Working in Birmingham today

Didn't sleep very well and was awake from 4.00am. Should have got up and done some work but couldn't be bothered and waited until 6.45. Tash caught me before I left as she'd found the letter with my scan appointment so wanted to know what that was about. No problem explaining it to her and she was quite matter of fact about it. 

Left and got the train to Birmingham. Busy day ahead.

Worked hard at Peters and didn’t get other things done that I wanted to, ah well. Got a porridge on the way in at the train station and had that for lunch – very nice indeed and then some donuts that Claire brought in. Left around 5.00pm and wandered through the Bullring shops (Debenhams first because of my £30 vouchers) but couldn’t find anything I wanted. Also looked through Selfridges and Ted Baker – nice shops. Got the 5.55pm train hope and slept like a baby, as did loads of people on the train

Had dinner when I got home and then locked myself away as Lewis was having friends round but I had to work. Set myself 3 hours and that’s what I did – wasn’t very successful testing though to be honest. All a bit of a mess and I will need to work tomorrow too.

It was Liam Carroll’s 18th today so they had some drinks in my office and went out via taxi at 11.00pm and also Dan Casey passed his driving test so that was good for him.

Dreading tomorrow, have to be in London and there is loads I need to go through…

Charlie Hebdo

Charlie Hebdo is a satirical magazine based in Paris that takes pot shots at everyone in the public eye. A bit like our Private Eye but a bit more daring and in the past they've published cartoons and articles ridiculing Islam and the Muslim faith (prophet) which have been met with fire bombing the offices and death threats and such like

Last week this went up a notch when 3 gunmen calmly walked into their Paris office, asked after journalists and cartoonists and proceeded to shoot them dead. 10 dead workers and 2 policemen on protective duty. One a Muslim as well. Try escaped into Northern France and there was a huge manhunt etc and after a couple of days and a siege they too were shot dead by all the armed police chasing them. At the same time in a coordinated effort a guy in Southern France shot people in a super market so you had two sieges happening at the same time. They also finished at the same time!!

People obviously we're shocked by the attacks and showed support and a degree of solidarity by re-tweeting cartoons condemning them but stopping short of reprinting the offending cartoons. More along the lines of the pen being mightier than the gun. 

It's all so shocking and tragic that religiousness is taken to such an extreme, whichever type of religion it is. 

Missed because of all that you had the Boko Haram movement in Nigeria who executed over 2,000 people in villages they attacked, mostly women and children. Again this is related to Islam and Sharia Law, utter madness it really is. Old style sentiments and understanding in the 20th century just doesn't make any sense whatsoever. 

I hate it

Mum’s Birthday

Up fairly early this morning and made Tash tea in bed and caught up on the news online. Nice way to start the day. Football was at Harwell and Hendred today but Jack wasn’t able to play as his knee is really buggered. He came along and watched though, although that was a waste of time as it wasn’t the best performance. Actually they did okay but we’re quite an ordinary team at present with what we’re missing. Such a shame, we ended up losing 3-2 as we were pushing for the winner with 10 mins to go as a draw wasn’t good enough, it backfired on us!

Stopped at McDonald’s on the way back and let Jack have a chicken burger but as soon as we walked through the front door there was a fry-up waiting for us so that was a nice surprise! Had that and then Tash and I took Bella for a walk across the meadow, she loved that (Bella) as she doesn’t get out at all with Sue. Nice to chat about things (Tash) and plan for the coming year for holidays and working on the house/garden – loads of ideas! Walked to the Plough and had a coffee and then dropped the dog home and then back home for me to do some work ahead of meeting Mum for her birthday meal at Prezzo’s in town

Went into town at 5.30pm, parked at Tasha’s work and walked in. Dropped the cake off at Prezzo and then met Mum and Derek in the Slug an Lettuce. Got some drinks and they later brought over a glass of champagne for mum which was nice

Gave out our presents and then went next door. Had a really nice meal and all very pleasant. Had a couple of beers so my dry January really is out of the window now!!

I ended up paying the full amount for the meal. £124.00. Not quite sure how that happened but it was appreciated

Walked them back to the bus stop and got our cars and went home. Uploaded some photos to Facebook and then managed to get to bed by 10.30pm. A nice weekend

Wore my new Hollister jumper and love it. Also wore my Invicta aftershave and love that too. Smells really nice, perhaps wore a bit too much as I could smell me!!

Collecting the favourite son!

Worked most of the day on getting invoices and that sorted but also wasting time on Clash of Clans the game on the iPad that Jack plays. Bit addictive I must admit, must get off it and stop wasting time

Tash’s family came round to see her as they’ve not caught up face to face since Xmas so had a nice lunch for once

Kept in touch with Lewis throughout the day as he was in his way back from skiing. They were delayed due to the weather and then at 4.30pm he said he was in the way so at 5.30pm Tash and I drive out to Potters Bar to get him

Perfect timing, he was there as I pulled into the train station. Chatted all the way back and heard his stories, he had a fantastic time. Got home in an hour and then watched some TV. Not much in to be fair and at 10.00pm gave up and had an early night

Pleased with a hat that Lewis stole which is exactly one that I have been after for some time so that was a nice little bonus! Been eating too many Quality Street as well – my diet is shit at the minute!!

Into the Woods

Up nice and early today and got some emails fired off and printed off the Agenda and then made my way over to Bicester to do the SPIRIT training with Morley’s. Nice place and people were good as well. Presentation style training session and loads of questions and a few action points to deal with on my return. Was there until about 1.30pm and then straight home, was knackered again so sat down and watched the ‘Girl who kicked the hornet’s nest’ before finishing some more work and then doing dinner.

Tash came home and suggested we go to the cinema but it was an early start (5.50pm) so we had to get a wriggle on, Jack and Charlotte came as well. We went and watched ‘Into the Woods’ which was a musical version of various Grimm Fairy Tales but it wasn’t very good at all…I got bored and a little frustrated by it I must admit. Ate too many sweets and felt sick!!

Came home, tidied up and then watched some TV – Tash went to bed and I watched the end of the film at last and then some other items and went to bed myself around 1.00am. A new series that I’ve series-linked called Continuum is on and I quite like it, watched x3 episodes already!!

Picking up Lewis tomorrow so will be nice to hear what his break was like

Struggling with January already

Strange day today, didn’t get up until 8.50am as was knackered from football and late night last night. Showered and then went to the Doctors for my check up on my bollocks. One door had an old lady as the GP which I thought was fine, and then another door opened that I didn’t even know was a room and a very attractive young GP was stood beckoning me in – oh dear I thought!

I explained my concerns and was checked out and she’s sending me for a scan, all precautionary I think as she made lots of noises that it’s unlikely to be anything as serious as I was fearing. So that was over with quickly, just need to wait on the appointment now!

Back home I couldn’t get focussed to work, tried and did a bit but then gave up and watched half of the ‘Girl who played with fire’ – I like that series as well.

I then did some work (more web browsing than work) and then did a conference call to the States to demo SPIRIT – seemed to go well enough.

