Writing for a purpose?

I enjoy writing, and I think i'm pretty good at it (When I actually plan what I want to write).

I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine the other day about school, and how shit it was. At the time, I thought school was horrendous. A waste of time, an excuse to not get a job. But now I look back at it, despite all it's downfalls, I really enjoyed school.

I also had time to contemplate the different subjects I did, and how I was good at them, and really enjoyed them, but decided to drop them because school made them boring.
Point in case: English - I love English! It's an amazing subject, I love reading and writing, but school made it so unenjoyable that I couldn't stand it. Now I wish I had taken it further.
The same goes for Chemistry and Physics - I detested them both while at school, but now when I look back at them now, I actually really enjoyed them, and I was good at them too!

Then I have to think that if I hadn't chosen the subjects I did, would I be where I am now? - Probably not.
And to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way.

However, English is the one that has stuck in my head the most. I really love it, and would love a way to try and combine it with my current interests.
Perhaps one day i'll find a way to do it. (Maybe even make an interesting and exciting blog about my travels as a geographer!)

So do I write for a purpose? - No I don't. I just enjoy it too much...

(This one doesn't really have a purpose, but it's so damn cute!)

Invictus by William Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


I have carried this poem around with me everywhere I go since the first time I heard it. I can't remember the first time I heard this poem, but it has had such a huge impact on my life.


The last two lines;
"I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul"
They really hit home, and made me realise that I am in control of everything in my life. If something goes wrong, it went wrong because of the decisions i've made. Equally, if something great happens, it is all because of my decisions.
Also, it means to me that I cannot be influenced by anyone else. I am in complete control of what I want to do.

I'm not a massive poetry fan, but this has got to be hands down my favourite poem.

Ross Kemp On Afghanistan

While I was at home for Christmas, I decided to take advantage of my brother's oversized DVD collection, and stumbled upon Ross Kemp On Afghanistan.
For anyone who hasn't watched it before, I seriously reccommend you do - It's a harrowing, yet eye opening documentary, which really shakes your perceptions on war.

Whilst growing up, I have been subjected to a number of films, games and books that really glorify war and battle. It is only after watching Ross Kemp's documentary that I realised how much the media glorifies war, and tries to make it exciting and enjoyable.
Whilst I have no problems playing games like Call of Duty, or Medal of Honor - they really do skip over the other parts of war, such as the psychological effects it has on people, the distress it causes families.
Overalll, it disgusts me.

For several years I considered joining the Army - The only reason I didn't is because my health will not allow me to do it, so I ended up going to University and using my above average intellect to try and get through life.
And whilst it sounds really selfish of me to say so, after watching Ross Kemps documentary, i'm glad I didn't join the army, and i'm glad i've never had to experience war.
Looking back, I don't think i'm the right sort of person to deal with that sort of stuff, and so whilst I don't openly express my thoughts and feelings all the time, I really am thankful that I have never had to experience battle.

Ross Kemp on Afghanistan - A real world shaker. I seriously suggest you go out and buy it. It will really change your view on the world.

This is looking rather appealing right now...

I quit drinking 8 months ago. Whenever I drank, I was getting depressed, so I decided to stop. It is also healthier and alot cheaper as a student.
However, tonight has been the sort of night that makes me want to crack that bottle open, and get absolutely fucking smashed.

But what would be the point? I wouldn't be spiting anyone else; infact I know quite a few people who would jump for joy and celebrate the fact I started drinking again.
Instead, i'd be spiting myself. I'd be starting drinking again for all the wrong reasons - not clever.

Looks like i'm just going to sit here and suffer in silence, like I always fucking do.

Going Out

I've never really been a massive fan of going out. The idea of paying money to get deafened by loud, bassy music whilst being surrounded by some proper drunken knob heads has just never been that appealing to me.
However, last night was one of the few exceptions to that general rule.

Maybe it was the people I was with? Maybe it was the music on the night? Maybe it was just that I was in a good mood? Who knows! Either way, last night was sick!

You Can't Hurry Love

Now, more than ever, this song makes perfect sense.
While Phil didn't write the song originally, what he says is pretty fucking true.
You really cannot hurry love.

Nice one Phil.

Karate!

Just come back from another awesome night at training. I ache pretty bad right now! I suppose the aching means i'm doing something right...

Here's some videos of Sensei Frank Brennan (7th Dan KUGB). He's so fast and flexible, it's amazing!

These are all the basics (Kihon) you have to learn, which most other techniques and combinations are based around.

I dream of being this good, one day...

I might do a bigger and better post about Karate at some point. I'm going to need a few hours free though, I think I could almost write a dissertation style entry, and i've only been doing it for 4 months!