Kalashnikovs and other things

Am now the proud owner of a signed copy of As used on Nelson Mandela, and have Mark Thomas's personal email address – says he'll respond to questions re his writing if I want to send them to him. A coup for About Writing and bloc if ever there was one. Just need to work out what to ask now. Tricky. Will have to skim read the book, check out the website www.markthomasinfo.com and try to come up with some intelligible, useful lines of enquiry.

The man, irrespective of his campaigning, activism, politics, and humour, is a whiz with words. An extremely good communicator, who knows how to really 'speak' to an audience. Always incredibly credible, and inspiring. Do his talents know no bounds? And with much embarrassing blagging, I managed to secure a deal on buying two of his books so that I could give one to Graham, also signed, because his wickedly authentic replica Kalashnikovs, made for the Communist party last summer, were borrowed and used as props on stage for tonight's gig. But Graham couldn't come as it was sold out, and also because it's band practise on Wednesdays, which I skived from in order to see Mark. No contest, even though we've a gig on Friday and I'll probably be shite.

A full on day at college today, session in the morning on editing brain-teasing, but so informative. So many things that you just don't know about. And such an eye-opener to see how poor copy can be turned around, thanks to an editor's skill, to become an award winning book. Terrible that they don't receive the credit and acknowledgement they deserve though.

Popped into the Graduate Careers Fair briefly, and came back out laden with goodie bags and all kinds of printed guff. Scored a free copy of Wavelength magazine if nothing else. And a load of pens. And a few Cadbury's chocs. Picked up some leaflets I thought Eddie or Rosie might be interested in regarding voluntary projects overseas. Something I'd love to do given the opportunity.

Attended a seminar 'Ten Top Tips for Would-be Journalists' in the afternoon which did share some good pointers. Pity I don't have the time to start writing articles, and be immersed in that whole newsy world just yet. One day maybe. I'm sure it said something in my stars once that Geminis make excellent journalists.

So much more to do and think about. Need to get some ideas on paper now for tomorrow's class with Bill, looking at a filmic approach to Wuthering Heights. Still have to finish reading the damn thing. No time to be studious when I got back home earlier. Ran Eddie to doctors for blood tests – specialist appt. at the hospital in 2wks (hope it's nothing serious). Had to take buggered up camera in to be sent off for repairs, bank a Housing Benefit check, grab some fruit and veg, post letters – incidently, another trust fund reject letter arrived today. No news form surf federation yet. Cowards.

Anyway, the entire evening evaporated, although it was a nice moment to be eating dinner at the table together again (bar Lucy, who was at gym). Second night running – must be a record. Hard going trying to squeeze these family 'circle times' in, but squeeze I must. Try my best to, at least.

O joy, it's 1.30am – time to start the homework can you believe. I am going to age ten years, minimum, this course. O joy.