Cup Final Win for Jack

Jack’s school football team were in the local cup final this afternoon against a team from the Ducklington area. He was very excited by it and was buzzing in the morning but only my mum was in a position to go and watch as both Tash and I were working.

Anyway, I cried off one of my appointments so I could make it, it was down at Rover and as I got there after a phone call that over ran he was being substituted! I was a bit miffed and he said he’d not played too well but others said he was fine. They were in control of the game, they’ve got good players in their side, many from Horspath and they ran out comfortable winners, 4-1. I was pleased for them and proud of Jack, he’s a good lad.

Managed to get a photo of him at the end, for some reason my phone stopped working during the presentation so missed that part, annoying!

They went off to MacDonald's to celebrate and were in high spirits – but then they always are!!!

Saw a few parents I know, including Liam Carroll, this was the first I’d seen him since our incident and he gave me a hug and it’s all brushed under the carpet now.

Start of another week…

Decent day today, up nice and early to get the 6:47am train from Bicester and then into the Peters Books offices. I knew it was going to be because of the email from Margaret on Thursday that it was going to be a full on day and it certainly was – I worked my bollocks off!

We had a load of mailings that needed to go out, i needed to create the mailing lists and Tom worked on the design etc but we got them all completed by the end of the day which was good. I had to push EdCo to upgrade the Data Mining App as it wasn’t doing what I needed it to do. A bit frustrating working with them at the minute as they seem to be making all the requests more work than they need to be. Ah well.

I also had a meeting with Ray and Richard Butler (in charge of Customer Services) as they want to get CRM fully integrated with all areas of the business. Had to answer a ton of questions from Richard but I think he was satisfied that the system will meet his requirements. Now to proceed with a project on this for them, I also had a meeting with Ray in the evening to review and discuss all the other items that need to be addressed. He seems happy with the work I’ve done for them and there is additional work if I want it for them. Also met with Krishna who has various demands and also finally with Teresa. She was in good form, she’s off to Australia for 5 weeks so is looking forwards to that.

I left in the normal time and on the train home there was an almighty bang and the window across the aisle from me shattered. Some kids obviously had thrown a brick or stone at the train, luckily it is shatter-proof so it looked like frosted glass. Not good!

Did some more work in the evening, got a bit stressed with the kids which was wrong as I was trying to concentrate on some work and also get things sorted for tomorrow. We managed to have some pancakes though as it’s Shrove Tuesday tomorrow!!

Return to football, for one of us..

Up nice and early and went and picked up Jack from Timmy’s to go and played against Oxford Blackbirds in the cup. My football was cancelled last night so I was pleased that I’d be able to take him and watch and I took my camera as well. His mate Timmy, who plays for Oxford City and would have been against me today said he wanted to come along and watch so that was fine.

Blackbirds are in our league so I know what they were like, it’s the loud female manager, and it was an okay game. Too easy for Horspath and they ran out 10-2 winners in the end. I managed to get a few photos and video and when I got home I was pleased with some of them so it was a good morning’s work! Jack played well, he’s getting his left back position well established, certainly as an attacking full back, it was pleasing to watch him.

On the way home I spoke with the Comets manager and we agreed the handover from my Stars to him and in fact it’s going to be in 2 weeks time…scary!! Unfortunately, I missed out the cancellation message to two parents, and they turned up at football for the match, how awkward?!?!

Anyway, got home and Tash was quiet but she’d been busy and got a load of chores done and then suddenly went very ill! She was being sick and sleeping everywhere. So from 12.30pm we didn’t see her again until 8.00pm. I just continued with various jobs I wanted to get sorted, books on eBay, train tickets for Charlotte and Liam’s visit to Lewis at the end of March and so on.

When Charlotte got home from work I took her out driving and we managed an hour around Headington and Wood Farm etc. She’s put in for her test, should be end of April, it will have been 30 lessons all told, that’s a lot of money, but it’s all hers though!

In the evening I watched the new episode of The Blacklist, it was a very good start in fact, a lot darker than the previous series, I really enjoyed it.

Set the alarm for an early start as I am off to Peters Books tomorrow – 5.45am alarm call…not nice!

		Horspath Match VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Summertown Coach No More

Today was my last stint as manager for Summertown Stars, quite sad to be honest but also a weight off my shoulders and I will move on now. So this season I have been running the Stars team that I started as 7 year olds even though Jack has been playing for Horspath. It’s been really tough going to be honest and at Xmas I said that I was standing down and we talked the Comets managers to take over and they’ve been involved the last fortnight and brought some players across with them.

Today we played Oxford Blackbirds who are pushing for promotion, I had 19 boys to choose from and I used them to my own ends for once and for the first time that I can remember the result was more important and 4 of them didn’t get a game!!! I felt guilty for that but the nature of the match made it hard to give them all a game because we ended up edging them out 4-3 in a thrilling match which I was delighted with.

Obviously I apologised but they were fine with it. I played some of the new lads and they were excellent so hopefully the team will do well next season. Had a few speeches afterwards and some cards and alcohol given to me. It was all a bit of a blur to be honest but I shook all their hands and the parents and it was quite emotional all round. I got some photos taken as well, I’ve really enjoyed seeing them grow up and I am saddened that it’s stopping now, I would have liked to have seen them through to 18s but Jack is more important and I will likely get more involved with them now and help Horspath improve.

Some nice comments in the cards thanking me for encouraging them and teaching them their football, I liked a comment from Cian that was he’s known me ‘half his life’!

Some nice comments on Facebook as well so all in all a nice end to an era. We will organise a get-together at the end of the season, probably paintballing.

I’ve made the right decision though, in Jack’s match it was too easy, he was pushed up to centre forward and scored a hat-trick, shame I missed that, but won’t from now on!

Some other photos from days gone by:

Charlotte and a boy..

Beautiful day today, bright sunshine, amazing after all the rain and rubbish weather we’ve had lately. I pottered around the house and garden today. Mowed the lawn and also cut more of one of the tree down, Jenny wasn’t pleased about that and was out like a shot moaning at me. I carried on though and typically one of the huge branches fell into her patio…awkward!

I then took Jack into Oxford, he’s spending a lot of time with a lad called Timmy Gribble (what a great name eh?) and they went to the cinema to watch the Lego movie, later got a text from him to stay the night which was fine. I went to the dump to get rid of all the tree stuff and it took an hour because I went down the Abingdon Road and there were road works taking place and it was grid locked – absolutely nightmare!

When I got back Tash and I picked up her mum and the dog, Bella, and went to Millet’s Farm. Sue bought some new pots and plants but we were only interested in getting out for some fresh air. It was nice. The dog is mad but then so is Sue…

In the afternoon I washed the car, also Natasha’s and got them sparkling and then In the early evening we had a visitor! Charlotte has been getting quite close to a lad called Miles Phelan, he’s the son of a lad I went to school with, Terry so that’s a bit strange. Although, Terry was a year older than me and it was only recognition that we have in common from school days. Anyway, she’s been going round there quite often and it was his turn to come around to ours and it was very ‘sweet’. They fixed up pudding for the meal, Eton Mess, and he was chatty etc and very confident which was pleasing. Charlotte’s not into the ‘going out with each other’ thing, but she’s obviously keen on him as well which is fine.

It wasn’t very late, 8.30am, when I realised Tash was acting oddly, then I realised she was steaming drunk and off her head, and it was a strange drunk that was uncomfortable. Kept going on about how lovely Miles was and other stuff, it was really awkward and annoying. Anyway, I took them into town for pre-drinks, they’d had pre-pre-drinks at ours, and on the way Charlotte talked Rose into coming so I turned around and got her and told them to call me when they wanted picking up saying that 3.00am was fine.

Back home and Tash was so drunk, I was hoping she’d be asleep I must admit, but we watched Breaking Bad, or at least tried to, she kept talking shit but eventually shut up and went to sleep so I watched a couple more episodes and then we went to bed at midnight.

Sure enough, 3.00am Charlotte text and I picked them up from the usual place, all three of them again, and they were so full of it. I don’t think that Charlotte and Rose have been out together in Oxford yet and they’d got into the Cellar and loads of people were there and so on and so forth. They had a great evening and Rose loved it and was very thankful that Charlotte had talked her into going out.

