Severe tired damage
Some tremendous entries yesterday to Mark’ll Fix It (Possibly), the self-regarding yet realistically-titled game in which I try to make someone’s ‘first time’ wish come true, in the service of our joint trip towards self-improvement. It looks like there will almost inevitably have to be multiple winners, because there are quite a few deserving cases already, and a couple of not-really-deserving-but-amusing ones. So keep your entries coming (Comment on yesterday’s blog). And remember, you can still contribute to:
Can I Help You? 3 (your problems solved) and
The Very Late Review 3 (you review all manner of things)
…by going to the relevant blogs.
Now, today I was going to do a big meta-summary of everyone’s summaries of their ten-year challenges, which quite a few people have now posted on the dedicated site. I’m faithfully following all these summaries but the time has slipped, or rather galloped, away from me, and I’m not going to be able to write it up today. I have, however, taken steps towards setting up the meeting which will begin the iPod chain, and will report on this tomorrow.
It’s made me really happy, from day one, how people have joined in with the blog and the various oddball projects that have spun off from it, so thank you very much. I still read every comment posted – even ones which take a bit longer to appear, because a seemingly random sample are given to me to ‘moderate’ – and am really grateful. That’s all.
As for today’s actual blog… in the time-starved circumstances and with young K Watson thoroughly down on life today, all I can really offer is a summary of what I’ve been doing lately, the way normal bloggers do.
-I was lucky enough to be invited onto Heston’s Feast. It hasn’t been shown yet. We ate eighties-themed dishes prepared by the bald, insane genius. It was a remarkable experience.
-On Saturday I’m going 0n Newsnight to talk about the election. Like a more reputable intellect might. Paxman’s hosting it.
-Next Tursday I’ll be on the Now Show again – once more, chatting (loosely) about the forthcoming Labour-Tory smashdown.
-I’ve just sent off the final proofs of my book, which means it is almost too late to change things, like sentences that are too unwieldly, dialogue that’s unlikely, or a plot that doesn’t make sense. Scary. Next week I will be giving away five copies, well before it’s released, in yet another gut-churningly exciting competition.
-I’ve just recorded the voiceover for an advert. I won’t tell you which one. First person to spot it. (No prize at the end of that sentence, but an implicit respect.)
-And so on. If anyone has, say, three hours spare in an average day, I’ll buy them off you. Or I might have to franchise myself, like Starbucks, buying out other people who become branches of Mark Watson. For now, maybe I’ll just content myself with finally appointing an Emergency Blogger. If I can find the time. Hmm. Goodbye.
Posted by Knox on May 10, 2011
confession – it took tweets by yourself, emily and possibly tim minchin also for me to realise that was you in the innocent ads… i was so disappointed with myself for missing it!
Posted by Paul on April 17, 2010
You’re rocking the Innocent Rabbit vibe
Posted by Shell on April 16, 2010
Good to hear about all your TV and radio appearances coming up and that the final proofs of the book are in. Think I’m gonna try to win one.
Suggestions:
1. A link on here to your fansite/forum or at least one to TYSIC (and then a link back here would be good)
2. Instead of feeling pressured to write two blogs once a week when summarising – why not do one summary blog on here and set it up to post automatically on the TYSIC blog as well. If you have a link set up then you could also use it at other times when you want yout blog to appear on both sites. (By the way I don’t know how you would actually do this but we both know a clever person who might be able to figure something out.
3. If we are going to meet up as TYSICers once in a while/year as you suggested – what about a ‘Book Swap’ thing on those occasions? Lots of us seem to read a lot and many have reading more books within their challenges. Books (fact or fiction) don’t need to be returned ever, it is a straight swap, – you just take a few books along and see who’ll do a swap with you…it’s fun, solves the groaning bookshelves problem and opens us all up to books we perhaps might not have come accross otherwise. For interest maybe we could put TYSIC stickers in them and add our online names as we pass them on, then maybe swap again next time. Over ten years we could not only see who’s left still doing the challenge but how many times we can pass on really great books…The only rule is: nothing you think is crap, you only pass on books you truly think are very cool, informative or helpful, funny, or otherwise great.
…just some thoughts…
x
Posted by Rachel Winter on April 16, 2010
thanks! i was trying to find a website called ‘tysic’ last night! duh!
was in danger of falling behind so far I’d never catch up again.
Posted by Laura on April 16, 2010
You can have all my spare time – I recently lost my job and am having issues finding another.
We are super grateful that you find time to squeeze your blog in amongst all your other work/raising baby Watson/generally being an awesome dude, so thank you to you!
Posted by Katelils on April 16, 2010
Took me ages to find it too.
Go here: http://www.markwatsonfans.com/
Posted by Rachel Winter on April 16, 2010
log in to what though?! I don’t where to go
and can’t see a link anywhere on here.
I have pathetically tweeted mark for an idiots catch-up of all the blog/forum places, cos I’ve lost track!
Posted by Maddie on April 16, 2010
(Sorry that my technical lingo isn’t up to scratch)
x
Posted by Maddie on April 16, 2010
When you log in it should load the page to go to either the forum or the TYSIC page, if you can get in the forum then there is a TYSIC button at the top that takes you across xx
Posted by Rachel Winter on April 16, 2010
anyone…where is the dedicated tysic bit?
I signed up to it the other week but now can’t find it!
am badly falling very behind everyone else with the challenge!
help?
Posted by Hal on April 16, 2010
I sense a degree of sarcasm when you say ‘gut-churningly exciting’ – but from my perspective I’d rather win a book than an MP3!
