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Six months!

August 17, 2010 | 75 comments

Today we celebrate six interrupted months of this daily blog, which began with a rash promise on February 17, before I even had a baby (just about), before my book was on sale, before the snow and ice had been cleared from the pavements round where I live, before we all knew all sorts of things. But on a less positive note, before I had this chipped tooth in my mouth which is forming a little, razor-sharp point in the south-west of my mouth and rubbing continually against my tongue with infuriating results. So I hope you will join me in raising a glass (real or imaginary) to this half-anniversary, while I reflect on where these six months have brought me: a small but wonderful clan of regular readers, a son, Korean and Portuguese publishing contracts, meetings with Dawn French and Jeremy Paxman, and, more recently, a mouth full of Bonjela.

If you’re one of those people who have read every entry on the day they came out, award yourself 10 Where’s Watson points; 6 if you’ve read them all, but out of sequence; 4 if you’ve read most, but you feel you have too much else going on in your life, with all due respect. Thanks to you all. Needless to say, you should all identify yourselves in the Comments to bask in your share of the communal glory.

We’ll all have our own favourite moment from the  last half-year, whether it’s the crazy competition to win an iPod and the subsequent giddy progress of that iPod up and down the country; or my ill-thought-out attempts to dispense advice on modern living; or all the times I’ve basically written jack shit just to keep this going. Again, take time to relive your favourite, if you will. And your least favourite. I’ve got a few least favourites. But hell! We got here!

I’ll discuss, in a separate entry, the progress of my challenges, especially optimism, over these six months. It wasn’t until a week or so into the blog that I started them rolling, actually, so it’s appropriate. I will also be holding the biggest census so far of TYSIC efforts, so get ready to report back on your half a year of trying to do something impressive with your life, however small.

I’m off to do my show now in a rather spring-heeled mood after realising the date somewhere around three this afternoon. Congratulations to us all for carrying this on. And here’s to the nine and a half years which still remain.

75 comments

  1. Posted by LisaBrunders on August 25, 2010

    I’m very late with my comment, but would still like to claim 6 points (my first ones), I often don’t stay up. Actually, no – make that 4 as there was one posting that never appeared on my phone, for some reason. I knew you’d posted it from the twitter comments.

    Well done, and thank you.

  2. Posted by Heather/Tibbs on August 24, 2010

    Well, I’m finally pretty much caught up after about a month and a half (leaving Korea + visiting my grandmother in BC + crashing at mom’s in Halifax + going to Edinburgh = not much time for the internet), so I’m going to cheerfully claim 6 WW points, plus 1 for meeting you after your show (getting a picture with you was one of the highlights of the Fringe for me, btw, and well worth sitting in a bit of spilled wine). And possibly one more for the book launch? Although I forgot to mention then how much I enjoyed the blog, as I was incredibly jet-lagged and very aware of how many people there were in the line behind me. Still, I’m going to say that that counts, since it will be quite some time before I can rack up any more points.

    And I’ve noticed another Heather posting on here, so I think I’ll switch over to Tibbs to limit confusion.

  3. Posted by Lau on August 21, 2010

    Four days later & I’m please going to claim 6 WW points. Good times. :)

  4. Posted by Shell on August 21, 2010

    6 Months already!

    I have read them ALL from the start (and enjoyed them muchly) but yes sometimes out of sequence and sometimes in small batches so I’ll claim 6 Where’s Watson points.

    Thanks for the reminder to think about a TYSIC update too.

    x

  5. Posted by David Calder on August 20, 2010

    Claiming my 6 Where’s Watson points. I’ve been a dedicated reader since the first day. So many changes since then and its all thanks to the TYSIC, which has given me a purpose in life! Thank you Mark – I finally have a purpose in life :)

  6. Posted by Emily on August 19, 2010

    I’ll claim 6 WW points. I’ve read them all in order but not the late ones on the same day (though despite the delayed comment I did read this one on the day). If it wasn’t for this blog I would never have been to Go Ape! twice, meeting a fellow Watsonian/new friend along the way, an experience I’m glad I’ve had, and I will carry on going as many times as I can. Here’s to the next 6 months! (And the rest)

  7. Posted by SamJJ on August 19, 2010

    Finally getting round to commenting!

