Common ground

For years, me and my Dad have struggled to find common ground. We never agree on most things, but we can carry a conversation well. He is money orientated, and is generally right wing. I am not, and am generally left wing learning towards socialism. He is emotionally distant, I lay mine bare. He is logical, I am not. He supports whatever I do which I am grateful for, but we never shared a passion until I discovered one we share.

You see, my Dad loves to collect vinyl records; a hobby I and also my twin brother share. Sure, we all collect different kinds, but it is so nice to actually share an interest and discuss it. My Dad collects northern soul records from his youth and then likes to sell them for a profile (see, money), my twin likes to collect hardcore/grind music to listen to where as I collect Bob Dylan vinyl just to say I have it. I don't even own a record player at the moment, but I have a ton of Dylan (and other truth be told) vinyl that I hope one day I will listen too. Because of my "issues", I tend to collect brand new releases only. My Dad has advised me on new places to get some, and just the joy of collecting. So, while we may not agree on everything it is nice to know that after nearly 27 years I can finally say me and my Father have the same hobby :D

P.S. I have been told many times recently I mince when I walk. I think that is rather endearing!

Being deaf

Well, for over the past week I have been deaf. Well I can still hear slightly, but with a 90 percent hearing loss as my ears are blocked. The pain of finally registering with a doctor, plus the incompitance of the A & E I went to is fustrating. Yesterday I thought to myself "oh I work in a hospital, why not go to A & E" now. I wait for 2 hours as you do, only for a 2 minute encounter with the GP who tells me "you need to go see your own GP". Well no shit, that is why I am seeing you! Gah the mind boggles. It was Iestyn's 3rd birthday on Monday, and I couldn't hear much of what he was saying to me. We had fun though, he enjoyed the Cars Duplo set I got him.

The one main advantage to being mostly deaf is that I get to avoid all the inane conversations on the tube. Trust me, you will be thankful for that one. The disadvantages fair outweigh that though. There is a constant ringing in my left ear that is surely torture in some form, I get to miss out on great music,  I keep on bumping into people as I can't hear them pass and my new favourite word is "what?".