deanharkness

Bone Idle.

2008-06-29T11:39:39Z

Blog! blog? bloggy-bloggy; blog... blog:

The repeat of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue has just come on the radio. It's an episode from 2000 I think and the current series of classic episodes is on as Humphrey Littleton died a couple of weeks ago. I think he was 87.

And it's got me thinking, as have a couple of videos on YouTube, about work and people's relationship with their employment. When people talk about their attitudes to work they mean employment. We are by nature a working animal. We have the ability to appreciate the option of laying around in the sun eating food that drops from the trees and is just lying there waiting to be picked up. That goes back to our early days of evolution - we evolved in regions of abundance and good climate. However we are also naturally inquisitive and inventive and creative as well as destructive, probably. And some will be more driven than others.

Work is not necessarily employment, and employment is not necessarily work although it will always feel like it is.

As someone who has spent most of my life doing what I want, or at least not in full time employment I sometimes miss having actual work to do. One atrophies if not motivated by something and sometime employment can be a good provider of motivation; Stimulation to mind and body. I still choose not to do it for the most part and try to maintain my own sense of motivation. But I don't get as much done as I could.

Which brings me back to Humphrey Littleton. He was someone who worked his whole life, who had a full and varied life, much of which was difficult. He never stopped and was performing and hosting shows up to the point of his death. He was vibrant and talented and gifted and very much loved, and he was by all accounts and extremely kind and considerate human being. All of which was achieved by a healthy work ethic. Something I don't have and don't even see as a necessity and yet admire so much in others. So my attitudes, if no-one else's (Here I refer to other people who think they don't want to work) to work / employment are confused to say the least.

Have spent the past couple of weeks flitting from one thing to another and not achieving a great deal. Have got some design work done and Clair's website and have put some stuff on ebay and sold a few more Gia's. Spending this weekend doing DIY at Mum and Clair's - nearly all of which is in the garden, and it's nice weather at the moment, so it's a good excuse to be out.

Maybe I'll just have another coffee first....

Friends, family, design, car-booting

2008-05-30T14:08:08Z

It's been a fairly constructive week so far: Got my sis set up with a website (http://www.clairleech.com) and built a basic page and got it uploaded - will develop it as time goes. She wants to get into make-up artistry and just completed a short course in it. After that I designed a cover for a book called Cone Zero. I wasn't given any more information than the title, so it's turned out to be a very simple design with, not surprisingly, a cone and a zero on it.

Saw Josephine and Jake Tuesday and popped into town with them briefly (Nathanael has gone back to Saudi for the tear-down). They were back the next morning and we went to the car boot sale down the road at Arming Hall. Got several flowering perennials for the back yard - it'll be nice to have some colour and scent out there. Got a nice little hand axe with a 'wood splitter' shaped head and wooden handle - have been layering it with linseed over the past couple of days. I love oiling wood! The axe cost 50p - I love car-booting too! Bumped into Chris and Louise, there with their two boys - everybody was very smiley as the sun was out and there are bargains to be had. Have been meaning to go and see Chris at his bike shop lately - need a new back light - will do it soon.

Saw Felix about a week ago - back from Saudi and looking fit as fuck and full of the joys of life. Heard from Jo that he hasn't gone back to Saudi with Nat but is staying here to do another course for a licence to drive cranes and large vehicles etc. He had some good stories about Saudi and even got stuck there for ten days as his visa needed renewing. He gave me a note worth about thirteen pence with which you could buy half a litre of water or four litres of petrol!

Have very briefly seen both Darren and Lee this week.

I used to see Nathanael, Jo, Jake and Felix almost daily; now it's a few times a year; I wondered how long it would take to really miss them. Now I know. As for all the others: I miss some of them so much it hurts. But that's life. Over

and out.

Anxiety shopping, Sean Bedlam, suicide.

2008-05-21T14:37:49Z

Haven't felt like blogging much lately - feeling rather flat. Anxiety nipping at my heels, the fucker! Instead of making a concerted effort to find more clients and more work, I've been avoiding pretty much everything. -- Not working, not cooking, not socialising, just mooching about town and occasionally bumping into someone I know. Today I saw Jane, who is thoroughly adorable, so it's a shame that I am just not the type to do a damn thing about it -- though I do like the emotional and psychological sense of freedom it gives, I suppose. When I got home at lunchtime-ish I noted down some thoughts for an idea me and Jane had a little while ago for a book on migraines as we both suffer from very bad headaches. The idea is for something light-hearted and with illustrations of course. Saw Marie in town too and stopped for a little chat - we both were wondering if John passed his driving test or not. She also told me about the local artist, who I vaguely knew, and who walked into the sea a couple of days ago. Shit happens huh, but not for her anymore.