    Hurrah 6 points for me! And top marks to you for keeping it going.

    Reading the blog everyday has become more of a challenge now that I’m not up all night with my baby. I now mostly read it on my phone when he’s asleep in buggy. We spend most of our day out of the house because it’s still a building site but we do have hot water now :)

    I figured 6 months was coming as George will be 6 months on 3rd March. He really liked sweet potato btw.

    Here’s to the next 9 and a half years. Blows my mind to think of having a 10 year old child!

    X x

  8. Posted by Laura on August 18, 2010

    My first Where’s Watson? points. Hurrah!

    Can’t quite believe how quickly the last six months have gone. That makes me sound terribly old.

    My TYSIC, apart from the odd thing, has been dreadful. I really must make improvements in my efforts…

    Also, must remember to write the Amazon review. Is it weird that I read Eleven in just one sitting? My poor dog was terribly neglected that day, bless her.

  9. Posted by MusicalLottie on August 18, 2010

    By the way, well done for six continuous months of daily blogging! (I was interrupted mid-comment and forgot what the blog was even about during my previous comment.) Great stuff!

  10. Posted by MusicalLottie on August 18, 2010

    Oh my, when I read this last night there were 16 or so comments … now there are 65! I’ll claim my 6 points, thank you – I’ve read every entry in sequence but there was a time when I was catching up at ends of weeks, and now I’m usually in bed before it’s posted!

    I think my highlights have been the two times you answered my questions (CIHY? and a first-comment question), the Can I Help You?s, and the TYSIC round-up blogs.

    I had three first comments just recently and didn’t ask a question in any of them. I’m going to have to think of something interesting to ask :S

  11. Posted by Megan on August 18, 2010

    Wow, that’s already a lot of blogging. Definitely agree that this was definitely a very optimistic entry indeed.

    I think my favourite thing about this project is the high level of discussion/participation from the readers. I think that’s grand. It’s also a tribute to Mark, who always has something interesting to say, even if it’s just a panicky message to say that he/his book is too popular to have time to do a proper entry just before the midnight hour.

    I get 6 points. I don’t check in every day, but I’ve definitely read it all.

  12. Posted by Zoe Fell on August 18, 2010

    I’ll claim a cheeky 10 points on this occasion. I must echo what most people seem to say – hasn’t the time flown? I’ve had a spectacularly wonderful time so far and hope (if not expect) that the next 9 and a half years will be no different.

  13. Posted by Rachael on August 18, 2010

    Glad that I don’t seem to be the only one that didn’t realise we had reached this milestone. I think today might be one of my favourites, and the Can I help you? days are always a treat.
    What about if you have read every entry, in sequence, but not always on the day? I go to bed early and on the odd occasion I find myself away from the computer.
    I hope the rest of the 9 and a half years don’t go so quickly!

  14. Posted by issey on August 18, 2010

    Can’t believe it’s been 6 months since this whole thing started! Can’t believe I’ve managed to read the blog everyday for that long as well!! Also, I’m feeling pretty bloody proud of my 10 Where’s Watson points :D Well done Mark!

  15. Posted by louisel on August 18, 2010

    Has it really been six months?! Wow, well done!
    I think I get 6 WW points, because I did miss reading a few on the day for things like prom and desperately cramming before a few exams (maths *shudder*), but I have read them all in order.
    This blog cheered me up after a really crap day, thank you :)

  16. Posted by Nick on August 18, 2010

    Saw your show last night – really good, esp improv with audience.

