Blogging to beat the blues…

July 31, 2013July 31, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit12 Comments

The Geeky G4mer was not my first foray into the blogging world. Oh no. There were many many others.

Over the years I have had various little bits and pieces about my life on the World Wide Web. Scraps of this and that, scattered over random names that I have long since forgotten.

To date though, this has been the one I have updated the most, but it‘s hard to think of new content when your life is just run of the mill and compared to some, downright boring.

Everyone has something to offer. Everyone has something to give. Everyone will touch someone regardless of whether they realise it or not.

A blog for all intents and purposes it usually an outlet for something. Somewhere to be honest, somewhere to be humorous, somewhere to vent, the list is endless. Most of us do it for fun. There are some though, who have crafted their art so skillfully they can now live off the proceeds, or so they would have us believe. I feel under pressure to think of new things now, imagine what it would be like if I was getting paid and had deadlines. Pressure cooker springs to mind.

Despite the fact I do it for fun and to keep my aging brain active, there is no denying the little buzz you experience when you get a notification of a new like or follow. If I write and post something on my morning train journey, one person liking the post has me squealing with delight, usually at the expense of the eardrums of everyone within a 100m radius.

It makes me want to better myself, but in doing so, do I set the bar to high.

Years ago I realised I was never going to be an amazing writer or poet and I’m ok with that. I’m content to be mediocre or even something close to it. I’m enjoying the company of the people I have around me here, and getting to know them via the details they choose to share.

I’m learning things about myself, like the fact that I don’t have to be perfect or amazing or even all that intellectual. It’s perfectly fine to just be me, a little bit thick and occasionally funny. I’ve made people smile and I’ve made people laugh, and that in turn has made everything worthwhile.

Every time there is a little tinkle of a notification or someone leaves me a comment it’s a little pat on the back, someone is saying, you know what, you’re no Whilimena Shakespear but that wasn’t a bad attempt. That beats back the blues just a little.

So to sign out I am going to leave you with one of my poems, Lee who is much more organised than me kept a back log of all my old posts and poems from the site I used to have called “The Trouble With Me”. Now bear in mind this was written around 2002, so a little like my mental age, it’s around 11 years old.

Being Late

The birds didn’t sing and the sun didn’t shine,
as I snored in my bed unaware of the time.
And the next thing I know it’s a quarter to 8,
and my Mum’s screaming up, “you’re going to be late”.

But even at that time all hope was lost,
I’d missed the damn train and my parents were cross.
My bed was calling but my mind said “Make haste”
So I tossed off the covers and to the bathroom I raced!

A quick sprinkling of water, and a brush round my jaws,
and a luke warm face cloth around my face and my paws,
locating clean clothes amid all the clutter,
running around like a bit of a nutter.

Down the stairs slowly it feels like a mile,
But “Good afternoon” she says with a sarcastic wee smile,
into the car for a 5 mile journey of silence,
mind it could have been worse there might have been violence.

So here I am on a later train,
I shall never trust my alarm clock again,
but you know what it’s worth all the trouble and strife,
to get another shot at this thing they call life.

The Geeky G4mer Gallery!

July 25, 2013July 26, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit8 Comments

Daily Prompt: From the Collection of the Artist It’s the year 2113.

A major museum is running an exhibition on life and culture as it was in 2013. You’re asked to write an introduction for the shows brochure. What will it say?

Hello Humans,

My name is Wee Geek. I am a Robot and I will be providing the introduction to your interactive brochure today.

Many things have changed since the year 2013, there are few left who can even remember it.

It is hard to believe that vehicles once ran on fuel. Who would have thought that such a simple thing as a Heinz Baked Bean held the power to propel both us and our vehicles. And to think all it took was for Ms Anita Fart to recognise and harness that potential and power. The rest as they say is history.

This was a year in which people still used Ipod’s and other MP3 devices to listen to music. The Imusicbubble system did not come until much later and as we all know totally revolutionised the music industry. Could you imagine having to give up your bubble and it’s endless music list to insert two little mini speaker type things into your ear? I think not. But this is exactly what happened way back then.