Have been spending too much money lately. New laptop, camera, digi radio and a few other things too. I can justify it as I needed to upgrade anyway, but mainly it's just been an excuse to get out of the house.

Got a reply to a response I posted on one of Sean Bedlam's videos that are now accessible on Myspace. He's my favourite YouTubian and net blogger. Have been watching him for a couple of years or more and leave an occassional response - was sure nice getting a reply though - God, I'm becoming a net groupie!

Saw PJ a couple of days ago and had a cuppa and a mardle for a couple of hours. He's now a well built lump doing steel erecting and road laying -- and to think it only seems like yesterday that he was an angelic little cherub with blonde curls! He managed to flip his motorbike a couple of weeks back pulling a wheelie while going up Queen's Road in the middle of the afternoon! Crazy boy! It was great to hear all his stories about all the countries he's been to on holidays, which just confirmed, if confirmation were needed, that I must travel in the not too distant future.

Summer!!!!!

2008-05-07T15:41:19Z

It's been a gloriously sunny day. We've had nearly a week of it so far - could it be that Summer has arrived!

Sat by the river at the Cock pub this morning, as I had gone to get more herculite, but the shop has gone and is now a mechanics place. Spent most of the afternoon shifting a flower bed to a new position and making a little seating area that will catch some afternoon sun. Guess I'll get some flowering annuals soon for the beds and hanging baskets. Felt good to get dirty and exert some energy. I need physical exercise!

Sold the painting I made for Santana Morning, and the Gaea figurines are still selling on E-bay - will soon have my positive feedback rating of 10, though I don't know what difference it makes. Another Gaea is going to the US, which is good as I tend to make a little more on those because of p+p.

Took the design for Bi's into Brambles and they loved it and are going to show it to their rep. I've tweaked it a bit more since then so will take the new one in soon, and will get it together to make the 'old dyke' one soon too - may use mother as the model, but will have to see how she reacts to the idea, or try to resist telling her what it's for.

Saw Mara yesterday and got the bus out to her place in Aylsham - God it was gruelling. She doesn't know what she's doing and is attracting the worst kind of people. The sort of tossers that offer her 2CB, 2CI or some other hideous drug that will fuck your head permanently. She is just too easily lead. It's such a shame as she has a heart of pure gold and would do absolutely anything for absolutely anyone without exception. The world doesn't deserve her!

Was going to go to Allen Ashley's 50th birthday bash in Islington this coming Saturday but have decided to give it a miss after all. I want to go to places with less people not more. Don't think I'd enjoy London right now.

Appointment for contact lens trial tomorrow.

The Sea, the sea, the sea!

2008-05-02T21:21:02Z

Finally got that train to the coast today. Went to Cromer and just looked at the sea and walked along the beach - did about 10 miles or so! Took a load of pictures, had a bite to eat and as I walked back to get the train it was pulling into the station - perfect timing! Got back into Norwich around eight-ish and went for a pint in my local and got chips on the way home. Totally fucking exhausted but thankful. Spoke to Mum and Clair on the phone for a bit and now gonna watch some tv before bed.

Off to Allen Ashley's 50th birthday bash in London next Saturday. They going to be having poetry reading and music and all sorts. Will do me good to get away again. It's being held between the very respectful times of 2pm to 7pm - how civilised. Was prompted in an email today to RSVP by his wife, Sarah, who I haven't met, and I thought that was really nice of her and helped me make the decision to go.

Went to the gallery preview last night which was okay, but I did go off for a bit to have a drink in an old drinking haunt- which used to be rough as fuck but which they are trying to raise the tone of, unsuccessfully in my opinion. Thank God!

Voted for the Green Party yesterday and discovered that my very old and close friend, Martine was the candidate. They got in! Shit!

Red carpet etc.