I then got a bit of a shock, Giuliana Giaccari sent me a Facebook friend request, I couldn’t believe it – I’ve not heard from her in 30 years. She looked really well and it was lovely to hear from her, her typing in English wasn’t very quick so I didn’t get too much information out of her but she’s got x2 sons (21 and 19) and appears to be doing well for herself. It will be interesting to see if Tash sees the exchange as that will be interesting to try and explain! In saying that, I don’t think we even actually kissed when she was over and I made friends with her, it was exactly that, just a friendship.

Did some more work in the evening and sorted dinner out (Chicken Kiev's – I know how to cook!!) and then did Horspath training session.

Getting Pensioned off

Tough day today, hard to get work done in the morning although I did a training session with one of the new Raintree reps and then went to the dentist, all okay although I need some work and had to book in two appointments for them. Back home I then fell asleep on Jack’s bed for 30minutes whilst Rui was round seeing Tash.

The new mattress arrived which was heavy and solid so couldn’t get that up the stairs. I went off to meet Jason at the Wheatley/Oxford services and we had a catch up about work, went better than I expected so that was good.

Back home and sorted out that mattress – bloody hard work!

Had some food and then off to City for the veterans match (over 35s), a couple of new faces and was quite surprised when named as sub, wasn’t pleased! Sat and watched the first half which was pretty poor, went 1-0 up and then found ourselves 3-1 down due to some bad mistakes but there was a lack of energy or anything going on out there, very frustrating to be watching that shit!

I was brought on at left back at half time and some other changes and we made a decent go of it and had better shape when I was pushed back to centre-half. We scored and kept them out but we couldn’t find the next goal and lost 3-2. I don’t know if I am seeing things differently and that I should drop out of this team or not, but it feels like I am likely to be a sub more often now which I don’t want to waste my time doing. We’ll see what happens in the next game as I did enough to warrant starting next time!

Had a drink and some chips after the match and then came home, didn’t want to go to be d so watched the end of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, I really enjoy these films (this was the Swedish subtitles one) and I’ve got the other two recorded so will look forward to watching those too. Another late night…

Boring day really

Up quite late (8.00am) but only off to Raintree today. It was there Rep Conference today so they wanted me on hand to help out with any queries as and when and to be fair that was a good idea as there were quite a few!

Lots of work for me to sort out now over the coming days/weeks – feeling a bit of pressure really so need to step up and close some of this off. I need to do a lot for them tomorrow as well with a demo and a training session so I might have to charge for my time.

Booked up with the dentist and also with the doctor today, I don’t think I’ve mentioned it previously but I am a bit concerned about one of my bollocks and want to get the opinion from the GP – one’s bigger than the other which is a sign of cancer…bit worried to be honest but I hope it’s simply my imagination, but it has to happen to someone doesn’t it so why not me?? Fingers crossed, that meeting is on Thursday so I hope they tell me not to worry.

Working at Raintree was quite enjoyable today, I had a lot to do and I got on and did it!

During the day I had an exchange with Lewis on Facebook Messenger and he was saying how good it is where he’s skiing, it does look an amazing place – huge – with so many lifts and slopes to use. I think it’s tempting to try it out and go to one of these places next time instead of our comfortable Sainte-Foy. We’ll see.

When I finished went home and Mum was there and we caught up as we’ve not seen her since before Xmas, all is fine and they had a good time. I then took Jack to football training at Horspath even though he’s struggling with Osgood Schlater’s Disease which means he’s unable to participate in sports really. I was pleased that he looked okay and was able to get through the session, but he’s not quite right really. Frustrating. I didn’t really enjoy the training session, I took part a little bit but they’re a funny bunch of lads, talented but appear to have gone off the love of the game.

Finished 5 mins early (it was bloody cold!) and went home for 15 mins before taking Jack to karate and catching up on bits and pieces.

Home and an early night tonight! Set the alarm for 6.00am..see what happens with that shall we?

Back to work

As the title suggests, back to the real world today and with a bump as it's an early start in Birmingham with Peters Books.

Wasn't too bad getting up even though I'd had a very late night but I got some things done on the train and it was a quiet day in the office to be honest. Got my head down and worked on items that needed to be sorted. Claire wasn't in but was working remotely so had a couple of emails with her.

Finished around 4.30pm to get the earlier train home and all was fine at home although Tash was a bit stressed out because of work and things to do at home. Had nice dinner (meat balls and rice) and then managed to finally sort Jack's phone out so the service and everything is working. That was a relief.

Did some work and then the new series of Broadchurch was on which everyone was looking forward to and it was a disappointment, really enjoyed it so that's something we'll be getting into for the next 8 weeks!

Tash went to bed and I watched the end of The Raid (subtitled action film) which was really enjoyable and then two episodes of Elementary which sadly was the last of the series - I love that programme and then went to bed

Charlotte and Miles came back from their Monday night meal club – they’d had a nice time

Nice day in the end but another late night and eating chocolate instead of exercising!

Skiing Holiday and Xmas all over for another year!

Up in the morning at 9.00am and got on with unpacking the car, although Tash had done most of it. Sorted all the items out and also started on the photos being sorted and so on

Took the car back and no problems there

Continued with all the jobs that needed to be done and in the evening our new student arrived, Hortense, she seemed nice enough and settled in

Had a nice roast chicken for dinner, got ready for work and then sat down to watch TV. We watched homeland as we had 5 episodes left and watched 2 which took us until 10.15pm but I wanted to see the ending so I watched the remaining 3 and as good as it promised to be the last episode was disappointing. Ah well, off to bed at 1.30am so my NY resolution of early nights didn't really last!!

A great Xmas break though

Skiing Holiday–Homeward bound

Up at 6.15am, last bit of packing the car, took the snow chains off and then set off. Quite busy getting down the mountain but no slow or ice so that was a relief

Stopped at Bourg St Maurice train station and dropped Lewis off. He's off to the train and then a bus to his next resort to meet all his Uni mates for the second week of his holiday

Carried on and thankfully the traffic we experienced last week was a one-off and we made good time

A few stops for petrol an then a detour for McDonalds for dinner and then onwards. For some reason we were sent through Paris. That was interesting and we even witnessed a bike hitting a car. His own fault and thankfully not serious.

It took 13 hours to get to Calais and now waiting. Very busy...the flexiplus tickets worked a treat and we jumped the queues

Although still here in the flexiplus queue. Not good. All other pauper queues going through. Not feeling VIP!!! Make a complaint.

Queue jumping caused interest as did Liam hanging his flip flop out the window like a dog!! Gareth!!

No other incidents so home safe and sound!

Such a great time, can’t wait to go again.

Skiing–Last Day on the slopes

Last day. Up early, got some food, had breakfast and then on the slopes by 9.50am. It was really quiet either because it was earlier in the day or that people were leaving. Either way it was as we expected it and were used to when at St Foy.

Went up the top and got a few good runs in on those reds and also on the Marquise slope. Down to have our last hot drinks for this holiday and then more skiing. Back for lunch and back out for the afternoon session.

Lewis didn't come out because of being tired and also skiing next week. It was warm today and lots of the snow melting and there were many bald patches of grass, stones and ice. We've timed it so well to get the snow and be leaving when it's thawing. I think snow is forecast over the weekend so hopefully that will happen for the next people to be there.

