Fathers Day…well Family Day now!

Father day has been changed to family day at the behest of ...erm... my family. 

Woke up early and pottered around, kids got up and I got some cards and lots of sweet things, very nice indeed. Had a fry up which was good and then did some work outside on the patio then got ready to go out

Nikki, Gaz & the girls plus Paul & Bren and my family and we walked down to the Perch. Nice and hot day so it was perfect. Had a couple of Moretti and some food and then walked back to our house. In fact it was x3 Moretti...such a fine beer. The pub was really busy and it was enjoyable and a laugh with is all there. We're such a crowd and we have fun

Vicki stepped in a cow pat (twice) so that was highly amusing and watching the kids all playing football and having a laugh made it great

Back at our house we opened the beers and the wine all flowed between us adults as the kids all agreed to drive! Result!

I then opened some out nice wine and me, Gaz and Nik all got quite pissed, no surprise I suppose! They stayed until quite late and then left, finished my drink and the staggered to bed. 

Big hangover the next day!

Really enjoyed it though, so proud of all out family getting on so well. 

          

Bloody patio!

Still a problem! Barry came round this morning to look at what I’ve done and what else needs doing – I think a lot is required! When he left I did half an hour to make use of the skip before it’s removed and then I went to work. I was a Raintree today and just got on with what was on my plate, loads to do and was productive. I was tired though and had a 20 mins snooze in the sun!

Finished at 4.30pm and Barry was working in the back but wanted to stop and chat so we had a beer and discussed next actions. We need yet another skip and a full day on Saturday to clear it all again, I will try and do some tomorrow when working from home, just to get some done.

Had some food and then took Jack to football training, I didn’t watch as I sat in the car and had another snooze and did some of the diary as well.

Didn’t go to karate training as it was too late so went home and watched some TV (Mamma Mia) and then Hannibal and then to bed, long day, not sure why but  both Tash and I are shattered at the minute. It’s not enjoyable.

Charlotte enjoyed her first day of freedom – it was nice weather so she was out having a picnic all day – alright for some!

Charlotte finishes exams….and school!

Worked in London today with Scholastic on this Data Mining project and the meeting went fine. I then did training afterwards with a new starter and that was good as well. Left there at a decent hour meaning I got home by 5.00pm which was my hope.

Today was Charlotte’s last exam today and that’s it then, no more school for her. Spoke to her and she said she found it okay so that was pleasing. When she got home she was going to go out with Rosie (not everyone’s exams finished so there weren’t many of them) but not until 9.00pm in town so we got some vouchers for Pizza Express in the Golden Cross and booked a table for 7.30pm. Went and parked in Tasha’s work and wandered down there. Jack & Niamh came with us so it was nice, Lewis couldn’t make it unfortunately.

Just had a normal pizza meal and celebrated – nothing crazy though.

Nice to spend time with them and chat and then we walk her to the Varsity club where she met Rosie and she really liked it there, we got texts later from her impressed with it.

Back home, did some work but that was it and then to bed.

Great Grandma’s 95th Birthday

Travelled to peters books in the morning and had a very full on busy day which included training the new starter Stewart that was a bit tough going. Got loads of other work done and then came home on the earlier train so as to be home in time for going out yet again!

Dropped by Decathlon to take Jack's broken bike in and I was delighted that they agreed to fix it for free so that was a bonus as taking it to Summertown would have been over £50!!

Got home and caught up with Charlotte and her Psychology exam today was a bit of a struggle so she wasn't too confident. We'll see, it's her last one tomorrow and then that's it, she's completely finished with school. 

Tash and I then got ready and we went down to the pub in Yarnton to meet up with the family for Grandma's birthday...she's 95!

Mum, Derek, Sue & Simon were there and it was a very pleasant evening and we enjoyed it. Stayed for the full 2 hours and had a nice time. 

Got home around 10.00pm but still had work to do so finished around 11.30pm. A long day but it was good to spend time with Grandma. Bless her

Summertown Tournament & Jack Dee

Had a bit of a lie-in this morning and sorted out bikes as these were broken and had to go to Halfords to sort Tasha's out. Got there in the end. 