2008-05-01T11:58:45Z

Last night's Norwich premiere of Mister Lonely at Cinema City was excellent. Melita had really gone for it and when I arrived all the pretty people were getting their pictures taken with the actress. It was nice to meet her - she's a real honey and very sweet. The film is quirky and off the wall and while it's very slow I enjoyed it thoroughly. It has a great cast. Some of the audience needed a smack upside the head - rude and unappreciative of the event, or maybe just young. Didn't feel like hanging around after so just headed home.

Will probably go to Horace Blue's tonight as there is a private view of work by Simon Carter and Emily Cole. Hopefully I'll be in more of a mood for it, and it's another excuse to wear the new jacket I bought.

Am profoundly unmotivated as far as painting goes at the moment - I think the need to get away is getting beyond of the point of necessity!

Missed my appointment for a trial with contacts lenses this morning. Re-booked it for next Thursday.

Kalli's 21st and a Red Carpet

2008-04-29T16:46:00Z

Kalli's 21st birthday party, Saturday just gone, was even better than I was expecting. Made contact with some old friends, didn't get completely hammered and left at midnight before it all went downhill, well for me anyways. Kalli loved her present, a sparkly, dangley, purse thing for a mobile, and her card, which made my day. There's nothing better than impressing nieces and nephews. Got drunk enough to inhale helium though!

Got my VIP tickets for Melita Morgan's movie premiere tomorrow night, so had to go into town today to find something to wear. Thought of hiring a DJ but found a jacket in the end in the local reject shop. It's a cashmere Pringle that should've been £400 and which I got for £70. Sorted! Was dreading trying to find something, as it's not what I'm used to doing given that I've never spent more than a tenner of a pair of jeans and have spent decades getting most of my clothes from charity shops and out of skips, and by telling friends to never throw anything out until I've had first refusal. May go and get shoes tomorrow.

Got new glasses a couple of days ago - it was a revelation! Trial for contacts this Thursday.

Should have Soother's Boy finished this week. Am now painting in the middle room, but the light is crap in every room!

People, stuff, being wired.

2008-04-25T17:38:49Z

For the past several days I have felt really quite wired, as though someone spiked my coffee with speed! It can't just be the coffee can it? Something's going on!

Went into town today and picked up two books from Andrew. Santana Morning looks good - better than the actual painting! Got a cheque for £100, which felt great. Andrew Humphrey was there as well which made the meeting doubly good. While in town I bumped into John Abbott who was about to go for his driving test. Bumped into Darren Hare too, who I haven't seen for months. And met up with Jake and Jo too, who I also haven't seen for ages - it was great to see them; Nathanael and Felix are currently in Saudi Arabia. Will go out and see Jo at the boat near Ely soon.

Took some pictures of the cathedral and actually walked the labyrinth at last! Which is actually only a two dimensional maze, but still good. I'm pretty sure that other people seeing me do it made them do it too. I've never seen anyone walking before. Came home exhausted from all the walking and talking and the general feeling of being wired.

Heard of another audition, this time for The Buddy Holly Story, which will tour Ireland. Did CV and photos but haven't posted them yet. I mean, what if they call me?!

Going to see James and Lee later tonight - hope it doesn't rain! And it's Kalli's 21st tomorrow night.

Can I stop now? How do people with jobs and children do it? No, really, how?

The city was full of the most beautiful women everywhere I looked. I could shag them all. Or probably none. Hey-ho.

Home-life and the Internet

2008-04-23T13:15:44Z

Didn't need to make a fire yesterday - feels like it's been months since that was the case. Spent some time in the back yard and made flapjacks in the afternoon. Ate way too many! Spent this morning getting out the garden furniture and clearing and potting etc. Nearly got a train to the coast but decided against it for today, so just went to the post office, to post a couple of Gaeas, and took some pictures in the local church-yard. The Gaea figurines actually made a reasonable profit this time. Someone from the U.S. bought one!

Heard from Melita on MySpace and the premiere is going ahead at Norwich's Cinema City, so that's something to look forward to. Am making some good friends on MySpace and have actually started to make contact with old friends and family too.

Will make some more casts this afternoon. Really better get on with Soother's Boy. Really, really, really!

the city, birthdays, eyes and work

2008-04-21T16:39:21Z

Went into town today and got birthday cards for Iain and Kalli. Kalli will be 21 this Friday - I remember the night she was born and taking care of her when she was little. How the time passes! I got her a dyke specific card and in the process discovered that Brambles didn't have any bi specific cards, so may have a go at designing one, probably making a play on the word 'bi'. Can't help thinking that the line 'you can't teach an old dyke new licks' could be used somehow in a design, maybe an old woman sticking her tongue out with a cherry stalk tied in a knot on it. Then the line could be 'and they say you can't.... etc.