When down for the last time (off-piste) handed in all our gear and packed up and finished things off at home and loaded the car

I burst a blood vessel in my eye which was weird and got ugly looking. At the time of writing it's stopped spreading in my eye so hopefully all is ok

We went out at 8.30pm for a drink in our favourite bar and then went to the restaurant we'd booked for dinner at 9.30pm. Really nice place and busy but we were all together and the food when it came was lovely. I had béarnaise sauce and it was fantastic

So good, and I did have pudding...brownie and coffee ice cream. Had a beer after feeling better, so my NY resolution didn't last too long really...

Finished, paid and went to bed. The boys were not tired and went out to the bar they liked. I don't think they stayed late

Great holiday

Skiing–New Year’s Day!

The morning after the night before!! Didn't get out of bed until about 11.30.

Hungover but not I'll, some were!! No one could be bothered to do anything at all.

Everyone said no to skiing which in hindsight was probably a good idea as we were all aching and tired from the skiing so it was a chance to recharge the batteries.

So no one moved from the sofa and we watched DVDs starting with The Inbetweeners 2, and then the bloopers and deleted scenes and then the behind the scenes!!

Tries to eat the pizzas and they were awful!! Mostly got thrown away. So Kerry made some pasta and nachos which was lovely.

We then watched frozen which was very good and finally us lads watched Guardians of the galaxy which was brilliant. Well, we thought was.

New Years Eve

 

 

 

		New Years Eve VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

New Years Eve

Here is a summary of what we did that was in my phone – not sure I need to expand on these points – they were funny though and it was a great day/night!

• Nye
• Skiing all day as usual although a bit later today
• Skiing with torches
• Wayne falling over
• Drinks
• Dinner round one table
• More drinks
• Out to nice pub. Quality
• Kids to other bar
• Much better – dance music
• Stayed very late
• Drunk
• Partied hard
• Late night!!

Skiing again–Day 4

Up early (ish). Breakfast and then in the slopes by 10.00am. Straight up to the highest one for Lewis, Charlotte, Jack, Miles and me. So sunny. It was fantastic.

Got down at exactly same time as other family so had a hot chocolate at new bar. Gorgeous view

Onesies today. Looked good. More skiing and then break for lunch and back out at 2pm. Good runs and back to chalet. Lost Jack and Miles off piste.

Everyone knackered. Forced out to go sledging and that was mad. Very dangerous and twice there were big wipe-outs. Tash got a bad one.

All went back for dinner but Wayne and I got two beers in bar but not before helping Dom Joly push his Land Rover out of the snow

Back to house for jacket potato and chats and beer. Bath and then bed. Great day

Skiing…Day 3

Woke up at 9am. Everyone needed that sleep. Breakfast and then went out on slopes about 10.45. Busy. Some great runs and the marquise was open so nice and high but the highest remained closed. Some great runs down today and everyone finding their confidence.

Break for lunch and then back out again. More of the same

Tried to get on the marquise before it closed but only I got on. Strange coming down the slopes on my own.

Met at the bottom and the kids went swimming but the 4 of us had some drinks at the outside bar. Freezing cold and the beers got colder and colder!

Went back home for food, curry or sweet and sour chicken. Very nice. Beers gone to my head! V strong.

Played games, and had a competition to build a ginger bread house. Boys v girls, the girls stormed it and then a charade type game. Funniest thing was describing animals with Charlotte & Miles.

It's got 8 legs....

Chicken

Laughter

I thought you said it lays eggs!!

Next time chicken came up as a subject we all shouted it has 8 legs!

Really funny evening. Bed by 10.30. Shattered!

Ski Trip Fun–Mental Journey

Set the alarm for 7,45 when going to sleep at 7.10!! It worked and Wayne and I went to the market to get snow chains. Lucky I did set alarm as it was busy and all chains were being bough by people in same situation. Took a gamble and went back to cars and they fitted! Phew

Wayne tried to sell his others to a French guy but didn't work.

Got a load of food and then went up the mountain. Stopped to remove chains and then add them again. Hands still hurt as -6 in the snow.

Difficult getting up to car park but did it. Checked in and unpacked. Had a sleep and then some food. All were starving. I was so very tired.

Got sorted and collected our gear and then we're off. Couple of practice runs and then up two slopes. Very busy.

Soon got into it but Liam broke his ski. Got to the bottom and they changed it and then went back out and had another run down. Less busy!!

Back home. Another snooze and then all round to ours for drink, food and games. Trivial pursuit. Holdy won!

Nice evening and so pleased to be here at last. I like this place. Bed at 11pm!

Skiing Holiday–mental traffic

Up at 6am and on the road by 6.30am. Really good run down for a few hours and on schedule for arrival at 2.15pm

However. That all went pear shaped after we hit traffic jam after traffic jam. We've not experienced anything like it before. I'm typing this now at 19.47 and we're still 53 miles away and at a standstill. Even stopping at one services we were an hour. Bedlam

Kept phoning the hotel and updating them with our lack of progress!! Even got a text to advise that the route up the mountain is very hazardous and may not be allowed and we'll have to stay at Bourg St Maurice at emergency accommodation they're setting up.

Signing off for now so will see how long it takes.

Tragic News this side of Xmas

Such a shame to hear on the news of a dumper truck in Glasgow where the driver lost control (suspected heart attack) and ploughed into the pavement and then a hotel killing 6 people outright – isn’t that awful? Thoughts go to those poor people and relatives

It’s not been a good week around the world, last week the Taliban stormed into a Pakistan school and simply shot 142 people, of which 134 were kids. Unbelievable. It’s in retaliation for the Pakistan army attacking them but is there nothing that’s off-limits to people? Still related to religion and it’s simply disgusting.

The news at the minute is very sad indeed – every single morning some loony has killed, bombed or knifed someone. And it’s so random which makes it even more scary!

Snow report…not good at all!

Really disappointing but it looks like we’re only going to have about 6 of 23 runs open when we go to France next week. Such a shame and pissed off about it. Not much we can do but below shows what it’s like, it’s an improvement on last week but…

Have checked out Val D’Isere and Tignes and these are better but the cost for one day’s lift pass is £45 each…this is a nightmare!!

Xmas Week has started…

I worked in Birmingham today and got the 6.47am train over there no problem. Bit quite in the office but I got on with my work and got things done. At 12.30pm we went to the Loft Lounge and there was Ray, Isha, Claire and Tom and we had a nice meal and a catch up. Made me smile as the others were soft drinks and Tom was half a lager but when it got to me I had two pints of Coors! Ray joined me with a Stella so that was okay!

Back to work for an hour or so and then I left at 3.30pm to get the train which was late and slept all the way home and got to our house at 5.40pm where Grandma, Mum and Derek had arrived. Had a few drinks and chatted and then started handing out presents, we all got really great present this year which was pleasing and as usual Mum was far too generous with us. She was pleased with her Thailand Book and even flicking through it brought back lots of good memories right there and then. That was such a good holiday.

We then ordered some Chinese food and Derek generously paid for it and we had more drink and presents waiting for it to come. We’d ordered enough and it was lovely, Miles turned up and we had a good meal and a laugh at the dinner table, Grandma was on form – certainly helps for her to have her hearing aid in!