Had lunch then cycled up to Cutteslowe 

Park for Jacks 5-a-side tournament and it was enjoyable watching him, although he was quite rusty to be honest. Took a photo of him in a City shirt and posted online and it was very popular

Peter and Luke were playing at the same time for u16s so I watched them as much as possible and I have to admit I was impressed with both of them. Peter is slightly ahead of Luke but they do play different positions so hard to compare. They did well but lost in semi-final which I missed as I had to get back for the theatre. Jacks team didn't progress from the group stages but I was pleased he got the time under his belt and wasn't struggling with his knees too much afterwards, that's what is important to me. 

Went out in the evening, well 5.20pm, as Charlotte dropped us in town and we met Nik and Gaz at the Red Lion for a drink and ten wandered over to Gino's in Gloucester Green as they rave about it

It was definitely a nice restaurant and we had a good meal, Gaz and I had a bottle of Chianti and it was lovely. Once done we then walked to the Playhouse for our evening with Jack Dee. More wine!!

In the foyer we filled out cards with our "problems" and then these were read out by Jack and he had 4 comedians as a panel including Rich Haw and it was an amusing evening and good idea. Worse to follow was after the interval my name and problem was read out and I had the microphone and had to speak, I hated it as I was quite tipsy so was worried about slurring. I think I did ok

The only downside was that the two sessions were only 45 minutes long and we felt it was over too quickly and you felt a bit short-changed leaving at 9.10pm

We went back to the Red Lion for another drink and ten went our separate ways and Lewis came and picked us up

Enjoyable but too much food and definitely too much drink with work tomorrow!

 

		Summertown Tournament VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Catch Up

I have no idea where the time has gone but I've not had any of the discipline that j had at the start of the year with keeping this diary up to date. It's a shame because I'd done so well in the first couple of months. Not sure what's happened really, I've just become very lazy and slack with it all. 

Not sure where to start with this update. I'll not try to cover everything with this so let's see what happens

I'm on the train traveling to Peters books right now. They've reduced my hours to only two days a month which is a disappointment but they shouldn't have because they definitely need me more involved. Ah well. Work is hard at present, I'm back doing a lot more with EdCo and we know the stress that includes and sure enough it's happening. I'm try to be better at managing it but it's not ideal

Raintree is going ok and I honk they're happy with what I am doing for them

Lewis has been around for a couple of weeks now which has been good but seeing how he spends his time is a bit disappointing, he's likely failed a couple of exams and will need to take retakes but there is no method or effort or quantity to the revision work he's doing. He's gone up to Lancaster yesterday to look at houses for his Sellafield work but I think he's wasting his time and will have to drop out. I hope I'm 100% wrong but I'm not so sure. 

On the other hand Charlotte has been brilliant and is working so very hard. It's great to see the dedication she's putting into her work and we just wish Lewis would follow her example. She's stressing last night but she really couldn't do any more work than she already has done. She deserves to do well, fingers crossed. If she doesn't do well in her exams with the work she's out in then I really don't know what she will do as it will be clear that exams aren't for her!

Jacks knees are still playing him up. He was at physio yesterday and given a load of exercises to do so we will see if he works on those and sorts himself out. He has been training with the Oxford city JPL side a couple of times and he's good enough to play and it would be good for him. They want me to run the team but I don't want to. His time at Horspath is over and he's leaving them to play for Oxford City on a Sunday now. Can't blame him, Horspath wasn't enjoyable. 

I worked with Barry on our patio at the weekend. All day Saturday I was picking up concrete and filling a skip. Really hard work and I was shattered by the end of the day. I didn't stop and I did my fair share, certainly a good shift. It's Tuesday today and I am still aching. So glad that I'm not doing that as a normal job!!

Normal Day for Dark Enterprise

Worked in Birmingham at Peters Books today and wasn’t planning on getting the early train as I was to bed so late last night but I woke up at 5.55am so thought ‘Sod it, in early, out early!’. Lovely sunny day and it stayed like this the whole time, which was good as the cricket first Test against New Zealand started today. I kept an eye on it and it was a nightmare start as we were about 35 for 4 until Joe Root got a hold in the match and got a partnership of 161 or something so a bit more respectable by close of play. It’s tempting to be watching it as I have Sky Sports access! We’ll see tomorrow!

I was so tired on the way in and slept on the train and then had a very full on day in the office, loads of work I needed to lough through and still loads on my plate when I needed to leave at 4.30pm. I can get more work there that’s for certain! Will push Claire to let me do son, but also work from EdCo is piling up as well.

Didn’t hear from Mum throughout the day so assumed all was fine and that was confirmed at the end of the day.

