Blogging to beat the blues…

The Indecisive Eejit12 Comments
Blog
Image by Joel Montes

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.

What ya wanna do?

The Indecisive Eejit23 Comments

Daily Prompt: A to Z 

Create a short story, piece of memoir, or epic poem that is 26 sentences long, in which the first sentence begins with “A” and each sentence thereafter begins with the next letter of the alphabet.

Decision making Norn Ireland style.

Ach look at that sunshine. What should we do today?

Belfast will be chocker block, not sure I fancy it to be honest.

Chippy tea anyways, no matter where we go, ok?

Do you not think you could do with losing a couple of pounds ya big gorb.

Eh? What you on about, sure my body’s a temple.

Ffs, it’s certainly the size of a temple. (laughing)

Give my head peace will ya, you know what I mean.

Here. What about getting one of them new fangled trains up to Portrush?

I’m skint. I’ve enough for a dander round and me chips and that’s about it.

Job seekers not come in yet then?

Kiss my arse, ya cheeky shite.

Listen, we need to make a decision here, cos the day’s marchin on.

My minds a blank. I can’t think of anything to do at all.

Nor me.

Ok so what’s our options?

Portrush or Belfast, that’s all we’ve come up with so far.

Quite a choice there, just not sure I fancy either. I’d love to do something different.

Right ye are, so think of something then ya gormless eejit.

Shusssh, I’m getting the old brain in gear as we speak.

Thought I smelt burnin!

Up yours! At least I’m trying.

Very trying, that you certainly are.

Wait i’ve got it…

Xray vision?

You know that place where all the animals are…ahhhh…Bellevue…?

Zoo? Aye thats a good un, let’s go, I’ve got enough to get us both in.

The Geeky G4mer Gallery!

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.

If you could be…..

The Indecisive Eejit6 Comments
TifaL2
Tifa as seen in Final Fantasy Advent Children

Simpleek gave me the idea for this post with one of her tweets.

Spent most of my Sunday jumping from one game to the next.

There was more to it than that, but this single line got me thinking, how amazing would it be if we actually could jump in and out of games as the characters we know and love.

Anyone who games will know how easy it is to become  immersed in the beautiful worlds portrayed with pixels onto our screens, to become intricately involved with the characters and lost in the fantasy landscapes  that stretch as far as the eye can see.

It almost makes the task of choosing just one character seem like an impossible one.

Sure I could be Lara Croft, with her short shorts, killer curves and amazing skill set, but no, I would want to be Tifa Lockhart.

normal_ff7emushot883
Tifa as seen in Final Fantasy VII

It seems like such a long time since I was  first introduced to Tifa in Final Fantasy VII. I loved her even then with her small cartoon like appearance making her no less formidable, however, for me she really came into her own in Final Fantasy Advent Children. She stepped into the screen as a woman, and one not to be messed with.

Graphics have improved immensely since the days of Final Fantasy and CGI has been kind to Tifa.  She evolved, and emerged as a lean, mean fighting machine, her black clothes hugging a figure to rival Lara Crofts. Tifa however does not ooze sex appeal (although I am sure most guys would disagree), she exudes a steely determination, which is much more appealing.

tifa and cloud
Cloud and Tifa – Final Fantasy Advent Children

I always felt slightly sorry for her and what I perceived to be her quiet love for Cloud. I entertained the vain hope they would get together, but alas it was never be to. She was after all pitted against Aeirth, and who could fail to love her.

Aeirth Gainsborough, Rinoa Heartilly, Yuffie and Yuna to name but a few. All strong female characters from the Final Fantasy Series, however for me, Tifa holds the top spot.

I could quite easily kick back and relax with Barret, Yuffie, Reeve, Vincent, Cid and the rest of the Advent Children favourites while lusting after Cloud from afar, sounds like a damn fine day to me!

So, if you choose be any character to game hop into, who would it be and why?

Tifa Fight Scene
You better be wary when the flowers are a flyin!

Daily Prompt: Flip Flop

The Indecisive Eejit16 Comments
Flip Flops
Image by Bermi Ferrer

Daily Prompt: Flip Flop
Think of a topic or issue about which you’ve switched your opinion. Why the change?

Ok so I know I am really late on this, as the Daily Promt was on the 18th July, but hey, better late than never.

The reason it caught my eye in the first place, is because the thing about which I have switched my opinion, is infact the Flip Flop itself.

I’d never been much of a fan until I discovered a specific pair. They were a little more expensive than run of the mill Flip Flops that sold for a couple of quid in most retail outlets, and left you with blisters where the toe post nestled. Oh no! these were super flip flops, cushioned and most definitely built for comfort with a little flair thrown in for good measure. So good were they infact, that when a friend tried them on, she immediately went home and ordered herself a pair as well.

It was a match made in heaven, perhaps even love at first slip on. I thought we were destined to be together forever.

I’d love to tell you at this point, that my flip flops and I traveled all over the world together, seeing sights, eating at fancy restaurants and generally pounding a path across the universe, but, that would be a lie.

In fact the only trip my Flip Flops and I took, was on the living room carpet on the 6th July 2012. My souvenir, a ruptured patellar tendon.

I didn’t give it much consideration until later that evening when I was lying on a hospital gurney, leg in plaster from ankle to thigh and the Nurse said to me, “You know those are the worst things you could wear on your feet.”

So here’s the thing, I tripped because my toe caught at the bottom of my trousers, but, had I not have been wearing the flip flops then it may never have happened. It could also have nothing to do with the footwear at all, and they are just an innocent bystander, framed for a crime they did not commit, but her suggestion changed my relationship with my beloved flip flops forever.

There was none of the usual heartache that follows a breakup. The flip flops were relegated to the bin (they were done anyway) and I spent the next 6 months learning to walk properly again barefoot.

The other day I found a pair I had bought for going on holiday, which should have been the day after I tripped. I didn’t look at them with the same love and devotion I once had, infact I needed to get rid of them, so I took them to work and a colleague decided to buy them, even after I told her she did so at her own risk.

My love affair was well and truly over, never to be rekindled.

NB: After I had been back at work about a month or so I heard about a work colleague who tripped in a supermarket, breaking her leg in four places. Guess what she had on her feet! And no before you ask, it was not the colleague I sold mine to!

Inspire, amuse and educate me…

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!

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

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!!

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!

The Indecisive Eejit3 Comments
The Spam Spectre!
The Spam Spectre!

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 :)