Dropped Miles off in Headington and Rose home and then to bed. Charlotte was thankful, I don’t think too many of her friends parents to the same, I hope she remembers I’ve done this for her… I don’t mind it though to be fair as I like her to be safe and also not waste her money on taxis etc.

Night out in Deddington

Jason and I have been trying to get together for a couple of drinks for a while now and it was organised for last night. I was in Southend in the day for an MFC training roll out and it was very uncomfortable to be honest. Not particularly pleasant people but also very tough to involve them. Frustrated by the time the end of the session happened, quite a few issues to deal with!!

The area was familiar and brought back memories such as Billericay, Basildon and Canvey Island relating to my times playing Non-league football. I was home around 4.00pm and had been expecting a night out in Oxford but the plans changed so I went to Deddington instead with the intention of driving home the same night…didn’t happen!

Got to the Unicorn around 7.00pm and met with Jason, Kate Higgins and Peter Roberts. Loads of the Deddington friends of Jason were there and it was very busy and a good atmosphere in there, we stayed all night and it was an enjoyable evening. I tried to stay off the drink but after 3 shandies gave in and had a few beers (and a Jager bomb!) and then we went to the local Indian restaurant. JG was very drunk, and tired, and was soon asleep but the food was excellent and I made sure we all paid our way as Jason always pays for everything and Peter was very much expecting to wake him up and make him pay for it.

Kate got a taxi home and the three of us remaining finished off our drinks in the kitchen, Pete with a bottle of red wine and a stray, me with a Cobra and then to bed. I slept in the front room, it was fine and a nice evening.

Up in the morning around 7.00am and was about to leave but the others got up so had a coffee and then around 8.30am made a move. I gave Pete a lift as he needed to get back to Oxford.

Had a bit of a heavy head all day

Lewis back home for the weekend

As the title suggests, Lewis was down South again for the weekend and he brought with him his current girlfriend Beth. We’d seen her a few time on Skype and Facebook photos and were looking forward to meeting her in the flesh and getting to know her. Mmmm, didn’t really happen…

They came down on Thursday and visited London, partly because it was cheaper to go there first but also it gave her the chance to see the place for the first time. They then got the bus to Oxford and I picked them up from the station and got them back home and we all caught up. I needed to work on Friday and we went out Friday night to the Kings Arms and she hardly said a word. In fact I’m not going to dwell on it but basically the whole weekend was quite awkward as she just wouldn’t speak. Lewis said it was shyness and homesick but it just really struck me that their characters were so opposite. I found it frustrating but tried to hide it all.

The meal at the Kings Arms was nice, it was partly as Lewis was down but also it was Derek’s birthday earlier in the week so a double celebration. Saturday morning I did loads of the jobs that Tash had listed and then watched a couple of minutes of the rugby match (England v Ireland) and made a throwaway comment about watching it up the pub and Tash said, ‘go on then, you deserve it!’ – so without further ado Jack and I went up there and watched it, we won and it was an enjoyable game and a nice couple of hours and 3 pints later I was home and starting on the drink at home…that was my night over!

Had a bit of a hangover the next day and Tash took Lewis and Beth home early, this was because he’d been offered some work at the Huddersfield FC stadium for the first time so he couldn’t turn it down, although it was a midday start so he left a lot earlier than planned.

Didn’t do a great deal Sunday as a result but it was fine

At the point of writing i am not sure what’s happening with Lewis and Beth, he and I had a long chat about the situation and him breaking it off but i think he decided against it and will see what happens, he was really frustrated and disappointed by the weekend as well because she just didn’t want to do anything and even had a ‘funny’ spell at Dan’s house and stopped talking completely. They both are wasting their time it seems, we suspect they just sit around at his digs as opposed to going out and experiencing Uni life…I think we need to change that in him!!

Fitness drive…again?!?!

Yes, yes I know, if you look through this blog you will see the odd post about me being determined to lose weight, get fit and get into shape. But this time…

I have been meaning to get going again for some time, but various excuses from the weather, and couldn’t be bothered had stopped me. Looking through this diary though I saw a post from 4 years ago saying the same thing and it hit home that I have been saying this for so long, I’d not actually realised it has been this many years that I’ve been talking about getting fit and not being happy with my body shape

So, I went out this evening for a run and it wasn’t good. Shit weather but also so out of shape, I think this is really the worst I’ve ever been, so I managed 3 miles (slowly) and I hope that’s the kick i need to get out more. We shall see.

I forget I’m middle-aged now and can’t eat and drink like I used to, especially when doing some exercise

I don’t have a target to aim for, which I probably should do, anyway, less talk, more action and all that!!

Social Media boost

I’m trying to boost my social media standing both personally and company-related so this weekend I got Hootsuite back up and running and scheduled in a load of tweets over the coming weeks and re-tweets in the coming months. I have set myself a target of getting to 100 followers by the end of the year, I think it’s going to be a tall order but it’s a challenge and I have increased by 7 within a week so that’s a start and is on schedule.

I am now looking for content to use and push so as to grab people’s attention but it’s time-consuming!

Watch this space

Charlotte’s NekNomination

This is a craze at the minute where they have to make a horrible drink, neck it and then nominate 3 friends to do the same. Not very intelligent or responsible but Charlotte wanted to be first of the girls to do it and we kept it down to a decent level so it's fine...

Loads of likes on Facebook, the best bit is the last 25 seconds…she thinks I’ve made a mistake recording it!!

Bounce at breakfast time

A normal Sunday morning in the Dark household...I'm cooking pancakes for Charlotte and Tash is doing what she does.... :-)

Jack & Jevans School Project

Jack & Jevans are working on a school project together and Jevans has been around the last couple of weekends to build it up

They want to have it erupting so were planning for it but I then suggested they have a trial run to make sure they get their measurements right.

The following is their attempt, it wasn’t the only one but this one we videoed

First phase of testing…

Breaking Bad…

Woke up with a bit of a hangover, nothing too major but had a tough stomach all day long. Caught up with jobs not done yesterday by chopping loads of wood up, this helped clear up the area where all the wood has been stored so it’s beginning to look a lot better around the side of the house now. Put some pictures up and also put some things on eBay, Gaggia Coffee machine, table and chairs, Xbox wife adaptor so quite expensive things of which the coffee machine has already had a bid (starting price of £75.00)

Also made it down to the dump to get rid of the patio door, the Abingdon Road was closed because of the flooding so it was a bit of a ghost town down there. Collected Jack on the way back, he’d been at Isaac’s until 3.30pm and then went to Sue’s for dinner.

In the evening we finished off jobs and got ready for the weekend and then set up the laptop so that we could watch Breaking Bad. Everyone has said it’s one of the best things to have been on TV, I’d missed the original series so we were watching it on the online streams and watch two episodes. Tash wasn’t too bothered by it but I thought it was good and look forward to getting through it all – 60 episodes!!

Millars’ Dinner Date

Bit of a nothing day really, wasn’t in the mood to do the jobs that Tash had assigned me, the weather is really shit at the minute, constant rain and the flooding is unbelievable all around the country. Oxford is badly affected, mostly Botley and Abingdon Road. The meadow is flooded but we’re not remotely affected by it. I wanted to watch the Liverpool v Arsenal game at 12.45pm so after getting some wood for the rabbit hutch from Blanchfords, cutting wood for the fire and pottering around I did watch it and it was incredible. Liverpool were fantastic and were 4-0 in 20 minutes. Arsenal were abject so it wasn’t a good combination!

Jack had Jevans over and they were working on their volcano project for school and playing on the Xbox all day, they seem to get on really well which is nice, Jevans is a nice lad. My Summertown football was cancelled so got the message out to all the parents. We were looking after Bella for Sue as she was in Ikea and I took her out for a walk, mental dog with so much energy. Unfortunately, I noticed that her claws have scratched and ruined the kitchen floor so I’ve banned her from the house now and she can sit outside and whine/bark for all I care.

