Charlotte’s Birthday weekend round-up

A nice long Birthday weekend is completed. We took Charlotte, Miles and Jack out for a meal at the Coconut Tree on Friday night and it was lovely. Great setting and the food was lovely, it was a really nice evening and a good start to the weekend. We tried to go to the Mad Hatter bar but that was a private party so we went to another bar along the Cowley Road and had a couple of drinks there – all very relaxed. Taxi home, another beer sat listening to music and then to bed not too late.

Saturday morning I was up and working all morning for 4 hours on a Help Guide, really productive actually as I got it done, but it meant that I wasn’t able to go out with Tash on a 2 hour run, I can’t see that I am going to be able to run this Half Marathon next week, which is a shame, my body just isn’t ready for it. I’ve let myself down badly here.

We then had all Tash’s family up for afternoon tea but I went to Jack’s football to try and video him but unfortunately he didn’t actually get on, we were both pissed off about that. I must admit I did keep a watch from the bar whilst the Ryder Cup was on having a couple of beers, very disappointing.

Back home and we then had a load of Charlotte’s mates coming over in the evening, they were supposed to get these for 7.00pm but didn’t come until 8.45pm and Charlotte was a bit miffed, but it was fine once they’d all arrived and it was the usual rowdiness that we’ve come to expect and it was a nice evening, had a few too many beers! They all left just after midnight to go clubbing and we tidied up afterwards.

Sunday morning I was up late and had a very heavy head, got some stuff tidied up and was then off to football for the vets. Said goodbye to Charlotte as she’s back up to Nottingham an Tash was taking her. Football was fine, we won a comfortable game against Headington Butchers (6-2) and I got a lot of football, we had a new signing in Jack’s old Woodstock Town manager, Matty, so that was interesting seeing him play (and vice versa)! Back home afterwards and had dinner and kept the new student entertained whilst doing various chores I’d been allocated!!

Tash came back about 7.30pm in not the best of moods and she went to bed early, I stayed up watching the highlights of the Ryder Cup – we won with something to spare so that was enjoyable.

So all in all a good weekend and to make it better I didn’t feel too bad following the football match, I did a lot of running about and my body doesn’t seem to have reacted badly…will see if that’s the case in the morning!!

Charlotte’s Birthday tomorrow

So she’s going to be 22 tomorrow, can’t believe how my kids are growing up, it’s a scary time it really is.

Mum popped round with some presents for her this afternoon but typically she was out walking the dog, but she had been out for afternoon tea yesterday so it wasn’t so bad, Mum also brought a nice cake round that looked like a Japanese fan so that was appreciated.

I think Charlotte is going to be celebrating in style yet again…we’re taking her and Miles out tomorrow for a meal, I think Jack is coming too now so that should be interesting as it’s at a Sri Lanka restaurant!, then we’ve got all the Bull family coming over for afternoon tea and then we’re hosting all her mates in the evening at our house – I didn’t know about that! Not sure I can handle a big piss up… They’ve already made jokes to Charlotte about fighting with the neighbours..oh dear!

Aside from that, all is ticking along fine, work is busy and I am getting behind with things even though it feels like I am working flat out. Talking of which, I’d better get some more done

Brief Update…nothing much to report

Just a quick catch up…

Last Friday night we met up with Nikki Henderson and Matt in the White Hart – had a few drinks and that was a nice evening catching up

Last Saturday we took Millar and Holdy out to the Black Boy in Headington, Jack dropped us down there and we got quite drunk actually. Nice food and had a good time. I got my sums slightly wrong at the end and still asked them to pay £25.00 each when we paid £150.00, Tash said I should have not asked…bugger. Really nice evening though, enjoyed it. Jack picked us up as well so bonus!!

Jack made his Abingdon Utd Development squad debut in the afternoon as well, he got 35 minutes and shone and at 0-0 he helped make it a 2-0 win so he was buzzing. Was telling me how he kept rinsing the right-back because he was put on at left midfield which is where he should be. We later learned that the player he replaced in the match has decided to leave – probably because he can see how much better Jack is than him. That might be fathers pride speaking but that’s the impression I got from Jack – well done him

Miserable day on Sunday and Tash wanted to go out for a run, I am still struggling with my back so cycled along with her but after about an hour she was struggling to run, problems with her stomach not fitness, she was doing well. It was pissing down with rain the whole time so wasn’t much fun. The Oxford Half Marathon is in two weeks time and I’ve done absolutely nothing at all, I can’t see that I will be competing this year unfortunately.

Work is busy, but then the outgoings are mental – they really are. We’re getting the prep done for the USA holiday and that’s exciting.

