V-log, film review, Ambridge & 'lectric'

I've actually been rather stumped for a focus to my next blog entry. I know I keep harping on about the problems I'm having with finance and career. I don't want this turn into something boring suffice to say that there is a lot happening at the moment, especially on the consumer forums. A whole lot of people are affected by 1st Class Trucking Ltd and have all lost a lot of money. It will remain to be seen whether anyone gets their money back - the creditors need to be paid back first and then whatever's left over will be shared out to the poor customers. I'll update again once there's significant progress.

I'm toying with the idea of starting a v-log. I'm a huge fan of glen1040 on YouTube and enjoy very much his occasional uploads from his home in remotest Australia. The cost of living is among his latest topics of interest and how everyday items are becoming too expensive to buy. The same is of course true here and I'm quite keen to highlight what we pay for our groceries and how to make savings. Self-sufficiency is another thing that's becoming more relevant as the cost of living increases. Glen spends a lot of time nurturing his vegetable garden and the results are quite amazing given the arid conditions. I've taken a small step in the same direction and procured two tomato plants from my father, who - unlike me - is a very keen and accomplished gardener. So any v-log I produce will contain an update on my tomato growing progress. If I do manage it, I intend to publish it on YouTube under my ID 'mattlincs'.

There's lots going on at the moment about the pension age. Personally, I can understand fully the frustration of those who will now have to work longer before they can receive their pensions. They feel let down, mis-led and probably heartily sick of having their hopes dashed for retiring from a life of 9-5 office and factory work. I am lucky - I have a good private pension, well several actually from my previous employers. I don't have to worry when I reach 55 and if I'm not about, neither will my wife and son. But for those dependent on the state pension, they have every right to be angry and I hope this is reflected in the next round of voting in the general election. Personally, I am half-expecting to emigrate before the government can get their hands on my nest egg... Australia maybe...

I will update at the weekend on progress made with our model railway. I've been quite busy adding some nice little extras.

I've watched two films recently, 'Paul' and 'Unknown'. 'Paul' was actually quite good given the fact it's a comedy about an alien. I didn't really think it could work but Simon Pegg and Nick Frost managed to pull it off. 'Unknown' was another good film. It stars Liam Neeson in the lead role. Although it is very well made (anything with Liam Neeson in it normally is), I did find the storyline very frustrating. I get very easily confused and this film leads you down one road before doing a sharp u-turn and sending you in the other direction. Some would describe it as a 'twist in the tale'. I would call it bloody irritating. It was very good though nevertheless and I can thoroughly recommend it.

OK, that's my film review for this week! I could have gone further but I'd hate to spoil either of them for anyone.

Does anyone reading this listen to the Archers I wonder...? I do and I have to confess that I'm well and truly hooked. I've been listening on and off for years but since Christmas I haven't missed an episode. I miss Nigel, I find Elizabeth irritating to the extreme and cringe whenever Jolene and Kenton are together. There! Am I an Archers addict?

Finally... electricity. Our electricity bill has risen from £150 per month to a staggering £174 per month! I'm actually still in shock at reading the letter from Eon. We must be paying too much, surely... What do other people pay? Is it normal to pay so much each month?

OK, I'm going to have a think about my first v-log and I'll update again at the weekend. I have an appointment with my careers adviser tomorrow. I'm hoping she will be able to help me with financing my training course... We'll see.