Tash went out with Zoe as it was her birthday and no one else had treated her and Liam was in Anfield etc etc. When she got back we took the dog home and dropped Jack at Isaac’s house as Stefan was going round as well and they were having a sleepover.

We then went to the Millar’s house for 6.00pm. We stayed there until midnight and as usual us men got very drunk indeed. Wayne was steaming already but the beers flowed and we got a Chinese takeaway and it was a really good evening. The girls (Kate, Laura, Chloe & Nicole) kept coming down and dressing up and entertaining with dance etc and eventually we all ended up having a head-stand competition, very amusing. It was a really good night, had such a laugh.

Got home fine and Charlotte was still up with Isobel Wright as she was staying over. Chatted for a bit and then straight to bed!

Horspath Training

Bit of a strange day today, had a webinar in the morning but the rest of the day was used catching up with things. I’ve set myself a target to increase the number of followers on my Dark Enterprise Twitter feed so I have scheduled in a load of tweets and also followed a load of people to try and increase that way. Will see what happens!

I did Summertown training in the evening and then took Jack to his training at 8.00pm at the Oxford Academy, Peers School. Was about to work in the car when Jack came running back and said that Phil wanted help. So I went along and actually did the whole session. They think I speak funny so they were joking initially but once I got going and worked them and made a fun session, more than just playing football for the whole time, they seemed to really enjoy it. They were buzzing when we finished and also some of the parents were impressed. I was pleased, I want to get involved with them and I can use that session as my way into the group. I’ll offer to do some more sessions in the coming weeks for them.

By the time I’d got home it was 9.45pm so bit of a wash out really in terms of a Friday night!!

Mid-week update

Sat in the car outside Jack’s dance lesson in Rose Hill (doors locked!) writing my diary update and there’s a fair bit to report.

Monday was early start for all of us, I went to Peters Books and got a 6.47am train from Bicester, made such a saving it’s ridiculous. Enjoyed working there today and got loads done. The seem pleased with me as Margaret said to me at the end of the day that they’d like me to work weekly for the next month or so and then once a fortnight. Pleased with that as the original agreement was only once a month! Travelling was fine, got home and was shattered, hard work getting up so early that’s for certain!

Tash was up early as well as she was taking her mum in for the operation that was cancelled before Xmas. This time did all the pre-med and that and then they gave her the option to not proceed if she didn’t feel it was necessary. Obviously she didn’t go ahead. I don’t think that’s the best decision but there you go, it’s not up to me. So they went for a slap up breakfast and all that they do to waste as much money as possible.

Tuesday I was in St Neots, near Cambridge, doing more MyFinanceCentre training. It went well and I am back there again tomorrow. Nearing the end of these training sessions, it’ll be odd going back to normality when these are finished. Need to look at how to get more buy-in and follow up sessions organised. Again, another long day so did nothing when I got home.

I was at Raintree today, a full on day, loads on my plate to get sorted which I did and then had some spare time to catch up with other things for them. Went well, very productive yet again.

At the minute there is a NekNominate craze going on within Facebook. People are videoing themselves drinking ridiculous concoctions of drinks in one go and then nominating three other people to do the same. Lewis has done it, and now Charlotte has been nominated which I am not very comfortable with to be honest. She’s excited and wants to do it when she gets back from work this evening, but I might try and put her off. I think I am worried about the possible reaction/consequences of this, she’s not a big drinker and she’s lining up all sort of spirits. I might over-rule her on this one, that’ll be interesting…she won’t be used to me saying ‘No’!

What a weekend

Madly busy but good weekend. Got home from Leicester around 5.20pm and Tash and I then went out for our Red Letter Day. We’d booked a hotel in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter, which was your 100% picture postcard location of a Cotswold village, it was lovely. The hotel was great, really nice room and we opened a bottle of bubbly and had a fantastic meal. The food was excellent

Had an odd phone call around 11.30pm from someone called Gracie which caused a bit of friction, no idea who the fuck that was or how they had my number, very odd.

Next day, lovely breakfast, good quality again, went for a quick walk around the village and made our way home. Pottered around during the day and then in the evening Victoria picked us and the Carrolls up for a night out over in Bicester. So we were there from about 6.45pm in this famous Highfield club of theirs. It was nice to be fair and I liked it, very cheap as well, a pint was £2.50!!

The Inflatables were playing and they were as good as usual and it was a great evening, Ted and Kay were there as well and we all got very drunk indeed. Don’t remember too much else other than Liam having a real go at me about missing out on a round in the car journey home. It was incredible and has obviously been gnawing away at him for some time as he was saying it wasn’t just last night but for the last 15 years and everyone else thinks the same etc etc. I stuck up for myself and we almost came to blows outside his house. All very unsavoury indeed.

Next morning he called and didn’t back down and wanted to meet in Sainsbury to discuss what he’d said, I said No, I had other plans and to be honest there was nothing to discuss. I just took his comments and said to move on, I could have destroyed him if I’d wanted to because when it comes to spending money I think I’d rather be known as being tight than be in his situation. But each to their own! I was quite surprised as Tash appeared to be on my side for once. Didn’t expect support from her, usually I am always in the wrong!

The rest of the day was a bit of a nothing day, the hangover kicked in and I struggled until after lunchtime. Ben and his kids turned up as planned around 4.00pm, Ruth didn’t come, not really a surprise, but his kids were lovely. Emily is the youngest and was so happy, but Jorge and Helena are growing up well too. They stayed for about 90 minutes which was good to catch up with them and Ben has lots going on, he’s doing well for himself.

Caught up with Silent Witness episodes in the evening and an early night as early start tomorrow for both of us. I have an early train to Birmingham to catch from Bicester and Sue’s going in for her operation which Tash is picking her up at 7.00am

It’s going to be a tough few weeks now with Sue being immobilised as a result of the op!

P.S. Forgot to mention…no football for me or Jack because of waterlogged pitches yet again

Tyre issues!

My car has been making a terrible noise lately and stopping on the way to Northampton this morning I found that where the type pressure should be 33 for the passenger rear it was actually 7!! Pumped it up but the noise was awful and unbearable to drive.

After the training work I checked it into Kwik Fit and they showed me the problem, the tyre had lost any sort of shape, replacing it should work, they didn’t have a cheap tyre so paid £140 but well worth it. Back to a normal car once again!

Definitely need to keep a check on that sort of thing as it could have been dangerous

Bad Dad

I thought I was doing so well to be picking up Jack from karate today. I got there on time and waited outside the dojo, hadn’t seen him but I was outside the door. Katharine Casey walked past me with Finn at the end and asked why I was there, ‘waiting for Jack’ I replied, ‘but he’s not here’ says she…

I looked in and he’s nowhere to be seen, got on the phone and he answers ‘Where are you Jack?’, “Never mind that Dad, where are you? I’m waiting at Wolvercote Boys club”

The penny drops, he’s TEACHING at karate, not participating!!! Tash is then on the phone to me and she’s got there before me…in the dog house for me!

Up here in Brum..

Working for Peters Books today and decided to come up by train instead of driving and I think I have made the right choice. It’s a longer day but with organisation and once I have found my feet I will be able to leave their offices on time and then catch up with other work for clients. It also means that I can use the travel time more effectively – although updating my diary probably isn’t the most effective use of my time!

Got the 7.36am journey up here, bit of excitement near Birmingham as a fare dodger got caught out and was arguing with the guards, lying git! Really full on day in the office, I hardly spoke to anyone, they’d asked me to get so much done, still not finished when I left. Might do some tonight, haven’t decided yet. I think they like what I have to offer so hopefully my position is secure…for now.

Left around 5.30pm and then wandered through the Bullring to the station and got the 6.33pm train home. Might look at Bicester as it’s cheaper next week. We’ll see.

All in all a decent day, busy couple of days ahead but that’s fine, that’s what I get paid well do to!

The Great Train Robbery

Interesting weekend as it was Gareth’s birthday and we organised (well he did!) a tour of the Train Robbery key areas. We met at the Oxford Services, where Tash dressed up in a boiler suit to look the part and then we went off to Highgate Cemetery in North London. This is where Ronnie Biggs and more recently Bruce Reynolds are buried.