Heard from Tucks, all is fine in their household so that’s pleasing. Typing this on the train home with a huge long list of things I need to do tonight, including a remote training session at 8.00pm on DotMailer – what was I thinking off when I agreed to that?!?!

Derek out of hospital

Worked at Raintree today but didn’t get into the office until just after 9.00am and got my head down, loads to be done and to be far I got it done so that was pleasing. Had to pop out at 11.45am to the school as Tash was panicking about her boards she’d lent to Jack for his school project so I got those and dropped them at her office and then paid in a cheque but needed to go to Kidlington as Summertown was so crowded I couldn’t park. That was bad news as I went to Greggs and got 2 Belgian buns for £1.00 – and yes I did eat both of them! I am not going to look remotely okay on holiday! So my planned quick 20 mins turned into over ran hour!!

I stayed working until 5.30pm and then came home, had something to eat and then started working upstairs, I wasn’t very focussed but I got some things done and then went and worked downstairs as I was waiting to give Mum and Derek a lift home from the hospital which was going to be later as Derek had received the operation on his hand.

They called at 11.00pm so I went and got them and all was well when I dropped them home, they were pleased with the help we’ve provided, but that’s the least we can do so it was fine.

Came home, watch some of Elementary and then went to bed around 12.30am – far too late yet again!

Mum & Derek Car Accident

Did absolutely nothing today – very lazy and wasted day indeed! In saying that when I picked Jack up from karate my day became a lot more interesting!

Driving back I got a call from someone who told me they were a paramedic and they were taking Mum and Derek to the JR following a car accident they’d been involved in, they weren’t harmed I was re-assured so I wasn’t panicking and told her to tell Mum I’d be there shortly.

Dropped Jack off, had a shower and then went up to the Emergency section of A & E and found Mum on a trolley in the corridor strapped down with a neck brace and all manner of action going on around her (not for her I hasten to add!). Derek was in one of the Resuscitation rooms so was in a bit worse shape than Mum. I spoke to the paramedic before she left and then I stood by with Mum and chatted and kept her company for the next ‘few’ hours. She was okay, very battered and bruised and the collar was more precautionary than anything so I wasn’t overly concerned for her and it was quite relaxed. I was concerned about Derek as we couldn’t get to see him but I later found out he was similar to Mum but he’d also cut his hand and fractured his chest bone – not good.

I got the story from Mum and basically an American couple had driven across the road and slammed into Mum’s side (she was driving) and caused a couple of hours of delays by completely blocking the road. Mum couldn’t get out and everyone was concerned for whiplash. They actually cut Mum out of the car! It was definitely not their fault and witnesses backed them up, but the car is obviously a write-off

Bank Holiday Monday

Got up at a decent time in the morning and made myself a banana shake, it was excellent! Pottered around in the morning and mowed the lawn but felt at a bit of a loose end so got Green Flash out and went for a cycle ride. I did just under 14 miles and it was quite hard if truth be told. Arms and hands hurt but then also my bum!! Forgot how being in the saddle is quite painful. 

I am glad I've started though so need to try and keep it up. Very good workout but it tired me out and all my body is aching the next day as well!

When I finished I met with Tash at her mums as Nikki and Jessica were there and had something to eat. Watch some TV as its Star Wars day and then we went home to get changed. 

Collected Jack from Harvey's and took him to gym at 4.00pm and then Tash and I went to the woods to wander round the bluebells. Really quite surprised on the initial arrival because they've been chopping down loads of trees and it looked very bare. Thankfully that was only the first hundred meters or so and it was back to normal once you walked more into the woods. Didn't walk for too long but it was pleasant

Came home and sorted dinner, I then went and got Jack and we settled down to watch the last x3 episodes of Season 2 of House of Cards. Really enjoyed it

Charlotte came home pleased that she's been offered a full time role at the college which sadly means she won't be going to babysit for Tucks which I'm disappointed about. 

Had a bath and then bed at 10.30pm. A decent weekend.

Don’t play 3v3 against u14’s

Worked at Raintree today, cycled to work as part of my fitness push (hardly a push to be honest!) but more because it was a beautiful sunny day, very pleasant start to the morning. Was there by about 8.20am and it was another busy day, both for them and other customers I needed to get things sorted for!

Got a lot done, had a useless training webinar with one of the reps – nothing she tried could get a connection to my machine which was frustrating. Raintree are terrible for providing loads of food and I sit right next to it all so it’s very hard to resist. I tried some chocolate sweets and they were wonderful…had more than a couple in the end!

