New Year's eve. Slept in for hours, and then twinged my back painfully taking a shower. This must be a new tradition as I did almost exactly the same thing at the same time last year. This put a brake on doing much. Had a laugh sitting around chatting to Mum and Mase. And Mum pursaded me to let her try her healing powers on my back. Eventually I succumbed. We watched The Ring DVD together which I thought was quite stylish and scary, but I seem to be a bit hardened to horror films these days. The Ring 2 was the first film I'd saw with MJ. MJ called me on the moment of the new year. She was at Weezer's place after a scary drive there in the snow and sleet. 2005 was a lively year all right!
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Awake at 5:30 and MJ , pre-coffee, drove me to JFK airport for seven. She took a lot of the stress out of things by getting me there and keeping me calm before the flight. Horrible to say goodbye. I hate saying goodbye to her. Flight not too foul. Ended up with a window seat towards the tail, having been moved to accommodate a family. Sat next to two utterly taciturn women. They might as well have been ghosts. Some turbulence but managed to doze for a while. Nothing to watch onboard that I'd not already seen. We were flying east and I was interested to see the thicken indigo smudge on the horizon, which was darkness coming to meet the plane. London looked lovely and we spent almost half an hour circling it to get a good view. Running late I got a cab and managed to get home to Mum and Mason's house by 11 pm and so was able to glug a couple of glasses of wine, and eat banana cake with them to celebrate Mum's birthday.
Off to see The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, quite faithful to the book. MJ and the kids really liked it too. Unlike the book, the film opened with German bombers blitzing London, and the children being evacuated. I have been surprised at the sometimes vitriolic criticism in the UK press about the film because of its Christian overtones. This is an absurd basis for criticism. Is Dante's Divine Comedy usless, because it is overtly Christian? Nonsense. Told Jack that Mum had been in London during the blitz, which he was interested to hear. After dropping the children off at their father's, MJ and I enjoyed a Thai meal. Then some shopping, where I bought her and Anne flowers, and a bargain case to replace the one that had fallen apart on the way to Baltimore. Then I had to pack. Having done this felt quite sad, and spent the remainder of the evening drinking red wine and chatting with MJ.
Busy day getting practical stuff sorted out. Kids squabbling in the car. Had lunch in the incredibly busy restaurant in Walt Whitman mall. Enjoyable evening -- got MJ to read American poetry to me in her American Lady's voice. Jack sitting nearby playing Runescape on the computer and half listening in. Discussing the greatness of Sylvia Plath and the mysteriously good reputation of Robert Creeley. I was underwhelmed by him once in Leamington Spa when I was a student, in an audience swollen by sycophantic lecturers from my University. Talking about poetry made us both want to get down to writing again. Also I have never read much of Emily Dickinson, and she read me a couple of her favourites that I really liked, like this one, which is one of her favourites: There's a certain slant of light Of winter afternoons That oppresses, like the heft Of cathedral tunes. Heavenly hurt it gives us We can find no scar, But internal difference Where meanings are None may teach it anything ...
A beautiful blue sky, and us off into Manhattan. We took the train to Penn Station. The conductor on the train said hello baby to me, by way of asking for my ticket which I rather liked. Disappointingly MJ refused to become jealous. Walked to a subway station which took us to Central Park Zoo, to look at seals, penguins, polar bears, snakes, tropical birds and so on. Liked the strange juxtapositions... Snow monkeys sitting on a rock surrounded by water, with the big buildings of New York City behind. I like central park. Kids really enjoyed the zoo. Went to the zoo cafe afterwards, though Jack went on a brief hungerstrike. Then caught a bus down 5th Avenue to the West Village. 5th Avenue beautifully decorated for Christmas, and we glimpsed the big Christmas Tree outside Rockerfeller Center. Then a walk around MJ's old Manhattan haunts till we went to The White Horse, a very pub-like bar, frequented by Dylan Thomas -- and MJ Tenerelli. Here we ate nice burgers, Jack overcoming his...