    You seemed concerned that people didn’t like/get it. Don’t think that was the case as, looking round everyone seemed enthralled. Part of the act I guess and therefore I’m totally thick in not seeing that! If not maybe your projecting from seeing one person looking puzzled. This sounds really wank, and no comparison but I lecture students and I sometimes feel I am dying when I see even just one student, talking / far away look in eyes or asleep. Basically this means….

    a) person came in expecting starter course on astro-physics and is getting geography 101, – as in, a man came in last night hearing that you were an up-and-coming one-man shakespear act and is worried that he has fallen behind in the new wave on comtemporary theatre

    b) talking to mate because, while they get the show, they are students and therefore seem to have this idea that they have some sort of cloaking shield to prevent the person at the front from seeing them

    c) They are falling asleep because they were out on the lash last night and while they know they are missing a good thing they are truely fucked (lot of students in the audience and therefore it being a Tuesday and all, makes fuck all difference in terms of sobriety.

    d) have far away look because they have suddenly got the fear about whether they did actually turn the stove off……

    Anyway – like I need to tell you this. Just, was that I came out concerned that you were having a bad time and I hadn’t tried hard enough to send positive vibes! -

    nice one – only thing missing was the frisbee. Afraid I hate Mr D Brown but was unaware of this selection method and now feel that someone, somewhere must now throw one to me otherwise my life is meaningless

  17. Posted by Sam on August 18, 2010

    Ah, with only 4 Watson points I feel like the words ‘second-rate fan’ wouldn’t even be an adequate description for me after my pathetic attempts to follow this blog each and every day. Having failed after a week to keep going with my own daily blog (in which I referenced you, by the way, and challenged you to a game of table tennis when you’re free…), I’m incredibly impressed that you have managed the 6 months so far!
    Oh, and while I’m here, can I just say that ‘Eleven’ was absolutely wonderful and deserves all the praise it’s getting.
    Any chance of receiving a bonus point for being the first person to buy tickets for your Southampton gig over 8 months ago?

  18. Posted by Madeleine on August 18, 2010

    Wow, end of a crappy day and suddenly it’s all coming up Maddy! 10 points for me!
    I really have to go to sleep so I’ll keep my highlights brief (there have been many): Getting to write a blog was definatly tops, but not far behind was just the general conversation and sharing of opinions that happens on this blog, I genuinely do feel like I’ve learned heaps from the people here.
    Also the advice and review segments have been brilliant and the competitions fun, exciting and exceedingly fair. Changing the world was a big one, and it was really cool to read what everyone had done.
    A big glass of choclate soy milk raised to the next 9.5!

  19. Posted by Sue (DiB) on August 18, 2010

    Six points. Ta very much.. always read the blog, always in sequence, but not always on the day it comes out.

    Hope to see you in Brisbane to garner a few more points. :)

    And get that tooth fixed, a shredded tongue is not good. How did it happen?

  20. Posted by Hannahq on August 18, 2010

    I’ve read them all in sequence, but generally the day after they’re posted (because you do tend to leave it quite late)(which is fair enough, just I’m a 10 hours of sleep kind of person). So…does that maybe qualify for 8 points? As a born-again sleep-lover yourself, I’m sure you couldn’t possibly countenance any sort of sleep-caused penalties to your made up game.

    ANYWAY, HOORAY SIX MONTHS!!!

  21. Posted by Katie on August 18, 2010

    I’m going to take 6 points (thank you) because I’m not really sure if I can morally justify the taking of 10. Anyway. I’ve made a small cake to celebrate.

    That’s a lie, I bought a cake from the supermarket and it’s just a coincidence that I’m eating it just now. Sorry.

    x

  22. Posted by Alex on August 18, 2010

    I think yesterday was the first day that I didn’t read the blog on the day… But on the other hand I did speak to you in person. Swings and roundabouts.

    Also, I actually saw you earlier in the day. You were with Emily crossed a road near the Gilded Balloon, and, according to my sister, kicking what appeared to be a teddy into the side of the road. I was too busy dropping about 500 flyers to see. Anyway. So I get a few points I think.