Didn’t really know what to expect but it was some cemetery, incredible sculptures and the like and so atmospheric. Other famous names were there including Karl Marx, Malcolm McLaren, Douglas Adams & even Jeremy Beadle. Some people I’d not even realised were dead!

Highgate is such an affluent suburb of London, really impressed by some of the houses there, very interesting.

Stayed there a while wandering around and then went to Leighton Buzzard to see the bridge where the robbery actually took place, not much there but took some photos and then made our way to Brill. We were planning to have lunch in the pub but it had stopped serving so we let Benson out and then quickly got back inside the car…it was freezing up there and then chucked it down with rain. We visited the farm where they hid out but didn’t venture outside of the cars – we’ll come back and do a walk when it’s nicer weather as it’s so close by

That was it, we then went to Bicester and had dinner before going home and continuing to drink! Charlotte was going out with friends so they were all round our house drinking and getting ready before going clubbing and Tash and I went up and watch the Great Train Robbery BBC series that was on just before Xmas, as predicted, the wines had done her in so she was asleep before the opening credits had completed!

It was a strange thing to say we’ve done but I am glad that we did as it was really enjoyable and interesting.

Another late night

Lovely weekend at the minute – the sun is out, it’s mild and we’ll go for a walk shortly to go and soak it up. I am at the Academy again doing some work in the car whilst Jack plays football.

My Summertown side played Oxford City this morning and got beat 6-3, a little disappointing as we were awful in the first half, I had a real go at this which is unlike me but I was getting so pissed off! Much better in the second half and got back to 4-3 but conceded two really sloppy late goals.

Yesterday was tough, worked in the morning on my accounts, then worked with Tash in the office to tidy that up a bit and after lunch Tash and Jack went to the cinema. I stayed and worked on my accounts again and got there in the end. Still more to do but I am more up to date now. In fact, just finished the receipts entries in the car!

Late night in the end yesterday, we took Bella fro a walk and then sat round Sue’s and drank a lot of wine, I then made some rude updates on Facebook and Twitter and we then watched a film at home, Bridesmaids – it was good enough. But when Tash went to bed I watched the last episode of Dracula and then instead of bed got onto the Xbox and GTA5 – what a mistake that was…finished playing at 3.30am! Not very clever…

Great game though, loving it. I can’t imagine what it must be like online

Very busy week indeed…

So it’s Friday evening, 9.00pm, and I am sat in the Peers Academy car park working and waiting for Jack to finish his football training. We’re down here at the minute because of the awful weather we#re experiencing, everywhere is flooded.

So why so busy then??

Monday – brand new client. Worked at Peters Booksellers in Birmingham as part of a lead in from Teresa Morris. Was nervous and meant I didn’t drink at all the night before for Liam Carroll’s 18th Birthday party. Anyway, made it up there fine and enjoyed the day, they definitely need me up there and I was able to book in three more days over the coming weeks so that was good

Tuesday – this was the first of the My Finance Centre training sessions and was at St Albans. I have been fretting about this for so long and was dreading it but the two sessions went well and hopefully that will continue to be the case for the others that I have ahead of me. 13 in total!

Wednesday – I was working with Raintree and had a part in their Sales Team Conference, it was fine and the usual thing. But in the evening I took Lewis back up to Huddersfield. It worked out perfectly because I needed to be in Warrington on Thursday so I slept in Lewis room, he was on the floor. Nightmare sleep, loads of students coming home pissed up at all times through the night making so much noise! Before then, I picked up a Chinese takeaway from Summertown and then we drove up there and I made a wrong turn for some reason so we got their 30 mins later at 10.45pm. I said he could go off with his mates but they weren’t around.

Thursday – left him to stay in bed. Had a hug, gave him some money and then went to Warrington, 90 mins away, for another MFC training session. Bit cosier this time as they don#t have the facilities there and this time Jim Austin was involved. It was fine but I need to polish up the act a bit ahead of the sessions next week I reckon. No idea what Jim thought of my delivery and style – will have to find out one day!

Friday – finally got to work from home. Busy again though but nice not to have to go all over the place

We have a student this week, a lad called Oliver who is from Germany, really nice lad, 27 and an absolute giant. I didn’t think he’d stay because of the size of the room and bed but he was fine with it and he feels comfortable coming down and chatting with us or reading so he’s fine. He’s had to return to Germany today because his grandmother died, expectedly, so he’s going back for the funeral. A shame but he said it was a bit of a relief for her so they’re all okay with it happening. He’ll be back sometime next week

So that’s my week. Probably missed out loads but there you go. I think we have a full on weekend as well, Tash wants me to complete a load of jobs…no rest and all that!

Grand Theft Auto 5

Jack got this for Xmas on his Xbox – I think I have played it more than him now. I keep staying up late and getting hooked on it. Really enjoy it and have spent hours on it and still only 11% through, amazing!

Anyway, saw a lovely car and posted the following on Facebook – but behind the joke there is some seriousness, I really did have the urge to walk across and pull the driver out..who says video games corrupt you?!?!?

“Been playing Jack's Grand Theft Auto 5 too much - instead of admiring this Lotus in Summertown I wanted to drag the driver out & shoot him, speed off and beat up some whores. I went to Costa Coffee instead...”

Confusing Hygiene Notice

I was at Catch Up today in Norfolk training them and went to the toilets and came across the following notice…not the most obvious thing you’d expect to see pinned to the mirror in what is quite a nice office apartment:

Back to Work with a bump

So it’s been two days back and it’s been hard work. Had such a great time over the Xmas break and could easily not work!!

Yesterday I worked from home and it was okay, loads of data work and today I travelled into London to see Ruth Miskin and train with them. Really good session that we all enjoyed. I was pleased that they were so positive – doesn’t happen too often! It was an early start and I drove into London for once, I won’t be keen to do that again in a hurry I must admit.

Normally I would get the train but I needed to go to St Albans in the afternoon for a meeting so took the plunge. The weather has been awful and true to form it pissed with rain all the way there and also caused an accident on the M40 before the M25 which meant everything was a standstill. Finally got passed it but driving in Central London was an eye-opener. I am confident and comfortable driving anywhere but I realised after 20mins that my jaw was aching and I’d been clenching my teeth so tightly and concentrating…

It was a good plan though because it meant that getting to and from St Albans was so much easier

Got home and collapsed. Nice dinner and then worked on my laptop in the front room and watched a couple of programmes that Tash wanted to catch up. There was a second part of a drama called The 7:39 which was about a romance on a train, for some reason Tash then gives me stick whenever these sort of stories are on and accuses me of having a secret life and it would be so easy for me to do what’s on the TV. I have to take it but it’s a shame!

Anyway, meant to get an early night but stayed up watching the news and then played Jack’s GTA 5 – it’s addictive I have to admit and it was soon 1.30am…time for bed I think!!

So, back into the routine all too soon but with the target of the Thailand holiday on the horizon it’s all worth it

Happy New Year 2014

So another year and Christmas has passed us by – another year closer to my pension, and I guess death! Something cheery to consider there!! It was a good year and the posts on this blog with attain to that, I;’ve not done many updates over Xmas period so best do some catching up now..

It had a familiar feel and ring to it this year, we were out on Xmas Eve down the White Hart which is now a community pub and then to the Richardsons for a couple of drinks and then home by midnight so not particularly drunk or out of order!

Xmas Day on the other hand was an absolute riot!!It started off lovely and serene, up around 8.00am with the kids and their opening which was great, some lovely presents this year, if a lot of clothes! Sue popped round and we took Bella for a walk before stopping there and more presents, quick shower and change and then to the White Hart again, only for a couple and then back to Sue’s where the drinking was out of control – what a great day that was…what we can all remember. Quiz with Gareth being the host and we won, lots of dancing and madness. Me, Gaz and Paul still dancing at the end around 2.00pm and had to be kicked out.

Boxing Day was nice and easy because we didn't have to entertain or go anywhere so we took it easy and wasted the day in front of the TV.