Boxing day. Having no servants to give boxes of food and gifts to MJ and me made our own amusement. Had a nice feed in the Greek diner... both of us have overdosed on the Hokey Pokey now. I had a Greek salad, which threw in half the Gross National Product of Greece. We decided to go to the movies, to see a comedy called The Family Stone . Although a bit stupid and very manipulative I think we were both enjoying it, although in some of the touching Christmassy bits, there was some sniffing from the audience. Unfortunately the mother character played by Diane Keaton dies in the movie. This made MJ very sad and glisteny eyed afterwards because she misses her mom. So if you are looking to be cheered by a movie, this may not be the one.
Christmas day for me and MJ with a first cup of coffee at 6:00 am. Soon a bleary-eyed Jack and Kate tore happily into their presents under the Christmas tree. Fun to watch, and as far as I could tell they seemed very content with their Christmas haul. Called Mum and Mase, and also spoke to Anton and Weezer during the day and Johanna Pie finally got through to MJ. MJ gave me an excellent book of Neruda poetry and watercolour pictures. While the perceptive Pies gave me an admirable teeshirt decorated with a chick and a magnet . Very mellow and enjoyable day after the children had been collected by their father. MJ and me had bagels with Mike and Anne, and took the opportunity to go back to bed to catch up on some much needed sleep. In the afternoon off to Lia's house in nearby East Northport. Driving along with MJ I experienced, for the 400th time, the odd contradiction of how normal it feels for me and MJ to be spending Christmas together, and how odd it is that I find myself in Lon...
Much of the morning spent wrapping presents. Loved the name of one of Jack's: Mount Doom Gift Set . Then off to Wendys for a quick burger-based feed. Set off in the afternoon to see Weezer and Troy. Nice drive west into the setting sun till we got into Brooklyn and the traffic dragged. Spoke to Weezer from a traffic jam and worried her by saying we'd got her another cat. Once there we were joined by Kathy Velmar and Keith and their son Mark. Also a neighbour called Rich. Took the opportunity to re-photo Troy too, against his backdrop of paintings. Became acquainted with Neptune, Weezer's new dog. Got into a horrid loop where it kept dropping its drooly pig's ear on me, which I would fling away in disgust, only to have it continually returned. Troy put a muzzle on it at one point, which with its glittering sinister eyes made it look like Hannibal Lecter. Weezer cooked a most excellent beef Wellington with meltingly good beef. We watched Charlie Brown on TV and generally ...
Not much to report today. Feeling very happy to be with MJ again, and had good fun sloping about the place. We sloped off to the Walt Whitman Mall, for example, where MJ chose some nice boots in Macy's as a bit of a Christmas present. Kate off with a sore throat today, but she was largely recovered by the time we had collected Jack from school, brandishing a gingerbread house that he'd made at school. Out locally for pizza slices and ice cream. Was forced to run from the pizza place to the ice cream place as I was challenged to a race by the children. Luckily I won. Being generally delighted with how I am getting on with the children. As far as Kate is concerned I have successfully recovered from the mysterious invisibility I was afflicted with a few visits ago, and she and Jack both chat and play happily with me now.
Getting some practical stuff sorted today -- then more shopping. Spoke to Toby this morning, who is getting ready to shoot down to the sunshine of Cuba on Saturday. Sounds like it's exactly what's needed for him and Romy. Since I have been on the plane I have become strangely charged. I have received half a dozen strong electric shocks a day. Returned to Toys R Us. Found myself in a queue containing children and yelping bastard! as I received yet another painful zap from a gameboy. Somewhat embarrassing, especially for MJ who is forced to accompany a delegate from the British Tourettes Association. Also hunting Tamagotchi for Kate. MJ managed to bag one, despite being told there were none to be had. No idea what they are, but I know one thing: they are elusive. Collected bairns from school and we made off to Commack Multiplex to see King Kong. We all enjoyed it. I'd never seen anything like the wonderful brontosaurus stampede scene before & the best giant ape versus T....
