I'm 16 today! I'm not sure that's anything to celebrate right now judging by all that's happening around the world - mostly in America. But it's me not being a child anymore. I've been feeling really awkward looking at all the stuff going on and knowing I can't do anything because i'm 'just a kid'. Well, I'm still young but I'm getting closer to the point that I can do something.

at least some good news is occurring in the world - Mum actually leapt up in delight when she saw that bit of news on the headlines. She had a schoolfriend from South Korea, I think.

I haven't heard anything from wwo_mitchtrix for a couple of days now. Last I heard he was leaving MK for Wales. The army, newly returned form Iraq, is being deployed to control the riots - there's been a lot in Milton Keynes, as well as Newcastle and Liverpool and a number of London districts. I hope he gets out safe. If you're reading this mitch, check in soon, k?

Greg's being alarmingly nice to me and David - he gave me a load more electronic gadgets from his company. I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to do with this ugly hat but the wind up radio will come in handy, I guess. I think it's coming to the point that he wants mum to announce they're dating, so he's getting a little creepily interested in what I'm up to - he's nice enough I guess but I'd just rather he went away. I have a dad already!

The exotic fruit are rapidly becoming memory for me at the supermarket. I went shopping whilst mum was working. There's massive gaps where the mangos, avocados, blueberries, all that used to be. Even the 'normal' vegetables are looking thin - a lot fo them came from Israel and stuff, I guess. The picketing of the lorry drivers at this week's diesel prices isn't helping - I tried to go shopping yesterday but the deliveries hadn't come. People are stocking up on whatever they can get their hands on, so if you go a while after a delivery a lot has gone.

David's in a mood - his football team might go into administration. A lot of the clubs have got a lot poorer, there's hardly been any transfers - I know cos David keeps winging about it! Apparently a lot of clubs aren't having away support for the coming season - they'll show the match on tv in their home stadium for fans that can't afford to travel. Sounds like a waste of time to me but David's excited about going to them and I'll probably have to accompany him...

Some good news on my birthday - Uncle Andy just phoned to say the hospital in Saudi he's been in the last few weeks following the tanker accident has let him go - he's flying back as soon as possible. It'll be so nice to have a man around that isn't Greg. Andy's got the warmth and genuine charm that Greg wishes he has. I don't know why mum's so keen on him. Greg and Mum both started telecommuting a lot recently - connecting to the office online rather than going into work. Mum says it saves her lots of money but it means I hardly have a minute where they aren't around being... all loveydovey. Maybe I'll ask Dad if I can come see him again.

A strange sight walking back from the supermarket: the little local train, usually only a half-empty two-carriage, has been replaced by a massive one 6 cars long, packed to the roof with commuters. I guess those prices are starting to hit more than I thought - it seems so normal here.





Bristol is the same - but quieter. There's no riots and little violence, only a slow decline into a poorer world.


[author note - week 12]