Dear Diary ...

I love a good fad. I love becoming obsessed with a new hobby, toy or boy until something brighter and more sparkly comes along. I’m like a cat with a piece of shiny wrapping paper; I’ll play with it fanatically till I notice the ball with fidgety ferret attached hiding in the corner. Basically I have the attention span of a cat, which also explains my love life and how I’m always drawn to the one person in the room doing their best to avoid me out of dislike, or fear. Mmmmmm. Self analysis is not my friend.

However the point is this, I love taking up new hobbies and filling my life with extra curricular activities. In 2009 alone I’ve enjoyed salsa, trampolining, body jam, fitness ballet, British Military Fitness, a sci-fi book club and creative writing classes. I’ve researched how to use my various skills to become a freelance writer, magician, party organiser, Blue Peter presenter and member of Mumford and Sons. On top of all of this I’m committed to a full time job, the amazing Mumford family, my wives (my housemates – lesbian bigamist is a fad I have yet to experience) and a fab bunch of friends. Not forgetting my dedication to gin and serious dance floor 'shape throwing'.

But as 2010 arrived I was starting to feel a bit fadless. I had my new gym membership, trampolining and creative writing course, but I wanted more (note/warning: I always want more.) So I thought, why not make my new fad an exploration of fads, to look into the reasons why we fill our lives with these weird and wonderful hobbies? Why do people get up at 6am to run when nothings chasing them? How does one attend a live art class and not laugh at the willies and boobies? Why do people collect stamps? There’s no joke here, I just really want to know why!

So I’ll spend the next few weeks enjoying these hobbies by experiencing them with my friends and then blogging about them in a hilarious and intelligent manner. For instance this week I’m sharing my housemate’s passion for her band Belleville (www.myspace.com/bellevillemusic) which I will tell you more about next week. Thus far I have written some emo lyrics and started my search for a tambourine.

This project will only work if people invite me to share their hobbies with them (thank you Belleville). So whatever your passions, interests and hobbies let me know and let me join you. There are of course some things that even I won’t to do, so if you count piercings, tattoos or threesomes as your hobbies then maybe you should keep it to yourself and investigate the effects of hepatitis. Otherwise, for the most part, I’m game.

I also have six days annual leave to take before April so am able to enjoy hobbies outside of the Canterbury area. I only require an invite, accommodation, food and cuddles. I really am as easily please as a household pet.

Please get involved with your suggestion, comments and invites

Much Love Mumf