Back to the front room and we played Family Fortunes – silly game – but it was amusing and everyone was involved.

It was soon 10.30pm so Mum and that made a move and went home, tidied up and went to bed. A really nice evening.

I was quite proud as we were talking about the Thailand holiday and Lewis said he’d showed the video to loads of his mates at Uni and when they first start watching it they complain about the slow piano music and Lewis replies, ‘wait’ and then the beat kicks in and they’re like “Did your Dad create this video and choose that music? Wow, we want to be part of your family, they all mad!”

It’s nice for all the kids to hear that I think (hope) but it’s definitely nice to hear it from them – makes me feels a bit younger at heart!

A good start to the Xmas week, although it does feel as though we’ve been celebrating for a month already…oh we have been!

He’s behind you!

Pottered around in the morning and got things done ahead of the ski trip. Got all my clothes sorted and packed so looking good! Had an early lunch and then left the house at 12.30pm heading for Aylesbury for the panto this year. Bit of a nightmare trying to park so I dropped them all off and found somewhere about 10 mins walk away and then got back to the theatre in time for the show.

There was about about 20 of us this year with Sara and the girls there along with Zoe and the girls and then all of us and all the Bulls – it’s such a nice tradition we’re setting up for everyone involved.

The show this year was Cinderella and there was Suzanne Shaw (no never heard of her – X-Factor type person and maybe even Coronation St – no idea) and also Russell Grant mincing around the stage – he got on my nerves a bit I must admit. But the main characters were very good and it was a really, really enjoyable show.

The Buttons character was the same as last year and there were items that were repeated (a different 12 days of Xmas and the ‘Ghost’ song) that were enjoyable and familiar and loads of people obviously from last year remembered as well. Some cute kids up on stage was also hilarious so all in all it was one of the better shows we’ve seen.

We then had a team photo outside by the Ronnie Barker statue and then dived into the Weatherspoon's across the road and they weren’t very organised but we got to eat together and it was good value. Home from there and Tash was wound up about something so that soured the atmosphere a bit – seems to be a couple of wines and she gets all funny about working too hard. Quite painful and a bit of a shame if I am honest.

Got home and sorted a few things out on the laptop and then an early night as very late last two nights and need to be up at 5.45am tomorrow.

A good evening had by all and a very long weekend!

Pottering around Oxford shops

Woke up around 8.45am – or more to the point Tash woke me up at that time, I was feeling okay, I had a heavy head but wasn’t feeling ill so it wasn’t a problem to go down to breakfast at 9.15am. Nikki and Gaz were already there and slowly everyone turned up – except Kay and Ted who didn’t make it down until we’d all left.

Caught up with the chat and everyone agreed it was a good evening and once all done people said their goodbyes and made their way home and the rest of their weekend.

We got home and I did some bits and bobs at home and then Tash & Lewis went to get him a ski coat but I went into Oxford around 1.00pm to sort out Tasha’s Xmas presents. Town was missing, although not mental and I got what I needed to. I didn’t really enjoy the experience to be honest, I never do, but I got it completed.

It was nice having a wander through the Covered Market and I treated myself to a sausage roll and then checked out the Blackwell’s poster shop and committed (mentally) to buy some posters throughout 2015. Got the car from Tasha’s work where I’d parked and then went to the dump to get rid of some stuff I had and then back home.

I dropped Tash & Lewis at Gill’s in the evening after our dinner and then I did some work and watched TV in until she asked me to pick her up deliberately 30 mins before she wanted to come home so I could chat to Gill. However on my arrival I had a couple of glasses of wine and we didn’t leave until about 10.30pm. Tash was quite drunk and went to bed quite angry about something that I can’t even remember now so I sat downstairs and watched the last 3 episodes of Gotham – really enjoyed the series but meant I didn’t go to bed until 2.00am…again!

Another nice day and it was good to see Gill and Catherine – they’re lovely

Family Xmas ‘Works’ Party

This year for the family & friends Xmas party we bought tickets for Alexandra House in Swindon. Earlier in the day I worked from home, didn’t get too much done, and then Tash was home around 12.30pm and we made our way to Swindon at about 1.20pm.

We stopped on the way at McDonalds and then continued but soon hit traffic that was clearly the result of an accident – it was a nightmare and going nowhere fast. My new Satnav kicked into action and worked out a new route which without it we’d never have worked out at all – so we took the detour and went through some lovely areas around the back roads of Swindon and got to the place. As soon as I saw the houses in front of it I recognised it as a place I’d done some work for Lifecycle at and remembered it as a lovely venue – which it is!

We checked in, Liam & Zoe were already in the bar area as they’d been down the night before and were having a drink but we dumped our bags and then went to the pool. Didn’t do much in there other than relax in the spa, sauna and steam room and then after just over an hour back to the bar and more people had arrived.

Sat and had a few drinks there and went to get changed at 6.45pm ready for 7.15pm back down in the bar. Gareth had turned up from his work’s party in London and then we went through to the dining area that they’d set up really nicely. Lots of other companies were there and the night went well. Food was good and the drink was flowing, had a bit of a sing-song with the 12 days of Xmas but we were the main instigators so it was clear we were going to be noisy all night!

Once the proper disco started the music was all modern dance music that I like so I was up dancing near enough all night, but so was Tash, Pauline and John and it went really well. There was a photo booth that was fun and we piled in there near the end and just carried on all night – I felt guilty next morning as I didn’t get my share of drinks so I will have to make that up to people soon. I’ve got that reputation I know, next year I will shake it!

The night finished with Frank Sinatra and New York and then we went back to the bar area to continue drinking for a bit longer but slowly people went to bed and I think Tash and I went about 2.00am.

Really enjoyed it, had a good night and I think everyone else did which is obviously very important

Bringing Lewis home

After a full day at Newcastle NCFE training people on SPIRIT I journeyed down to Huddersfield to collect Lewis. The Satnav sent me off through Leeds which pissed me off but I got there after a sleep and about 3.5 hours driving. We went off straight away although I did say Hi to his house-mates and we got his sweat-shirt from Uni and then went completely out of our way to find a KFC. Most amusing thing was that the car-park for the first hour there was 5p…yep!

Once sorted made our way home and another long 4 hour journey but we chatted about all things on the way and it was nice to spend that time with him. He eventually fell asleep and we arrived home at 10.30pm. Another long day and so many miles travelled.

Woke Tasha up so she could catch up with him briefly and then the two of us sat and watched a few episodes of Gotham until I gave up at about 2.00am – mad to stay up that late but it’s quite addictive!

Great to have Lewis home as always

Very long day..Newcastle

Travelled down to Rochester this morning at 7.00am as I was training EduKent in the office and the session was fine and went okay. They were happy enough with what we covered so that was pleasing. I managed to leave the office around 3.00pm to make my way up North to Newcastle, what a trip that turned out to be!

I was expecting around 6 hours in total but the traffic on the M1 was an absolute nightmare, couldn’t get around it as there were breakdowns and all sorts to slow things down. I did take a detour in the end around Nottingham but I didn’t arrive at the Ramada Hotel I’d booked until 11.00pm – 8 hours travelling!

