me and the system

so me and the system have not been getting on lately. beauracrats and administraters citywide appear determined to make my life hell. i'm trying to not take it personally because everyone has horror stories about setting stuff up in this country, but yesterday i spent the day waiting for a courier delivery that was due the day before (and didn't arrive yesterday either, despite, or maybe because of, a number of phone calls from me), and then travelling an hour and half to meet the HR man at my new job to fill out the police check form that i had already completed 4 weeks ago, but have to do again because the HR manager signed it in the wrong colour pen and the police returned it. grrr.

but in the weekend i had fun in cardiff, exploring castles and the underwhelming dr who museum, and last thursday i enjoyed Josh Ritter playing at the Shep Bush Empire (a truly stunning venue). Josh had a few moments of pure perfection, and then the rest of the show was above average alt-country bruce springsteen-lite pop. but he looked so happy to be there that his enthusiasm wore my cynacism down. if you haven't heard it, check out his song 'Wings', it is amazing.

Hank

so yesterday i bought a guitar. he's black, has a warm sounding pick-up and he's called Hank (although he's really a belgian, made in china, guitar called Stagg). i've already played it til my fingers bled (well, blistered anyway). now if i can just shake this stoopid cold, i'll be good to take on some open mics and get rocking.