Work & Boot Camp

Was at Raintree again and normal day – busy

Had to let Bess out at lunchtime so that was an hour out of the day

Back home after work and after dinner and more job searching went off to the gym for the second week of boot camp

Different person doing the session today but I was paired with Tash and we worked really hard. Charlotte was with Zoe and they did okay

Didn’t do anything afterwards other than a few minutes in the steam room

Back home and watched a bit of TV and then an early night

Supposed to be snow tomorrow, can’t see that happening though

Lost Weight

Delighted to say that since Xmas I have lost half a stone. Doesn’t sound much when you say lost 7lb but half a stone!!! I am delighted and it’s made me want to be focused to lose more

Problem is, I feel guilty going to the gym instead of looking for work

That’s a terrible stress on me at the minute, I am struggling to cope.

No idea what’s going to happen – have an telephone interview tomorrow with a company so will see what comes from that

Coronavirus and no work…which is worse?

I’ve not written about the Coronavirus yet, it’s becoming a bit of a worldwide pandemic that originated in China but is going global. Basically people are contracting flu-like symptoms and 2%-3% are dying!

It’s now made its way into Europe so flights and things are being cancelled and people are being quarantined or encouraged to do self-isolation

Hopefully it will peter out but it’s not looking good

What else – carried on job searching today and had some interest so have a 30 mins interview call on Thursday so hopefully that will go okay

Worked on stuff I already had lined up but it’s touch going

Have dropped off from the gym as well – really wanted to go but it felt like I was cheating on Tash if I did that instead of researching!

Work & money worries

Probably should be looking for a job instead of updating this blog but it’s procrastination at it’s finest I guess.

I’ve been getting less and less work from EdCo over the last couple of months and on Friday I was told it’s going to be even less – basically nothing!!

So it was a bit uncomfortable telling Tash of the situation especially with her birthday coming up and the money we want to save/spend on everything that’s coming up

So over the weekend I spent a bit of time looking and applying for jobs – no idea how that’s going to proceed – see if something drops into my lap.

All very, very concerning!

Job Hunting & Gym, Tash out at the Ivy

Up early today, partly because of Bess barking and being annoying but also my mind is racing and stressed so couldn’t sleep

Sat downstairs researching job opportunities and then got breakfast on the go as we had pancakes.

More discussions regarding my work situation and then Tash got ready to go out because she was meeting Sue. Nik and Tiffany for dinner at The Ivy for Nik’s birthday celebration

I picked them up from the bus-stop and drove them into town which I think they appreciated and then I went to the gym and was there for 90 minutes working hard – the sweat is pouring off me when working on the bike – it’s mad. Jack was quite surprised at how hard I worked. In saying that, I didn’t feel too strong as the only thing I’d eaten all day was two pancakes so I was lacking a bit of energy.

Back home at 3.00pm in time for the rugby – England v Ireland – in which we dominated and won comfortably.

Sorted dinner and then Tash phoned for picking up – they were all tipsy but in a happy place so that was nice

Dropped Nik and Sue in Bicester and Tash told me that Tiff is now pregnant – only 5 weeks but she had no choice to tell them because she wasn’t drinking.

Got home and Tash went off on one at Jack and then me and it was horrible – really angry all of a sudden an no idea where it came from, I think she was blaming my job situation but also moaning about Jack thinking he’s not going to pay Lewis for his car and so on. She then sat in bed and wouldn’t come down. Really horrible way to finish the weekend

I stayed and watched a bit of TV with Jack and then did more job hunting – loads out there, just not sure how suitable I am for any of it!

Camping & Caravan Show

Up early this morning as Wayne & Kerry were coming round to pick us up from about 9.15am  - Wayne drove us to Birmingham NEC for the Camping & Caravan Show being held there. Traffic was a nightmare outside the venue but got in there eventually and made our way to the halls.

It was huge! Got very carried away looking at the campervans – they were amazing. Very expensive but gave us ideas for how we’d like ours to be if/when we ever get one. It does make you dream of carrying out a different life and having things much more simple. Walked around the show and different halls and it was really well worth the time and effort and money to get there. Really enjoyed it.

On the way home we stopped at Banbury for food at a Frankie and Benny’s and then onto home.

Jack’s football was disappointing, he started and was doing well but then the left back got sent off and instead of playing Jack there they took him off and replaced him with a more experienced defender – this was on 40 minutes! Thing is, as soon as he was taken off the other team scored!