Have been casting green men and gaeas this afternoon and still not finishing the Soother's Boy painting.

Had thoughts of wanting to move out of the city again this weekend. I love this flat, just not where it is. Or so I think, and then I change my mind completely. I want the isolation of the country with all the convenience of the city.

Ordered new glasses last week £150! And booked an appointment for a go with contacts this Thursday. I hate the deterioration of my sight, though try to be accepting of it. It's just that I notice it more and more, almost daily, and hate the thought that it could impact on my work at some point. Best not to worry I guess.

There have been a lot of birthdays this month - about eight at a guess, and yet other months don't seem to have any. Weird!

Abscess and Tragic comedy actors

2008-04-20T14:12:31Z

Just before Christmas I got an abscess. Couldn't get a dentist and after a week of pain killers I booked an appointment at an emergency dentists. Was given a few options and went for having it pulled. I could've got myself some Merc. Sol which I am sure would've cleared it up straight away but it never even entered my head. So on some level I wanted this mutilation and now my tongue won't let me forget just how dumb I can be.

Have watched the dramas produced by the BBC and based on the lives of Tony Hancock, Kenneth Williams, Steptoe and Son, and Franky Howard. I thought they were all brilliant, particularly the Hancock and Williams ones. Such tragic figures - very moving.

Random gibberish

2008-04-16T17:02:57Z

Tried selling on ebay some casts of the Gaia figurine I made. The first one made a loss of 84 pence, the second made a profit of a bout a fiver, and the third didn't sell at all. Will see if I can develop anything from this and maybe sell some drawings there too if I can.

Have been avoiding working on Soother's Boy very successfully. The deadline has been and gone but it just needs a couple more days work.

Bought a new camera last week for £350! I think that might be the most I have ever spent on myself.

The weather is improving and today was glorious except for the downpour I got caught in. And then some complete cunt soaked me head to foot by driving through a puddle. I fuckin' hate cars! Except when I want a lift somewhere, of course. Grrrr!

Mum had a bit of a gathering at hers last Saturday and it was fun even though I wasn't particularly in the mood for it. Sometimes I wish I wanted to join in more, and sometimes I think I've forgotten how to enjoy myself. Life throws some funny old shit at ya. Iain was there and he actually spoke to me - in a nice way. He was in a good mood and drunk, but hey, whatever it takes.

Acting and Get Togethers

2008-04-10T14:55:48Z

Spent some of today taking pictures of myself that I can send out with CV's when applying for auditions. Saw a great opportunity the other day to be in a play that would be on at the Roundhouse in London and then go to Edinburgh for the festival. If I'm serious I would have to get a move on. It's a new version of an old play: Foreskins Lament. God it would be fun! It requires nude scenes - hoorah!

Have dabbed at the painting today and hope to get some more done by tonight. Popped out for a bit of shopping and bumped into Phill in Sainsbury's. He has turned being a loveable rogue into an art form - it was great to see him. He is currently doing up Russell and Sue's house, so they can sell it as they have decided to stay in New Zealand. I wonder when Rory's coming back?

Having a big get together at Mum's this Saturday - all the family will be there. And Kalli is having her 21st in a couple of weeks.

The weather is being as schizophrenic as ever.

Mid-life crisis much?

2008-04-06T16:31:16Z

Between hail showers, it's a gloriously sunny day. Popped to Sainsbury's and to Clair's on the way there and back. Clair has started an eight week, one to one course in professional make-up. I really hope this works out for her as she's had enough of being an orthodontist's assistant for some time. It was inspiring to hear that she's doing this and, as she reminded me, she's sticking at her driving tests too. Something I so should do! Thought of going to see Mum too but came straight home instead and gave her a call. She's retired now, so I can go see her anytime! She seems to be taking to it quite well.

I've been thinking more and more about acting over the past year or so, and have now started to apply for auditions and get some kind of CV together. It's been a long time and I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing, but in many ways this year, I feel the need for a fundamental change in who I am, or at least how I am. Is this a healthy sign? I hope so.

