Tag: university

1996, Letters from J, Letters to S, Our Troublesome Father

Everyone does the same thing – Uni, job, travel. And they all think they’re free spirits, with a novel inside them.

Thursday, 12 September 1996  5:03pm Hi S, It’s after five.  I’m in a proofing coma.  I’ve proof-read absolutely stacks today.  And I’ve drunk far too much coffee.  You know how you get that skittish sort of feeling in your legs, and you can feel all the muscles in your scalp.  And now I’m just glum.  Weary. Got your letter.  You know you shouldn’t make offers … Continue reading Everyone does the same thing – Uni, job, travel. And they all think they’re free spirits, with a novel inside them.

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1996, Letters from J, Letters to S

Maybe I’ll just skip the University course and make myself homeless now.

Wednesday, 5 June 1996  8:35am Hey S, Had that lunch with our Father yesterday.  Depressing affair, all told.  Basically, these ideas of going back to Uni are shot, they really are.  It’s the people I work with, they’re always going on and on and on about how crap it is here, so I guess I’m conditioned to think that.  Then they all go on about … Continue reading Maybe I’ll just skip the University course and make myself homeless now.

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1996, Letters from J, Letters to S, Our Troublesome Father

I could go to Uni, pass, get a great job and then get struck by lightning. It’s all very risky, isn’t it?

  Friday, 31 May 1996  8:30am Dear S, Went and saw a film last night.  It was Kenneth Brannagh’s Midwinter’s Tale.  It was OK.  A bit predictable in places, a bit cliched, but at least Kenneth managed to keep his fat head off the screen for once.  Decided while sipping a coffee in Cafe Ritz (an embarrassing sort of place, on the corner of Exhibition … Continue reading I could go to Uni, pass, get a great job and then get struck by lightning. It’s all very risky, isn’t it?

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1996, Letters from J, Letters to S

Men with jowls don’t dance. 

Friday, 10 May 1996  8:35am It’s a New Age for J, Sis.  I had a bit of a revelation last night.  I was shaving after a bath to soothe away the rigours of the day, and I noticed something in my face I’d never spied before.  I’m getting jowls.  I’ve put on weight, and I’m getting jowls.  They’re embryonic jowls to be sure, but the … Continue reading Men with jowls don’t dance. 

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1996, Letters from J, Letters to S

It’s a curly one, isn’t it?

Tuesday, 30 April 1996  8:50am Oh God, This time it’s for real Sis.  I have to decide on a career.  I’m going to be twenty-fucking-four in a few months, and I’m still bumbling along in this job I stumbled into.  This job which is going to lead nowhere.  What brought on this fit of fear I hear you ask?  I went over and visited Leah … Continue reading It’s a curly one, isn’t it?

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1995, Letters from J, Letters to S

I think I might have peaked as far as socializing goes.

Wednesday, 30 August 1995 9:23am Great start to the morning, Sis.  I get in to work and there’s an invitation to a party on my desk.  Lisa (one of the other Editors here) is having a house-cooling (as opposed to house-warming party.”)  And – dammit! – they’ve given me too much notice to have a bogus excuse – “Oh sorry, the second of September?  I’ve … Continue reading I think I might have peaked as far as socializing goes.

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1995, Letters from J, Letters to S

I’m planning, conniving, choreographing a delicately balanced ballet of politics, greed and manipulation. I’m trying to get a pay rise you see.

Tuesday, 8 August 1995 1:27pm Wheeeeeeeeee.  I’m feeling all light-headed from champagne, courtesy of Cav.  He and his Dad, Jeremy and I just downed a bottle in the tea room.  Some cafe gave it to Cav at Christmas for being a regular customer.  It was nice, I’m no champagne connoisseur, but it was light and tangy.  It’s Cav’s farewell proper tonight.  Drinks at “Klicks” then … Continue reading I’m planning, conniving, choreographing a delicately balanced ballet of politics, greed and manipulation. I’m trying to get a pay rise you see.

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1995, Letters from J, Letters to S

Drunken shenanigans and shining, blinding, beautiful optimism.

Monday, 7 August 1995 10:32am Hey Sis, new week, riding it in a good mood, it’s lasted all day so far. It’s lasted the weekend as a matter of fact. Friday night was drinks at “Klicks”, the first under the new non-smoking rule.  The place was nearly deserted.  I didn’t mind, it’s not like I ever socialize with any of the tower-block automatons anyway, just … Continue reading Drunken shenanigans and shining, blinding, beautiful optimism.

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1995, Letters from J, Letters to S

My backup plan: become a surfer-bum, cruising the coast with a car-full of defactoes and kids on welfare or perhaps start a pirate whaling operation off the coast of Indonesia.

Tuesday, 25 July 1997 9:11am S, Well you know I’m in a better mood this morning missy.  I’se be ridin’ that caffeine wave of goodness, surgin’ up and carryin’ me forth inta the day. Yessa.  Sorry, can’t help writing in South Carolina-speak, I’m in a good mood, and I’ve been reading the second story in that Kerouac book I bought. It’s called “Pic” and it’s … Continue reading My backup plan: become a surfer-bum, cruising the coast with a car-full of defactoes and kids on welfare or perhaps start a pirate whaling operation off the coast of Indonesia.

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1995, J's Diary Entries, Our Troublesome Father

Fucking politicians – we’re left with the cinders of their excuses.

J’s Diary Entries Sun 29 Jan 1995 Relaxing day (eventually), alternating watching videos and reading. I finished off the Nikolai Gogol novel “Dead Souls” (finally). I also started and finished a collection of Joseph Conrad’s shorter stories and novels including the one that “Apocalypse Now” was based on, “Heart of Darkness” It’s pretty good, Joseph Conrad’s an interesting guy. Born in Poland, spent his life … Continue reading Fucking politicians – we’re left with the cinders of their excuses.

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