Jack & Abingdon Utd 1st Team Involvement…again

Jack went training today and he was asked to train with the first team, when he got home he then got a text from Steve the manager saying that he’s in the squad for Saturday and would be getting a lot of minutes so he was pleased about that. Really delighted for him, hope it works out, hope he gets paid as well as he will be over the moon – not sure if they do get paid at that level or not but we will see on Saturday now!

Hopefully they’ll put him in left midfield which is where he should be, surprised they’ve chucked him on up front, but anywhere is better than the bench!!

Matilda for Ivy’s birthday

I dropped Tash off to work early in the morning and then back home to do some work of my own before getting ready and then picking up Ivy from Sue’s and then making our way back to Tash’s work to collect her and then we drove off to London. The traffic was fine until we got into Central London of course and then things went pear-shaped! My windscreen wipers would not stop working, it was so odd, whatever I did I couldn’t turn them off. We sat in loads of jams but eventually I was able to drop them off near to the theatre and they walked on whilst I managed to find somewhere to park near to Blackfriars for my meeting with Janice and Gabrielle, but I had to leave my car parked with the damned wipers still working away so I was really worried about the battery running out.

The meeting was a waste of time and I was done in under an hour, back to the car and the wipers were still going!! I drove around for a bit and ended up in Shoreditch again, such a coincidence to be there a few days after having been there so recently. Went round in circles and eventually got a bit of grudging help from a mechanic who pointed out where the fuses were and sure enough I managed to turn the bloody wipers off!

I then went back towards Drury Lane and found somewhere to park and went and got a coffee and cookie whilst working and waiting for the show to finish. Tash had taken Ivy to see Matilda for her 4th birthday and the show today included Miles’s brother Ozzie. I wandered down to meet them and Tash said it was good and we saw Oz by the stage door before going back to the car and making our way home.

Stopped at McDonalds of course for healthy food…and then back to Bicester to drop Ivy off and then home

She appeared to enjoy the trip and experience – let’s hope so.

Jack & Abingdon Utd 1st Team

Jack went training last Thursday for the u23’s but it had been cancelled so he trained with the first team instead as he was there, Saturday morning he got a call saying that he’d impressed in training and was requested to join up with the first team for their match that afternoon, he didn’t get on but it was a good experience for him.

I am typing this on Tuesday sat in the Abingdon bar waiting for the match to start as he’s been asked to be involved again this evening. Again I doubt that he will get a run out but I’d like to be here if he does. I won’t sign off this pot until the end of the match in case he gets on…fingers crossed.

So I was watching from the clubhouse and worked whilst witnessing all the match – Abingdon were 3-0 middle of the second half and Jack was then brought on. They put him up front and he did okay, didn’t get much of a sniff but looked dangerous and busy. At the final whistle all his team-mates were congratulating him so he’s been accepted

Very proud of him, pleased he’s done it. Hopefully they will keep him involved but we will have to wait and see

This was on the website before the match…

End of a nice weekend

Up and out of bed early and pottered around in the garden and cut some wood with the chain saw and in the evening burned everything I’d cut in the morning!!

Didn’t get up to much else really, Tash took Charlotte into town to get some more Xmas presents for her and I stayed home and worked through things I wanted to tick off – sad things like sorting out the PlayStation 2 games for Xmas, Singstar and Buzz!! Looked for a few things for presents of my own but didn’t order them, will wait to see what sort of budget we have. Got a fair amount done and then the girls were home and the four of us (Jack) had a really nice roast dinner.

Took Charlotte back to Bicester Village North and said our farewells and she went back to Uni seemingly a lot happier with things now.

Back home, we watched more dramas that we like, Jack went off to Max’s house as it was his 18th and we ended up in front of the fire with red wine in had and eventually had an early night because we’d eaten early and with the dark nights now it feels so much later than it is

A nice weekend and we think Charlotte is okay and back on track now – she needed to be home for a bit and it’s helped we’re certain

Drinking Images Compiled & Ordered

Didn’t get up until about 10.00am as we’d not got in from last night until about 2.00am, Tash was going out with her family to Milton Keynes so got sorted and was off. Charlotte and I sat at the dining room table, her working and me working on the drinking photos I have been taking all year round. I spent ages on them, the hardest thing was trying to get the best offer for printing them at a reasonable price and the size I wanted and the text I wanted in the polaroid footer of the image.