Nice enough hotel but a long journey

Another hangover day…

Woke up at about 9.30am this morning and then went downstairs and worked, didn’t get much done today as had such a heavy head from last night, Tash was fine with me so that was okay – can’t have been too rude on the way home! Caught up with some TV and had quite a lazy day really, naughty and unproductive but it doesn’t happen too often.

Picked Tash up from work in the evening and also bought a new home phone as ours has finally died! Strange to get a phone really as no-one really uses it any more but we need one I suppose!

Writing this in the car waiting for Jack at karate. Trying to watch the last episode of True Blood but the internet coverage in the car is useless – keeps lagging on me! Will wait until I am home

Although we want to watch the last part of ‘The Missing’ which has been an 8-part drama that we’ve both enjoyed but I have a horrible feeling that the ending isn’t going to be conclusive enough…we’ll see!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…please!

See the webcam photo below of Sainte-Foy, this is a massive worry now, I’m really nervous about this. Will have to see what is nearby and whether we’re going to have to do some travelling to get to see some decent snow. It will be such a shame if it’s like this on our arrival, I’ll be gutted as we’re really looking forward to it.

Checked the online weather forecast and it doesn’t look promising at all…oh dear!

Xmas getting closer

Up at a reasonable hour this morning and then pottered around the house and sorted out the door handle on the toilet and got wood in. Football got cancelled in the morning because Easington didn’t have enough players, can’t say I was disappointed, Jack is struggling with his knees so might have had to miss out anyway. We then watched some of the Man Utd v Liverpool game in which MU won 3-0, couldn’t really care but I’d rather they won that Liverpool. Both teams struggling with defence. Watched that whilst pointing the ceiling in the bathroom (the joys of a laptop!).

Whilst I was doing that Tash was sorting out some wreaths and we then went out to Wallingford and she laid them on her family’s graves and then we came back and did Granddad’s. 2002 he died, can’t believe it’s that long ago, such a shame, wish he was still around.

Back home and went round to Sue’s as she’d cooked us a roast and I am sure I ended up with half a bloody duck! It was lovely though, and then we tried some of the drink she’s been saving up, I did a nice coffee and then we came home and watched some of the Sport Personality of the Year although I sadly found it really boring so gave up. Typed some more notes on this diary and then went to bed

One Step Beyond…

Finally got to see the original group in the flesh tonight…Madness! Wasn’t disappointed.

Up early this morning so that me, Tash and Jack could get out to Christmas Common and find out Xmas tree, busy at 9.00am, they must rake the money in, would be interesting to see how they’re doing. Got a good one and brought it home and said our goodbyes to Katarina the German student we’ve had for the last 8 weeks. Very intelligent girl who’s applied to Oxford Uni to do Law, impressive. She’s been a good student for us, no hassle at all and very nice with it, she leaves tomorrow but we won’t be back in time to see her.

Gaz & Nik turned up at 10.30am and we hit the road with Gaz driving, stopped at Stokenchurch services for a coffee and a bite to eat and then carried out to Brighton. Parked up by the hotel which is right on the sea front and very old/original looking – very big! We then had a wander around the lanes in Brighton looking at the shops but didn’t do too much shopping as I think Nik & Gaz preferred the idea of the pub so we went into a small one and started an afternoon of drinking!

That drink done we found another around the corner, The Druid’s Head, and after that went to Ask for our meal booked at 2.30pm. Loads of food which was very good as usual and a couple more drinks! After that a little walk through some more shops and then to the hotel to check in and have an hour to get ready. I liked the hotel and would be happy to go there again. Met them downstairs and the bar was packed with people for their office party later and also other people clearly dressed for Madness concert!

We finished our drinks and went down the to the venue which was only 5 mins walk and decided to go straight in, I got the drinks in and the queue was 15 deep for about 12 separate queues…got served in the end! The support act was Scouting for Girls and Tash and Nik were enjoying that. The venue was larger than we’ve been at the O2 but it wasn’t massive and everywhere you looked there were skinheads and nutty boys, a whole culture on display, all of a similar age of course!

Then Madness came on and immediately played Night Boat to Cairo and it all got going. We stayed quite far back, I was quite surprised by that, I’d expected us to go near the front and really get into it but that didn’t happen. Danced and sang all the way through as you’d expect! Couple of new songs played but it was a really good atmosphere and 90 minutes flew by, when it finished everyone had enjoyed themselves – the encore and last song being One Step Beyond! We left and everyone went to pubs and clubs and we were no different! Found a pub across the road and sat in the garden (expensive round and the girl tried to do me out of £5 as well – was pissed off by that!) and we then went to a fish and chip shop and ate those in the hotel. Had another drink there of course and decided midnight was late enough and went to bed.

A really good day, Madness were excellent and it was enjoyable. However, if offered tickets for them or Basement Jaxx I’d go with the Jaxx I must admit. So very glad I went though.

Working in York

Was up and sorted by 7.30am and then down for some breakfast, loads of teachers there who are on a course but got my coffee and then went to the office and met with Alice and prepared for the training session. It got more busy whilst there and it was a difficult morning I must admit as I felt I wasn’t quite delivering all that they wanted from her (i.e. her and John) but they said they were and the afternoon went well after something to eat and there is the possibility of some extra work in the New Year. Hope so anyway.

Left around 4.15pm and travelling back wasn’t too bad to be honest. Stopped at some services with the intention of getting a coffee but had a snooze for 30 mins and it was pitch black when I woke up – there had been a power cut so I couldn’t get my coffee! It woke me up so that was okay.

Got home after about 4.5hrs, a long journey for certain! When I got in I decided to have a drink, opened a bottle of red wine and sat and watched TV and caught up with things I wanted to as Tash was out with her friends from the village. It was relaxing and when she came home she went to bed and I stayed downstairs until about 1.30am – far too late! Another day over…

Up to York today

Got the car in for an MOT today at 9.00am in Shotover and then wandered down into Headington and sat in Starbucks with a single coffee for about 3 hours. It was ready at 1.00pm so as I was walking there I stopped by Mum’s work and went back to her house for a coffee and a sandwich and catch up with things. Stayed for an hour and then went and got the car. Did some more work at home and then around 3.15pm set out for York, the traffic was rubbish and I didn’t get there until about 8.30pm so it took far too long! Pissed off as I wanted to go our for a run but got a KFC instead…no will power

Got the keys for the accommodation at SLC and had an early night. The room was almost identical to Lewis’s room from last year! Glad I went up this evening instead of in the morning, that would have been an absolute nightmare. Hope tomorrow goes well as I am not 100% confident of the material I am covering…

Quarry Rovers FC Photos

Love these, they were posted on Facebook by Matty Elbro yesterday, great memories brought up again

		Quarry FC Photos VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Tucks Announcement – Baby News!

Worked in Birmingham today at Peters Books – got my head down and zipped through all my work. Got loads done – very focussed.

Email exchange with Tucks – nice to hear from him, first email was that he’d got himself two things for his birthday, one of which was a chocolate brown Labrador puppy called Stella, and then he said “What news?” and I said “this, that and the other” and then he sent through a second photo which was a scan of a baby!

So he and his girlfriend, Alison about 4 months gone and it’s due May 25th and he’s pleased, said they both just wanted a baby but didn’t want the hassle of getting married. Fair enough!

