A Summation of Me.

I'll begin with an anecdote. My cousin has recently started a new challenge for herself: She is to attempt 52 new things this year - an effort to broaden and better one's self and hopefully enjoy the experience, because enjoyment is so precious.
So upon taking interest in this i look at myself and agree a new year is a time for a new start and I, myself, will give a bit of a go. This blog is to chronicle the hopeful highs and doubtless lows that will see me through to the new decade; for reminiscing, for interest and perhaps, I daresay, for organisation. Likewise I beg your pardon if this is my last post, I will try to continue.

So, who am I?

Well you can describe me by my family: I am the 12th of 14 cousins on my mothers side. I am the grandson of a terrifying German and, most generally, I am my parents' son.

This is hardly constructive and anyone who knows me would agree that this view is a very poor one to take. I think perhaps interests, studies and labels are the best tactic.

I study physics at Nottingham University, Nottingham also happens to be my home town but as far as I am concerned this is irrelevant, I am in my 2nd year (2008-2009) and am trying to stay on top of the studies, at least do justice to the fantastic people who preceded me:-

Pigmaei gigantum humeris impositi plusquam ipsi gigantes vident - Sir. Isaac Newton.

this is all fancy waffle of course.

My cousin is a throwback to the 50's: loves the decade for the music, clothes, icons etc. and I daresay she'd venture a decade either way; always good to include a bit of uncertainty.
I, on the other hand, am a long smear from the renaissance up to the present day. I am a music fan, albeit quite amateur in comparison with a few people I know. I'll take anything from your old medieval plainchant to the impressionists and further. I have a slight distaste for Schoenberg, but i wont resent your choice.

I play cards, bridge being my game of choice; I am so far from the top but, perhaps, creeping up the ladder. In this i am lucky to be friends with an ex-international player with contacts all over the shop up to the times bridge author.

I taste wines or at least try to. A friend of mine is slowly teaching me the ins and outs and its all devilishly interesting. I stand by the phrase; there is a wine for everyone, we can find yours! My particular favourite make being Niepoort, more due to the maker than the wine. I have met and stayed with the man in a whirlwind of fine wine, rich port, classy Madeira and reserved sherry.
Coupled with wine is my interest in all food and drink, its such a heaven to explore the end. I am learning to mix cocktails, and how to cook properly. Again this is thanks to being the son, grandson and nephew of three fantastic cooks, as well as the friend of others.
I'd love to tackle sugar art one day and my own father, I've no doubt, will see me through the training.

I am a musician of sorts. I sing with previous experience with Southwell minster choir; I have toured with them to places such as Sweden and France: including Paris and singing in places including Notre Dame as well as countless venues in the country.
I am keeping my voice in check currently, singing with groups such as the Nottingham Bach choir and hope to proceed soon to the heights of grade 8 vocals; a standard I dearly hope to meet.
I also play piano, although on a hiatus from training due to the stresses of university and time basis.
I am an ex violinist who is thinking of taking up the instrument again.
I play the euphonium with Carlton Brass as well as having some conducting experience (again this is a field i would like to try out).
I also have a guitar which I can at least make a pleasant sound on: I will teach myself one day to play well. I am also qualified and have some knowledge of music theory.

I am currently a writer too of a book; The Travelling Diaries of Iradas Mered, one day soon I will finish it, if only for myself. I am a fan of fantasy, classics and many other genres. I am willing to read anything you put in front of me. If only to keep pushing my own boundaries.

I am a writer, animator, artist and voice actor for an "in the works" cartoon series but again, due to time reasons, I am exploring other ways of getting the cartoon viewed.

My friends mean the world to me and so do my family. I can be somewhat cutting in what i say but I promise that if you show me decency I will look out for you as best as I can.

I see a myriad of other small projects and such I am trying at the moment. These are too many to mention but all i am proud of.

So, where am I going?

• I would like to learn a couple of languages
• I would like to learn to dance
• I would like to try more obscure food and most importantly
• I would like to travel the world

This is the best description I can give of myself. Perhaps it's pointless in the long run, my writing this. You are a wonderful person for reading it though and at least a better than average one if you have left before now!

All the best to all of you

Alex