Stayed until 4.30pm and cycled home and hopefully have got the patio work sourced so it’s a case of getting it done now before Tasha’s birthday, I don’t think that’s going to happen!

Went out to football in the evening and there were only x5 players there. I still went ahead with the session and it was fun, I joined in and found it quite hard work. I am very rusty but also so unfit. We played 3v3 and I was awful. Kept getting nutmegged! And I was badly out of breath, but I didn’t feel too bad in the evening or in the morning so not all bad.

Came home and everyone was home so we watched some family TV (Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and also Gogglebox). I’d have rather watched House of Cards but it was nice for us all to be together and having a laugh. The night sped by and it was soon 11.00pm and time for bed!

View from the Shard…not

Up and out the hotel by 10.00am, left the car and walked to London Borough Market, didn’t take too long and it was a lovely warm day so was enjoyable. Got to the market and it was a better version of the Indoor Market at Oxford – it was actually great, loads of free samples of cheeses and hams and that and we went to town on many of the items!

Everyone got something to eat for breakfast although I didn’t as I want to lose some weight and today is when I am starting! We continued walking round and taking it all in and then walked over the the Shard. We weren’t prepared to pay for the viewing option of about £25 per ticket so intended to go to the Aqua Shard restaurant and bar but when we went to the reception we were turned away because of Jack having trainers and casual trousers on.

Didn’t make a fuss and left, quite disappointing really.

Had a coffee in Starbucks outside and then walked back along the river taking in the sights on the way, lovely that was. I like that walk along the South Bank. Made our way back to the hotel and then drove home around 2.00pm. The kids were knackered and slept the way home.

Got back, unpacked and I had a snooze before we relaxed around the house and then had dinner in the evening. Charlotte went over to Miles and Lewis went skipping in Birmingham, Tash and I watched the last x2 episodes of the first series of House of Cards – excellent viewing!

Bed at 11.00pm!

		London Family Visit VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Matilda and London

Got up early this morning as there were items I needed to get sorted so that I could relax for the next couple of days whilst I wasn’t intending to work. So up at about 6.30am and worked through until 10.00am and closed down the laptop. Nice breakfast and then we finished whatever we were all doing and drove off to London

It was nice all of us together and the kids get on so well, although Jack is a pain in the arse at the minute they still chat and laugh together.

We got to London about 1.30pm and managed to park in the hotel car park in the last space available, chucked our bags in and then went off walking towards Covent Garden. Went past the London Eye and too some good photos of the lovely views and then did some shopping around Covent Garden. The kids did well and found things they wanted, I did less well, although I wasn’t really looking.

We made it to Oxford Street and then came back on ourselves for 5.00pm where we went to the Inamo restaurant which had interactive menus and screens for you to be able to order. A bit of a gimmick but good fun and the food was lovely, if not quite enough to fill us up but the taste was excellent. When we’d finished there we went to the Cambridge Theatre for the showing of Matilda.

I have been looking forward to this for some time and wasn’t disappointed, it was a close fitting with the story in the film and was good fun. Very enjoyable and we all thought it was good. Finished around 10.00pm so we walked back to the hotel and had an early night. Knackered!

Really enjoyed today, it’s lovely being with all the family together

Harder and harder to play

Sat here struggling in pain having played for City Vets this evening against Chinnor at home. We won 3-0 and I played into 15 minutes of the second half but I wasn’t very good to be honest, could hardly run, bit embarrassing really. But my pride or stubbornness won’t allow me to pack it in. Just simply say to myself that I will work harder to get fitter and stronger – we’ll see. I am sure I’ve said this before many times!!

Anyway, worked at Raintree today and it was really full on, got loads done, but then I did have a lot to do so that was good. Popped back to speak to a chap offering to work on the patio, bit pushy and I am not certain I want him involved. Stayed at Raintree until 5.30pm and gave Angela a lift to get her bike and I asked her to put my name out there for possible work, need additional stuff to do for clients.

Tash was home when I got him, her and Charlotte had gone to Bath University today straight from Wendy’s and as nice as it was I think it’s a bit too quiet for her, she’s got her heart set on Nottingham I think.

So I went off and played football, Richard Gregory was playing and it was nice to have a quick chat with him afterwards. He’s going well and his son is 6 at the end of the month

A quiet house…

It’s very quiet here in Home Close! Jack not being here because of his ski trip is making the house so much less noisy than normal. It’s a bit too quiet and I’m missing him being around, as much as he’s annoying as hell at the minute…

Haven’t heard from him but I am sure he’s loving every minute of it and having a great time, I can’t see how he wouldn’t be.