2013 was also the year that MicroSuperHard started it’s rise to become the number one gaming system in the universe. The first half of the year saw Microsoft, as they were known then, fighting a hard battle with Sorry, formerly known as Sony in regards to their XBox One console release. After customer protests, it was well documented that MicroSuperHard had to back track on some of their original design plans and policies, however this was to be the turning point for the brand. In later years the changes on consoles were implemented, but handled in a much better way and received with delight by their now loyal devotees.

Does anyone remember the camera? I didn’t think so. Before the advance of Digital Eye Image Processing and our ability to take a photograph with our eyes, this was the device they used. Optical and Digital Zoom, pixels and lenses were still used, but did not come close to the kind of technology we have today.

The modern house of this era contained something they called a “Kitchen” described as a room or part of a room used for cooking and food preparation. They remained a feature until late in 2027 when the Tea Time Tablet was invented, removing the need to cook from everyone.

There are lots more exhibitions within the museum for you to see, I have only touched on a few of the main ones.

However before you go, the point of most importance is the fact that we are here at all, the fact that we have managed to survive. For many people in 2013 it seemed like the whole world had gone mad, there seemed to be endless fighting, wars, bombings and global warming was fast becoming a problem, things were spiraling out of control.

At their wits ends, the various Governments of the world were at a loss as to how to fix these growing divides as there did not seem to be a common thread to bind them all together. However, one day by pure chance an Aide to the then Prime Minister was reading a blog entry on WordPress from someone called The Geeky G4mer. In this post about Candy Crush was mentioned the possibility that subliminal messages were being broadcast to anyone who played the game, and also that it seemed the whole world was addicted to this sweet swapping saga. Seeing potential in this strange and random suggestion the Aide brought it to the attention of the PM and the worst fears of this lowly blogger became true. Using a subliminal messaging system forwarded via certain levels in Candy Crush the Governments were able to calm and control their populations ensuring that peace was restored to the land.

It has also allowed you to be able to visit us today and we hope you enjoy your stay at The Geeky G4mer Galley.

Inspire, amuse and educate me…

July 20, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit14 Comments

I love WordPress, love, love, love it!!

I’ve learnt so much in the short time I have been here, just from reading other people’s blogs. In fact the “Reader” has become my newest travel companion.

I’ve read posts that have made me laugh, think, question and quite a few that have made me emotional, even cry on occasion.

Whilst I have no idea who the majority of people on here are, there is something very personal about someone opening their thoughts to you and letting you browse.

I love it when someone is able to draw you into their story, so much so, that you feel that you are right there with them in that exact moment in time.

Of course no two people are going to react to a post the exact same way. So what is amazing for me, may be mediocre for you.

So whilst I love the Reader, I am experiencing a little frustration at the fact there are over a million blogs floating around out there that I might never get to see. That’s a million emotions I will not experience, a million people I will never meet, albeit virtually.

My “You may like” section, within the reader, seems to constantly give me the same options, even though I have X’d them after reading and finding they were just not for me. I’ve trawled the Blog’s I follow lists of the blogs I follow, if you catch my drift, but that just feels like stalking.

So here’s what I need. If you stop by and read this, please don’t pass on by. Take 2 minutes and let me know about your favourite post or blog. Something that made you laugh, think and even cry. It can be your own or someone else’s. Hopefully that way I can perhaps find a few more good reads to add to my morning routine!

Here’s a couple of my favourites that I think deserve a read:

Made me Laugh out Loud: Conversations with Cats

Made me Think: Hypocrisy

Made me hungry: Prawn pate, and other things.

Made me emotional: Making it so

Made me Smile: Animal Chaos

Made me worry for those who date online, oh and laugh: Will you be my matey?

Made me cry and STILL my most favourite post ever: Nickle Lauritzen and the Afterlife

These are just a few of the many amazing posts I have read, please try and help me find some more…..

The Joys of Modern Travel Part 8…Conversations on trains!