On Friday we went to Bristol with Wayne and Kerry and that went really well. The weather looked horrendous but once we were there it improved and we spent the time walking the shops before going to their outdoor ice rink. It wasn’t the biggest but it was fun. Nice meal and then back to the Days Inn hotel I’d booked. Dropped the kids off and we went to the pub I knew about from the last time and had a huge, lovely pudding!

Next day we went to Weston Super Mare – didn’t know what to expect but it was pleasant enough town and we walked along the water front after a huge fry-up breakfast and then made our way home

Did other things on the remaining days until New Years Eve, in the day time we took Mum and Grandma to the Cotswold Lodge for afternoon tea as Grandma’s present. She’s getting more and more forgetful and harder to speak with. It’s such a shame but she is 94!! She seemed to enjoy herself and it was a nice afternoon.

In the evening we went to Anne and Rob Dennis and spent the night there. It was fine but quite quiet which was a bit of a shame and the people that were there in the early part of the night made their excuses to leave just before midnight which struck me as odd. We made the best of it though and ended up very drunk again! I think we left around 2.00am but I didn’t wake up the next day until midday!!!

So it’s been a fun break, it’s been really hard to get back into any sort of routine and it’s still not sorted yet, I’ve been working the last two days but have got hardly anything done. Have taken the chance to watch a couple of movies with Jack – Kick Ass 2 today in fact and that was really good.

We’re out tonight with the family for Nathan’s present to us – a meal at the Opium Den which I’ve looking forward to and then tomorrow we’re meeting Mum and Louise/Trevor and all at Milton Keynes as a Xmas catch up. Should be interesting, only going to Pizza Hut but it will be good to catch up with them all.

Oh, we have also booked our holiday for August, we’re going to Thailand as a family but also taking mum along as well. She is thrilled and delighted so we’re looking forward to that, I just need to work my bollocks off to get the money in time!!

So, hopefully 2014 will be as successful as 2013 has been with my work, I can’t see how it can be as this year has been

The Ashes

I don't get all the hype about Mitchel Johnson's fast bowling in the first Ashes Test, how on earth would they have coped against Malcolm Marshall, Curtley Ambrose, Joel Garner and Courtney Walsh?!? Doesn't bear thinking about!!

Not the best week

A long and arduous week today, finished off not very well with an email from Jason and a client criticising my work with them. On checking the email thread and CRM I am really surprised by the feedback so have spent this morning replying. Waste of my time but also my energy, I was driving to work in St Albans yesterday mulling it over for the whole hour in the car and that does affect your attitude. Guess I just need thicker skin sometimes!! Ah well, building my case in reply this morning has been useful as I can see they’re wrong. But at the same time, I’ll take the comments on board and will learn from the experience!

The week was disjointed a bit as I went into Raintree on Monday instead of Wednesday and it seemed to throw my clock, I was in London on Tuesday, St Albans Wednesday, Leicester Thursday and back to St Albans Friday so it’s been out and about all the time and I’ve not got much done in the evenings when home. So this weekend is going to a be a big blitz on my work!

Went out into Oxford last night as the Xmas Market started and then we met up with Amanda and Bryn and went to Prezzo for a meal. Julio and Louise were in there with friends and family and they looked well. Had a great Calzone – biggest one I’ve seen – lovely. It turned into a nice evening and they were good company, haven’t seen them in a long time.

What else? The Ashes started on Thursday, the only problem being that they run from midnight so we miss all of it. On Thursday night England were crowing and pleased as they got the Aussies down to 263-8 but we were a lot quieter on Friday morning as we managed an all too familiar (for my generation!!) batting collapse from 80-2 to 126 all out!! Embarrassing! Haven’t heard the score this morning but I was still up and 1.30am last night and Aussies were back to about a lead of 250 with 10 wickets to spare, I don’t think we’re going to win, or even draw, this one.

Share Update?? After my Blinkx shares made it to 230p they dropped in three days back to 200p…if only I’d sold and reinvested eh?? They rallied yesterday back to 211p and I hope that blip is all it is, I kept firm with my conviction that they’re going to be good in the Summer. Mind you, they’re broken even and I have enjoyed the spectacle of the ebbs and flows so it’s been fun. Taylor WImpey shares are quietly increasing as well, they’ve hit even now as well. The only downside are the Fortune Oil ones that Martin recommended, again, I’ll sit tight and watch!!

Not so good fortune

Okay so I got a little excited and confident and put some more money into the shares pot this week and now have £1,000.00 in there, or at least I should have!! Not a good day with the FTSE or my Blinkx shares as they’ve dropped 10% in two days, very disappointing. So as it stands two weeks later I am below break even, but it’s interesting and hopefully in the long term there will be the growth I am expecting/wanting.

I don’t think I am nervous about the drop, luckily it’s not big money that we’re talking about, hopefully tomorrow will be a new day and we’ll see some better progress!

Typing this on the way back from London, been a decent day with Galore Park who are based in Hodder Euston Road now that they’ve been taken over. Seemed strange going over all the same things as I did in February but it was okay and Caroline and Emily took on board what we went through. A few action points to deal with later!

Didn’t make the gym at all over the weekend so should try and get up there tonight when I get home, although I will probably have to go and get Jack

Problems with the kitchen as well – the measurements are wrong. Nightmare and really disappointing as it’s going to cost us money, pissed off to be honest, not good. Luckily for us Barry checked the measurements last night and noticed it. I am cross that we didn’t check it up but at the same time, that’s what you pay a professional kitchen designer for. Well, will see later where that leaves us.

Fit or Bust…Part 2

Went to the gym after working at Raintree last night as I couldn’t make it at lunchtime because of hassles with Jack’s lunch. It was a lot better already, managed 15 mins running, 25 mins rowing, 20 mins cycling and some other exercises, combined with eating less food that went quite well indeed.

So I have 3.5 weeks left to get sorted as much as possible, didn’t play last night but thankfully City Vets won against North Leigh so that was pleasing. I must admit I am not missing it so I think I might take the rest of the year off from football and then make a comeback in the Spring. I just don’t feel fit enough to play and that’s where the injuries are coming from.

My shares did well today, currently running at a 10% gain, not bad and makes me want to invest in others but need to exercise patience, I did call the Life Assurance people about my shares to see what I could do to change them and I will look at making these amendments over the coming days. Bit concerned as it looks like the ones that I want to buy are not ones that I can buy, most odd – will need to have another phone conversation!

Sat in the car again at Jack’s football, it’s quite a productive time for me where I can catch up with things and plan ahead. 4 pages of my note pad have just been thrown away so great news!!

Emily Bull’s birthday today, will hopefully get back to Sue 9G’s house in time as they are all there so it would be good to see her.

Fit or Bust

Tash and I have signed up for 4 weeks membership at the gym at the Oxford Hotel in a bid to get fit ahead of Christmas. We went up there today and she, Charlotte and Zoe went to the spinning class whilst I just occupied the gym. I wasn’t very good to be honest and struggled, my fitness is at an all time low so hopefully by the time these 4 weeks are finished I will feel better about myself and more positive!

So I only managed about 10 mins jogging and 15 mins rowing, did some cycling as well, it’s a start but it needs to improve quite dramatically!

Greed is good…

Ok I am not quite Gordon Gecko but after weeks of umming and ahhing and reading all sorted of emails and websites I took the plunge today and join the Stock Market. Investing £500.00 in two stocks I tipped my toe in the water and spent all day refreshing my web browser to see what was happening…certainly something I need to get out of the habit of doing!!

So I invested £250 in Booker and Blinkx following ‘advice’ from the various website and brokers that seem to be getting a decent success rate. We shall see, so watch this space!! As it stood by the way, at the end of the day I was even, but if I sold my shared the £5 per trade charge would take that from me and I’d have made a loss!

Will try and add to the portfolio but it’s all going to be kept as a surprise and I hope that by the end of next year I will have £5k in the pot. That’s my target that I am aiming for anyway, we shall have to wait and see…and that’s just it, it is a waiting game!