Lewis is obviously over in France as well with Uni skiing and he’s having a good time so all is good!

Worked from home today and it was solely data inputting all day – got it sorted by the end of the day but knackered as a result!

Annie came round and cut our hair and also had a couple of people round to look at the patio area with a view to providing some quotes. Hope to get it sorted soon

Ticking along…

Been awhile since I last updated my diary. No excuse really other than I just couldn't be bothered. 

Worked at Raintree today and worked my bollocks off. So much to do and got nearly all of it done. Nice sense of achievement to have that focus and finish the day on top of things

Stayed until 5.50pm so I could collect Jack from gym and helped them tidy things away and then dropped him off to collect his bike from Summertown and then went home. Had something to eat and then a snooze and a read of my book before doing more work in the evening to prepare for the training session at Peters tomorrow. 

Tash helped Jack get his stuff ready for skiing and he was a nightmare. He's quite a typical teenager at the minute. Not a pleasant attitude and being very argumentative about everything. It's draining.  I left them to it and tried my best to ignore them and work

Finish about midnight but setting my alarm for 5.45am didn't feel nice!!

Struggling

Having a hard time of things at the minute, finding it really hard to focus on work and get things done. Still wasting time on the Sparta games and also the Green Arrow series. 

Anyway, worked from home today and Charlotte sat at the table with me which is a nice way to spend the day. She didn't need to go to school at all so was around the whole time

When Tash finished work she took Charlotte to Bicester village to look for a prom dress. They found one but not the right size so ordered one online

I helped Tash out in the garden to clear some of the tree having been cut down but it's a lot of stuff. I took one lot down the dump but it will need a few more trips I suspect. 

Had a nice Mexican wrap dinner and then took Jack to football. It was really hard work tonight. They just messed about and there was no control , pissed me off quite a lot. I know what to change next time. 

Took Jack home and within 8 minutes we were back off for karate. Did some work whilst waiting and then home again. Charlotte and Miles were watching TV so sat with them for a bit and then Tash was home. She'd been with Lucie and Chrissie and Luke has left for Australia do a year with very short notice so she needed cheering up

Went to bed and read some news and then lights out

Terrible tragedy for France sports personalities involved in a helicopter accident and 10 people dead. Reality TV type show which I guess was due to happen sometime but this is still really shocking as they were high profile athletes and not z list celebs

St David’s Day Celebrations!

Up early in the morning and did the jobs I needed to do as there was no football and went and got some food shopping from Aldi, don’t want to do that again as it was a nightmare. Can’t remember what else we did in the morning but had a nice lunch and then I went up to the pub to watch the end of the football match and then the England v Ireland rugby game.

Had a taste for a couple of beers and ended up having x5 pints in the end before going home a bit tipsy! Had another drink at home and dinner which was nice and then we went and got Bella and walked over the meadow in the dark – that was a laugh.

Back home and more to drink and then watched a film before going to bed…drunk!

Painful as pulling teeth…literally!

Got up at a decent hour and worked in the garage for an hour before needing to travel to Headington to visit the dentist, got past all the traffic that’s going on and then when I was there she said she was extracting my tooth. Wasn’t really expecting that but got on with it, the anaesthetic worked fine and she got on with her job but she couldn’t get the tooth out however much pressure and pulling she put into it!

She got a colleague to help and he managed to get it out but I was thinking that with all this hassle did it really need to come out??

This buggered up the rest of my day to be honest as I felt in a bit of shock really, probably making more of it than need be, but anyway! Went and got my car and that was nice to get it back although it does feel a bit odd for some reason, I hope it is okay.

Came home and didn’t really get much work done in the afternoon – not good.

Made dinner and then took Jack to school for his parents evening, waste of time that was! Heard the same things and learned nothing new. Came home, Kath took him to karate but I still had to go and get them when it finished at 9.30pm – came home and straight to bed

Because of the tooth situation I couldn’t have any hot food or drink so I am quite hungry and thirsty I must admit.

Not a fun day, glad when it will be over!

Nothing of note…

Worked at Raintree today and got my head down and blitzed loads of work. Spoke to the garage and they said i could pick up the car tomorrow so that’s pleasing.

