Day 23

January 23rd, Monday -The all important pack for Iceland. Woop!! Then get stuff in order and relax and watch a lot of Dexter.

And take note, Vicki, though much smaller than me, had a much larger case chock-full (Of clothes and stuff, not choc, sadly). It is also the most awkward on-wheels, pull suitcase ever. Its too low. Even for Vicki. I watched her struggle with it. Ha.

Day 22

January 22nd, Sunday - With holiday just a couple of days away, today was the time for some last minute holiday shopping, including those much needed items; Thermal trousers/pants (which in hindsight I can say were WAY more vital in the chilly conditions than I thought they'd be!!) as I only had Jeans for the snow, and, as seen above, a quick stop off to pick up a useful guidebook (we ended up using this a lot, the big tourists that we were...)

Also, I am a big faffer. Which means even though we quickly found a good, simple and cheap guidebook, I wanted to look through the other books to compare and contrast. Faff. As Dill said "Ok, you can read it at home, lets go..." Also also, Vicki looks perturbed here - she wasn't. I just drew her like that....

Day 21

January 21st, Saturday - A visit up to Leighton Buzzard to see our lovely friends Chris and Jo and to go for a meal. The sign next to Chris was meant to be our table reserved sign, but just seemed to make him out to be a type of car on show. Also, that ain't his last name.

The Murrel X5TSi, drive him away for only £19.99 (He's cheap.... and easy yo...)

Anyways, Chris and Vicki both ordered the special of Fish and Chips, not realising they were going to be given a whole fishery and a potato farm. Ohh, Large portion! (*West Country accent) Needless to say, they did not finish. Chris foolishly filling up on potato carbs...

We returned back to theirs to find their cats listening to some random stuff on the radio. Cats, eh??

Day 20

January 20th, Friday - Exploring Ancient Tombs today, didn't you know. I had a whole heap of adventures. Yep. I did. Thats not a paintbrush in my hand, thats a blowdart that had just fired out at me as I entered the tomb of Onlyaprop. I got mad reaction skillz yo, caught it just in time. Plucked out of the air. Swish.

After raiding the tomb, fighting off the vicious mummy Mahy-Dup and making off with the treasure, I just did a little sprucing up with some gold paint on his Sarcophagus.

I didn't want to be rude. He and his mates had an event the next day. Mad politeness skillz too, yo.

Poy #4

Oh Poy, when will you learn....

See, Mash (The little guy) has the right idea - thats blatantly a coffee he has.

Coffee - good. Fridge-licking - Bad.

Day 19

January 19th, Thursday - Today was my first time using a Wacom, that Elwick very kindly brought round for me to use. It's something I wanted to try before buying to see how I manage with it, as I'm trying to teach myself PhotoShop as well. I want to be able to paint digitally (which is also one of my '30 by 30') and this wasn't a bad first go. So as soon as funds allow I'll buy one!

Also, just off screen from this image, there is a clumsy Elwick falling down the stairs and bruising her thumb. I went to her aid and provided an ice pack, don't worry. She seems to fall down a lot....

Also, off to Iceland for a few days with Vicki, so will have lots of updates when we return!

Day 18

January 18th,Wednesday - This was me giving birth. It seems that what I thought was a Christmas food baby, was just a baby baby. I put some towels down and just squeezed it out. Sploosh. Easy really. Yes, I am a medical marvel.

No, this unfortunately angled pic is me attempting to get fit. As part of my '30 by 30' list I am exercising along to (don't judge me, shes hardcore and it saves me a gym membership...) Gillian's 30 day programme. For the list I have to complete it 3 times over - so 90 days of exercise. If I'm not 'ripped' and 'shredded' by then, someone is gonna get an angry letter.... 5 days down... Hmmmm.....

Day 17

January 17th, Tuesday - After waking up and going about my day, it wasn't long before I realised I felt like run down, achey crapola. (Crapola definition: rubbish, akin to a crap crayola, one of those colours you never used, like, I dunno, cream...)

Realising my almost 30 year old body was failing me (curse you Father Time), I took its advice and wrote the day off, needing to go back to bed till I felt like I could function in society again. This took all day. I emerged late in the eve with little achieved.