July 19, 2013January 6, 2015 The Indecisive Eejit2 Comments

I think I have one of these faces. I like to smile, in fact I will smile at anyone whether they are receptive to it or not. It would appear that the act of smiling very often leads into the art of the awkward return smile and sometimes rebound conversation.

On an unmanned TRAIN platform in the middle of the universe:

Me: Smiles.

Stranger: Lovely morning isn’t it.

Me: It sure is, but it’s very warm.

Stranger: You waiting for something?

Me: Yes, the train.

Stranger: It’s very warm isn’t it.

Me: Aye.

Train pulls into the station.

Stranger: Is that the train then.

Me: Yes, you getting on?

Stranger: No I think I’ll wait for the train.

Me: Ummm ok then, have a nice day!

Forgive me for being a little confused by this. There is only one line, with all trains going to the same place. I can only imagine he was waiting for a special train. I might check it out on Monday, it could lead me on a very exciting adventure.

At a table, on a moving train in the middle of the same universe.

Me: Smiles

Stranger: That’s one hell of a phone you have there girl.

Me: Smiling and laughing. That’s not a phone, it’s a tablet.

Stranger: Ach no, I wouldn’t want to be swallowing that thing.

We both laugh at his amazing quip.

Stranger: So what are you doing?

Me: I’m writing.

Stranger: Writing what?

Me: A blog.

Stranger: A wha?

Me: A blog.

Stranger: What’s a blog then?

Me: Hmmm it’s kinda like an online diary.

Stranger: Oh. There must be some good stuff in there then.(In a nudge nudge, wink wink way)

Me: Not really, it’s pretty boring actually.

Stranger: Well it looks exciting. I might have to get me a big old phone like that and one of those there blog things.

Me: What would you call it?

Stranger: You said it was a tablet.

Me: No I meant your blog.

Stranger: It needs a name?

Me: Yes it has to have a title.

Stranger: (Thinks for a minute rapping fingers on the table) Sure I’ll name it Fido after me dog.

Me: (Laughing) Aye that’s dead on. I’ll keep an eye out for it, see ye later.

I think I might stop smiling.

Daily Prompt: Dream House

July 16, 2013July 16, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit2 Comments

Daily Prompt: Dream Home

You win a contest to build your dream home. Draft the plans.

As I don’t currently own a house, any one would be a dream. However for the purposes of this Daily Prompt and post, I am going to assume that money is no object.

I wouldn’t want a mansion, mainly because I couldn’t be bothered to clean it. A regular run of the mill house will do just fine.

I’d like a big enough kitchen to entertain in, with an island in the middle, somewhere to chop, cook, bake and generally imagine I am Nigella Lawson. A big Smeg fridge packed to the rafters with lots of food is also a must, oh and a dishwasher.

I’ll need two living rooms in this dream house of mine. One for generally loafing about watching TV on my 40 inch plasma, my Sky box merrily recording all the trash that the non terrestrial channels have to offer.

The second room will be slightly bigger. It needs to be, to house my Pinball machines, Air Hockey, sit in Sega Rally, jukebox, all singing all dancing entertainment system and one of every kind of console ever invented.

One wall will be completely shelved to hold all the DVD’s and games required to make my entertainment system fully functional. My Final Fantasy figurines having pride of place right in the middle.

Large movie posters and black lights will adorn the walls.

Upstairs will be a more mediocre affair. A couple of bedrooms, and a large sun veranda. A jacuzzi bath and a walk in shower completes the ensemble.

Thats not to much to ask is it?? :)

I might be Ham!!

July 16, 2013July 18, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit3 Comments

I think, I hope, well I seem to be Ham again.

(If you’re confused please read my previous post Turning Spam into Ham)

I was able to comment this morning, and better still it actually showed up.

I haven’t however had an email from Akismet, so this may only be temporary. Fair play, it’s put a smile on my face this morning anyway.

Many thanks to those of you who battled the Spam Spectre on my behalf and rescued me from the Losers folder. It is much appreciated.