Came home and had dinner and then watched a bit of TV as there was a strange atmosphere in the house, Charlotte and Natasha not seeing eye to eye on what happens in the house and the things we do for her (Charlotte) – she went off to Miles house in the evening for dinner and the night just petered out.

I caught up on x3 episodes of Banshee so I was happy!!

New Car for Lewis…what?!?!

Quite a quiet day today really. I didn’t get out of bed until 8.00am as I was knackered and then left early to avoid the traffic problems to see Chris Perkins to get my back sorted, typically, there were NO traffic problems and I zoomed through and waited outside for a while as I was too early. Went in on time and Chris chatted, and chatted to me about all things going on with him. He’s likely to be selling up the surgery to a younger player so will see what happens. He finally got round to sorting me out and it was really quite uncomfortable today, my back is very sore indeed. Anyway, got out of there after an hour and went home in time for a Webinar from Communigator

Wow, was that shit or what? I really hope I am more professional than what the lad doing the session was like. Anyway, got it done and then carried on with work on my plate. At midday went out and met Tash at Terry & Rua’s house to view the car and we decided to go ahead and buy it. It’s fine for the job in hand and I think Lewis will be delighted with it. Had a cup of tea with them and then went up to the hospital to see Mum and sort out her laptop. Derek was there and I got it sorted after a bit of messing about but she’s now online and in the afternoon we actually had a Skype chat with her which was good.

Back home had a nice dinner in the evening and Jack’s football match was called off but he had training and complained that he was struggling so couldn’t go to Horspath, I wasn’t too disappointed as my back is killing me from the morning work Chris did. Still took Jack to karate and worked in the viewing area and watched the Champions League match between Man City and Barcelona. Not a very good game but Barcelona are far too strong for them surprisingly only won 2-1, I don’t think it will make any difference to be honest, Barcelona will thump them at home

Came home, watched Elementary and then the end of a Japanese film I’d been watching on and off called Shogun Assassin – it was okay!

Mum’s new hip

Worked in Birmingham today and there is still the problem with the landslide so it’s not possible to get the train from Banbury straight to Birmingham, you have to get the bus to Leamington Spa – I can’t be bothered with that hassle so I drove and regretted it of course because it’s always a nightmare to hit the traffic on the outskirts. Got there in the end and was there about 8.30am. Decent day in the office, got loads done and also for other people, quite focussed which was good.

Didn’t have a break and worked straight through until 4.30pm and then came home, found a decent route and it took me about 90 mins to get home so quite pleasing! Had dinner as soon as I walked in so that Tash and I could go up to the Manor Private Hospital to see Mum.

She had her hip replacement operation done this morning. Derek had kept us updated throughout as she’d gone in at 10.30am for the op and was out by about 2.00pm. When we got there at 6.30pm Derek was there, he’d been there all day and we chatted etc to try and keep her company. She wasn’t in any sort of pain or drugged up and was perfectly comfortable so that was pleasing for all concerned obviously

We stayed for 2 hours and it was pleasant, she’s going to be there for 4-5 days and then about 6 weeks of rehab – going to be hard work for her really. It’s great that she’s managed to be in the Manor which is private and they’ll look after her really well.

Came home for 9.00pm so that the girls could watch the final episode of Broadchurch and the poster frames arrived for the posters I’d bought so Jack and I put them together and they look fantastic! Really pleased with them. See below!

I watched Broadchurch with them and then worked, loads to do and it wasn’t finished until 1.00am so that wasn’t ideal!

Seeing Chris Perkins tomorrow to get my back sorted and also received an email from the UK Blood people to thank me for the 25 sessions I’ve done – I was quite proud of that achievement. I should have done many more but there you go, it’s a start and incentive to continue

Laziest Day I’ve had in years…without being hungover!

Very, very, very lazy day today! Tash was picked up by Zoe at 8.30am and they got Charlotte and Rose from Miles house (as they had a party there last night) and they went off for their spa day for Rose’s birthday. I then sat on the sofa from 9.00am until midday working on the laptop and playing that stupid Rome game, so addictive!

I then had football on BT and Sky throughout the day so ‘watched’ x3 matches on and off. Had some lunch (nice sandwiches again) and then did more work on the laptop and finally made dinner for when the family would all be home in the evening. Nice spaghetti bolognaise, did well!