So yeah, I had to draw me in bed. Swish.

Day 16

Jan 16th, Monday - Day off after a nice few tiring days, to relax with Mr Dill. And in the evening, we played cards with Greg.

Now Greg has been trying to get me to draw this since this blog became active - its a card game called 'Race for the Galaxy'. Yes, its about space and aliens and stuff. Yes, its fairly geeky. And yes, its good fun (better than normal card games). This was dills first game. Here he is trying to understand rules (and shapes).


Unfortunately, it seems I find characters in profile bloody hard to draw. I had to practice with Greg in front of me and still not great. Also, dill hates having photos, so i have rubbish reference for him. So he looks a bit Boris Karloff-y. Practice is definitely needed.

Greg said he wished he hadn't tried so hard to get in the blog now. Awwww, fail... :-(

Also, Film 96 - A Town Called Panic.
Billed as Toy Story on Absinthe, its an hugely funny and strangely entertaining animation (by the guys who do the cravendale ads) whose main characters are called Horse, Cowboy and Indian. It's a work of barmy French Canadian genius.

Day 15

Jan 15^th, Sunday -  Helping out my lovely friend - and sometimes boss - Beck with some set dressing over in East London. And some ‘Light carpentry’ as she put it. 

It was very light, some drilling, some sawing, yadda yadda (but no, not both at the same time). But I've realised that I'm a bit clumsy. So no matter what job I'm doing, I always end up drawing blood. I don't really know how or why, just don't ask me to use a scalpel for anything....

Today I had a joyous blood blister after trapping my finger in my Leatherman. I then, as it swelled up and realising that I had no pins about, had to use said Leatherman to cut into the blister and pop it. With the saw blade. I am a health and safety nightmare.

So yeah, the spots of blood dressed around that set are real. I'm all for authenticity....

Poy #3

He may be away, but he still has Poy for me to post.... Love it...

Day 14

Jan 14^th, Saturday – First gig of the year, at the Betsey Trotwood, near Clerkenwell. Ellie had convinced Greg and I, along with two of her friends Charlotte and Vicky to go see the Anxieteam (that’s Anxiety + Team), who are two talented illustrators who also write very fun music, utilising cardboard painted props any art department would be proud of. Ellie has a bit of a crush on the main guy, Jon Burgerman, and chased backstage after to get him to sign something of his that she had. A small rabbit doll thing, I’m not entirely sure. Bless.

Anyway, the gig was fun, they had lyrics like “I’m a veggie, You’re a vegan, Lets eat soya, lets eat soya...” and “If you eat fish you’re not a real vegetarian” so I was suitable entertained. Also, the support came from a wonderfully chilled folk band (A guy and a girl on Ukuleles) called We Show Up On Radar. They were straight out of a juno-esque indie soundtrack, loved it! 

Also, a lovely man chased after us when we left our seats in the bar to say that Ellie had forgot her purse – Kind acts in London should always be noted as they are few and far between!

Day 13

Jan 13^th, Friday – Overcoming any fear of getting chopped into small pieces today by any member of the Voorhees family, I reluctantly left the house and had a crazy day of work, setting up an event at the Hilton, Heathrow. Working 8am till 7pm before retiring for a few hours rest in one of the Hilton rooms, then de-rigging between 1am and 7am (when I got back home). These are not fun hours. I am also not safe to drive after that long a day.

Anyway, the main excitement was being given a free room at the Hilton and seeing how the posh suits live. I used the lever operated shoe buffer (on my trainers). I used the ice machine to crush Ice for my bottle of juice. I looked in the minibar and at the price list. I then quickly closed the minibar. I drank nice filtered coffee. I took some toiletries. Oh yes.

And at one point, a lady arrived at my door. She asked if I wanted turn down service. I was confused, as I’ve been turned down many times before and know how it feels. So I said no, thank you.

She said ok and gave me a couple of chocolates.

Clearly I had answered correctly and won.

I waited to see if anyone else would come round with questions in return for more sweets, but to no avail.

So yeah, that was my posh hotel stay. And people say Friday 13^th is unlucky....

