: P

Things are going very well. Boss mates, boss family, beautiful girlfriend. Nearing the end of the Ph.D (The most stressful thing I've ever done in my life and I've still got over half of it to write in less than a year, doesn't bare thinking about) Navy's going well. Life is good. :D

Swings and roundabouts

Last night I went to bed with the world at my feet, and I today I woke up to hear some very bad news. It sort of put things into perspective for me, and reminded me that life is far, far too short.

I feel like I have another year and a half to go before my 'life' can begin. Seventeen years of none stop education sort of takes it out of you, and I've got another year and half to go. I wanted to leave uni in my first year, but persevered. Then again, they say you don't appreciate it until It's over. I understood that when I got my degree, but now I'm sort of back to feeling how I did in my first year. Moreover, I have now been in the Navy for over a year and still have not passed out. I feel I was ready six months ago! Injured for August, September cancelled, roll on October. I do always say look on the bright side, and try to practice what I preach, but sometimes things just take the piss!

I know life's just a lesson but fucking hell I've passed enough tests haven't I? Well come on 'calm down and carry on' only about a year and half, and a few more to go.

I am also once again becoming acutely aware that the nice guy seems to continuously finish last. I'm sick of it. When I acted like a complete and utter prick, who genuinely had little regard for how his actions hurt others, thing's where going so well, when I changed and tried to be nice, I just keep getting hurt. On that point though, I WILL NOT BUDGE! No "Nice guys finish last" is just something dicks say, to justify being dicks. Still, College was a long time ago.

I know I have an amazing family and some brilliant friends, and I have a lot to be grateful for in terms of the John Lennon Memorial Fund, but I did work quite hard to get hold of the latter. I suppose that's an example of the nice guy finishing first, but still, I guess I just feel a bit down. Roll on Sonisphere!

"I wanna be a billionaire so freakin bad"

O.K. a bit misleading, just a really cool song. This is my first blog in a long time, and much has happened. Gone through the motions as we do, but things are good, things are very good. Had an absolutely brilliant day on my birthday with my awesome friends and family, taught my first seminars, learned some really cool tunes on guitar today, in general getting back into music, physically fit again, (after being out with injury), Navy is going well, PhD is coming along very nicely, been asked to give a talk on Liverpool's political history to some tour guides and being paid for it, the blues are playing well, Labour did well in the local elections, and I'm looking forward to a holiday away with pals and Sonisphere festival!! :D

On the note of elections, it seems that every election campaign I get behind, i.e. work for, the candidate wins. I have a 100% record so far. 2010 Joe Benton (elected and increased his majority), Bill Esterson (Won newly created marginal, Tories were favourite), 2011 was behind Maev and Bob's campaigns in the uni election and they both became student officers (Maev became President) and Diane Roberts won Manor ward, (first time Labour has had that seat since 1991) Of course the main work is done by others, I think I may merely be a 'good luck charm' of sorts :P

Anyway in a nutshell, very happy atm and things are looking up, this is very much down to my awesome friends and family. Cheers guys ^_^ KD xxx

'Life's been good to me so far..'

KD is absolutely loving life. I truly believe I am one of the luckiest little bastards in the UK atm. Officially a Royal Naval Reservist, an Aim higher Associate (one of the last), and of course doing this ridiculously amazing topic for my FUNDED! Phd. I have heard quite a few times 'that sounds like an awesome topic' or 'I wish I had done something like that'. Love it!! Also having the best family in the world is a real fucking bonus. As is irreplaceable friends, to say I love you guys would be an understatement. Of course the 'Monday Crew' has departed, but upon graduation my Dad told me to talk to people as if it was the last time I would see them, as people always seem to go their own ways. In fact, I have met and spoke to all of them subsequently and this kid like jubilation runs through my body when I see them. You made University for me people, and I adore you for it.

I am also currently somewhat of a media darling. Having featured in the Liverpool Echo, Daily Post, Daily Star and been on Granada Reports, BBC North West Tonight and now the One Show! we are getting noticed for leading the way against this evil lib-con coalition. They make me sick! Anyway, not to put a dampener on things, I also received some lovely and kind words from various students and lecturers calling me the expert and soon to be authority on my topic. Music is also going very well, my writers spark has come back. To reaffirm I love life.

