Zine that, got the t-shirt...

If you've stumbled across this weird empty hole on the internet where I seem to moan and dream, maybe you can help? I've been trying to get a zine up and running for ages now, but just can't seem to get started. I'm always on the lookout for ideas and content, and amazing people to contribute. If you think you have something, be it a drawing, a recipe, a story or an article you've written, then send it my way! Or if you want to write something specifically for the zine, go ahead! I'm aiming for a girly zine, obviously DIY, with content along the lines of; independent stores/labels/artists reviews and interviews, illustrators, bands who want their demo/gig reviewed, crafty how to's, vegan recipes, feminist/health/political (current or past!) articles, fictional short stories ...you get my drift. I'm also looking for kind of sexual stuff. I don't mean this in a pervy way at all, but I kind of want this to be a bit risque in parts, honest stories of encounters/discoveries? They can be 100% anonymous.

Email me at katie_thirkill@hotmail.co.uk for more info or any suggestions!! Much love x

You should have these dates in your Filofax.

Here's a couple of gigs I'm putting on, probably gonna be adding to that number. I want to do a couple with just a straight up, quality hardcore line-up... Got some ideas of who I'd like to play. Watch this space. x

Revelation Records - In Flight Program

Various Artists – In-flight Program: Revelation Records Collection '97

So, everybody should have this in their lives. It is amazing, start to finish.

...we're taking ourselves too seriously.

I have my first dole meeting on Tuesday. Mixed feelings. I feel like a huge weight has being lifted, in that I'm out of a horrendous job, but I'm worried because I'm gonna be getting £50.96 a week. I'm going to be "on the dole." I'd be lying if I said I didn't frown and wrinkle my nose whenever people have talked about the dole. It's probably because the image drilled into my mind when thinking of the dole is of local Beestonites with 20 kids or a drugs habit. Anyway, all going to plan, my rent will be paid and I get Council Tax benefit. I've worked since I was 16, I haven't gone to Uni (bar 2 months) so I feel I'm entitled to this. I'm not going to be sitting on my bum, I'm actively looking for work/an internship of sorts. Why should I be miserable in a dead end job? Jobseeker's Allowance is in place to enable people to improve their quality of life and SEEK suitable work.

I have an 'informal chat' with the Editor of a magazine on Monday, regarding a Listings Editor vacancy. It's unpaid, but it's a foot in the door to Journalism and writing. We've established going about this via a degree isn't for me, so if I want to forge some kind of career, this is the other way to do it. Working hard for peanuts for a while. But I can - WILL - work my way up. I'd rather be happy and fulfilled than loaded.

Also got a couple of gigs in the pipeline, always for fun, of course. I know that eventually things will come together. I just want to be happy and kind of care-free until then...

Dragon Heart.

I'm still waiting - impatiently - to get a pair of the Vivienne Westwood x Melissa Lady Dragon Heart Jelly Heels. I tell myself I'll get some, but I never have money to treat myself to clothes or shoes. In fact, I desperately need a new pair of every day shoes as all mine have holes in or are just battered. My footwear choices at the moment is either Vans Authentic's or 5 inch Creeper heels. Literally. I haven't stepped fooot in a High Street shop, such as Topshop and H & M since November. I wish I was exagerrating. I just can't afford to. I realise I won't be missing much from the mass Chinese produced shit, but still...I'm a 20 year old girl. I should have disposable income/'fashion'.



The shoes are £90, I'm a UK 5 and I would like any colour, though the Salmon/Black and Powder Blue/Red combinations are a favourite...massive hint. Surely I'm owed a Christmas present or something?!

Culture...shock.

I quit my bullshit, back-breaking hours for minimum wage, with no benefts or appreciation, job. And, no I don't have another lined up. No, I don't feel grateful to at least have a job (had). I'm sick of having to make do because of the economy. I'm sick of people using the word 'lucky', regarding getting £5.80ph to feel like an under dog. When you realise you're just a number being used for profit and nothing more, you kinda give up all hope, lose respect and forget the positive attitude.

I have a vague plan, it means I'm gonna be pretty broke, certain things will be put on hold and I won't have a disposable income of any sorts really. However, it makes me feel a 100 % 'better' than doing what I've been doing. Eventually it will pay off, it means I have to start at the bottom, so to speak. I refuse to be a minion anymore. Ever again.

I'm going to be in Barcelona in 8 days, life could be worse, debt could be worse. I could have worse problems than a bit of Bowel disease.

Also, it's not me, it's you.

Hardcore marathon.

Currently can't get enough of; Turning Point, Warzone, Four Walls Falling, 7 Seconds, Sheer Terror. I'm an old man trapped in a tiny girl's body. It's a good time.