Day 12

Jan 12th, Thurs - Went to Naomi's flat for - yep, you guessed it - a coffee. Bless Naomi, she was my boss for my first Film/TV job when I moved to London and now I'm pleased to just call her my friend (though hopefully boss anytime she need a crew!) - However, a friend I've been bloody useless at seeing, having been saying lets catch up for a drink since I last saw her in April. Rubbish!

She also helps me along with one of my '30 by 30' tasks - Meet up with 10 friends I havent seen in ages for drinks (10 differnet occasions that is.....). Her flat is also chilly, and she was wrapped up and still shivery. I was in a t-shirt. Sometimes you just gotta man up you know.

Day 11

Jan 11th, Weds - This one isn't really something that I did today, but it was a very important phone call that I received while working. Vicki was offered a job today! Her first as a newly qualified SLT!!! Woop! Thats awesome news, so its in doodle form!! (I can neither confirm nor deny whether she did a victory punch in celebration)

Many congrats to Vicki, I'm so pleased for you!!! Bummer that you have to move to Bournemouth for it, but its a good excuse to escape out of London on the weekends now!

Also, thats me sawing wood with a jigsaw. Doing manly things. Like a man. Grrr. Arggg.

Guest Artist #2

Here's a treat for you all on this Sunday morning - more guest artwork, sent in from my talented (and awesome) nephew WHFB! He already seems to be picking up his Dads impressive artistic skills, so keep training him up Si!

Also, I have a whole backlog of doodles almost finished, and will throw them all up this eve, but work is calling again today so dont hate on me.... And yes, I know I told people they're allowed to punch me if I slip behind, but this shouldn't count, its been a busy few days, right?? RIGHT??! (*cowers)...

Day 10

Jan 10th, Tuesday - Spray painting giant masks for most of the day.... Best not to ask...

Yay, Spray Paints! Yay, Fumes! Yay, Coffee! Yaaaaay, Dizzzzzzyyyyyyyyyyyy...........

Day 9

Jan 9th, Monday - First Interview of the Year, at Sara Putt, about their Art Assistant Scheme. First of many this year I hope....

I hate interviews. I'm a nervous person. I have a tendency to sweat (mostly from my face)... And then I think about having to shake hands at the end and that mine would be all clammy and damp and oh god....
But this one was ok. Going on the fact I was only slightly moist come the end. And they asked for references. Swish.

Ha. Moist. Ok, sleep now.

Poy #2

Ta Mr Swings! Another rip-roaring Poy adventure!

Also, I'm 3 posts behind again.
Its not my fault. I've been working late. I'm tired. Shut up. You're not my mum....

Day 8

Yay, One whole week of Blogs! And I still fell behind, yay!

Jan 8th, Sunday - Watched 'The Artist' at the Cinema.

We're only a week into 2012 and I think this will still be my favourite film of the year come December. This is a beautiful, hilarious and touching love letter to a bygone age of silent cinema, that left me with a smile on my face for the rest of the day. This is why I love Cinema. The only thing better than the film itself is the knowledge that in an era of 3D CGI explosithings, a film like this can still be made and financed. It deserves every accolade thrown at it. Come on rest of 2012 films, beat that.

Shame it wasn't in 3D though.

Day 7

Jan 7th, Saturday - Lazy Saturday morning, Vicki cooks us all Scotch Pancakes (as Rich prefers them). I love pancakes. Loves them. First Pancakes of the year. Also, if you don't get it from the picture, Vicki is small. We joke about it often. She's a trooper.

Also, what makes a Pancakes Scotch? And what makes an Egg scotch? What makes Tape scotch? What makes Hop scotch???

Lazy Saturday morning also coincided with watching Cartoons....

Film 99: The Little Mermaid - Yay, Disney! Yay, Ariel! Yay, Max the Dog! Also, this rekindled my love for Ariel.

Film 98: Howls Moving Castle - Vicki had never seen a Studio Ghibli film before. She loved it, obviously. How could you not?? I should show her Totoro....