Only wish the Everton boys would pull their sock up :?

Progress..

Another 40 minute run achieved and 22 more pages read; slowly but surely I am making progress. I am combating the stress of having things to do, by (ow yes) actually doing them. Sort of endorsing the dreaded target system (but self imposed realistic, yet demanding targets) which are ensuring progress. I have many things which I want to achieve and much to do in order to achieve them. A sufferer of Dylexia and Dyspraxia reading is by no means fun but I am trying to make it so. I am currently reading a book that makes the study of Philosophy seem a recreational hobby. The hardest thing is starting and if I get the most difficult stuff out of the way first everything else will be like a walk in the park... that is what I am telling myself whilst I struggle on a daily basis to get through the monotonous debris that is "Democracy & Sectarianism a political and social history of Liverpool 1868-1939". I shall however muddle through. The bullet has been bitten and I am committed to spending yet another 3 years of my life to academia.. not only that I am also considering studying an MA in Philosophy too.. I may be mad.

To add to stress, work experience is taking too long to come through (you offer your time and technicalities get in the way), I too have become Student Rep for Politics Research Students and have a Senate election to prepare for. Add to the equation demands of the RNR, Labour stuff, Juditsu, 5-a side, Duke of Edinburgh Gold, Guitar, family commitments and soon, work as a youth mentor I am a very busy bunny. So much so that my one true recreational pass time facebook has become a chore. Alas, I am even finding it difficult to make time for friends and for FF7!!. Yet, I am committed and will struggle through. I am making progress and all this hard work will pay off, and indeed, it will all be worth it :D

"It's all Good!"

Iv'e just came in and made myself a lovely cup of tea after my first 42 minute run :D ... I intend to do one 40 minute run now every week for the majority of the rest of my life. I had two 3 minute breaks today so the total time was 48 minutes. Surprisingly, I still have energy left to sort my room (after food and shower), and to write this blog.

Soooo What has been going on in the world of KD over the last Month and and 10 days? Well much stress followed by much stress relief. A Lack of finance and job sucked ass especially when I reached my lowest point and had to sell my Leeds ticket (although V Festival Rocked! and thank you Claire for providing resources to go if you are reading). Now however things are really starting to shape up :P

Having been awarded the prestigious John Lennon Memorial Scholarship (one of 3 people granted the honour), not even being denied credit to buy a new guitar can get me down too much as by the end of November I shall hopefully never be skint again (giving Nan my cash card to insure this lol). It gives me faith that Karma works. I now do not have to worry about my tuition fees, nor too much about living expenses. I can concentrate on my extra curricular activities that will give me much more experience than working part time so yey!

With an awesome family and some of the best mates in the world.. as well as the fact I'm going to meet Phsyco-pat and watch Everton kick Newcastle's ass tomorrow, what is there not to be happy about please? In the words of the McCaine's advert; "It's all Good!"

Keep it D!

In eager anticipation..

I am sitting in Sunny-less Carmarthenshire, watching Cardiff getting beat my Sheffield UTD. I am missing my lovely, but I am anticipating her return and indeed my return to Liverpool. My obsession with my City is growing as the literature is helping expand my mind. Merseyside is the centre of the Universe and Scousers are, (as my Nan put's it) the 'salt of the earth!'.

Although somewhat dissapointed at my absence from Sonisphere, I am in eager anticipation at seeing Blink, Limp Bizkit, Paramore, You me at Six etc at Leeds Fest. I am also looking forward to starting my PhD, my lil date, away matches, and even finding a decent Job. (No Mrs Jobcentre plus lady, I will not accept the shitty jobs you find for me and will forward half assed applications highlighting my worse qualities, thus will find a job I will enjoy). I am also looking forward to gaining teaching experience in KGV. Yes everything remains to be rosey. I g2g Food has arrived :D

Keep it D!!