    Last night was brilliant. You nearly killed my sister. She may have been one of the people laughing at odd times, purely because she was STILL laughing at the previous joke.

  23. Posted by James on August 18, 2010

    What happens if you’ve read them all in sequence but not when they came out are there any extra points for being OCD?

  24. Posted by Laura-B on August 18, 2010

    That’s gone really quickly! Well done, Mark. x

  25. Posted by Lydia on August 18, 2010

    Well done for keeping this up. It’s amazing how you’ve managed to do it every day. I’m looking forward to hearing what people are doing for the TYSIC stuff.

    I guess my favourite post would probably be when you answered a question that I asked, ’cause I didn’t know that you actually would. So thanks for that [:

    I agree with Stepth, a little advice for people about to get exam results would be good, if you have time. Advice on how not to completely give up on everything if they’ve not gone so great would be helpful, too.

  26. Posted by Anna Lowman on August 18, 2010

    Boom, 1/20th DONE! Nice one Watson! (6 points)

  27. Posted by lex on August 18, 2010

    I’ll take the six :)

    Completely brilliant and lovely to read your stuff and be a part (though small, lurky and satellite) of the Watsonians (Antipodean Division (disgraced)).

    Well done on the six months. And the baby. And the book. And the shows. And the tooth(!).

    *imaginary alcohol waved in your general direction*

  28. Posted by cymruangel on August 18, 2010

    10 WW points – woo! (Even if I am usually 9 hours behind, reading when I get into work)
    Many thanks to Mr Watson for his Can I Help You Advice on dealing with late-working other half – latest update is that he has ceased working all weekend (just does one half day) and is coming to bed much earlier (1.30ish instead of 5.30)= result!

    In TYSIC news, I have just found myself a willing knitting/sewing instructor, so expect to be doing useful things very shortly. I am also off to Canada in just over 3 weeks’ time. :)

  29. Posted by Daniel on August 18, 2010

    10 points for me – yay!

    Highlights have been Mark’s sage advice to me on Can I Help You? but also the Eleven competition – didn’t win myself, but the standard of entries was superb and a joy to read.

  30. Posted by Phill on August 18, 2010

    I’m going to award myself 10 “Where’s watson” points, as I’ve read each blog entry in sequence, most of them on the day they came out. (sometimes they come out after I’ve gone to bed, which to be honest I don’t think really counts, I read them first thing next morning. Thank God for RSS feeds).

    Yay for six months of blogging though!

  31. Posted by Katy on August 18, 2010

    Woohoo for the 6 months! Its flown by!

    Im taking my 10 points and running. Well no, I’ll be sticking around to continue reading every day. I always read it on the day its published, though quite often don’t commment until the next day as its difficult to do from my phone.

    I think the whole thing has been a highlight, though I especially liked it when I was mentioned and you called me a “nice lady”. I do worry sometimes that we put extra pressure on you with the whole blogwatch on twitter but I hope thats not the case.

  32. Posted by Heather Jones on August 18, 2010

    First time I’ve attempted commenting on my phone. Happy to claim my 6 points; I’ve certainly read every post in order since the start, but not 100% on day of posting. Congrats, Mark, on this 6 month way-stage, and all you’ve achieved since this crazy project started! It’s been such fun to be part of it. I’ve met quite a few fellow Watsonians, what with iPod meetings & the picnic, have made some lovely new friends overseas via TYSIC and also got to meet you after your hammersmith preview. Setting TYSIC challenges of my own has also made a big difference to me over these months

  33. Posted by Carl on August 18, 2010

    Wahey! 10 points over here. Although I’m writing this the day after, I read it late last night and fell asleep while commenting. Happy 6 months Mark’s blog, and many more to come! x

  34. Posted by Nuala on August 18, 2010

    Congrats! Could I have 5 points, perhaps? I have read all the blogs since April, but usually the following day, unless it’s an early one. Love them all!