Jack had mates round so that was a bit annoying because they were in and out the house constantly

Tash and I just watched more TV

Unfortunately during the meal Kerry asked me about work and I said I was struggling and then Tash came back from the toilets and heard so it wasn’t a good way to hear of the situation and she’s pissed off/worried.

I’m absolutely useless – I really am a waste of space sometimes.

Evening Meal with Clare and Greg

Busy (ish) day at work that culminated with Darren phoning me querying work I’m doing for TEP as he’s been queries by JG – “Why is Julian still doing work for them?” – basically means I am fucked! I have no income coming in.

Kept it quiet but really pissed me off

Went to the gym at lunchtime as well and that was good – hardly anyone there so had the place to myself and did well with the running, rowing and especially the bike – I think I am getting fitter!

We had an evening booked with Tash’s old school friend Clare and her husband Gregg who’s a really bloke and we met up with them at Victors after Charlotte had dropped us into town. Had a really nice evening with them, food was decent and had a couple of drinks – nothing mad or over the top and it was pleasant. Loads to talk about, especially on the skiing front as Gregg had just been to the same place as us and caught up Annabelle their daughter

Wasn’t too late and then got a taxi home for about 11.30pm.

Stayed up for one more drink and then to bed because of the trip to Birmingham tomorrow

Derek’s Belated Birthday “Celebration”

Dropped Tash off to work in the morning so I could get her afterwards and then went to Aldi and did the food shopping – took me ages!

Rubbish day at work – got zilch done! Achieved absolutely sod all!

Didn’t do any exercise today – I was aching and in too much pain from boot camp last night – my bum cheeks were the worst hit!

Got Tash after work (about 4.30pm) and went up to Wheatley to see Derek. Sue and Simon were there and Derek was in his room still but very quiet, he’s not very well at all and was quiet and quite weak actually, struggling to hold things. Chatted etc and then gave him his tablet which was a bit of a job to get him to hold it and use it properly but I think over time he will get used to it and get enjoyment from it. Hopefully with Mum’s help they’ll get to work on it – if only with the crossword. The internet in his bedroom wasn’t the best so that’s a bit of a worry.

Had some cake and were there for about 2 hours and you could tell he was tired

Read some of this Birthday texts out to him – there were three – me, Tash and Lewis. Nothing from my sister or her kids – that’s not very good at all. Bit disappointed with Jack and Charlotte not texting him and will mention it to them.

Came home and had dinner and then watched two more episodes of The Stranger – it’s enjoyable nonsense but I am worried we’re watching too much TV – needs to find other things to do in the evening.

Early night as I have an early start tomorrow – Bess and Bella off to get their haircuts!

Bootcamp…first and last??

Worked at Raintree today and productive busy day. Nightmare getting to work, half term you think there’s no traffic – but then the council are doing roadworks and the Green Road roundabout was a pain and jammed up. I went through Headington and Cowley in the end and got to work late!

Back home and sorted things out and Charlotte was messaging implying she wanted to have a night in with us and wasn’t doing boot camp so held off dinner and me and Tash went to gym for boot camp session

It was very hard – there were 9 of us in it and they were comfortable with chatting and being silly but I got my head down and had to work really hard, the sweat was pouring off me – enjoyed it though, if enjoy is the right word! Signed up for next weeks one as well straight away. Will do me good.

Back home and had a nice curry that Tash had cooked and opened the red wine – got through 2 bottles in the end!!

Watched a Louis Theroux documentary about West Bank and Gaza Strip but it was hard work and confusing – not a good choice. Everyone went to bed but I watched another one and then a film – bed at 1.20am!!

Decent day – really pleased with the workout at the gym and it’s given me ideas for exercises of my own to try

Derek’s Birthday

Loads of exercise in the morning and throughout the day

Worked from home – fairly productive day

Bad news around mid-afternoon as Mum said that Derek needed more tests to see why he’s still ill and now throwing up. Taking him to JR so they get results back quicker but it does mean he’s still struggling and not up for having visitors which is a crying shame for him. So we’re not going up there afterall.

Hope he gets better asap and we can go and help him celebrate his birthday – belatedly

Jack’s football also got called off, he was due to go to Newport Pagnell this evening but the pitch is waterlogged.

Bloody weather!

Derek stayed in overnight and might be released back to the home tomorrow – will get an update from Mum. Just one thing after another, they haven’t established anything as a result of the tests other than it’s just normal illness – which doesn’t seem right.

The evening we watched more episodes of a new series we’re into – The Stranger. It’s quite addictive and enjoyable – we’re certainly spending a lot of hours in front of the TV at the minute!