Charlotte’s Piano Exam

Sat outside Rye St Anthony typing this as waiting for Charlotte to complete her Grade 6 Piano Theory exam. She’s fairly confident ahead of this as she’s done some sample papers and has done well with them, but an exam is obviously different. Hopefully she’ll be fine and i am sure she will be. No doubt she’ll come out from it saying it was awful! Lots of younger kids were going in for the exam which made her a bit embarrassed, no need to be but that’s Charlotte.

She came out and said it went okay – not much we can do now but wait

Earlier today I met with Allan Smith in Costa in Summertown and had a decent catch up with him. It was interesting to hear how much he’s still involved with EdCo and also Raintree, sounds like he’s been quite instrumental in the changes taking place at Raintree with feedback on Rep Sales and the like. It was good to see him and have a chat, he was pleased that things are going well for me so that was nice.

Day two of the work on the kitchen today, they knocked through another wall – there’s dust everywhere, it’s not nice to be honest but you have to just accept it!

Firework Night..

Remember, remember the 5th of November. Actually, I’ve happy to forget it, not a very good day today. I wanted so much to get up to date with work but it was a shit day work-wise, found it really hard to get focused and do anything productive. It was one of those days where I seemed to spend the whole time in my Inbox, not productive at all!

The work on the kitchen started today as well. Barry and his son turned up and ripped down the ceiling, dust and mess everywhere, it’s not nice! It will be hard work to cope with this but it will be worth it in the future when it’s all completed.

In the evening we went out to the Plough for their firework display, Wayne, Kerry and the girls came over and it was nice enough, Mum and the student Amelie also came along. Usual thing.

Tasty Treat…

Jack had training in the morning and I worked in the car for the time and then we went round to Mum’s to collect the tile cutter and had a cup of tea and some cakes…spoilt as usual!

Once back home I then worked on the tiling and got them put up before going into Oxford to meet Tash and Nikki, they’d been Xmas shopping and Tash was feeling a bit guilty after all her nights out so I was invited along! I met them in Ask and we had a meal and a few drinks – two bottles of wine and 3 large Peroni later we were ready to stay out and have a few more drinks so we went next door to the Cock and Camel and had a pint before Victoria and Emily turned up to take us and then Nikki home at 6.00pm.

Got home and just carried on drinking and catching up with some of the programmes on the planner – not a productive night at all! We paid for the meal as Nik had paid for Tash recently but it came to £90.00 – not quite what we’d planned but it was fine and it was really nice to get out and have a ‘grown-up’ meal and time for a few hours. Glad that I went and should organise it with Tash more often

Busy Saturday

Got bloody loads done today…

Up bright and early (around 6.45am) and went downstairs and worked on my Accounts for an hour or so in terms of raising invoices and making sure everything was balancing. Jack stayed at Danny’s last night so I went and did the paper-round for him and then when I got back finished off the Accounts – the work I’d done a couple of weeks ago paid off because I got the balancing and the updates done perfectly, no messing about with finding lost money!

I also took the chance to update the investment prices that I have been keeping an eye on. Lately I have been interested in dipping my toe into the Stock Market so I have been doing some research and checking the prices on stock recommendations to see if the Brokers are successfully advising Buy proposals. I have an account set up and today the PIN came through so I’ve uploaded £500.00 to start investing on Monday…bit nervous, going to keep it quiet and see what happens.

Once all that was sorted I got out into the garden with Tash and worked on chopping the trees back and then got to work on the bathroom tile that got broken in Charlotte’s party, all was going fine as I was chipping away the grouting until I got a little impatient and chipped another tile, so I had to start digging that one out, and I went and chipped a third one…couldn’t believe it…managed to reign in my enthusiasm and got the three out with no further problems. Realised as I was about to put the new ones on that one of them had been cut to size and it was the key one so I couldn’t proceed. Spoke to Mum and will collect the tile cutter tomorrow after Jack’s football training session

I then went out and worked on the bikes that were broken, fixing Jack’s puncture and then popped round to Sue’s for a scone and jam and then I managed to catch up with the last hour of Django Unchained before going home to take Tash, Lucie and Chrissie into Oxford for a girls night out. Charlotte then asked me to take her and Rose to Rose Hill to see her friends and the lad from school who’s joined the army – Linus.

Got home and Jack was watching, and really enjoying Beverly Hills Cop and I then sat and worked. In fact I worked all night until 11.00pm when Charlotte text to be picked up and Tash did the same so I got them all in one hit.

Busy day like I said at the beginning, nice sense of achievement though and work is getting more up to date by the minute. What was interesting, I was ‘happy’ to sit there in the front room writing emails, getting work up to date and not watching TV or drinking, sometimes I wonder how much I do prefer working…

Oh, I won’t say how much I raised invoices for, but it was a very good month, can’t see me matching that for a long, long time – but I want to start ‘hiding’ funds from Tash so that I can surprise her in a couple of years time with a lump sum – aiming for £5k first in 2 years…I wonder!!

Interesting feedback..

Tough day today at Leicester, I was carrying out training for Lifecycle and specifically two new Lifetime users. That wasn’t the issue, their line manager (Diane) was involved and she’s quite a high profile at the company so I knew I would be under scrutiny and that was certainly the case. I was put on the spot quite a bit and contradicted on a couple of time with information I was passing on. I actually didn’t mind it because it was useful to see it from a ‘proper’ users perspective and what as a management team they’re expecting users to be doing so I was learning at the same time, it certain didn’t put my back up, just made me a little embarrassed that my knowledge wasn’t as hot as it should have been – action points added to my training list already!!

With all of Diane’s input the session lasted longer than planned but that was fine, it was good, but I didn’t feel a little deflated by the end and with the new that Russell is taking on a more sales/training role I was feeling the ground beneath my feet becoming a little unstable…until I left that is…

First Russell came in to explain further the role he’s likely to pursue and apparently when Carlos asked him if he felt he was comfortable to do the sort of training presentation and role that I do Russell replied ‘No way’, and Carlos apparently said, ‘I agree, Julian is different class!’ – so that was pleasing to hear!

I worked late on some other work and as I was leaving at 6.30pm I popped my head around Diane’s door to say thanks and we got talking for 10 minutes or so to get to know each other and she was really quite complimentary saying about my patience, delivery and knowledge (being better than Julie’s) – I was taken aback, I was expecting a much more punishing report to go back to Carlos!!

Although she did comment that I sound a lot posher that Jim!

So that was all very pleasing and a nice turnaround to the day when I wasn’t feeling so tip top.

Got home late as a result and didn’t do too much in the evening

Charlottes Halloween Party

That finished okay last night, she had a great time and everyone left on time so no problems. Very busy and quite a tense feeling having them all in there but it was fine and they all appreciated Charlotte hosting it. She’s even more popular now!!!

Only downside was one of the bathroom tiles got broken, so that’s a job for me over the weekend…

Halloween…ooh…spooky!

Busy day in working from home today, went well and got loads done

It was Halloween today and as is the case in Britain we seem to be getting more and more into it and like the Americans. We had a load of sweets and then from 5.00pm the front door didn’t stop being knocked on.It was fine but we soon run out and had to turn people away, that was a shame.

Earlier I had a greed to let Charlotte have a party in the evening and sat here typing this update at 10.40pm I am having some minor regrets!! It’s very full in here and very, very noisy! She must have about 35-40 friends all dotted around the house in fancy dress and getting very drunk. We went out to Sue’s to be out the way and were concerned what we’d come back to and it’s not so bad but it’s not enjoyable and makes you a little stressed about breakages and noise to be honest.

Only an hour and a half left as we said it needs to finish at midnight, we’ll see!

At Sue’s we ate far too much food and I took the opportunity to watch Django Unchained and I loved it. I still have an hour to watch but it’s such a good film, so much of what Tarantino has written and produced in this film is back to what you expected from Inglorious Basterds and Pulp Fiction. Have taped it so hopefully watch the rest of it over the weekend at Sue’s.

Bit nervous about work tomorrow, have a Sales Manager sitting in watching what I am doing so it needs to be good of course to impress!

Well, best try and get some sleep, can’t see how much I will get but have to get some and then at midnight kick everyone out and get some proper shut eye!