I read too fast to buy lots of books – the buying rarely keeps up with the finishing! However that does mean if I win one you’ll get an Amazon review within a day.
Posted by Someone on April 16, 2010
Also to Helen – I just looked at that link too and was in a few tears I have to say. Even my man mate said he was ‘tearing up’. Thanks for posting it. ‘Tis kinda lovely.
Posted by Marie on April 16, 2010
Helen:
Thanks for posting that link! I’ve spent the past hour reading through some of the stories on it, and after a pretty tough week, I feel much happier. It’s like ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ but a lot more real.
Posted by Katelils on April 16, 2010
I am so jealous of your invite to Heston’s Feast!
Posted by deanna on April 16, 2010
Mark, you can have some of my hours. As I’m about 12 hours ahead of you, this shouldn’t be too hard to arrange…
Posted by Laurs on April 15, 2010
Like others have said, you seem much chirpier this week, which is a good thing. But you also seem to be doing a ridiculous amount all at once. Take it easy and have some time for yourself, again, as others have said, have a cup of tea and a hob nob or 2!
Posted by Cathy on April 15, 2010
Just discovered your blog, this is great!! Can’t believe how much I’ve missed – just checked on your website after swearing I heard your voice on an advert for innocent Smoothies during the ITV Election Debate.
Keep up the good stuff with the blog and congrats on becoming a dad, too!
Posted by Ben on April 15, 2010
My gut is literally churning. Bring on the book comp!
Posted by Simon on April 15, 2010
I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s blog regarding the iPod chain!
Posted by Tom Beasley on April 15, 2010
Recognised your voice in an ad earlier actually. Can’t remember what the hell it was advertising, but it involved a rabbit.
Labour-Tory smashdown? What about dear old Nicky Clegg? He certainly came off well in the debate tonight.
Posted by Misha on April 15, 2010
You can have some of my hours if you like, pretty soon i’ll be spending them stuck in stuffy classrooms trying not to cry as I attempt to remember if it was 1858 or 1859 that something happened.
Posted by A lot of Rach[a]els on April 15, 2010
I thought it was a Watson Rabbit before reading the blog post (but thought Chris Addison did those ads so assumed you both and similar voices)
Posted by Someone on April 15, 2010
Ah Rachael we must have been watching same telly. Just saw it again, ’tis ’tis ’tis. Oh tweets.
Posted by Someone on April 15, 2010
Ooh ooh your voice was just on the telly i’m sure as a rabbit! But I don’t know ‘coz my channel hopping fingers are faster than soundwaves to my ears… I might just be imagining things which would actually be quite worrying. I’ll keep watching.
Posted by Rachael on April 15, 2010
Does the advert you did happen to involve a rabbit by any chance?
Posted by fuzzy_ducky (Laura) on April 15, 2010
Well first of all, I have about 8 hours to spare, I won’t be using them as I’ll be asleep
Or you could take the time I spend in school. Would give you another lifetime I’m sure – The charge? Maybe just a ticket to you’re future shows, and a plane ticket as I’m in Ireland. Not too much eh?
So, I guess you’re having a better day then last week?
Sounds like you’re tipping away at it anyway!
Have a good day, a good weekend, and well, as you’ve spent this time reading my comment, I guess I owe you… haha
I’ll leave you with a one liner
Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
Posted by Maddie on April 15, 2010
Yay! On Newsnight? Awesome sauce!
Concurring with Rachel and Emmy, please don’t over do it, have a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.
Posted by lisa brunders on April 15, 2010
I so know what you mean about not enough hours in the day. I’m constantly tired and I haven’t even got a K Brunders to add to the mix. I wouldn’t survive the sleep deprivation that a baby brings. And my work is extremely dull compared to yours! Although on the plus side not half so many people notice if I have a put in a bad performance.
I’m grateful you find time for this blog and the tysic and associated projects. Thanks
Posted by Catherine on April 15, 2010
You sound happier today. I’m glad.
Posted by Sam on April 15, 2010
I’m a student, so have about six hours spare on average per day – you can have them for minimum wage. Deal? Good.
I’ve never properly watched Newsnight, but your appearance on it might encourage such an activity. I’m sure it will improve me, so maybe I can include it as part of my as-yet-undecided self improvement challenge. Ace.
Posted by Helen on April 15, 2010
How exciting about your book, I pre-ordered it & am looking forward to it arriving! Also, my friend, aware I was trying to be more positive, sent me the link below describing it ‘like FML but for optimists’. It has some truly lovely stories on it and it generally made me feel happy about life and such, so…
http://www.givesmehope.com/ (that may not have worked) x
Posted by Anji on April 15, 2010
It always makes me smile that no matter how busy you are Mark you manage to post something! Hats off to you sir!
If I could find a way of getting a few of my hours to you I would! That might just be a challenge too far!
Hope little Watson is feeling a bit happier, horribly sucky when little ones aren’t.
Posted by Emmy on April 15, 2010
Yes, the Now Show again! You have quite possibly made my day.
I agree with Rachel: have a sit down Mark. Don’t overdo yourself and collapse with exhaustion.
Posted by amycool on April 15, 2010
I can’t wait for the MP3 challenge to begin bearing fruit! What a marvellous idea that was. I’m just glad I didn’t volunteer to organise it. Looking forward to forcing myself out of the house to meet people though.
Posted by rachel (pandora) on April 15, 2010
mark, please remember to actually have a nice sit down at some point. perhaps with a cup of tea.
i’m ridiculously excited about the MP3 Challenge. its going to be pretty bloody good!