A-Z Challenge 2015 theme reveal

The A-Z of what's wrong with me? (that neat little rhyme doesn't even work in Australia because we say 'zed' not 'zee') On the Switchfoot album Hello Hurricane, they have a track called Mess of Me. Thinking of this song tempts me greatly, in light of very recent events, to really have a crack at the A-Z of what's wrong with me. For sure I have at least 26 faults, probably more depending on who you talk to.

However, I am going to go with my original idea which was based on the first book I ever wrote: a collection of essays titled What's Your Problem? In it, I basically had a very well organized and eloquent whinge about a nice collection of annoyances in my life. It was meant to be humourous, and it contained a stunning array of fascinating trivia. It was never published because the handful of publishers I sent it to, quote 'did not get it'. Whatever.

So that's what I am going to be blogging about in April. Things that bother me, like being made to sit upright and ride backwards in an ambulance to the hospital, when I was already feeling really sick.

I hope I hit 26 winners, and connect with all my readers. I hope everyone 'gets it.' There will be many who won't and that's okay because many people do not get me. That's why I named my blog, Square Pegs.
Please join me.

Recently Read

Playing It My Way: My Autobiography by Sachin Tendulkar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sachin Tendulkar is arguably one of the greatest batsmen of all time. In my view he is the greatest. This game of cricket which I love generates more statistics than any other, and Tendulkar's record speaks for itself. Even the fact that he played cricket for his country for 24 years, having debuted aged only 16, says volumes about the man and his character. I loved watching Tendulkar bat and so it was with great excitement that I received and then began to read his autobiography.

I now measure all sports biographies against Bill Woods' El Magic which I thought was wonderfully written, Playing it My Way did not stack up in comparison. However, it was well written, easy to read and full of amazing behind the scenes insights into the private life of this sporting genius. It contained some fascinating commentary on the great matches, series and players of Tendulkar's era.I was particularly interested in what he thought of the Australians he played against.

For cricket fans, there is also quite a bit said about technical aspects of batting, and to a lesser extent bowling, which I also enjoyed very much.For sporting fans and for fans of biography, the clash between his professional life and his family life will be of interest.

Playing it my Way is a good read, not a great read.


View all my reviews

A Much Maligned Skill

Procrastination is a much maligned skill. Today is Friday and it is my designated writing day. I am engaged in paid employment Monday to Thursday, so Friday is the day I can sit and bang away at the keys on my laptop.

I have a W.I.P. called Lovesick which is 34 chapters old (first draft). It will be my fifth novel. I could have used the last two hours to add to those 34 chapters, but I have found other more important things to do.

Music is an important accompaniment to my writing so firstly I had to find a CD to put on. Whilst at the bookcase I noticed the recently purchased, and as yet unopened box set of Star Trek: The Original series. Very tempting. (I chose to listen to Ixnay on the Hombre by Offspring by the way) A pile of unwashed dishes begged my attention,as did a laundry basket overflowing with dirty clothes. I needed a cup of tea, and there were bills to pay. I love online banking: so convenient. There was a moment of consternation as I noticed a balance transfer to an interest free credit card had not occurred two weeks after I activated the account. This necessitated a phone call to the bank. I had to turn off my music because the 'on hold' music was very loud, and actually pretty good. 

I sent a message to my son asking him to call me, then logged on to Twitter which I haven't done for ages. I always post to Facebook and it automatically feeds to Twitter, but now I have temporarily deactivated my Facebook account so I will tweet directly.

Breakfast seems like ages past, so I've just made myself a cup of tea and grabbed a couple of Double Choc Tim Tams from the fridge. I love Tim Tims. Now, with Lamb of God's Wrath playing on the CD player, I am ready to write, but before I do that I think I'll have another Tim Tam, and wait...I hear the washing machine beeping to tell me the load is finished. I have to go out at 1pm, and I'll need to eat some lunch before I go. Do you see how skillfully I procrastinate?

How do you like to waste time?

Photo source:
http://timemanagementninja.com/2013/02/29-ways-youre-wasting-time-today/

A Bad Example

Whether we like it or not, sometimes other people are watching us. Our words and deeds are being observed and judged. There is a particular need for parents to be aware of the example they are setting for their children. They are more likely to follow the model of behaviour we set rather than obey what we tell them. Confusion arises where there is a disconnect between what we say and what we do. Of course, no one is perfect but that fact does not make the need for caution redundant.

Matchstick Men starring Nicolas Cage was a surprisingly good film, one of his better efforts in my opinion. In the movie he plays a neurotic con man named Roy who is reunited with his long absent 14 year old daughter. Roy struggles to figure out how to be a dad, but before long the relationship between father and daughter blossoms. When he confesses to her what he does for a living, she begs to be taught a trick or two, and despite his initial reluctance, he takes her into his confidence and they work a couple of jobs together.

Roy is asked by his shrink how he feels about introducing his daughter to a life of crime, and eventually he answers that he is both proud and excited. Later, when she asks if she can stay with him on a regular basis, Roy decides to go straight because he realizes that he should set a better example for her.

If you've seen the film, you know the stunning twist in this tale. If you haven't, check it out. And have a think, as I did, about what kind of example you are setting for your children.