I settles for something in the end and proceeded to import the photos and then add the captions – it was really enjoyable, I can’t believe we did so much this last year. I had certainly done the right thing with the naming convention of the photos as I’d created and then saved them. I loved setting it up – so I worked through it all and it’s now ordered so hopefully get those in a few days time, probably the same time as the photobook!

Now I need to find a frame for them – that’s going to be just as hard to get sorted I suspect.

I feel I want another challenge now as my list of 50 Things is slowly being whittled away.

I pottered around in the afternoon and took the dogs for a walk and got a fire up and running and made dinner – we had chicken korma – not as nice as last night’s but it was good though. Mum came home and we didn’t do too much really, dinner with Tash, Charlotte, Jack and Miles and then Jack took C&M out to meet friends and we sat in watching TV or sorting things out for Xmas shopping etc.

Caught up on a couple of episodes of the dramas we’re working through but a nice chilled and relaxed evening

Jack the Ripper Tour in London

Worked at Banbury today running a training session with team from Hodder and it went okay, loads of questions but they seemed happy at the end of it so I think I did my job okay! I ran out of there at the end as I needed to get home as soon as I could and I managed to get back at the time I wanted and Charlotte dropped me and Mum at the Park and Ride near Wayne and Kerry’s and we met them and jumped on the x90 to London for a night out. Slept on the way there and made our way to Aldgate in East London and found the meeting place we needed to be at for 7.20pm, we were an hour early so went in a pub that was just like we expected for the Jack the Ripper scene.

So yes, we were on the Jack the Ripper tour that Wayne & Kerry got me for my birthday and we had a great tour guide but the first thing was that there were about 30 people or more on our tour, then you walked past another group of people and then another and across the road was yet another group of tourists on the same tour, it was amazing that so many people were all getting these trips around. It was fascinating and we learned loads from the experience, really enjoyed it. It’s so strange to think he’s so famous for what he did and yet he “only” killed 5 women and was “working” for 3 months in 1888, incredible.

What was amusing is that in the pub when we were waiting I checked Google Maps and said that we were quite near the area that we were going to stay in after the darts, Shoreditch, and sure enough – we actually walked past our hotel – really please as we’re in a great area. There was a road we walked along called Brick Lane which was so lively with bars and places to eat, can’t believe we’re so close to it. The tour was enjoyable like I said and when it finished we made our way back to Brick Lane and more or less went in the first curry house we came across – had a really good meal, really enjoyed it. A few more beers and we’d got the taste for it but instead of staying in the area we made our way back to Victoria station in case we missed the last trains or anything and “intended” to have a drink and then get a later bus, I knew that wasn’t going to happen and it didn’t happen, we stayed by the bus stop and got the 12.01 bus home – that was fine, we were tired.

Journey home was uneventful and in fact we just all slept, Wayne and Kerry got out at their stop and we carried on into the centre of town, Tash contacted Jack and he came and picked us up and gave us a lift home as he was still out so that handy.

A great evening, we get on very well with Wayne and Kerry – would recommend people going on the trip and visiting the area that’s for sure.

Japan Book sorted…at last

So having only just completed the USA book a few weeks ago I have to work on the Japan one and I was under a deadline because of wanting to get the best deal possible from Blurb but also needing to get it done before Xmas. So I’ve been working my bollocks off for weeks on this and over the last couple of days it’s been full on – took me about 4 hours or more last night and a couple more today again but finally it’s completed, uploaded and ordered!

We can view it from this link: http://www.blurb.co.uk/books/9084041-the-dark-family-japan-holiday-2018 

I am actually really pleased with it, there was so much to show and it’s huge but it’s done now and the discount I got from Blurb was 50% because of the Black Friday offer and it was absolutely brilliant because it brought down the cost of two books to £57.00 including the postage…phew!

So that’s one thing off my list of things to do and it’s a great thing to have sorted.

Such good memories in the book as well – mum and Tash will be delighted with it.

Charlotte a bit stressed out..

Charlotte came home from Uni today to recharge her batteries, she’s been up against things a bit the last few days at Uni and her home and was getting tired and stressed so she came home for a few days and is going back to Uni at the weekend, probably Sunday. I am updating this a couple of days later and it’s been the right thing for her to do and she’s a lot more relaxed and back to normal now, I think too many things had got to her and she needed to “run away” from it all and get her head straight at home near us and of course Miles! Whatever works.