  35. Posted by Hannah on August 18, 2010

    6 months. 6 points to me. I think that deserves a huzzah. HUZZAH!!

  36. Posted by Jamie/James on August 18, 2010

    I’ve updated one of my big challenges that I completed on the TYSIC update bit a while ago, but over the last three days I’ve gained over 200 points in my celebrity meeting challenge! (Having successfully met Whoopi Goldberg (Lion King category) and Jamie Cullum!!)

    Aside from the mentalness that today brought, it seems somewhat ideal that on the 6 month anniversary I met fellow watsonian @ZoeFell :)

    I should also point out my name is James, but people keep calling me Jamie, hence the Jamie/James thing. Both by Mark in the first TYSIC blog and oddly today in the Karaoke thing, despite writing James in capital letters.

    Here’s to a further successful 6 months/9 and a half years!! xx

  37. Posted by Misha on August 18, 2010

    6 months eh? Zoe and myself were approached by watsonian Jamie tonight so that feels appropriate. 6 points for me. I went on holiday. Weirdly the idea that this blog may one day end, albeit in 9 and a half years, fills me with sadness. Clearly i’m up too late.

  38. Posted by Lauren on August 18, 2010

    6 points please and thank you. I had to catch up over Easter because I had no internet for a week… a tragedy that has now cost me 4 points.

  39. Posted by Alot of rach[a]els on August 18, 2010

    Yay for 6 months =D
    I’ve read every blog in order so 10 points. And I’ve just done my part for the iPod which seems like a good date to do it.
    Thank you for having a fun blog.

  40. Posted by Tamo on August 18, 2010

    Ah proud to post for the first time on your 6 month anniversary, and having had the pleasure of seeing you live for the first time tonight :) It was a great show.

    Wanted to stop by the book queue afterwards but had tickets to Karaoke Circus so had to leave pretty quick smart unfortunately. There were a fair few boos there at the judges decisions, I think a few audience members may have been at your show :) x

  41. Posted by Daniel on August 18, 2010

    10 points! Congratulations on the blog anniversary (blogiversary?) I have many favourite bits but The Very Late Reviews stand out. Great to see you in Edinburgh!

  42. Posted by Steph on August 18, 2010

    6 months already! Where does time go? I’ve read every post in order, but not always on the right day, so that’s 6 points to add to the three I got on Friday night. :)

  43. Posted by Rick Procter on August 18, 2010

    Glass (currently imaginary) duly raised! :o ) Gosh, it’s flashed by eh? So many cool, fun things have happened during this blog’s lifespan, most especially the lovely people I’ve met because of it. Thanks MW and thanks all.

  44. Posted by Ivan (@ivanbrett) on August 18, 2010

    Golly, I’ve been reading but not posting for a while and just realised how much I missed it.
    6 points for me, and also some points (don’t know how many) for meeting you in that charity do in the rain in Bristol all the time back.
    Actually, who’s counting?

    But mainly, WELL DONE! It’s been a tough 6 months but well worth it, and I admire you so much for getting this done every single day despite the hardships and difficulties. TYSIC has been good to me, but we’ll get to that when it’s appropriate.

    Right, from now on, I’m commenting every day. It’s the least I can do what with you blogging every day. Someone hold me to it.

    Ivan xxx

  45. Posted by Sue on August 18, 2010

    I first discovered the blog a few weeks in, but since then I’ve read it every day on the day, so… can I have 7 points?? ;)

    Even though due to school/work I haven’t been able to take part in any Watsonian events so far, it’s been heartening to read about them being planned and then going ahead with such great success. From the iPod to the Picnic to the Eleven book launch and the Edinburgh festival, it’s been great to see these plans develop and be realised.

    Here’s to nine-and-a-half more years of success :D

  46. Posted by Maddie on August 18, 2010

    Hooray for 6 months! Yay!