So yeah, delighted for him, really, really pleased. Quite surprised, grinning ear to ear, should give him a call instead of relying on emails but didn’t get the chance last night.

I imagine his family re all pleased as you’d expect them to be

I can’t imagine having a baby myself now though at 45/46 – but there you go, good luck to them. Perhaps that means we’ll be over there for our summer holiday, go and see him and the baby when it’s born…we’ll see.

Xmas Tree Decorated

Woke up this morning at 8.45am and Nikki had already text Tash to say they were going down for breakfast and would wait for us, we were hoping for more of a lay-in but got up, showered and went down by 9.20am, wasn’t struggling but it would have been nice to have relaxed a bit more! Lovely breakfast and we noticed/commented on the fact that all the staff were English which in a service industry like that is quite unusual. Breakfast was very good indeed.

We then packed and checked out, dumped our stuff in the car and went for a walk along the sea front, the waves were huge and crashing down on the beach and the defences. Got a bit wet from spray at one point! Didn’t go too far before it was decided to make a move home, so jumped in the car and set off. Stopped for a coffee and then I slept all the way back.

Nice to be home, caught up with Charlotte and Miles and then I set up the Xmas tree and when Jack got home from football (they won 3-2 against Thatcham – although they struggled again) we all decorated it. It’s always a pleasure doing this as the baubles all have meaning, soon got it completed and then sat and watched TV – Stardust was on again, really enjoy that film. Sue came over for lunch as well and we had a lovely roast. We then watched a film in the evening - New Year’s Eve – very, very cheesy and predictable but it was okay I guess.

Once that finished Jack and I watched some of Where Eagles Dare, I was pleased as when he saw it was on his reaction was, “Oh My God, I love this film, I’ve seen it so many times!” – I thought to myself that makes me a good dad…

That finished and we started watching the final of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. It’s been enjoyable again this season and writing this on the train the next day I know the winner which was deserved – Carl Fogharty the super bike champion – a proper celebrity! At 10.00pm we all went to bed, knackered once again!

Earlier in the day Matty Elbro put some old photos onto Facebook that were brilliant, it was our time in Germany and Quarry Rovers days, loved seeing those and also loads of comments as you’d expect! I’ll download them and put them on a different post I think.

Back to Bristol, Amanda’s Funeral

So it was back to Bristol this morning to work at Edustaff and do another installation/upgrade on the PCs there. Got caught out a bit as I thought I’d only be working on 2-3 computers so got there for 9.15pm but in fact there was twice that…ah! In saying that, I should have got there about 8.30am but the traffic was a nightmare, seemed odd being back there only 2 days after having a break there.

I didn’t need to do it but I couldn’t resist, I used our new Satnav on the way there, I knew the way but it’s a new toy so what do you expect?? Did its job well and the warnings on the speed cameras was excellent – I like it already

I got on with what I needed to do and kept my head down the whole time and it went fairly smoothly so no complaints, I finished at 4.00pm and was able to leave and make my way back but the traffic out wasn’t ideal and that bloody A420 between Swindon and Oxford is a pain in the backside! Got home around 6.05pm – I’d told Chris I’d be late for football so it was okay, although I was very tempted to take the night off. Glad we went as there were only 7 lads training (including Jack) and Phil was doing the session. I think it was going a little stale so I stepped in and made a couple of games for them which they liked and it was an okay session in the end

As we were walking to the car I bumped into Giorgia’s Dad, Julian, and we had a chat about her, her football and what I’m up to. It was nice to catch up with him and it made me want to take Wayne up on his request for me to take a training session, I think they’d enjoy it.

Got home, quick dinner and then took Jack to karate and sat in the car doing this diary again so as not to be distracted by Tim. Also sorted out some work emails and all that. Fell asleep and was fast asleep when Jack turned up – watched some TV in the evening.

I’ve been watching the World War Two in Colour and it’s almost finished, fascinating documentary series, been really interesting. How people lived through that time I really do not know, it’s terrifying.

Tash was subdued this evening, she had her work colleague, Amanda’s funeral at the college today so that was obviously a very emotional time for her, such a shame. Didn’t really talk about it, not too much you can say. She was very upset about it.

Tash off to another concert

Worked at Raintree today and it was a productive day actually with getting things I've been meaning to complete done. Worked on the DotMailer functionality at last and slowly getting to grips with it. Need to push on with training myself so I am in a position to be able to help others. Will get a meeting next week with Marketing to push this forwards.

Didn't get a break and worked throughout, but there was so much cake by my desk, it was very distracting and I did succumb!

Back home and Tash went off to Birmingham to see Michael Buble in convert - she's had a good time of things this week!!

I just worked on things at home for my business and got up to date, tired though and off to Bristol again tomorrow but this time for Edustaff

Another day off…

Woke up this morning with a bit of a heavy head, I wonder why. Pauline had texted to say she was up and out in Bristol so we said we’d meet her about an hour later as it was only 8.30am. Left with John around 9.30am and walked into Bristol and found her and then went to the Corn Exchange type area and found a very nice deli to have our breakfast, very nice indeed.

Answered a few emails and chatted about last night and that and then wandered around a indoor market, some nice things, and then back to the hotel and the hour and a bit home. Said our goodbyes when we got home and then I worked through the afternoon. I wasn’t very productive but I did get all my emails and plans sorted for the coming weeks – I’ve got really behind with my emails and costs etc because of how busy I worked last week.

Did Horspath training in the evening, very cold all of a sudden but it was a decent session I think, they worked hard. Jack did karate afterwards and I sat in the car and worked instead of going inside because I wanted to get things done and when Tim was there last week I didn’t manage to get what I needed to done. No offence, I like Tim and enjoy his company but I wanted to catch up with things this evening instead.

There’s still shock around the UK that Jimmy Bullard was voted off I’m a Celebrity last night, I don’t really care too much about watching it now as he was excellent entertainment. Very odd decision that no one can really fathom out.

Basement Jaxx blowing us away…again!

We’ve been looking forward to today for a long time! Worked in the morning and then John & Pauline picked us up and we went to Bristol right in the town centre and checked into the Travel Lodge that we’d booked up. We immediately went out for a wander round and then stopped in one of the German Market stalls and had a beer and did a bit of shopping. On the way back to the hotel we stopped in a pub and had a couple of beers along with a very nice burger.

Back to the hotel for an hour’s rest and getting sorted, I snoozed and answered emails and then showered and shaved and ready to go out. Had another beer and walked into the town and the O2 arena to see Basement Jaxx again. The venue was quite small, smaller than Brixton Academy but the same design and style. The came on at 9.00pm and immediately opened up with Good Luck and we didn’t look back!! What a fantastic set, so much energy and dancing, I didn’t stop – I was soaking wet from sweating, I jumped and danced about for 90 mins non-stop.

Some people around us were steaming drunk and a bit of a pain but it was okay, they couldn’t ruin the night for us, we got to one row from the front in the end, it was so good, as good as the Brixton one, if not better!