She does have a lot on her plate and she’s had a night out to forget, then a tutor who’s a bit of an arsehole and a boiler next to her room that’s making a din and she’s unable to sleep so anyway, all#s well at the minute for her now.

This year is going to fly by – she’ll be at her graduation in no time!

Hangovers all round!

Tash woke up early this morning and kept going to the bathroom to be sick – not a great sound to hear first thin in the morning but there you go! I felt okay but just heavy-headed, not ill. We stayed in bed and dragged out leaving until the last minute and checked out about midday! Walked down to Charlotte’s house and it was quiet and everyone was just feeling lazy and some were being ill so we just chilled on the sofa and literally did nothing. Charlotte put on a film so we watched Limitless which seemed to go on for ages and Tash just slept though! We ordered some KFC via Deliveroo and that went down well!

We started to make a move when the film finished and we said our goodbyes etc. Drive home was uneventful, I didn’t feel tired or in difficulty at all and it was a good run home again, dropped Miles home and got back to ours – nothing happening so we crashed out and relaxed in front of the tv and did nothing whatsoever for the rest of the evening

Early night to bed and another successful and enjoyable weekend.

Student night out in Nottingham

Up nice and early today and got things sorted in the morning, Miles arrived in good time, sorted Jack and then got on the road for Nottingham – Lewis was leaving Manchester around the same time so we looked on course to all be there at the same time – perfect. The run up there was uneventful, in fact it was pretty quick to be honest. Stopped at McDonalds to get some breakfast and then were there at Charlotte’s house. Sat in the kitchen catching up with her and her house-mates that we know and planning how the evening would work out. Lewis arrived and we then walked into town. On the way was out hotel so we dropped our bags in there, once we were given the correct room and then continued into the shopping areas of Nottingham. Wandered round and it wasn’t overly successful but I think we got some ideas and some presents for the kids – that’s what Tash really wanted to pin down this afternoon so I think that worked.

People were getting hungry so we went to Pizza Express in amongst an area of the town centre I like, some great looking bars and Indie shops – meal was nice and we had a couple of drinks and then went from there to do some more shopping which was more successful and we then made our way to the Xmas Fair/Market they’d got set up. They’d done a ski lodge and it was great, we went upstairs and got a drink and then looked out over the balcony at all the shoppers and the snow machine kept blasting out the ‘snow’ and it was really enjoyable. We only stayed for a pint and then more shopping and made our way back to hotel and agreed meet up times and they all carried out home.

Just got ready in the hotel, Tash had a sleep and I watched TV and then we jumped on a tram for one stop before walking down to their house and we sat in the kitchen listening to music and drinking…we then went in the front room and got Ring of Fire going. It’s a card drinking game and it was enjoyable – the drinks were definitely flowing now and we were all getting a bit drunk. About 10.30pm we left and got a tram into town, quite a big crowd of us went and we all got in the same pub and the other parents that were taking there kids out were there too so that was nice. I went and got a round and for some reason did it for everyone - £65.00! Oops…although to be fair I didn’t have to get another drink all night..!

Stayed in this bar for a while chatting with the kids and parents and then made our way to the Bier Keller that was planned – got in with no issues and it was quite an eye-opener, no one was on the ground, all of them were on the benches singing and dancing to the DJ. We found a space and climbed aboard and joined in of course. That went on for the rest of the night and we stayed until closing time. Staggered out and went to get some food and find a taxi for us all.

Witnessed quite a nasty fight which I didn’t help by shouting “Fight! Fight! Fight!”…made me laugh anyway!! Taxi got us back to the hotel – can’t remember much and then crashed out fast asleep!

A really enjoyable day and night – I think everyone else had a good time as well and it was great to spend time with everyone

Still working up North..

Hard work today, I was at a clients to go through x3 sessions introducing the Logical Office solution to users and when I walked in it was clear there were ‘problems’! Basically there was a lady completely opposed to the introduction of the system and they’d been arguing about it before/during my arrival at the offices – she was in the first session I ran and made it very difficult instead, so argumentative and over-bearing, it ruined the session for any normal users. It then kicked off again whilst people were coming in for the second session with her and other partners of the business, I just kept quiet of course, it wasn’t my argument but it made for a very difficult atmosphere all day.

Yet the guy I was working with that organised it all, Richard, was great, really nice bloke who I think would be a good laugh down the pub and a day/night out – felt sorry for him

Anyway, all done and dusted by about 3.45pm and I was out of there and on the road home, but I was knackered so I did stop for about 90 minutes and slept deeply about 25miles north of Nottingham so I didn’t actually get home until 8.15pm – nice dinner and a catch up with Tash, problems in the Bull family sadly and then watched a couple of dramas to keep up with things and then to bed.