Tash working full time this week

Apparently! She’s been saying all weekend that this week is mental as she’s working fulltime, so I was working in the garage and got a text at 10.45am asking if I wanted to come in for coffee and croissant…erm??? Some people’s definitions of fulltime are not all similar…lol

Worked in the office, okay day today, did exercises whenever I could, really trying to make progress on my fitness – I do feel motivated for it actually and miss it when I’m not working out – so that’s a good thing I reckon.

Fed and walked Bess in the evening and when Tash home sorted dinner etc and then sat down early to watch the last two episodes of White House Farm – very good series and enjoyed it.

That was it really, chatted with Charlotte about stuff and then early night and read books before turning the lights off

Nik’s Birthday and catch up with Tucks

Woke up and out of bed around 7.15am – felt so good to be up without a hangover or heavy head. Sad state of affairs to type that but it’s true!

Pottered around and got a few things sorted

Nik’s birthday and problems at home mean that Jess and Vics were contacting Tash asking her to get involved. Funny really, they ignore her for the evening meal but want her involved when there’s problems – the go to fixer! So I ran Tash over to Vics house around 11.30am and came back to the gym and worked out for almost 2 hours – really pleased with myself. Felt good.

Went back out to Bicester to get Tash and they were all a bit tipsy as the Prosecco did its job! Nik was tearful over Gareth but it’s something that will pass so I didn’t give it much interest to be honest. Held Theo for a bit, he’s getting bigger all the time.

Back home around 3.30pm and Charlotte was back from Nottingham – nice Sunday roast and then over to Mum’s to give her Derek’s phone that we’d sorted and then off to Littlemore to see Tucks.

He is over for a week, although not in Oxford and it was nice to catch up with him – Barry and Linda were over as well and Bill & June of course as it was their house! Chatted a lot and stayed a couple of hours and then made our way home

Watched another episode of White House Farm (the series about Jeremy Bamber) and then to bed. It’s a decent series, we’ve enjoyed it and will likely try and complete the last two tomorrow night

Yet another decent weekend

The Coronovirus is still causing all sorts of issues and we’ve had Storm Dennis this weekend so that’s been a bit of a pain.

Storm Dennis causing hassle

We have a storm going on for the second weekend running – last week it was Ciara but this week it’s Dennis.

Strong winds and flooding everywhere. Jack went to football but unsurprisingly it was cancelled – can’t believe they thought it would be on and made the other team travel – madness!

Worked in the garden and made a fire inside and it went tits up! Not sure what happened to the vents but all the smoke came billowing into the front room – total nightmare.  So that was a let down

Went to the gym, worked hard and it was enjoyable.

Took Bess out for a walk on the meadow, none of us enjoyed that – her least of all!

Back home sorting out Derek’s tablet and Jack came back from football and offered to take me and Mum out for dinner – his treat! So we went to the Steak place in Kidlington, had a nice bit of food and he did pay – very grown up of him, much appreciated. It was a nice bit of time to spend together and then back home

Nothing doing in the evening so caught up on more programmes and took it easy. Nice quiet evening.

Felt a bit guilty having a second meal in two day to be honest! Really nice of him though, he’s growing up well

Nik’s Birthday Meal

Shit day at work – really struggled for motivation. Nothing more to report!

Jack gave us a lift to Summertown in the evening and we met Nik & Gaz in the Dew Drop and necked a drink a bit too quickly and then made our way over to Pizza Mamma Mia.

Tight and cosy place but it was a nice evening and good meal. Gaz was trying to get us to nick a poster from the toilets that he’s after but I managed to not agree to do so!

Back over to the Dew Drop for a couple more drinks and then 10.45pm they got the bus and Jack picked us up

Nice evening, not to mad or drunken and good to catch up with them

Working back in Kent

Had training session in Maidstone today with TEP and it was a long old day. Was on the road by 6.30am (ish) and then so much traffic causing all sorts of problems so not into their offices until 9.15am. Saw Charlie, she’s fine and it was nice to catch up and then a solid day of working through Data Mining with three different teams. Went okay – many of them didn’t want to have a hands-on session and were happy for me to go through all the queries and processes presentation style. Suits me but I wonder at how effective that is for learning retention.

After session went through web things with Louise and then Charlie and I caught up with things over a pint in the pub which was nice.

Then a drive home from 6.15pm for two hours so not too desperate – but I am so very glad I no longer have to do that trip on a regular basis, it would be the end of me now.

Tash went out with Nicky Henderson and I watched a programme with dinner and then off to bed! She wasn’t home too late (or drunk) so that made a nice change… ha ha!