Got some video during Where’s Your Head At which was pleasing…and then it was over! Everyone was buzzing and so excited by the performance. We went to the pub across the road and had a pint and then started walking back and could see some people taking some selfies and when we got to them we realised it was the band members!! Couldn’t believe it. So we asked if we could have a photo and they obliged and were lovely. They were pleased when we said how good they were and that we’d seen them in December last year.

We then went across the road and saw the lead singer with his girlfriend but we didn’t say anything and then went to the pub for a few more drinks! (There’s a theme here isn’t there?!?!) Posted on Twitter and Facebook and was admittedly disappointed that my Tweet didn’t get recognition, ah well!

Back to the hotel and guess what…we had a couple more beers in the lounge area and the girls got a pizza and then it was time for bed, an end to a lovely day that was really good fun.

We get on well with John and Pauline, they’re a great couple and we have a laugh.

Struggling a bit today…

Got up with a very heavy head and puffy eyes and went off to football with Jack, got there a bit late and Kidlington were there being very busy indeed and we all strolled in a bit too casually. I did the warm up and then we played and it was a competitive game but we were not really at the races and after an even first half we completely fell apart in the second and deservedly lost 3-1, not good!

Went back home and everyone was laid out on the sofa so I took advantage of that and crashed out as well and we watched Gogglebox and Remember Me and just relaxed, it was actually quite nice to do so.

Had dinner in the afternoon and then Lewis went off to London to catch the bus home and this was an adventure in the end for him! He’d left in plenty of time, around 5.00pm for a 7.30pm bus but unfortunately there were massive traffic delays and he missed the coach by about 10 minutes. So he was obviously upset and concerned and I was thinking that I’d have to go and get him and drive etc.

So we got onto Megabus and they changed his ticket to Manchester at 8.00pm – that didn’t turn up until 8.45am because of traffic and cracked windscreen and we realised he’d not be in Manchester until after 1.00am – there are no trains to Huddersfield at that time! So I phoned taxis and they were expensive and then the hostels so he could stay and get the early train but in the end he got there about 2.30am and decided to just stay in the train station and get the early train. So quite a hassle but he did it and got home in the end! Bless him

Bulls Family Xmas Party

Vicky and Nikki organised the above for the evening to celebrate Xmas coming up and hired out that hall that was used for Vic’s 21st birthday. It was a Xmas theme and people were encouraged to dress up which we duly obliged in doing. Vic’s and Gaz picked us up around 5.00pm and we went over to Ted & Kaye’s for pre-drinks and that was fun. Nik and Gaz were Mr & Mrs Father Claus and Ted was in a full Snowman suit – very funny indeed!

We then got taxis at 7.15pm to the venue and slowly people turned up, most were dressed up but loads weren’t, but you know us, that made no difference whatsoever. We just partied with drinking and dancing all night. Plenty of food as well, such a good night. Everyone is quite mad it has to be said! About 60 people were there and it was fun all night, got quite drunk but wasn’t embarrassing…at least I don’t think I was!

Paid for drinks for the kids all night and then they got the bus home a little earlier than the end time but that worked out well as it meant there was room to get a lift home with Liam and Zoe.

Got home around 12.30pm and straight to bed. Not something to be proud off but I got up about an hour later and was really badly sick! Haven’t had an alcohol related sick in a long long time…must have been a dodgy packet of crisps!!

Another great party and a start to the Festive Season – it’s going to be manically busy, we have so much lined up

Bringing Lewis home

Was up and out of the hotel by 7.30am and walked down to the Deli that is where the breakfast is served and it was a great setting, had the most lovely breakfast and coffee. I could have sat in there all day, great place to have breakfast in the morning. I then went to the Edustaff offices and it was only Liz that was there so I got going and all went really smoothly, I was relieve and obviously pleased about that. I didn’t have a break and just kept going on with the work and more people turned up in the end but by 4.00pm I got it all done.

Lewis was sat downstairs waiting for me so we decided to stop for something to eat before setting off and there was a pub next door and we had scampi and chips which was really good, and a pint!

Nice to catch up with him and we chatted for the hour that it took to get properly outside of Manchester and onto the M6 and then he crashed out and went to sleep. The journey was pretty uneventful, but it was smooth and we got home in surprisingly good time. It was around 8.15pm that we got back to Wolvercote and Natasha was at the Jacob’s Inn with Ben so we went there for a pint and caught up with him and then went back home

We all just sat in front of the TV and cracked open a crate of beers and went through it – I think we had 6 or 7 each and Tash was a bit wine drunk so that was interesting!

Really nice evening and great to see Lewis and have it down here if only for a short time.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (pond!)

Up early and got ready for the football and going out to London later. Pissing down with rain all night so it was unlikely that the match would go ahead but went along all the same

Unsurprisingly the ref turned up and it didn’t take him long to call the match off, a little disappointed but no one could complain.

Went home, had something to eat and then was out of the house by midday to meet Wayne, Kerry & the girls to drive to London – still bloody raining!!

Parked in the only place possible along the Bayswater Road (very lucky indeed!) and then wandered along Oxford St to Selfridges. Bought a couple of things and then went back to Marble Arch and into Hyde Park for the Winter Wonderland. Very busy and bloody huge! Quite nice to simply walk around the stalls and see what was happening before stopping for a coffee and then going ice skating. This was a real let down and very frustrating. The ice rink was actually 3 inches under water all the way around. Very odd, and in fact where it wasn’t water it was like corrugated iron – I think it had actually melted! Went round a few times and was worried about going over as you’d have been so soaked – it was a nightmare! My feet and legs really hurt and I had to get off – not a good sign with skiing on the horizon!

The kids just got on with it and had a good time, such a shame as it’s the biggest rink we’ve skated on in the all the years that we’ve been able to go and it was pretty shit!

Ah well, we then went for a walk around the rest of the attractions and found somewhere to eat which was a carousel, that was interesting and cool. Had a lovely lamb burger – loads of meat and really tasty. Just expensive!

Once done we walked back to the car and drove home, didn’t take too long as there wasn’t too much traffic and got settled down, prepared for the week ahead (I’m away for a couple of days in Birmingham) and then watched some TV – got distracted and still didn’t go to bed until midnight, not good!

A very enjoyable weekend all told

Tasha’s Friend Dies

Not a nice title I appreciate but in the evening Natasha’s friend Amanda finally died. She’s been suffering from cancer and battling it for over a year and been off work for a couple of months but sadly she succumbed on Saturday night. Tash had gone with Michalina to see Amanda only a week or so ago and it was good she did because it was clear to most people that she’d likely not last until Xmas. That sounds very matter of fact and it’s not meant to be insensitive but she clearly was very ill indeed and didn’t have long

Tash was obviously upset but we had Wayne & Kerry round in the evening so we didn’t discuss it as it would have set her off and she was trying to be strong and not cry, she did that when they left. Very sad indeed and it’s such a terrible, awful disease it really is. Amanda wanted to have her funeral at the College which I think they’ve agreed to so that will be hard for them all to cope with. Such a shame.

Tat actually happened near the end of the night, before then we’d all had a few drinks and sorted out the travelling for the skiing trip so all is in hand and looking good.

Not much of a day other than that, nothing to be excited about!