Off to a chilly but picturesque Northport. Another day, another diner: ate a hot bowl of porridge, and then lots more knife and forkwork. MJ ordering a steak for breakfast, something I have never seen in the UK. After this we drifted happily around the Northport shops, including MJ's favourite new age store, where she becomes very happy, sniffing the aromatherapised air and browsing thoughtfully around the divination tools and special stones. Noticed that in the concrete of the pavement nearby someone had written Jesus is God and Jesus is the true Lord , probably to counteract the sinister new age forces nearby. I'm just loving being with MJ again. The simplest things are great fun. Went to the Stop and Shop supermarket, and enjoyed messing with her Virgo head by forbidding her to push the shopping cart. Later, collected the bairns, car chock-full of shopping. Jack had a book of disgusting jokes about snot and poop which he happily shared on the drive home. Then more games. He...
Happy today, but zombie tired. Off with my MJ to the Hokey Pokey for a cheeseburger breakfast, lots off coffee and making plans. Then off to toys r us to investigate presents for the bairns. Then collected the children from school. Home and a couple of hours of playing a video game with Jack. We were lying on the floor piloting Star Wars racer things, and little Genny stood on me and used me as climbing frame until we embarked on various shrieky monster games with Kate and 4 year old Jenny joining in. More diva wars with Kate being Queen of the Mermaids and Genny being Queen of the Dolphins. It transpired that the Queen of the Mermaids had suspicions about the Queen of the Dolphins, and accused her of stealing gameboys. Falsely as it happened as I found it under a chair. Decided to eat out at a little Italian place we'd been to before in Comack. Big food, and as far as the kids were concerned it was an excellent choice being near the big pet store. Spent some time there looking at ...
Finally in Long Island with my MJ. I was woken up in Baltimore, city of crabs, by Mad Dog. I'd been asleep for ten hours. Nice to talk to Bob, and made me feel like I wasn't so far from home. Had been dreaming about my Grandmother for the third time this week. Perhaps she is trying to tell me something. Went downstairs to the bar/breakfast room with 56 (I asked) televisions in it. I was the only guest there to begin with and it was quite surreal having all these giant screens tuned to three different stations. After my "all American" breakfast, worked in my room getting my ducks in a row, and struggling with housekeeping to get my complimentary tea and coffee for the room. Very odd woman in the hotel giftshop -- astonishingly rude, and trembling with rage when I asked her if they did the pink crab t-shirt in children's sizes. It was clean but otherwise a fairly badly run hotel, but it was almost opposite the meeting place. Met the Creative Director from Californi...
Off we go to the States again. Up to Victoria where I popped into the drop in medical centre to get some more antibiotics -- and blagged some emergency anti hysteria pills for the flight. Absolutely no queue and walked straight into see the doctor. Then off to Heathrow, arrived in plenty of time. Got a window seat with legroom too near the wing, which was a distinct improvement. Flight not too bad. No drugs or drink needed. Boredom allowed to leak through the usual existential angst . Watched a stupid film about a 40-year old virgin which nevertheless made me laugh. Find that on planes the only thing I can tolerate is comedies -- and nothing with fiery explosions please. Got chatting to the Spanish stewardess who sat opposite me on landing, I told her about the extraordinary circumstances surrounding my trip and she told me about the delights of Madrid. One of my cases trashed en route. Baltimore airport seemed to be deserted. Nobody at the single information desk. No taxi to be had. ...
