristband, and try to stay awake. We're given some crisps.
They're running a bit later, but we boogie on over eventually, I talk to Alex and Sarah, we set up avoiding the sticky floor, and we're off : )
Quite a short ceilidh with lots of rather drunk people (much to the amusement of James, Owen and myself..), but good catchy sets played. Which stuck in my head for quite a while.
I took some photos. They are quite blurry, but I include them for completeness:
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Wandered back home just after 6am, and got to work for half 8..
First ceilidh: check!
Some were surprised that it was my first ceilidh - I've been in CUCB for quite a while now, but I've never quite managed to squeeze one in before, what with OotH, UCPO, UCCB, GSM and Baby rehearsals and concerts.. ... That would be why then :P
Actually soundchecking people after having some random fun playing songs with each person on a different note. Am last. Si Baeg Si Mohr as soundcheck choon.. Played it rather a *lot*. Couldn't seem to get my mic working. 2 microphones, several cables, and a short while later, I'm set.
Wake up at 3am. Snooze alarm once. Apparently turn off alarm. Panic, but still make it on time, even conforming to my rule of "Danielle cannot walk into town without bumping into at least 3 people she knows".
Shown to green room after obtaining Planets wristband, and try to stay awake. We're given some crisps.
They're running a bit later, but we boogie on over eventually, I talk to Alex and Sarah, we set up avoiding the sticky floor, and we're off : )
Quite a short ceilidh with lots of rather drunk people (much to the amusement of James, Owen and myself..), but good catchy sets played. Which stuck in my head for quite a while.
I took some photos. They are quite blurry, but I include them for completeness:
Wandered back home just after 6am, and got to work for half 8..
First ceilidh: check!
Some were surprised that it was my first ceilidh - I've been in CUCB for quite a while now, but I've never quite managed to squeeze one in before, what with OotH, UCPO, UCCB, GSM and Baby rehearsals and concerts.. ... That would be why then :P
Ceilidh Madness
Phleh. Need to get back in the habit of writing more.
So, this week, I've mostly been trying to convince my body that I want to be up at (previously deemed) silly 'o clock to play the 'cello. Have finally played in my first ceilidh, which somehow managed to be Emmanuel May Ball. Played Magdelene last night, which was both better and worse. Lots of soundcheck faffage, but more people at the ceilidh..
It's quite novel to play a May Ball, walk back to the house, take out the washing that you set to start at 4am, then walk straight to work, 'cello on back and wearing ceilidh garb. Nice quiet, empty office, and a surprising amount of work done in the hour and a half before people started to show up!
Still at Red Gate, having passed probation -woo! Managed to ask for all of August off before determining whether I actually had a job there ; )
Am very bouncy and excitable for Les Misérables at the Fringe, which now appears to be Happening.
Two more ceilidhs this week, at more sensible times. The one tonight at Fitz shall also feature apple meringue pie, which I thought sounded interesting, and incorporates two of the birthday girl's favourite dessert ingredients. I'll let you know how it goes. It's currently in the oven at home.
This week, I have mostly listening to An Clar Geal. Definitely in a ceilidh mood.
We've now chosen the repertoire and conductors for both OotH and UCPO - I'm rather excited for the concerts next year, and shall be practising lots over the holiday!
Doo dee doo. I don't really know what day or time it is any more. I had a period of 26 hours including 1 hour sleep, work and a ceilidh, followed by an actual ball I was going to. Clare had very good music, ok food, and rubbish rain : ( Luckily, we had an umbrella. Or "undybrella", as my head always tells me.
I need one now. It's just started to rain.
Actually, I think I'll keep a record of my ceilidhs.
So, this week, I've mostly been trying to convince my body that I want to be up at (previously deemed) silly 'o clock to play the 'cello. Have finally played in my first ceilidh, which somehow managed to be Emmanuel May Ball. Played Magdelene last night, which was both better and worse. Lots of soundcheck faffage, but more people at the ceilidh..
It's quite novel to play a May Ball, walk back to the house, take out the washing that you set to start at 4am, then walk straight to work, 'cello on back and wearing ceilidh garb. Nice quiet, empty office, and a surprising amount of work done in the hour and a half before people started to show up!
Still at Red Gate, having passed probation -woo! Managed to ask for all of August off before determining whether I actually had a job there ; )
Am very bouncy and excitable for Les Misérables at the Fringe, which now appears to be Happening.
Two more ceilidhs this week, at more sensible times. The one tonight at Fitz shall also feature apple meringue pie, which I thought sounded interesting, and incorporates two of the birthday girl's favourite dessert ingredients. I'll let you know how it goes. It's currently in the oven at home.
This week, I have mostly listening to An Clar Geal. Definitely in a ceilidh mood.
We've now chosen the repertoire and conductors for both OotH and UCPO - I'm rather excited for the concerts next year, and shall be practising lots over the holiday!
Doo dee doo. I don't really know what day or time it is any more. I had a period of 26 hours including 1 hour sleep, work and a ceilidh, followed by an actual ball I was going to. Clare had very good music, ok food, and rubbish rain : ( Luckily, we had an umbrella. Or "undybrella", as my head always tells me.
I need one now. It's just started to rain.
Actually, I think I'll keep a record of my ceilidhs.
Friday, 8 April 2011
Let's make an actual red gate..
It has been *time* since I last posted. Sorry.
What I was alluding to has now become reality, and I have a job at Red Gate, quite possibly the most awesome software company in Cambridge.
I'm still waiting anxiously though - some of you will know why, some of you won't. It's probably easiest if you don't. It's hard enough to formulate my thoughts without everyone else's ideas (although I will most likely pester lots of you in the relatively near future if Things pan out..).
Alas.
I think it'll all be clear by Easter.
Hopefully.
Anywho, to work! These stats won't report themselves y'know.. yet ; )
What I was alluding to has now become reality, and I have a job at Red Gate, quite possibly the most awesome software company in Cambridge.
I'm still waiting anxiously though - some of you will know why, some of you won't. It's probably easiest if you don't. It's hard enough to formulate my thoughts without everyone else's ideas (although I will most likely pester lots of you in the relatively near future if Things pan out..).
Alas.
I think it'll all be clear by Easter.
Hopefully.
Anywho, to work! These stats won't report themselves y'know.. yet ; )
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