The rest of you, well you may still find some of my comments festering in the underworld, so there remains a little time to do your bit with regards to the preservation of my sanity!

I quite like being ham again, as long as I can get through the day without anyone trying to turn me into a sandwich!

Turning Spam into Ham!

July 14, 2013July 15, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit3 Comments

I was getting a little bit paranoid.

Not the kind where I saw people wearing tan Mackintoshes and sunglasses duck behind trees and dustbins, but paranoid all the same.

Without my knowledge, I had become the lead character in “The Mystery of the Missing Comments.”

It started out harmlessly enough, I commented on a couple of peoples blogs. I’d never visited them before, so the fact that my comments didn’t show up was not all that strange. They, like me, may prefer to view all comments before they are published.

Another thing that lead me away from the scent was the fact that I was merrily rabbiting…umm…commenting away on my own site with no problems. Duh! I never even considered the possibility that this was because it’s my own site.

Today I commented and again it didn’t show up. I thought, “Ok,” they’ve changed their settings as well, but when two further comments then appeared from other people, that quickly changed to “ah feck, have I offended them!” Two more sites and the same problem, so another change to “FFS the whole blogging community has barred me.”

As fast as my little fingers could type I directed my web page towards Geeky and Freaky and Purple Shirt Paul, there is no way my two best friends would abandon me, no matter how much of a pain in the arse I am, but sadly they had as well.

Sensing all was not right with the world I loaded up a search engine and typed in, my comments are not showing in worpress?

After a couple of minutes of reading I realised that I was not alone in this problem, it had happened before. I continued reading as my blood pressure slowly returned to normal.

Basically it looks like Akismet has taken a dislike to me for some reason and is therefore sending all my comments to your spam folder, well that’s where Lee found them anyway. I’ve e-mailed them and notified them of the problem. Apparently it’s quite common.

For those who liked reading my comments, I haven’t abandoned you. I was kidnapped by the Spam Spectre and we were loitering with intent in the losers folder. You can rest assured that the voice you heard calling “Hello, over here!” was not in your head.

If I promise to behave will you come rescue me?

Free The Geeky G4mer – Head over to your folder and mark me as NOT SPAM please, I’d be ever so grateful!

Akismet calls this turning Spam into Ham :)

Mobile Madness!

July 14, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit2 Comments

Who’d have thought that choosing a mobile phone would be so difficult!

Two years ago I entered into my first contract in about 10 years. I wanted a new phone and my monthly spend on Pay and Go was going up and up, so taking everything into consideration a contract seemed like the best idea.

I got everything set up and my shiny new HTC Sensation was delivered the very next day. Being the good and obedient person that I am, I placed it on to charge and refrained from using it. When I did switch it on…..it didn’t work!

There were no signal bars. This in itself is not that unusual in my house as the coverage is sporadic to say the least, even though there is a mast with a half mile of the house. I took the phone upstairs and placed it into the cradle and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw it rise up to 3 bars. I picked it up to give it a little cuddle of joy and the bars disappeared. This went on for about a half hour or so, me picking up the phone and praying, it dying in my hands, only to revive when placed back into the cradle.

The next morning I phoned the company back, was told to return the phone and in less than 48 hours had a replacement. It wasn’t much better signal ways, but I was able to occasionally receive calls and text messages.

Skip forward about 12 months. I just happened to be online with my network provider and discovered they had a tariff for the same money I was paying, only it had better benefits. I phoned and inquired if it would be possible for me to be moved onto this instead of my current one and as a goodwill gesture they agreed. The next day I fell and met Alien leg.

After a couple of weeks I was really starting to lost the plot with not being able to make or receive phone calls or send and receive texts. I phoned my network provider and explained all this and one lady on the phone agreed that I did indeed have a limited signal and as a result I may be able to buy myself out of my current contract. I’d been researching phones and the Nokia Lumia 800 seemed to be the clear leader with regards to signal strength much due to it’s polycarbonate casing. The first lady put me through to another lady, who told me there was nothing wrong with my signal. Her solution, if I was having problems, was to turn off my 3g and just use 2g within the house. A debate ensued, which I lost and in the end I purchased a Pay as you Go Nokia Lumia 800 with the vain hope I might be able to get a signal.