Another early start tomorrow as off to Birmingham and Peters Books…I need a rest!

Long day in York

Working up North today and typing this from a hotel between Leeds and Pudsey – yes there is such a place! Nice enough hotel, all workmen in the restaurant and I had a couple of double-gin and tonics and scampi and chips. Ready for bed shortly, I am knackered.

Was up and out the house by 7.00am this morning and the run up to York was excellent so I was at the Designer Outlet roundabout by 10.15am and I wasn’t meeting anyone until 12.00pm so went into the Outlet centre. I could have spent quite a lot but didn’t, however, I found the white Ted Baker shirt I liked in my size at an absolute steal – £40.00 plus an additional 30% off – wasn’t going to turn that down!!

Actual work was fine – the manager I was meeting for the first intro session was quite hard to work with and the training with the Marketing team was fine as well. The new system we’re trying to release isn’t very intuitive and experienced Data Mining users are finding it hard work, I really need to find a solution or training delivery that’s going to make this easier for them. It was a really long day, we started at 1.30, 15 mins break and through to 5.00pm – v tired

Then hour drive to the hotel – traffic was painful but got here in one piece!

Might have an early night now as it will be a long day tomorrow no doubt.

Booked Marrakech

So one of the 50 things on my larder door was to go to Marrakech and this is now ticked off as being organised. We mentioned it to John and Pauline Bampton a couple of weeks ago and they were up for it. We wanted to get it booked so we followed up with them a couple of days ago and they said yes definitely, sure enough, Pauline has now booked it for 4 days in March. Should be good fun and we’re going for quite a long time so should really experience the most from it.

Tasha is delighted to have had someone book it for her instead of her having to do all the work!

How exciting!!

Doncaster again

Worked in Doncaster today with the Hodder Northern team reps and it went okay. Got there just in time and unexpectedly it went on and on so I stayed on late and did a lot more than planned, but that was good and it seemed that everyone was happy with the end result before I left. What was good was the train I got was a non-stop one and I was able to get loads done. not so good on the way back because I didn’t have a reserved seat and it was so busy, but also was sat opposite someone from an insurance agency and they just talked throughout the hour that I was with them until they got off at Derby!

Got home at a decent hour although I’d been up since 5.00am so was knackered. Had a couple of beers in the evening and a Baileys but it was good to get the work done – I like travelling.

Queen film

Pottered around in the morning, quite heavy heads but nothing too serious, in the afternoon we worked on all the jobs we wanted to get done and had dinner. We had a target time to complete everything by and we met it and it meant we could get changed and go to the Vue near the Kassam stadium and watch the Queen show called Bohemian Rhapsody which was mostly about Freddie Mercury. We took Jack with us and we all really enjoyed it, I loved it – brought back so many memories of a time that I was young when it focused on Live Aid in 1985.

Interestingly the film has had mixed reviews, but those of us not too concerned about 100% facts and more the things that he did and achieved and the music they played it was a great film and worth going to watch.

Back home afterwards and to bed after watching a bit more TV!

Black Eyed Peas

Got up late this morning and had quite a hangover, last night was great fun and unexpected to be quite so bad! Worked in the garden cutting back trees and sorting out the pond so it was productive in the end. Couldn’t be bothered to do too much to be honest

In the afternoon we got ready and then set out for Milton Keynes, me Tash, Charlotte & Jack went off to seeing the Black Eyed Peas. We got there in good time and parked up near the venue and went looking for somewhere to have a drink, we settled on Frankie & Benny’s because it was the only place that had a normal bar and then we queued up and eventually John & Pauline Bampton came along as did the Holdens – all of them!

We then made our way to the venue and having queued to get in the queue for the bar was about 7 deep and we couldn’t be arsed to wait so in fact we didn’t have another drink all night!

The girl group on as the warm up act were pretty good and then the main event took place and it was actually brilliant, really enjoyed it. Shame that Fergie wasn’t there but they had a replacement and she was very talented and involved and confident so it worked.

Loads of their classics and it got the place going, they were on for 90 minutes and more and it was entertaining.

Finished on a couple of banging tunes and then the night was over – no problems getting away and out of the car-park, very well organised and home with no issues whatsoever

A really good end to the weekend!