Sunday saw the purchase of yet another overly expensive electronic gadget – A Nikon D70 digital SLR (from Kamla on tottenham court road), complete with an 18-70mm lens (the kit lens) and a 70-300mm G lens as well. I’ve always loved the results that I got with my Minolta Dynax 300si 35mm film camera but hated the poor quality of the prints I got. Similarly I always liked the way that I could download pictures from my Sony DSC-P72 digital camera straight onto the PC but hated the responsiveness of the shutter and I’d also started to become unhappy with the resolution. This should bring me the best of both worlds and will hopefully last for a long time before I need to upgrade, my first impressions are that I absolutely love it and I’m looking forward to getting back into SLR photography. I do however already have some extras on my wishlist – A proper flashgun to use instead of the built-in flash and a spare battery!
It seems odd to be getting such cold weather at the end of February, especially after a relatively mild winter. I decided to go straight home from the Ace on Friday night, rather than go into the west end and our regular meeting place for tricks. As I was leaving the car park I saw one car slide into the rear of another on the icy road. That kind of confirmed my decision! Hopefully the worst is over and we’ll have some good weather in time for when I get my new bike!
My friend was at a show at Alexandra Palace at the weekend and saw this mousemat. Knowing I love R1s she bought it for me, it’s now living on my desk at work. Thanks Serena!
Yet more decisions to make before buying my new bike, and time’s running out! I was at a bike shop on Saturday and was looking at the Kawasaki ZX10R as an alternative to the R1. It’s significantly cheaper at the moment and is a fantastic bike. I’ve arranged a test ride on one for sometime this week (weather permitting!). According to the press, the Kwak’s smaller and lighter, with more power than the R1 but it’s just that bit more difficult to ride, making it slower around the track. However, they also say that with the right modifications (different tyres, steering damper etc.) it would be the best bike out there.
I finally learnt how to do stand up wheelies on Friday! I was just messing about at our usual place and decided to give it another try now that I’ve got better at sit downs. I started off by putting my knees on the tank, bringing the bike up on the power and after a few runs I was doing proper first gear stand ups!
Since deciding to buy my new bike I’ve been wondering what make of crash mushrooms/protectors to get for it. I’d heard good things about R&G products but was sceptical of the claims people were making. However, I saw a guy lowside his R1 leaving the Ace last night. The bike spun down the road on it’s side. After checking he was OK and picking the bike up I saw for myself that, apart from one small scuff on the lower fairing there wasn’t a scratch on it! the R&G uppers and lowers that he had fitted had saved the whole bike, including the tail, which I certainly wasn’t expecting considering the positioning of the protectors. So now I think I’ve made my mind up… One set of R&G’s please!
Well, I received the grand sum of two valentine’s text messages today, both from mates (female one’s I hasten to add!). At least, I think they’re from mates… they’ve been very cunning and used other people’s phones so that their numbers aren’t recognised. No cards though. Oh, and everyone had one of these heart shaped Post-it notes on their desk this morning as part of a new product/promotion launch the company did today. Oh well, there’s always next year 
As a thank you for fixing a friend’s laptop I’ve been presented with my very own personalised number plate. I don’t think it’s quite legal though, and if I tried to register the number I think the DVLA may have something to say about it! The story behind the name is kind of odd… One of our friends has a dog called Dave and it get’s called “Baby David” after the character in the Royal Family TV show. Once our other friends found out they started calling me the same and it’s kind of stuck.
Thanks Tasha and Serena.
Went out with the gang on Friday, ended up at the usual hangout. Jay gave me his camera to take some photos of him and Rod. Some came out pretty well (check them out here), but there are still none of me! Note to self… Get Jay to take some decent pics of me next time!