  47. Posted by Juliet on August 18, 2010

    6 points for me then (I never thought I’d actually get a point, so that’s pretty cool), and you should add having an Argentinian fan :)

    xx

  48. Posted by Steph on August 18, 2010

    I think it’s only fair to give myself the 6 points in WW? I have definitely read every post but not necessarily in the right order or on the day, due to going to Venice, general exam stress and as you say, a relatively busy life. It’s been great though.

    Could I ask that tomorrow’s post include some kind of advice for those receiving their A Level exam results on Thursday? How am I meant to be feeling? Last year I was a complete wreck and am expecting worse this year due to the fact that EVERYTHING IS RIDING ON THOSE PIECES OF PAPER. IE Will I be living in South Kensington, Birmingham or still at home due to a complete FAIL (as the young kids say these days ;) ). Some optimism would be very welcome such as “at east you will still be alive, unless you get hit by a bus on the way home”. Thanks :)

    And thanks for everything, I feel like I have gained a good friend over these six months and I very much enjoyed being the temporary custodian of the mp3 layer, and meeting 2 other ‘Watsonians’.
    Been a pleasure…

  49. Posted by Ally on August 18, 2010

    I think this is quite the milestone and a sign that this blog will be able to continue for the next 9 and a half years. I’m quite pleased with my 10 points :) I feel like I’m being rewarded for doing something fun everyday! It’s kind of brilliant!!

  50. Posted by Lukey on August 17, 2010

    Ohhh and 10 points for me

  51. Posted by Lukey on August 17, 2010

    I said that in this ten year period I wanted to marry my girl friend. I consider myself well on track for reaching said target because she is still my girl friend 8-) now in our 7th month together :D

  52. Posted by LollyPolly on August 17, 2010

    If it’s alright with you lot I’m going to stake a claim on 8 points. I read the first week-10days of this blog in one sitting and have read daily ever since. I refuse to believe it’s been 6 months though!

  53. Posted by Linsey on August 17, 2010

    Congratulations Mark! And well done all the committed followers, especially the 10 mark ones, they really are quite special! I am rather proud of my 6 marks.
    On a more boring note though; I can’t believe it’s been 6 months…

  54. Posted by Iona on August 17, 2010

    6 points! Yay. Though the ones that I didn’t read on the day were because I was in France and some were out late and I was in bed cos of school/exams so I feel justified :)
    My favourite blogs are the very late review and I’m also quite a fan of the agony aunt/uncle ones.
    Here’s to another great 6 months *raises imaginary glass of champagne*

  55. Posted by lora on August 17, 2010

    It seems I get to award myself 6 points! I have read all the blog entries usually on the day posted apart from the time when I was without internet during my time at Download Festival. I can’t believe the six month anniversary is already upon us, you definitely deserve a pat on the back for having a daily blog which does so much and actually creates a community, despite the stress it most likely causes you on occasion.

    My recent jaunt to Edinburgh inspired by the blog/for your book launch is probably my highlight as I thoroughly enjoyed it, met some fellow blog readers and forum members and even made a connection with the iPod! :)

    Here’s to the next 9 years 6 months :D

  56. Posted by Corey on August 17, 2010

    6 months!? geez, thats flown hasn’t it. I reckon as blogs go, this has been the best daily blog of the last 6 months.

    My highlights are winning a copy of the wonderful ‘Eleven’ which I have recently brought as a pressie for somebody with the added bonus of having your autograph in it, and also for it being responsible for pressing me into doing things I’ve always wanted to do…..namely…finally going to the Edinburgh fringe, taking steps to get over certain social situations but biggest of all signing up to a comedy/writing course in London this Autumn.

    So thank you and your blog….. because as I can see from having friends with small people I do not know how you’ve managed to keep a career going, co raising a baby with writing a daily diary………..well done

  57. Posted by Sarah el on August 17, 2010

    eeeeee!! Cause for celebration! This is only my second comment (not that I’m counting) but I wanted to jump in to say that I adore the blog and I can’t believe six months have passed! I think maybe one of my goals should be lurking less :) xx

  58. Posted by amycool on August 17, 2010

    It can’t be 6 months!! Life is going too fast!