Lewis has been in Dublin doing a presentation for his work, one of the sessions was in front of about 90 people and he’s enjoyed it, I saw on LinkedIn there’s a photo of him doing it that his Team Leader uploaded, seems really strange having your son be tagged for his work on LinkedIn! He’s also back with Amber so he’s pleased about that, will see how things move along with that – I have my doubts, once you have a break-up it’s hard to get back to what you want it to be. Hopefully it will be okay though.

Anyway, that will do for now, only a brief update

Poor old Lewis

So he’s not feeling too good at the minute as he’s on some medication to help with problems with his stomach that the GP has prescribed. But to compound matters his girlfriend, Amber, has finished with him last night. He called Tash in tears and she was working and unable to commit enough time to get to the bottom of it and console him so I called later whilst Jack was at football. Usual thing in that she’s just got bored or said the spark isn’t there or whatever…he’s keen to get her back but we shall see. I gave some advise which I doubt he will take on board, it’s difficult as he’s in a situation that he’s desperate to keep with her but it sounds like she wants to move on, so he will have to allow that to happen. I just hope he doesn’t make a fool of himself in his desperation to get back with her.

I won’t say more than that, will let the dust settle but we had a feeling this was coming with some of her social media posts and also the long texts that were going on all throughout our visit to Japan and even during the Test match. My thoughts and loyalty are obviously with Lewis and if we have to go up to Manchester at the weekend to see him no doubt we will…let’s see what happens

Such a shame and glad that I don’t have that hassle anymore…unless Tash is planning to leave me!!

New Vets season upon us

So it’s a new season for the over 50’s and we’ve played two matches, I’ve started as sub in both of them which I am not overly pleased about!! We beat Goring last week 2-1 and beat Chinnor today 5-2 so it’s been a decent start. Some new faces including Ronnie Williams and Gary Coyle and all the old faces are still involved as well. I enjoyed today a bit more than last week as I went into midfield but my legs aren’t there and I didn’t run very much not good!

Afterwards, all the families that are going to New York met up in the White Hart and discussed our plans for the time we’re over there. Should be good but I think it’s going to be an expensive experience! Even in the White Hart we ended up downing 7 pints! Wasn’t nice as when we went home Tash was really drunk but is also saying that she thinks she’s on a pre-menopause which is making her scatty and forgetful, we ended up arguing once everyone had gone to bed – not a nice end to the day/weekend.

Perhaps something is wrong with her, she’s got a doctor’s appointment lined up so we shall see after that – hopefully she’s okay.

England v India Test Match at the Oval

Woke up with a heavy head head but not feeling ill and we got ready to go. Last minute packed lunch made us Tash and then she dropped us off at the train station for our 8.45am train...can’t believe I was on such an early train. The boys slept on the way there, v tired from last night and there were no problems whatsoever getting to the ground. It was fun “people watching” on the train and then the tube as so many people were going to the match.

It was mad when we came out of the Oval tube station as you were going up the escalator there was so much noise at the top and it was mayhem. We got into the ground fine and found our seats and the ground slowly filled up. It’s a strange experience as there is just constant drinking and eating. We were in a good section and it was fun. Jack and Lewis were both asking questions about the game and cricket in general, they’re not fans but I think it was okay for them. Doubt Jack will come again though, he did have a snooze a few times. But then it was a long day just sat there watching no much happening...admittedly it was a slow days cricket but I enjoyed it. Saw Steve Escott for a catch up as he was in a block near to me and had seen my Facebook post saying I was on my way. Managed to have about 5 pints of lager but it was tough going and eventually gave up...

Bit of history witnessed because Alastair Cook had announced his retirement and we got to see him bat for the last time. He wasn’t out and by the time we left at 6.15pm to get our trains England were in command having got India out and only losing two wickets in the evening session. Lewis was getting a different train to us so we said our goodbyes and Jack and I carried onto Marylebone. We were 50 minutes early so got some food and pottered about and then home at 8.35pm, almost missed our stop as both of us were fast asleep. Tash got us and we caught up and then had an early night

Old Faces, old men!!

It was Wayne and Jason’s 50th birthday joint party on Saturday night and it was at the Chequers in Headington. Loads of old faces as you would expect and loads of memories and silly chatter, it was a great evening and I loved it. Lewis came along and we all ended up in town and Hank’s bar. Jack picked me up and we got a kebab after Lewis left early because he was hanging! Youngsters these days!

Some names: Latch, Dale Thorne, Nick Dawson, Jan Varney, Paul Bradbury, Paul Mulvaney, Jason Caffel, Jon Ward, Brian Falnnery, Phil Tomas, Buzz Fowler, Paul Fawkes, Paul Kimber, Leigh Bastable, Dean Ferguson, Paul Creed, Steve Tavinor, Andy Thomas, John Hilland, Nozzer, Liam Carroll, Rob Tutton, Mark O’Hara, Blinky, Paul Holden and others!

