Today is Simon William Stockdale's (aka Stocky, SWS, Sime) 30th birthday. I've known Stocky for about 10 or 11 years now. During that time I've lived with him, played plenty of guitar with him, teased him mercilessly about all manner of things (Fender guitars and Bob Dylan mainly) and generally "hung out". I really enjoy the odd relationship that Stocky and I have. I say odd because I think we're completely at ease with each other and not at the same time. Kinda hard to explain. I do know that we share a great deal of similarities and differences. Like our music preferences, which when they cross, cross pretty strongly. I've been very happy to share my love for You Am I and Dinosaur Jr with Stocky over the years. Stocky is an amazing guitarist. I don't just mean "wow, you know, he plays pretty good...", I mean the boy can play with feeling and precision. He's very understated in his playing, but every note he lays down he knows how it's going to sound and whether or not its going to fit. Our styles are pretty different, but I've learnt a lot from Stocky, especially in the early days when we lived together. Stocky has a wicked sense of humour as well, and I really enjoy seeing him break the facade and piss himself with laughter. Usually though, it's just a big smile and a head nod, and that's enough for me :) And given this blog entry is all about Stocky, I'll take this opportunity to perpetuate the myth that all he does is sleep all the time. The boy does enjoy his sleep though (whoops, I mean "resting his eyes", not sleeping). I have fond memories of playing guitar with Stocky at Farrer Hall functions, playing You Am I covers in the bedroom, eating bad food at our house in Chadstone, being the only two smokers in "the crew" and hearing completely insane stories about his parents (usually his Mum).

Anyway, here's to you Mr. Stockdale. Happy birthday and have a great day!