The painting for Soother's Boy is going ok but I'm taking too long about it as usual. The rest of the design for it is nice too - using some of the pictures I took at the cathedral a week or so ago. Keep meaning to start another painting that I've an idea for: nude self portrait with ridiculously long penis, say about forty feet or so, that snakes all around the picture making swirls and patterns etc. Really have got to do it!

Stir-crazy but painting

2008-03-27T17:07:12Z

Am going a little stir crazy again. Have been in for days, or even weeks, with little more than the occasional trip to the local shops. Had a quiet Easter at home working on the design for Soother's Boy, which is going quite well. Am working on an acrylic painting of a boy's hand resting against fur, which will be the main image in the foreground, but have some decisions to make about what to put around it. It is already giving me a taste for painting again, which is a good sign. And acrylics are so much easier to work with than oils, especially in a confined area.

Have upgraded the computer's RAM which should make the design work easier. Treated myself to a new wireless mouse and keyboard too, neither or which work perfectly but are a slight improvement.

Saw Felix and Martin last week but other than that it's been pretty quiet. Have seen Lee a couple of times over the past couple of weeks but not James, who I shall visit soon I think.

Beautiful sunny day today and I was itching to get out in it but couldn't think of anywhere to wander really so just did some sawing and chopping in the back yard. Spring is definitely in the air and has been for a while, even though we've just had snow! Only lasted a couple of days though, thank God!

Pillows and a hair cut

2008-03-15T11:53:09Z

At the ripe old age of 41 years I discovered pillows! I've never used them before, not since I was a small child anyway, but it's been nearly two weeks and I think I've slept better every night! Maybe it will help with my headaches - we'll see.

Last night I got a proper haircut, which is the first time in about 25 years; usually I just get the beard trimmers out every 18 months or so. Felt like a real treat getting it cut by Claire Hare, and feels nice today to have short, neat hair instead of the usual birds nest that rests on top of my head.

Must, must, must come up with something for Soother's Boy soon!

virtual friends virtually family

2008-03-12T21:44:29Z

Went into town today and took some pictures at the cathedral (the old one). Took pencils and paper too but didn't do any sketching. They've done quite a bit of work to the old place, adding a very modern looking café and shop. Will go back to sketch soon.

Kieran is 14 today, so went round to Clair's tonight and had dinner with them, which was unplanned so extra nice. Got Kieran a Diablo and he seemed really pleased with it and that made my day.

Saw James and Lee too, earlier.

On my way into town I saw Jane. I reckon most people think me and Jane would be well suited, not least of all, me and Jane! There is such an attraction there but neither of us appear to be prepared to do anything about it. What a fool I am!

Ten minutes later I saw Stu and Sophie. Two of my closest friends who have hurt me somewhat by their lack of effort, as far as staying in touch goes. They had their new baby with them and said they were hoping to go back to Portugal next week. Maybe I'll go and see them there in a few months. Could combine this trip with a visit to Maria, a delightful woman I talk to on MySpace. And I'm hoping to visit Michelle in Oregon, another MySpace friend, and maybe even Ada in Iceland would be up for a visit too.

Have decided that I may well go round the world this year. And about bloody time! At the end of such a trip I would be somewhere, both literally and metaphorically, that is inconceivable at the beginning, and that's what appeals.

Kieran's birthday!

2008-03-12T11:07:52Z

Well I was going to go sketching in the cathedral but it's a blustery old day, so might leave it for a day or two unless it looks like it's not going to chuck it down later.

Mind me, I do have to get something for my Nephew's birthday today. Hmmm, maybe I'll have to brave the outside!

Theatre, retirement and Soother's Boy

2008-03-11T13:52:09Z

Had a great night at the theatre weekend before last. Went to see Hobson's Choice with Mum, Dru and Anne. We had a meal in the new restaurant first and order drinks for the interval, which meant no clammering for the bar to rush something down the neck. Hadn't met Anne before and was quite impressed with her attitude to life - she's nearly 80 years old and embraces life as much as she can. She's off to Nepal in a week or two, and from what I can gather is always off to somewhere new or fun or exotic. She makes a good example of how to live.

Could've gone to the book launch of Andrew Humphrey's book at Jeurnet's afterwards but we decided it was maybe too late to be worth turning up, so we all went to our homes.

Mum officially retired on the same night!

