David McFeeters Snr.

My Granda died a couple of weeks back. It is the first time that anyone close to me has ever died, so I wasn't really that sure what you are supposed to do in such a situation.

He was a pretty straight up old guy. Nothing too fancy or complicated about him, he just called a spade a spade as some would say.

He had a good run, the old guy was 84. He had typed out this brilliant letter on an old typewriter and put it in an envelope, marked "In the event of my passing". He thanked us for being his family and told us not to be sad because he was a better place. He had another sheet with exactly how he wanted the funeral, it was incredible.

He had a stroke a couple of years ago and the doctors told him he couldn't drive. He had to sell his car, but then kept going back to the doctor to ask if he was well enough to get his licence again. The doc eventually gave in and said yes, and the next day he went out and bought a new car, sport model.

Legend.

Chained To This Electrical Box

September seems to have been spent sitting at this desk plugging away on this computer, only broken up by meal times and social outings. Nothing major really to do, just small things that need done.

I find that if something needs done, the only way I can do it is to sit all up night until it's finished. I like when it's late and you're the only one up, and for such an occasion you need some low-key tunes flowing. Here is what has been keeping me sane:

The XX - XX

Arcade Fire - Funeral

Logh - Every Time A Bell Rings...

Tom Waits - Closing Time

All Ireland Ultimate Frisbee Champs

Some photos from the All Ireland Champs a couple of weeks back. The guy took some incredible pictures, hopefully he won't hunt me down for crimes against copyright.

Friday Night Lights

I first heard about this movie because a band I like did the soundtrack for it. The band is called Explosions In The Sky and they are an instrumental band from Texas. They make quite sweeping, epic rock music and they aren't really the guys you would pick for a movie about American football.

Based on a true story, this really isn't your average sports movie. It tells the story of a small town in Texas in 1988 which totally revolves around the high school football team. The guys walk out on the field every week and it's like the fate of the whole world rests on their shoulders.

This movie paints such an incredible picture of the place and it tells such an unbelievable story about the people. Only the story isn't unbelievable, it is very simple and very real. I got a lot more than I bargained for when I sat down to watch this.

Infinity and Beyond

About 2 weeks ago I was looking at an old CD by a local band. As I read the sleeve notes, I noticed the line "This CD is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Gaston."

I used to know a guy called Chris who was from the same area and about the same age as the guys in the band. I shook it off and got on with the rest of the day, it's a pretty common name. Just today I remembered and did a few searches to find out if it was the same guy. It was.

I met Chris in my first year of secondary school. He was a prefect who used to guard one of the doors into the main corridor during lunch hour on a certain day each week. One day we tried to get past him and starting talking, he was just one of those guys you instantly love. We called him 'Buzz' for some reason and used to go back every week and hang out at the door.

He was a lot older than us and we used to think we were big lads when we saw him in the corridor. I remember starting to wear my schoolbag on both shoulders, (back when it was cool to wear it on just one,) because Buzz did it. He was a special guy, a real individual and a real laugh.

Today I found some of the music he made. My favorite is called "Leave". www.myspace.com/gastonssongs

It speaks volumes, that 10 years later I look at the impression he made on me, and I hardly even knew the guy. I can't imagine what it must be like for those who were close to him.

Ode to the West Wind

I just worked out that this is the first time in 2 years that I have had loads of time and nothing to do, it is unreal. I am now making a list in my head of all the stuff I need to do before I have to go back to university. One of these things is learn how to do a Rubix Cube.

It's so great, I should be a bum more often. Anyway the 'Cube' has been calling my name for a while; I bought one a couple of months ago, but haven't had a chance to crack it until now. We will see how it goes.

The last couple of days had been really good. My friend Patrick was talking about how he loved being outside, and it's so true. I have been enjoying the fresh air very much; three days of fun and I even got some sun on my nose. Viva la Vida!

Saturday: Frisbee Tournament - Each team was named after a Ninja Turtle so we were Leonardo and got some sweet blue headbands. We were robbed of a place in the final and took home third.

Sunday: High Seas - My uncle has got a cool sailing boat and me and my brother went for a spin with him. It really makes you feel like a man, pulling some ropes while the wind blows hard against your face. Good times.

Monday: Donard Forrest - Went for a dander in Newcastle with some friends today, it's such a beautiful spot when you have the weather. You heard it here first folks, fresh air ain't for dorks.

Nótt

It really has been a long time since I was just sitting at my computer wasting time late into the night.

Midnight in a perfect world.

Here it is, another post where I am just about to head off on some crazy trip, totally stressed out, with about a million things running through my head.

I am going to Mayo for 2 weeks in about 6 hours time. I still have to pack my bag and get a good night's sleep; NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

I was in Italy last week, it was VERY hot. Swam in the lake, ate some Bolognese, played some cards, read a book, you know the drill. Went to Venice, it's pretty crazy. It's that city on water that falls apart in Casino Royale (Yes, it is the best Bond movie). Pretty crazy, no cars; so if you want a bus, it's a boat, if you want a taxi, it's a boat. If you want to cross the river, you give a guy 50p and he will take you over in his gondola, pretty incredible.


I got back 4 days ago and since then have been sitting at my computer sending emails, trying to get things organised before I go away again. I also watched some Lost to keep me sane, it's the final few episodes and getting good. Was out at frisbee training tonight, was good to get the legs pumping again. Need to get the fitness back up for the All Ireland Champs.

Right that's it. My stuff has finished printing so now it is time for another job to do. May your lives be stress free. Peace!