    6 points for me. I’m never awake to read them on the day they’re posted and once you did two in quick succession, meaning I read them out of sequence.

    I’ve had such a great 6 months because of this blog. My whole outlook on life has changed – not hugely but definitely significantly. I met a new friend via the blog, I’ve started going to gigs, I learnt how to knit, I ate lots of cheese…all things I doubt would have happened if the blog hadn’t been here.

    I love reading the late reviews (even when there’s hundreds of the things) as many people on here are very witty and have so many experiences I am yet to encounter. My least favourite are the frantic ones because I worry you’ll make yourself ill. :-) Perhaps you could just post a picture of your worried face if it gets to 11.50pm – that’s the equivalent of a 1000 words. Oh and I love the little challenges you set.

    I’ve talked enough.

  59. Posted by Seamus on August 17, 2010

    I’ve read every entry, starting on the first day, and have read them in order, but haven’t managed to read them all on the day they were posted, for many different reasons. Does that mean I get 6 or can I have a bonus point for not breaking then sequential nature of the posts, even if I have been up to a week behind?

    Whatever the points based result, I can’t believe it has been 6 months already. That’s 5% already! Hopefully I can keep going as long as the blog can.

  60. Posted by Jay on August 17, 2010

    That’s 6 points for me, then!

  61. Posted by DeborahF on August 17, 2010

    Well time surely flies when you’re having fun – I can’t believe it’s six months already. I claim my 10 points with pride.

    Obviously my highlight is the blog dedicated to cheering me up – that was amazing and I read it often when I’m having a bad day.

    On a related note I have two successes today – first I finished reading Eleven which as everyone here has been saying is brilliant. When I’m less tired and can think straight I’ll write a review on Amazon.

    Secondly, I had the time to read it because I spent hours travelling to London for a job interview (though the job is actually in Sheffield, their head office is in London). Since I’ve started looking I’ve had lots of agencies with possible jobs for me but today was my first actual interview and it went really well. I’m starting to believe this redundancy thing might be the best thing that’s happened to me in ages – if a bit scary at times :)

    Anyway, tired ramblings over. Well done on the six months, an excellent book, Kit (who sounds adorable) and an excellent new show (which I’m predicting will be excellent when I see it in October).

  62. Posted by hornseygirl on August 17, 2010

    Congratulations! Huzzah! : )

    I have raised a glass of my favourite NZ wine (Amisfield, Central Otago) to this auspicious marker and to us all.

    I shall claim my 6 points. I mostly read contemporaneously, but every now and again I need to get some treasured sleep and just can’t stay up much beyond 10pm.

    I was only thinking the other day what a serious commitment this blog is. I have a seven and a half month old baby girl and she will be a ten year old child doing whatever ten year old children do in a decade’s time before this blog’s course is run. Wow.

    I can empathise with your dental situation. I am having ‘root canal work’ for the first (and hopefully last) time this Friday (serves me right for not going to the dentist when I was pregnant). Needless to say, I am not looking forward to it.

    I hope the show went well and roll on the next six months!

  63. Posted by Kathryn on August 17, 2010

    Six points, danke schon.

    My favourite posts have probably been the ones provoking interesting debates and discussions, even about the relative merits of jaffa cakes.

  64. Posted by Aislinn on August 17, 2010

    Oh, I’d love to claim ten points but when I was away in Edinburgh the posts didn’t show up on my phone until a day or two later (and I’m sure there have been other times, too). Six points will do me fine, though, as I’m pretty confident about my stalking (ahem SUPPORTING) skills.

    My favourite moment was the book launch. Also, please don’t get cross at me but I’m sort of quite glad I went back to London for a few days to Scott Pilgrim things up. It is an immense film. Also, just to forewarn you, you have slightly under four days until me, Zoe and Katie are as one.