Just another day..

Worked at Raintree today and it went well, got loads done including re-installing all their reps laptops with Offline SPIRIT after they’d been wiped at the weekend. All change in the offices there and it’s hell of a strange atmosphere with so many people being made redundant. Jackie leaves tomorrow and we said our goodbyes and Sue leaves next week. If I remember I might get some flowers for her as she’s been really good to me this year in keeping me going and providing me with so much work to do.

I really don’t know my situation, I appear to have a decent understanding and working relationship with Miles which is obviously important, and hopefully as I keep delivering the good and a great service the value of my contribution will be recognised and appreciated. They would be mad to let me go as I get so much done for them, but I do have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I will shortly be for the chop. It would be a mistake!

Tash took Jack and Charlotte to London today on the coach to see Much Ado About Nothing and when I got home in the evening I caught up with a couple of programmes I like, second episode of Elementary and then the Blacklist. The Blacklist is a little nonsensical but I enjoy it as it’s serious and intelligent but at the same time it appears to poke a bit of fun at itself.

I then got a phone call from Tash as they were on the coach on their way home saying that she didn’t have the car keys. I went out to the Park & Ride in Headington to look for them, or more importantly that the car was still there which it was thankfully but I didn’t find the keys. I left the spare set on the wheel and came home so hopefully they’ll be okay, I just didn’t want to get through all the traffic again to try and meet them when they got home.

Back at Wolvercote I sat and caught up with emails and other work and I am getting closer and closer to being up to date, there will never be a time I am fully up to date but it’s a target to aim for!!

Also, did some more research on investing in stocks and shares…so tempted to dip my toe in the water but so nervous about it at the same time. I’ve kept a track of some of the recommendations to see ‘what would have happened’ so going forwards I will see if it’s worth my while going for it or not…

Watch this space!

Up to date…

Decent days work today. Worked hard in the morning and Tash has been out and about so it's been quiet quiet again

Had a two hour phone call with Scholastic which was with the UK, US and India on data mining. Seemed to go well but was quite hard work

Took Jack to training and got shed loads done in the car. It's nice being so up to date with work and getting to clear items that have been playing on my mind for a while

It's true that having these in the background do use energy in delaying and procrastinating.

Full on day tomorrow at Raintree as I have to build laptops and install spirit for them all. Should be fun!!

Not much else happening!!

Quiet house…

First day of the half term holidays today and the house is nice and quiet because Tash has taken Charlotte and Jack up to see Lewis in Huddersfield. Got a lot done but still odd even though in reality it’s no different to when I normally work from home, I guess it’s the thought of them enjoying themselves away and I feel as though I am missing out. Kept in touch with them and they caught up with Lewis and then took him out for a meal and they got home safely around 9.45pm

Tash was in the foulest mood when she got in which was a shame, and to top it off she then dropped her phone in the washing up bowl, luckily storing it overnight in the airing cupboard in a bag of rice seemed to do the trick and it’s working again…phew!

Not much else to report really. Managing to get up to date with work, which is nice but also a little concerning as it means I don’t have anything else to do and therefore no money coming in!!

Had a bit of time in the evening so caught up with the new series of Boardwalk Empire and also Elementary, both were brilliant and it’s great to have them back up and running. There is another series I used to watch but I can’t think of what it’s called for the life of me, it’s doing my head in!!

Aha, just Googled it, Banshee!! I need to set an alert to get the new series recorded – just done that as well, January 10th is now in the diary!!

Watching Jack playing football..

Decent weekend actually but Sunday was quite relaxed. I had to postpone the Summertown match against Oxford City because of a lack of players which is so frustrating so I got that sorted in the morning and then went out and took Jack to his Horspath match against Chalgrove. Tash went off to London shopping with Zoe so it was a dad’s day!!

Jack played left back again and had a decent game, performed well and after his initial couple of mis-placed passes or control got more confidence to play. it was a good game and there was decent football on a piss poor pitch and swirly, strong wind. It was tight and they almost threw it away to draw 1-1 until the goal that Chalgrove scored gave them the push they needed and they won 3-1. I enjoyed it and really wanted to get involved and say things, there’s lots they could be taught to improve in so many areas around the pitch, I will push my name forwards in future I think.

Driving home we got Charlotte’s laptop and then Jack and I treated ourselves to a McDonalds – wicked pleasure and it meant I was too full to eat at Sue’s when we went their for dinner. Dropped Jack in a local park and then worked on setting up the laptop – that took ages with all the installations etc but got it done by the end of the night.

Charlotte went out in the evening with some friends to the O2 down the Cowley Road, I dropped them down there, and she watched AlunaGeorge. She got a lift home and had a fantastic time, she’s loving her music and partying!!

Tash got home and sorted accounts etc out and then to bed, absolutely knackered.

Oh, tonight is due to be the worst storms to hit Britain for 10 years…Michael Fish said so!!

End of Birthday Celebrations..

Went out tonight to finish off my birthday celebrations as we had a quiet night last night and we went to Bills in St Michael’s street in the centre of Oxford opposite the Three Goats Heads. Mum and Derek also came along which was nice and they enjoyed themselves.

It’s a fairly new place and the atmosphere was great, really liked the place and the food was excellent. I went for the rump steak and could have eaten it all again, it was so tasty, really enjoyed it.

Everyone else liked their food and agreed on the quality so that was a relief. The puddings as well were lovely.

All in all a really good evening and a nice way to finish off the birthday week.

Charlotte drove, had a bit of stress going there but coming home she did really well, very smooth and confident. She’ll be passing in a couple of months I am certain

Happy Birthday…sort of!

45 years old today…fuck! How have I become this bloated, unfit waste of space in such a short space of time? I cannot believe where the years have gone, I was 18 only last year I’m sure!

So, how did I spent this birthday? Well, Thursday are the busiest family day with Tash working a long day, Jack having karate and football training and Charlotte having tuition so after this morning I was working from home and then we all met up in the evening for dinner at 7.30pm.

I was wide awake this morning so early, I have a lot of things on my mind with work at the minute so got up at 5.00am when I woke up and it worked a treat, I got so much done. Back upstairs to give Tash her cup of tea and Charlotte couldn’t believe I was making Mum a cup of tea in bed on MY birthday! Had the opening cards and presents ceremony, lovely cards and nice presents, I was pleased with books and smellies – can’t go far wrong with those. Also a quiet Ted Baker shirt, very normal so I need to get a new one!

Work went well and then in the afternoon Mum popped in and more presents and some money which was very generous, as soon as she left Sue popped round with a card, some cash and a box of After Eights – yum – and she took Jack to karate. I picked him up and now typing this in the Horspath car park avoiding working any more work…

Lewis texted as well so that was pleasing to get, said he’d call us later this evening so will look forward to that, probably on Skype.

Facebook was busy with people sending me messages which was nice to get, as I said on my post…”Today’s the day that my ego is either battered or bolstered!” – I think it’s been bolstered with the messages I’ve received!!

We had a relaxed evening in the end, watched a bit of TV and that was it…nothing too mad, couple of beers and bed!!

Time to look ahead to Christmas now I think!!

Birthday week starts earlier and earlier…

As Lewis is down and it’s my birthday on Thursday I think it’s a case of making the most of the time he’s here. In the morning we had Annie round and she cut all our hair and then Lewis, Charlotte and Jack went into town…can’t imagine what they were all going to town for?!?!

We stayed and worked in the garden, I attacked another tree and cut loads of it back which was a challenge and then we decided on another challenge and took Sue’s dog Bella out for a walk. Paul and Brendan were home so Bren came along as well. We only went as far as the Plough but on getting there realised it was closed so went back to Jacob’s Inn instead and Paul joined us for a pint…although I only had coffee!

Back to our house and Mum, Derek and Grandma turned up for an evening meal, more for Lewis than me to be honest but they rolled me out a cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ so that was fun. Grandma was in better form this evening, she’s been a bit morbid and hard work of late (reporting from my Mum) but for some reason she ended up on my office chair and was swivelling herself around which was a laugh.