Finished reading Soother's Boy yesterday, so must get on with some ideas for the cover now, before the deadline gets even closer than it is already! Only got the first 14 chapters which has definitely got me hooked, but I'll have to wait, I guess, for it to be printed before I can find out what happens next, although I might ask Andrew Hook if he's got any more I can read. Better just get on with it though.

Earthquake !?

2008-02-27T15:36:57Z

So, in the middle of the night, there was this rumbling sound and the house shuddered slightly. I thought it sounded a bit loud and felt a bit strong for the trains that I occasionally notice shunting off from a few hundred meters away. But I merely grumbled in my state of semi-conciousness, rolled over and went back to sleep. The event passed by almost unnoticed.

Now I thought that this happened the night before last, which would've been Monday night / Tuesday morning, but all the reports seem to suggest that it was last night? So either I've lost or gained a day somewhere - this often happens when I smoke a joint.

All back to normal

2008-02-24T12:48:28Z

It's been a good week. Got my flat back to how it should be and can start working again. Had a random occurrence when a woman came round to do a survey, at the end of which she said she wanted to buy one of my pictures (the sketch of Melita Morgan I did a few days ago) and she wanted to help me sell them too. She phoned back a couple of days later to talk about it more. Hopefully this could lead to another outlet for my artwork, and couldn't have come at a better time.

Had a nice evening at Mum's on Thursday, Clair was there too. And we all met up in town on Friday along with Tina and Kalli and Clare Hare too. Me and Sis shared a pot of mussels, which were delicious, and we all had yet more wine - I've had rather a lot this week, including a bottle to myself last night that I mulled with juice and spices.

Have been chatting away with Michelle in Oregon and may even go for a visit later this year!

Ah, James just rang, so I'm off out!

My home

2008-02-20T00:12:11Z

The sheer delight that my home is mine again is indescribable!

After a long and constructive day I have had a fun evening talking to Michelle in Oregon. And listening to her playlist. The bottle of wine didn't go amiss either.

What a day - what a day!

2008-02-19T19:08:32Z

The day started well. -- Felix went off to his yard where his bus is and is gone for a few days. Got him to confirm that he will be moved out by the end of the week. Have almost finished getting the room back to how it was - a fully working studio and work-room. Am delighted!

Went into town to meet Mara, who also had her young daughter Tuca with her. She was very stressed, which for Mara is saying something! She never relaxes at the best of times. While waiting for her I saw Jane who is just delicious and had a nice chat -- she didn't have Livvy with her, who is her amazing 8 year old daughter and one of the most beautiful people I have ever met - wise beyond her years. Immediately after that I saw my dear friend John Abbott - one of those rare people. He has more love for mankind that anyone, real, fictional, virtual, or imagined that I have come across. I should make more effort to see him more often. He's working hard and has a girlfriend -- he hasn't had a girlfriend for decades and so deserves to be in love.

A little after that I saw my Niece, Kalli and am looking forward to seeing her again this Thursday, the day that Mum gives up the retirement home that she has spent the last 25 years building and running. No doubt there'll be some tears but I'm sure we can make it a good night too.

Saw one or two other people and then came home to continue getting the work-room back in order. Fabienne came round and we booked her tickets for a trip to France for the weekend.

Am quite knackered!

Drawing has been going well. Spent yesterday afternoon sketching Melita Morgan and am happy with the result.

Pseudo hippies 2

2008-02-18T11:52:24Z

Trust me, if it looks like hippy, walks and talks like a hippy, then it's almost certainly a bread head that will do anything for money and nothing it don't have to.

Hippies were akin to Bohemians, whereas now it's all about the superficial, the surface appearance. It's all about what they think other people think about who they are. Well guess what: most people ain't thinking about you at all. It's all about the buzz words: ecology, recycling, natural products. And yet they tear around in cars just like everyone else and shop at Sainsbury's. Hey-ho.

Judgemental? Moi? Sue me!

Sexual prejudice

2008-02-17T11:06:01Z

Men are treated with prejudice by women. This is the normal state of affairs. Women need to be convinced that a man is not a sexual predator or some kind of pervert before any normal conversation can take place. This has been the case for a very long time -- all my life, if nothing else. And I'm tired of it; it's enough to bring out the misogynist in any man. Being female is not a virtue. And this is old news, but it doesn't stop me feeling it on a daily basis.

I just felt the need to put that in writing.