Typhoon in Japan and other happenings

Working at Raintree today and on the hour, every hour, an alarm went and we all got up to do some exercise!! Only 20 seconds of something – I did 20 squats, it was quite tiring but it was also amazing how quickly the time came around and you thought, “Already?”

Decent day working here today, so much to work through which I did, that’s one nice thing about being off on holiday is how the work piles up, same with tomorrow at Peters Books – I’ve got a shedload of stuff on my plate to do for Claire

Last night I sorted out the train tickets for Lewis to come down at the weekend and go to the England v India Test match on Sunday, bit worried about that as we’re getting an 8.45am train on Sunday morning but on Saturday night Holdy and Millar are having a lads night out and get-together for their 50^th birthdays and we’re meeting at 6.30pm…I’ll be steaming drunk!! In saying that, hopefully I will have some discipline with the cricket being on the following day and I don’t want to miss that for the world!

Not much else to report really, the training session with Hodder/Rising Stars yesterday afternoon seemed to go ok, it could have been better but the problem was you had some people on the ball and understanding what was required and some that were not…anyway, hopefully the other sessions will be easier and smoother to run through, we’ll find out in the next week or so.

Couldn’t believe the news last night, the worst typhoon in 25 years has hit Kyoto and Osaka causing deaths and mayhem – how lucky were we? The photos and videos paint a bad picture and I cannot believe the weather we’re viewing when you think about what we experienced, simply amazing to think we missed all of the bad weather during our time there, same as with going to Thailand during the rainy season, we experienced none of it. We do have some bad luck with our travelling sometimes but we’ve certainly benefited from good fortune more than enough! Such a shame that it’s so severe and causing so many problems for people.

Back to work today

Well that was hard work if I am honest! Woke up again at 4.30am, read some news for 30 minutes and then managed to go back to sleep until 7.30am so that wasn’t too bad, slowly getting our body clocks back to normal

I worked from home today and appeared to get quite a bit done, I am determined to get paid as much as possible in the coming months to pay for this holiday and all the other things we have lined up, so trying to focus on doing work I will be paid for and ensuring I record the time that I do. I’d got out of the habit so that needs to be addressed!

Not a huge amount of backlog for me but plenty of work in the pipeline for the next fortnight so that’s pleasing. Just ploughed through it during the day

Tash was around from the afternoon onwards and she went out with Zoe for a long walk in the evening and I just watched the end of the Jack Reacher film (what a load of shit that was!) and then had an early night.

I am trying to reduce the amount of Social Media and procrastination but it’s not worked yet!!

St Giles Fair today and tomorrow as well - haven't been down there for years, I don't like it anymore as it's a rip off and too expensive, but the kids enjoy it!!

Japan Holiday - Day 15 – Homeward bound

Sat on the first of two flights on the runway at Japan heading for Seoul, were delayed about an hour but thankfully should still have an hour for the transfer so if we take off shortly I will relax, but I must admit I’m getting a little anxious about missing our connecting flight!!

As predicted, no hassle getting up and out and found a coffee shop in the terminal area and also walked round the shops buying last minute gifts to use the money or just put on creams and smellies!!

Hold on, I’m pretty certain the captain just said the departure is now delayed by 1hr and 20 minutes. I can’t believe that’s the case and hope he’s got that wrong. We surely can’t be sat on the plane parked for the next 80 minutes, that’s mental!! It will mean we will have problems with our flight from Seoul to London. Fuck all we can do about it.

Well that was exciting. We’re now on the plane at Seoul as that was delayed by an hour. We didn’t know that when we landed at 2.15pm and raced off the plane and ran all the way to transfers, it was there that we found out that our 2.30pm flight was now 3.30pm and was at the same gate as we’d docked at. Meaning we were getting back onto our original plane!! What a stroke of luck. So all of us that had panicked etc were calmed down and now we’re ready to go for 12 hours flight. I’m bored of the films now.

The flight home was fairly uneventful, I forgot to mention on the first flight the turbulence was pretty bad, this flight had some but not as bad as the first one – quite scary but all okay. Watched loads of films again and didn’t really sleep and we got home to Heathrow about 7.45pm, no problems whatsoever with Immigration, there was no queueing at all and then got our bags and car, stopped in Headington at MacDonald's and home for 9.15pm and Miles was waiting with Bessie and predictably she went mental but it was all good.

Caught up on things with Miles and then every crashed out around 10.30pm.

What a fortnight that has been – absolutely loved it so very, very much. Now to pay for it!!!

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