Resolution number 9: Write

Well, it only took 15 days of the new year, but I finally got some writing done last night. Only managed 390 new words to Harbourmancer before I got distracted by food (pasta) and television (some 'BE AFRAID!'-programme on Global Dimming), but it's production, and I suppose I should be happy about that.

Resolution number 8: Tell the truth

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

I am -- as I'm sure I've mentioned once or twice here already -- a big fan of Pratchett. I've enjoyed everything of his that I've read (as far as I can remember) but his recent books have shown a complexity and maturity behind the humour which means he seems to just get better with each book. Going Postal continues this form. I'm not going to go into much more than that; I could wax lyrical about the intelligent satire, the characters, or the plotting, but I feel I've done that so many times that, frankly, I feel I'm just repeating myself.

Keep it short, Jones:

If you've liked any of the Discworld books, read it, you won't be disappointed; if you haven't read any, then this is as good a place as any to start.

Resolution number 7: Remember birthdays

It's my publicist's birthday today.

Happy birthday, bro, you old man!

Resolution number 6: Don't drink the water

Looking through the menu choices for the work dinner I see the following:

Mineral Water 1 Ltr Bottle - Still or Sparkling £3.95

Now this, in itself, is not surprising. The dinner is being held at a posh hotel. Ridiculous, yes, but not surprising. But this line is immediately followed by:

. . . must be pre-ordered and paid for prior to arrival, as this offer will not be available on the evening of party night.

Surely they can't normally charge more than £3.95 for a bottle of water?!

The dinner this year is a masked ball. I'm thinking of getting a highwayman's mask, as then I can rob people instead of being robbed.

Resolution number 5: Never trust the internet

In the year 2005 I resolve to: Make more enemies than friends. Get your resolution here

Maybe the Fury will be coming back this year . . .

Resolution number 4: Look out for bargains

Wasn't going to buy any books -- I've got four or five in a pile by my bed, ready to read -- but I made a rare find when I popped in to Waterstones. Limited edition of Iron Council for only £12.50. Good enough price for a hard-back, but this had China Miéville's signature in the front as well.

How could I not?

Resolution number 3: Don't drink

I'm cutting back on alcohol and caffeine for a while. There's been too much of this shit in my body recently, and the success of Alcohol Free November in 2003 is almost encouraging me to do another half-arsed detox.

Resolution number 2: Stay clean

At a press conference last night, Tristan Smith, job-hunter and graduate beatch, confirmed rumours that he had contracted HATS. In his statement he described how he caught the disease from a man dressed as a chicken in Dartmouth on New Year's Eve. He expects to start wearing women's clothing within the next few days, and is already taking advise on blouses from female family members.

Resolution number 1: Stop making resolutions you can't keep

1. Improve my writing. Get published when I'm good enough. Be more active at the OWW.
2. Stop blogging such randomness.