Derek no so good again, he’s struggling with food and has lost about 17lb since Xmas, he’s back on anti-biotics so not good at all. Mum is coming over for dinner tomorrow so will catch up then

Change of working day

Was at Raintree today and got in nice and early so left on time at 4.00pm for once. Busy day there with lots getting done, they had some people in from US so there were nice sandwiches afterwards so that was a highlight to my day!!

As I’d left early I decided to go to the gym (having popped in to feed Bess and let her out) and it was okay – spent out 70 minutes in there and worked up a sweat, whether it’s better fitness or eating more food I had more energy and did 15 mins rowing and 30 mins on the bike – that was about 460 calories so I was pleased with that!

Back home for dinner and pottering about – I have a long day training in Kent tomorrow so did loads of last minute testing and prep and it was frustrating that things were still being updated and moving even as I was sat there. Nothing new with EdCo I know but still makes things hard for me.

Will see how it goes – should be okay I hope

Shit Awful Day Today

“Worked” from home today but got so very, very little done – such a wasted day. Not sure what’s wrong with me, I couldn’t focus or concentrate on anything at all

Had an afternoon training call on Logical Office and it was appalling as well – the lady in question simply could not grasp the basics of the functionality and what I was showing/explaining to her. I can’t think of anyone that’s struggled that much before

Worked on Mum’s laptop throughout the day – that’s a piece of work! Hasn’t had any updates in April 2019 and had 112 to run – got it working faster by the evening but she needs to get rid of it – it’s only got 3GB of RAM so no wonder it’s so slow

Dinner in the evening, nice, and then watched the last episode of Der Pass which Tash and I have been getting into – enjoyed it and it was a decent enough ending

And then to bed

Really hope I don’t get more days like that – it was a nightmare

DIY Plumber & Miles’s Birthday

Spent the morning under the sink trying to sort out a leaking tap – it was a nightmare and all sorts of shouting and swearing was taking place, was getting so frustrated. Somehow, and I don’t know how, certainly more by luck than judgement I turned off the water and got the tap dismantled and repaired the leaked – albeit just tightening up the washer but it did the trick.

Pottered around rest of the day – went to Curry and got Derek a tablet for his birthday present which we’re all going to contribute towards.

Storm Ciara took place this weekend and it was a nightmare out there – strong winds and rain, not pleasant to be out in.

4.00pm went to The Phelans for Miles’s birthday celebrations – nice Indian meal and it was a pleasant afternoon/evening. We stayed until about 8.00pm and it was good fun. One of the kids hasn’t cut his hair for 3 years and has pony tails etc so today they cut those off and then shaved his hair off. Unusual entertainment that’s for certain!

Back home we watched the penultimate episode of Der Pass so will finish that tomorrow and then off to bed around 10.00pm – a long weekend but nice and relaxing!

Very, very lazy day

Hungover – or still drunk in the morning

Tash, Charlotte, Miles and Mum went to London to watch Hamilton show that Jake Halsey-Jones is in – they loved and it and had a great time

I sat on the sofa all day knackered and just watched films – literally all day! What a massive waste of time. Jexi, 21, and other films I can’t even remember! Made dinner for Jack and Emma, Jack' played in Dunstable and drew 0-0, he was taken off at 75 mins but seemed okay and thought he’d played alright.

Watched the rugby and then in the even a couple of episodes of Der Pass an then bed!

I didn’t feel ill today, just couldn’t be arsed to do anything, not even the gym, I think I might seriously look at alcohol consumption and reduce it dramatically so I start making better use of my time – wasting a life away!

Zoe’s Birthday

A very slow day working today, found it hard work! Didn’t get much achieved – wasn’t in the mood

Dinner when Tash got home and then Zoe came over and we went outside to the bar and proceeded to get quite drunk!

Jack, Raff, Awadh and Cory were over and brought in cake with Emma and then left to go clubbing in town and we carried on the party

No idea what time we finished but it was good fun

Lazy day today

Dropped Tash into work this morning as she’s meeting up with work colleagues for a meal and loads of wine no doubt.

Didn’t achieve much at work today, found it really hard to be motivated.

Did some exercise during the day but got progressively stiffer from last night’s exercise

Nice walk across the meadow with Bess – it’s chilly today but she liked the freedom of being out on the meadow instead of the Lakes

More work and exercise in the evening

Picked Tash up and then to bed – hopefully be more focussed tomorrow

Decent day, decent gym session

Worked at Raintree as usual – decent day’s work – got a lot done and was busy

Went to see Derek afterwards and he was fine – got there early and stayed until about 6.15pm so a decent stretch. He was okay, quite a bit chattier than usual, probably because Mum’s not been up there for a couple of hours and he’s not tired and glad of someone to chat to. He’s got his phone wet somehow so that might need a new one – annoying.