Lack of motivation or football quality

Struggling with work at the minute, finding everything quite hard to get going with. Was at Raintree today from 8-5 without a break and put in a good shift as there was loads of work to do but I still struggled to focus and keep on top of things. Not sure if it’s too many late nights or still a bit of a come-down from the Edustaff project.

It could well be that as I was so busy and on demand and pushing myself perhaps that’s what happens when dropped from the project. Anyway, I need to snap out of it and make better use of the free time I am getting.

After work I was home for a bit and then off to Thame to play in the Vets match. I missed the one a couple of weeks ago in the cup which we lost 2-1. There were some familiar faces there which was nice, Martin Brown, Kevin Williamson, Liam Herbert and Matt Timberlake. Even the referee was Keith Godfrey from school!

Anyway, a competitive game and I was being run down quite a lot, seemed to struggle again but it was okay. We didn’t look good attacking and I can’t think of a chance we had in the whole game to be honest. Anyway, 1-1 at half time and then we got caught out in the second half and made some bad decisions to end up on the wrong end of a 5-1 hammering! Very tired indeed!

Had a drink etc afterwards and then home to relax – my body is killing me already as I’ve not done anything for about 3 weeks – I wonder if I will ever learn! Anyway, bed now!

Very tired indeed

The alarm went at 5.35am as planned and that was painful getting out of bed with such little sleep this weekend. Had to shave as well so that meant getting up earlier! Made it to the train on time and tried to sleep but that made things worse and then stopped at Greggs for a bacon bap and coffee – that cheered me up!

Worked in Peters today and all went according to plan, busy day and productive. Really hoping for an early night tonight, wonder if that will be achieved!

Had a couple of texts with Lewis as he has an important exam today so fingers crossed it goes well, bit concerned that he’s done so much with that TV Show last week and also tired this morning – we shall see…

Caught up with Lewis with Tash via Facetime and he was in good spirits – nice to see him

Didn’t do much else in the evening, stayed up watching TV in fact!

Heavy head and Shrek

Woke up with a heavy head this morning, not too desperate but still not much fun! Sat downstairs with Jack and watched the X-Men film we’d recorded and it was very enjoyable. Had a big fry-up for dinner and then got ready for football, it was an afternoon kick-off today but we needed to leave by 12.30pm.

All a bit tense to be honest, there’s a definite lack of enthusiasm and respect with the team and players at the minute, it’s really hard work. Jack was struggling with his knees and ankles and could hardly walk, let alone run but we didn’t have enough players so he had to play. He did fine but was struggling throughout and didn’t last.

First half was pleasing, played some decent football and moved it well and were 3-0 up. A bit less quality in the second half but still managed to win 5-1 in the end. Pleasing after a weird start to the morning.

Tash wasn’t in when we got home so we had our dinner and then went into Oxford, parked at Tasha’s work and met with Sue, Brendan, Nik, Gaz and Emily to watch Shrek. It was very good and really enjoyable. An excellent show which matched the film and was great fun.

When it finished we said our good-byes and went our separate ways. Jack & I then watched the beginning of I’m a Celebrity Get me out of here and it was quite addictive in the end and I watched all of it. I then didn’t want to go to bed and stayed up watching other things until after midnight – stupid of me really because I know I need to get up at 5.30am tomorrow

Tash wasn’t around because she and Charlotte had taken Jessica and Katie to London to see Lewis in the show he’s been working on all last week. It’s going to be on ITV in January and should be quite enjoyable actually – it’s a high profile show with Celebs learning/performing acts and his one is obviously skipping. I was getting updates from Tash and Charlotte as they were excited by who they were sharing time, drinks and nibbles with. I can’t say but they’re not mainstream celebs any more but they’re all well known back in the day!

They got home around 12.30am so we spoke to seconds before trying to get some sleep but they had a fantastic time and Lewis really enjoyed it

So, a very, very busy weekend – I am absolutely drained!

Inflatables & 2-Tone Fitness Class!

Had a relaxed morning and then went out to do some shopping and then popped in to see Grandma on the way back because Mum is over at Louise’s so no one else was around to help out. It was fine, she can’t hear a word I say but doesn’t have a problem with hearing Tash. It’s so strange, I can be shouting at her and she doesn’t hear. She had a hearing aid now but obviously hasn’t got used to putting it in yet.

The house needs a full top to tail clean – it’s something I might organise as it’s not pleasant there. It’s not filthy, don’t get me wrong, but it could be nicer! Not sure when the last time a hoover would have been run through the living room or the cupboards cleared out! We stayed an hour and she was pleased we had made the effort, as we were obviously also pleased. She must get so bored and lonely there, still it’s great that she’s still able to manage on her own. Very impressed and proud of her.

Back home I wanted to concentrate on the Thailand Book and made some serious progress with it in the afternoon before having to stop and get ready to go out in the evening. I wasn’t really overly bothered but once I’d had a drink and got ready I was up for a night out. Tash had picked up Wayne and Kerry and we then went to Cowley Workers for 7.30m for a night out watching/dancing to the Inflatables. Seemed a bit odd that when we got there it was packed with very old people and we joked about it being a Bingo night…

Many a true word said in jest…within 20 minutes they did start selling Bingo cards! I couldn’t resist and got some but didn’t have any luck. The drinks were flowing and it was a good night and when the music started I was straight up there and you couldn’t get me off the dance floor. No one else joined in that much so I was at it on my own surrounded by crew cuts, trilbies and Harrington jackets!

Loved it and was sweating like a pig by the time it was finished as it was such hard work – they could release a fitness DVD!

Tash drove us home, dropped off Wayne & Kez and then picked up Charlotte and Miles from the Oxford Science Park and that was a very quiet car until we got home and to bed.

Really good evening, too much to drink but then what’s new?? Posted this Facebook message the next day with got a lot of likes!!

Worst ever cinema film?

Bit of a nothing day today, worked hard but it was also hard to get going and it wasn’t my most productive day I’ve ever had!

I finished at 2.30pm today and went down to Jack’s school as they had a match in the National Cup competition and sadly they weren’t at the races today for some reason, a real apathy and sluggishness about everything they did and unfortunately they lost 3-2. I was disappointed for them to be honest. Jack did well so that was pleasing but still not enough to help the team win though.

I chatted with Jason Carbon and Rob Wilkinson – it’s always us three that seem to be at these matches and we had a laugh and a catch up.

I waited for Jack afterwards so I could give him a lift back home with his bike in the boot and we got ready and then went out to Bicester to meet Nikki, Gaz and all the girls for Emily’s birthday. We were in Nando’s and it was fine, their food is quite predictable and not particularly good to be honest but they all liked it and it’s a place that youngsters seem to feel comfortable going to.

Once that was done we went next door to the cinema and watched Nativity 3: Dude Where’s My Donkey? I need to be careful what I say now…I liked the first Nativity film that was on BBC once but this was shocking. I’d been made aware that the reviews hadn’t been favourable before watching it and I can see why. Very, very poor indeed, I cannot believe people wrote this shit and also ‘acted’ in it. I can only hope it was aimed at anyone under 11, there weren’t even any adult jokes like the sort you’d expect from Disney.

I was really quite shocked by it and for the first time considered walking out but thought otherwise of that because it being a family night out. When it finished everyone joked about it and then it was home and an early night!