They stayed until about 9.30pm and then we watch a bit of TV and then called it a night fairly early really. A nice day. Lewis left around 9.00pm to go into town and when he got home the next morning told how he’s been caught up with the Police as a suspect/witness for a beating up that had taken place. Two girls as well that he didn’t even know were involved along with 10 other lads. This was all going on at 2.00am and they had no idea what was happening and were kept there for about 2 hours until it was all sorted out. The police had to drop them home in the end as they’d caused them to miss their busses.

What is it about the Police and late nights with this family?!?!

Charlotte, Jessie J and Lewis coming home

Busy day at work today but got home in time for taking Charlotte and Rose to the Birmingham NEC for the Jessie J Concert that was postponed earlier in the year.

Dropped them off and they wandered off to the convert and we then waited around for Lewis to travel down from Huddersfield on the train to meet us for a meal. We couldn’t find anywhere decent so ended up in the Crown Plaza and he turned up at 9.00pm. It was great to see him and have a hug and then we had some food and caught up on all he’s been doing and the storied kept rolling out. He’s having a fantastic time at Uni and it’s great to see him so confident and enjoying himself.

At 10.40pm we met back up with Charlotte and Rose and then travelled home for just after midnight. They were catching with Lewis and it was great listening to them.

He’s staying round all weekend and then will get the train home on Sunday night. He’s meeting up with mates in Oxford on Saturday night and is really looking forward to that. Bless him!!

Oh, Charlotte and Rose were raving about Jessie J saying what a great performance it was – they had a fantastic time!

Working ‘oop North’

Spent the last two days in Altrincham near Manchester for Lifecycle training customers on the system. Seemed to go well and I was working with Carlos and Scott so it was good not to be alone for once. Learned a few interesting things and also Scott and I stayed up there for the next day and had a couple of beers and some food and a catch up in terms of interests and family life etc.

Good chance to get to know him and he’s a really likeable person so hopefully we’ll get on and do good things with the training side of the system. I don’t know how things might change in Julie’s absence, will take each week as it comes and see what happens. A decent couple of days work – but it did mean I didn’t get any other work done…need to get back on top of things pretty sharpish actually as I am letting a few people down with a lack of response in good time!

Shame I didn’t manage to get out to see Lewis, but we’re seeing him on Friday so we’ll catch up then.

England match is tonight, if they win then they’re off to Brazil for the World Cup finals, I don’t have any real interest if I am brutally honest. I am sick to death of the hype that goes with football, I think I’d actually like them to fail, they won’t, they’ against Poland at Wembley so it should be quite comfortable for them.

We shall see!!

Just an update

Training carried out in St Albans today with two reps from Charles Derby, went okay and caught up with Jimmy Austin so it was a decent trip. Stopped off at ASDA on the way home and got a load of beers in preparation for tomorrow when we have everyone coming round for the evening and a drink up. No particular reason but should be a laugh.

Did football training and that went okay and then got home and watched some of the England match versus Montenegro, it was shit, turned off at half-time (0-0) and they won 4-1. So over-rated it’s painful.

Was about to go to bed at 10.45pm when Charlotte asked me to take her to a party in Lime Walk – for some reason I agreed and got her there. Sat here waiting for a text to go and get her – hopefully that makes me a good Dad in her eyes…I’m trying my best!!

Shattered.Com

Nikki and Gaz Anniversary

It was there 25th Wedding anniversary today and we all met up for a ‘surprise’ meal at Pizza Express in Bicester for them. All the family turned up including Nathan and it was a really good evening. Not sure how much of a surprise it was but Jess organised it so it was nice to have dome something with and for them.

I had Calzone for the first time, very nice indeed and will definitely be on the look out for that in the future at other restaurants, I think I did best out of everyone in that regard!

Charlotte Birthday weekend & driving…

Just got home from taking Charlotte down to the Park & Ride where we practiced her driving ahead of her first lesson on Thursday. Tash has taken her once already and it all got a bit stressful I believe. So anyway we went down there and she was fine. Stalled so many times but I was patient and she got some good practice in. Spent an hour doing it and she got into 3rd gear at one point – something Tash wasn’t allowing when she took her out

It was Charlotte’s birthday at the weekend and I think she had a good time. She was partying at Lula’s on Friday, went to Oxford St in London on Saturday with Rose and was supposed to be having Rose, Bradley and Joel coming over. Joel couldn’t make it at the last minute so she cancelled and we just had a nice family night in watching TV. Sunday we had football and she was working at the Plough but we’d arranged for the family to all come over for evening tea and that was a laugh as usual. Not drunk or mad but just noisy and lots of fun. Skyped Lewis and he was involved for a bit.

Great to see everyone and was all done and dusted by about 8.30pm so not a crazy night!

She enjoyed herself so that was important and she’s been quite well spoilt with the presents that she had received

Belfast

Yesterday I worked at Raintree and then travelled down to Bristol airport and flew over to Belfast. Got to my hotel and it was lovely. Intimidating place though, run down and the murals are everywhere.

Loads of union flags though and very loyalist around where I was. Proud people. Read on Wikipedia about the history and the Troubles over food and a couple of pints. Did a small amount of work before bed Shit nights sleep, dreamt I was chased in my car by the mobs and the IRA supporters an the police wouldn't help me. Scary!!

At the conference today at the Stormont hotel within sight of Stormont itself. Nice hotel and decent setting Set up the design etc and looks very professional!! Hopefully I won't bugger it up.

Globe Trotter…sort of

Only going around the UK but sat in Bristol airport typing this waiting for a plane to Belfast for a Lifecycle Conference tomorrow. I am then travelling to Glasgow and then back down here to Bristol – three conferences (Road Shows) in three days.

I’m going to be knackered

Tiffany and Paul’s Wedding

It was finally the wedding on Saturday and what a great day that was. A lot of build up and all that as you’d expect and thankfully it went really well and a was a huge success.

We spent the morning getting ready and I kept revisiting my speech as I was getting more and more nervous as the day progressed. I went and collected Paul from the Milton Hotel at 11.30am and came home and we went up to the Plough. Gradually people were turning up and we caught up Sunil and Adam. I wasn’t drinking, I was determined that I’d not fluff the speech and this was the order of the day to be honest!

The service went well, no hiccups and everyone looked fantastic, good turnout and the bridesmaids all looked beautiful, very proud of them. We all boarded an old-fashioned double-decker to the reception in Milton and had loads of photos outside in the gardens. I had one drink and then it was inside for the meal. I could hardly touch a thing, sick with nerves!!!

Finally the time came for the speeches and Mike was up first reading from about 4 sheets of paper, it went on for a long time and didn’t quite keep peoples’ attention, it was quite uncomfortable listening/watching to be honest but he ploughed on and we supported him as best we could laughing at the right places.

Paul was next and was much better, he was very sincere and didn’t attempt any jokes and was really well received. It was good for him, he was nervous as well but he did fine. Then it was my turn, when I stood I was shaking and my legs were like jelly, it was horrible. Thankfully it went really well, I had loads of jokes in it and varied between jokes, sincerity and seriousness, it lasted 18 minutes apparently, it did feel like a long time in retrospect. Got it over with and we could all relax and then drink and enjoy the party. It was late when we finished and evening guests were arriving so we got them all sorted and then partied.

We did what we do best and really went to town on the dance floor, such a good laugh. Must have been over 120 people all told in the end and as the party stopped around midnight we stayed up and continued downstairs in the bar area. Usual suspects, me, Gaz & Nikki, Liam & Zoe, Paul & Tiff and Mike as well. We did take advantage of him once by ordering a big round and making him pay for it, not nice but couldn’t help it.

Went to bed around 3.00am in the end…what a great day and night.

I was pleased as throughout the night so many people congratulated me on my speech and said how good it was. Adam, Justin and Sunil kept saying “Is there anything you’re not good at?” So that was very flattering, as they were referring to football, drinking and cooking! So yes, I did have a big head throughout the evening with all the people saying ‘Well done’

Thank God for that, I’d have been so disappointed if I’d fluffed it.

Below is the video from the wedding:

As it says…my Best Man Speech