Went to the gym directly from the home and Tash came up later for her boot camp session. I was there for about 90 minutes and it was good, tired at the end of it and back home for food.

Showered and then watched Silent Witness as usual – sad episode, Thomas died…didn’t see that coming!

Bed!

Gym update – I am pleased I am going a bit more regularly, I am pretty sure I could work harder and do more but the bike and the rowing machine do work up a real sweat but I need to extend the time I am on those now.

Pretty Dull Day all told

Worked from home today, started a bit late because of late night and finishing at 1.00am yesterday and just ploughed through work I’ve got on my plate for clients – catching up with lots of things but also closing things down that have been nagging away at me

Haven’t done any exercise at the time of writing – might go to gym later

Oxford Utd are on TV tonight playing their FA Cup reply against Newcastle, so that should be interesting – really not sure if I will watch it or not – we’ll see how I feel.

Wrote this whilst waiting on a report to complete – it’s still not finished – testing for Consortium…loads to get through but getting there

Oh, also made contact with the phone company to see about getting a new phone – some good options but not sure I want to tie into a 24 month contract – will think about it and decide soon enough.

Busy Day at Work and in the Evening

Worked through things today and got up to date – getting a bit concerned as work has really dried up at the minute. So any work I have been able to do I’ve made sure I’ve done it to best ability…what’s new? Got some invoices raised so that should help but it’s this month and next where things are going to get tight!

Didn’t do any exercise today – poor show.

Jack got a decent write up in the paper:  https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/18206078.football-didcot-stun-thame-derby-southern-league-round-up/

He also want to JR this evening because he thinks he’s broken his hand – thankfully only badly bruised so that’s a relief. And the gypsies didn’t descend on his place of work as promised on Friday so that’s even better news.

Had a catch up with Lewis and all’s good in Manchester

Charlotte is starting her CIPD in April

Took Tash into town with Anna Ballance and they’re meeting Cathy Bergal and going to the Ivy for a meal – alright for some eh?

I stayed at home and worked on reports and picked them up in the evening

Jack's Match Report from the weekend

Match report can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/tdz6pqp

Photos can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogredhat/albums/72157712931534811

Relaxed Sunday

Nice to wake up without a hangover and then had a coffee in bed and read some of the new book I got for Xmas and then up and working in the garden to clear the wood down the bottom of the garden. Tash went out for a long walk with her friend Clare Barnes and then we had something to eat before us two, Charlotte and Jack went out together, oh, also Bess we went to see Derek but he wasn’t interested in going out for some fresh air so we stayed in the conservatory and chatted for an hour – although Derek didn’t talk too much but it was appreciated that we went to see him and spend some time there.

We then went to Sue’s for dinner and I put the house name plate on the wall which she was pleased with

England lost their Six Nations opener to France badly – played shit

Stopped at Vics to see Theo – he’s lovely

Home and the girls watched Little Women, I wasn’t interested so did some diary entries sat on the sofa with headphones on relaxing!

Bed by about 9.30pm – a nice weekend again

Oh, uploaded Jack’s goal video to Facebook and that got a lot of love so that was pleasing

Jack scored 40 yard opening goal!!

Yes you read it right…he scored a quality goal today (his first league goal) which set his team a platform to win 2-0 against local rivals Thame and luckily I was there watching it so I was so delighted and proud. I was also chatting to Dennis Gascoyne at the time so that was nice to have his witness my son scoring a cracker! Everyone was delighted for him and mobbed him. The keeper kicked out from the left side of the penalty area but a bit of a miscue to Jack on the centre circle on the left, he had a touch to control it and then hit a sweet half volley straight back flying in – it’s not the best but there is a video of it that was posted on Twitter down below.

It was nice catching up with Dennis and we had a decent chat and caught up wit things. I had a couple of pints and then went and met the family in Bicester as Wendy and Graham were over and we had food in Jacob’s Inn there – the girls got a bit tipsy and I was driving, but that was fine with me. Home and watched a bit of TV but didn’t have more to drink – wasn’t in the mood for it.

Tash and I went to the gym this morning, she did yoga and I was in the gym as usual and it went well – sweating like mad – enjoyed worked hard though

We also saw Derek earlier but because Jack was starting we didn’t stay long as I wanted to see him from the beginning.

A good day all told

I love the comments in the video - "He's trying...he's trying....YEAH!!!"