Sprang from bed at 9:00pm and had breakfast with Mum and Mase. Mase on loquatious form before even sipping his coffee. A parcel arrived from Toby and Romy containing, among other things, balls of wool for Mum to make her patented free-standing socks. Mum and Mase gave me some presents for Jack, Kate and MJ and I had to shoot off back to Brighton. When I reached Brighton, I spoke to my MJ who was phoning from Weezer's place. We are very excited about seeing each other next week. Meanwhile Neptune, who it transpires is not a New Orleans dog but a rescue dog from Brooklyn, yipped in the background and Weezer talked to it lovingly. Popped up the road to see Anna and Anton and Baby Klauds. Klauds walking about and looking quite grown up with her hair in bunches. Anna gave me some chocolates for Jack and Kate and Klauds looked momentarily traumatised by this, repeating Peter, nock nock , which means Peter Chocolate. Home again and faffing about getting ready, and wishing I could fast for...
Somewhat slow in the head after the office Christmas party last night. Played myself the brainwashing positive thinking tape on the train, and picked up the passport of a surly-looking criminal at Victoria. At work raced the clock all day long. Mystifyingly, there was still more fighty stuff. And for comedy value people were disassembling furniture and desks and IT around me and the Gnome as we worked -- for they are moving the creative department yet again. This time we will have an excellent view of the river. Left work at 8pm with what I feel are three excellent scripts and concept boards. I won't feel like I have my trousers around my ankles and a comedy nose as I present on Monday. Spoke to the French Bloke today, sounding excellent. He said admiringly that Bouncy Max was as hard as nails -- sipping at a little gas and air before popping out the bairn, who is being referred to as Fi, as in Female Infant. Then to see Mum and Mason. Tube trains snailed frustratingly. Finally mad...
At lunchtime to the passport office in Victoria, and was duly processed. Hate those official places and felt concerned that if I'd not completed the form properly, then the trip to the US would be in trouble. As I handed my old passport over, I overheard this from the next booth. Passport man: How did you come to this country? Applicant: I have been in this country six years. Passport man: No...HOW? ..... HOW? By airplane? By boat? By lorry? Applicant: Yes, lorry. Back to work & more mad slogging culminating in the Gnome and me having a long teleconference with the Creative Director in California who seemed very nice. Meanwhile the agency was making merry at the Christmas Party. I decided to show my face and make an early exit. Four hours of talking everyone's head off, and having mine talked off (say one thing for agency types, they like to talk) I arrived home in Brighton at about 12:30. I conceived the idea that fish and chips were to be eaten. There no food to speak o...
Ah. 11:00pm and a glass of wine. Heroically late to work. Having missed the morning train I went into a passport photobooth. Pumped coins into the swine but 20p pieces arbitrarily didn't count as money and were simply swallowed. Now have four identical tooth-grinding Peter Kenny faces. One of which will grace my passport for ten years. Funny how that happens. My last passport always made me look like a Bulgarian dissident. Slunk into work to discover that, overnight, the most excellent Gnome had conceived an idea for the Baltimore job. Perhaps at last he is adapting to life on the surface. This took some of the pressure off me as now we have three good ideas. Spent the rest of the day slogging against the clock on scripts and treatments. Breaking off only to e-moan with Kate, and e-mail my MJ. Random tetchiness in the office today, and this afternoon Mandy flew into a poisonous rage with me about upsetting her forward planning as I forgot to tell her I wouldn't be working on th...
Sluggish start to the day, almost impossible to drag myself from bed. The train left Brighton in low winter sunlight and headed towards a big bank of dark cloud that made me wonder for a moment if the noxious fumes over Southern England had drifted this far south. A team at work produced a concept using the cloud for one of our clients. With any luck, and if the client buys it, it will be quite a hard hitting press advert in the next day or so. My working day was conducted in a daze, and thinking about the third world aids crisis, poverty, war etc for the Baltimore visit. This did not prevent me from breaking off in my pampered office to moan weakly but persitently. The Gnome, however, helped me prioritise and I grew more bearable as the day wore on. Arranged to renew my passport urgently on Thursday. E-moaned to Kate and MJ. Home, yet another Chinese takeaway. No more for a while. And then popped up the hill to pick up a passport application form from the useful and somewhat recovered...