    Love to your mother

    (I don’t know what means but I’ve always wanted to say it. It’s not offensive, right?)

  65. Posted by Someone on August 17, 2010

    Aw lovely lovely. But oh and lame; I’ve gone and complicated life again. I need a carer to do my maths for me, I reckon.
    What I’ve done is, I’ve read every post in order and before the next post has been posted if that makes sense, but maybe I’ve read them after midnight y’know… I don’t know if that counts.. and it’s REALLY quite worrying how I’m caring about not cheating on this one.
    I mean where DID I leave my life and my cool?!… I am so very forgetful sometimes.
    For now I shall take 6 and be clear of conscience and happy that this little web-land that I so often frequent still exists. Ooh look, some corn [y]. :]

  66. Posted by Sarah on August 17, 2010

    Ahh I like this blog post – it’s very optimistic! I’m happy to claim 6 points. Reading this blog has become a part of my day. Thanks, Mark! x

  67. Posted by Dawn on August 17, 2010

    The best bit for me was winning a signed copy of the brilliant “Eleven”!
    I hadn’t read a book for a few years and reading your masterpiece renewed my interest in reading. Every night I read in bed which is brilliant for my high blood pressure and helps to calm my mind before trying to sleep.
    It was also very exciting to actually be classed as a “winner” at the age of 51!
    I’ve awarded myself 10 points as I read your blog every day.
    Thankyou for being such a lovely person :) xxx

  68. Posted by fuzzy_ducky (Laura) on August 17, 2010

    I’ll settle for 6 points… although I did read them all in proper sequence, I was away for a few days and missed about 5 of them. Although I went straight the first one following my departure I guess 6 points is what I get :P

    Congrats on the 6 months mark :D

  69. Posted by Matt on August 17, 2010

    I’ll claim my 10 point’s but as I’m in France I would like to claim a bonus point as I have to wait till 1am to see if you have posted. I hope to get more Where’s Watson point over the next 9 and a half years.

  70. Posted by Mariam on August 17, 2010

    I’ll settle for six points, then.

    I’m actually really impressed that you’ve kept up a daily blog– I tried to do this with my LiveJournal a few months back and forgot after about a week. But, you’ve inspired me to try again!

  71. Posted by Anji on August 17, 2010

    I’ll have 6 points then! Your upbeat blog almost made me feel untired. But alas I am still dead on my bottom and so with clean sheets I will away and sleep! Hopefully to awake with some of Mark’s chipperness but without a dodgy tooth! x

  72. Posted by Adam on August 17, 2010

    10 Where’s Watson points? Kerrr-ching!

    I’m gonna go for the late review as my highlight of the 6 months so far, any one of them really. I think it’s great because it combines the community aspect of this whole thing with Mark’s excellent ramblings.

    Keep it up Mark, only 114 months left to go!

  73. Posted by Rachel/Pandora on August 17, 2010

    Wow, 6 months has flown by. I’m proudly claiming 10 Where’s Watson points for reading everyday.
    Its a funny thing, this blog. The list of things its achieved in such a short time is a charming combination of impressive and ridiculous. Its also created a lovely little community, that I’m very proud to be in.
    That was rather soppy, wasn’t it? Bugger.

  74. Posted by Laurs on August 17, 2010

    Woo hoo! 6 Where’s Watson points from the comfort of my own sofa! Hurrah! next step is to get some more! (hopefully that comes across in a totally non stalkerish way!!)

    And you sound very happy tonight Mark, just what I needed after a day where I realised my life isn’t quite going as planned. Still, I have tomorrow to rectify that…

    Have a great show! x

  75. Posted by helen (@iamanicelady) on August 17, 2010

    well that IS a chipper blog post! well done on keeping going this far, bugger for the tooth, and 10 points for me. and we are a wonderful clan, we are. I’ve met some lovely folk via the blog and TYSIC and the forum. Happy face all around I think :)

    xx

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