It arrived. I charged it. It had signal. I lifted it up. It still had signal. I made a call. I sent a text. I was delighted.

Fast forward another 12 months and my contract is coming to an end. There are a lot of phones I would like, however most of the newer ones start at £32 a month, which is £10 more than I pay now and I just can’t justify it.

So here are my choices:

Nokia Lumia 820 – The phone will be free and I will be able to carry on with my existing tariff for £22 a month.

Nokia Lumia 920 – This is the one I would like. It’s a free phone, however the tariff comes in at a slightly higher £27 a month.

Samsung Galaxy S3 – Various prices, but I have seen comparisons for a free phone between £22 to £27 a month.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini – Been offered it as an upgrade. Free phone, £22 a month.

HTC One – Although the reviews are great and my top reviewer Lee from Geeky and Freaky can’t wait to get his hands on one, it’s a little out of my price range at £32 a month.

So those are the main contenders. My apologies to Apple and Blackberry that you do not figure in my list. Iphones have no signal here at all for some reason, and I hate paying for apps and my fingers are to clumsy for a Blackberry.

There are pro’s and con’s to the other 5. Obviously with the two Nokia’s still having polycarbonate casing, I am guessing they would have the better signal, but there is a definite lack of apps compared to Android. That said they also have built in XBox Live which I love, it makes messaging and keeping in touch with gaming community so much easier.

Google Play for Android is hard to beat, especially the range and quality of the free apps available. I’d be able to play my games again on the train and also blog, given that the Android WordPress app is much better than the Windows one.

So if you had a budget and the choice, which would be your pick? Or do you have any other suggestions?

Turn down the heat!

July 11, 2013July 14, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit2 Comments

I’ve been saying it for days! I am built for comfort, not heat!

I think I must have a wonky thermostat.

Other people in the first rays of sunshine are running full pelt to the beach, discarding clothing as they go. Me, well I’m walking extra steps to try and reach a little bit of shade. Sure I look ridiculous crouching under the dog waste bin, but hey, I’ll take what I can get.

I can however take comfort in the fact that I will never get lost in a crowd. My shiny red face can been seen for miles around. It seems it also has solar panel like abilities, as I continue to glow long after the sun has set and the crowds have all gone home.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like the sun, I just prefer it when it is accompanied by a little breeze to aid the cooling process for those, like me, who are, thermostatically challenged, i.e. too fecking hot!

Identity Crisis!

July 10, 2013July 14, 2013 The Indecisive Eejit17 Comments

I’m having a bit of a blog identity crisis. I can see in my mind both Lee and Paul rolling their eyes and shaking their heads as they read this, because this is what I do best!

When I first stated this blog, The Geeky G4mer seemed like a good name. I am a little bit of a geek and also a little bit of a gamer, but I excel at neither. It was also my gamer tag, so it tied the whole thing together.

So whats the problem? The honest answer is, there probably isn’t one, however my mind is a whiring dirvish that will just not let up. I don’t want to be defined as a hardcore gamer, because I will not be able to offer, exciting, informative reviews of new games. I will however sometimes occasionally offer, slightly inadequate but hopefully amusing accounts of the games I play.

As well as games I want to write about life in general and the normal day to day run of the mill things that I find funny.

I like making people smile, but it’s hard to transfer the witty one liners and quips from my head to the page without invoking the dreaded “You obviously had to be there.”

So does the name of my blog define me as being just a gamer and therefore put off others, who in a different situation, might actually read my posts.

By the same token, does it also put off the other gamers, who have amazing blogs and actually know what they are talking about. Do they look at my posts and go WTF and skip on by in utter disgust.

So now do you see my problem, that is probably not really a problem.

So my question for you all is, to name change or not? and if your answer is yes do you have any suggestions?