Film 97: Dr Strangelove Or: how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb - My Kubrick collection has been half pushed in for ages, so finally got round to watching this with the boys. Its outstanding. Incredibly funny, looks amazing and fantastic design by Ken Adam. Must watch more Peter Sellers.

"Gentlemen, You can't fight in here. This is the War Room."

Day 6

Jan 6th, Friday - An old skool reunion at the lovely Goat Tavern as Uni friends Owz and Nikki are currently back from Oz to say hi and celebrate (bumdabumbah *drumroll....) their recent engagement! Woop!! Congrats again! This prompted a tempting offer to come to Australia for the Wedding in August. We also had the joyous company of several other lovely Newportians (I don't want to insult them, they're not actually from Newport... Well, one of them is....)

Oh, and the cork hat has been added for extra Aussie effect. I dont even know if Nikki owns one. She should. I would if I lived there....

On a completely unrelated note, if you would like to fund this blog to help cover costs for pencils, internet, planeticketscoughcough, coffee, then just drop me an email at Jay@triptoozplease.co.uk....

100 Films

I'm dragging behind again already, I know! I have pictures to update and so all three should appear by the end of the day tomorrow!

On another note, part of my '30 by 30' list involves the movies I own. I watch a lot of films. Oh yes. Not as many as I should though. I also own a lot of DVDs and Blurays and when I buy them and add them to the shelves they stay 'pulled out' until they've been watched (even if I've seen the film before). They then get 'pushed in'. A lot of us do this. Anyway, I currently have 143 films pulled out.

143. Yup. Balls. Anyway, one of the '30 by 30' involves 'pushing in' 100 films this year. I may forget so I'm gonna use this blog to keep track. The picture for the day I push in the 100th may be me doing a little jig.

Anyways, Thursday 5th - Film 100 (to countdown) was..... Junebug, A wonderful dramedy starring Amy Adams. She makes any film charming. And it was. And very funny. And its probably dirt cheap if you haven't seen it.

Day 5

Jan 5th, Thursday:

And here we go, technically up to date, woop!!

Thursday was Art Club (as dubbed by Miss Elwick) in our house. We started this last year and is just a way to make us all do work in the same room so we can shout at the others when they (and by they, I mean me) procrastinate. It is always a productive, coffee (and Disney) filled day. Often accompanied by bursts of Swingle Music. And lovely illustrations from Miss Elwick (see here!).

I also completed my '30 by 30' - My list of things to achieve in this my 30th year. 30 things. Yikes.

Poy!

This is Poy #1 - A series of weekly Poy drawings from the very talented Mr Swings! Expect 52 Poy adventures over the course of the year! Huzzah!!

What's a Poy you say? What? You mean you dont know?!

Day 4

Jan 4th, Weds:  The plumbers were in today. This is not a Euphemism.

At some point in December I enjoyed a free shower installed in my bedroom ceiling due to crazy piping. Disaster was thankfully averted, but after having a month to let the attic dry out the Plumbers spent the day 'making good'. I brought them coffee. As everyone needs coffee.

I also brought them tea. For some reason people like tea too. Go figure.

Day 3

 Jan 3rd, Tues: Time to take out the Trash... Its a New Year, so out with the old...

Always a daunting task but I'm gonna need a clean desk if I'm gonna do any work on it... Clean as a Whistle, Sharp as a Thistle......... Hmm...

Day 2

Jan 2nd:

A new coat was purchased, ready for Iceland and for outdoor work. Its a snowboarding Jacket. Its waterproof. I haven't had a jacket/coat other than a black hoodie for over 10 years. I am often wet. This is indeed a monumental occasion.... Seriously.... Vicki is pleased.

Also, you may have realised these are all being posted on Jan 5th. It took me a while to set this site up and get around to it. I shall try to stick to posting daily, apologies if I dont!

Day 1

Jan 1st: Welcome to what will hopefully be a complete year long blog. I have a tendency not to finish what I start, so lets hope I can make a whole year of this... Start simple though as its a Sunday and New Years Day....

Sitting on the Sofa, the four of us (Rich is outside the frame...), eating pizza and watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Both parts in a little marathon session. Bliss. Cheesy Bite bliss.

Happy New Year all! J x