That was it really, very lazy like I said. Had a couple of beers and then the girls were home and they were very relaxed and had a lovely day. Didn’t do much else in the evening other than watch some TV and Tash then bought Lewis a car! Yep, got him a car from Terry and Rua (Miles’ parents!) as they couldn’t afford the insurance for it to be for Miles so wanted to get rid of it.

It appears to be okay and they’re happy to sell it to us

Shopping in London

Relaxing morning to start the day and then got on with some jobs. Sorted Jack’s bed out that was broken and the shower as well as that wasn’t in the best condition! Went out for a walk with Tash and Bella, couldn’t go too far as my back started hurting so much, bit of a nightmare, I’ve not had that sort of pain for a long time. So it meant we cut the walk short, shame really – I need to go and see Chris and get it sorted out.

Back home for a nice lunch (Tash got lovely bloomer bread and prawns) and chatted to Charlotte as she’s doing loads of work as she has mock exams coming up next week. Pottered about in the afternoon and got Jack’s birthday present, he’ll be pleased as it’s a TV for his wall, quite a large one in fact.

Jack finished work at 3.00pm and came home so we took the opportunity to go to Westfield Shopping Centre in London, drove out there and found a place in street parking almost immediately which meant free parking instead of £8.00! Result!

Walked around the shops, mostly with the intention of finding clothes for Jack, he had some vouchers left over from Xmas and we spent time in Top Man and he found what he wanted, he was then off to other shops and enjoyed himself. I had some Debenhams vouchers and found a shirt, jeans and shoes I liked but sadly my body shape is a disgrace and I couldn’t bring myself to buy the clothes, I got the shoes as I’d seen them before Xmas and liked them.

Got some food and then drove home, both Jack and Tash fell asleep, I stopped at Asda on the way home to get some beers and wine and we got home and watched x2 episodes of Casualty and then Tash went to bed as she has a spa day tomorrow. I watched MOTD and then went to bed around midnight as well.

A nice and relaxing day

Giving Blood today

Up at 7.30am today and the lads still asleep on the sofa so I worked in Jack’s bedroom and then came down to the JR to give blood. They’re doing the place up at the minute so it was a makeshift place for the donation, all went fine in the end and I’ve done my bit for now.

Came home and worked in the office which works well for me, busy getting through things and then packed up in the evening at about 7.00pm after dinner. Opened a bottle of wine and nice and relaxing evening, watch some TV with Tash and finished the wine in the end!

The Peters Books Book game today was on the 80’s and I was on form (though I say so myself!), I was pleased with some of my entries and admittedly it did take up a chunk of my time but it was enjoyable. Some examples below of my entries…didn’t win but got a few favourites so that was good.

• The Old Curiosity Swap Shop or... The Wizard of TisWas
• The Life of (Magnum) P.I.
• The Canterville Ghostbusters
• Lord of the Marty McFlies
• The Colour Purple Rain

I think the Magnum one was my favourite!

Also, I’ve done some more tweets for the Dark Enterprise account and I am increasing my activity in terms of followers and re-tweets which is flattering. Hopefully that trend will continue, not sure what I will do with the followers but it’s a nice ego boost I guess…

Not much else to report really, nice to have a weekend ahead with nothing planned whatsoever!

Working in London

Working in London today with a new user at Hodder Education, decided to get the later train in and make an excuse about the car and puncture etc but in saying that I don't think I will be late so not a problem...hopefully. I am obviously typing this bit on the way into the office on the train, very, very quiet on here. Either because it's a later train or it's half-term and people have taking the time off. Nice to be able to sit at one of the tables and update the diary and type away etc.

Woke up around 7.00am and had a bad night's sleep, everything with my body is aching, legs and back especially, hobbling around and walking bent over but otherwise fine!!! :-)

Couple of posts on Facebook from the lads were funny as they too were struggling with their fitness following the game last night!

Did the session with Victoria in the office, she's used it before and was also on the ball so it was a comfortable session if a little stunted in terms of rapport, not certain why to be honest. She seemed to understand everything we went through and we had a break and finished by about 2.30pm. I then had a meeting with Maria and she advised that she'd like me to come back and do some more training with her users. She has some new starters and would like some refresher training on Communigator for people. I am obviously more than happy to do that so agreed of course.

Got the train home to Oxford, very busy and people standing and all that, not ideal when you spend so much on tickets but there you are!

I have a load of action points I want to work on this evening so hopefully make some progress there, we'll see.

Update - didn't get the laptop out in the evening! Got home and had dinner and then Jack had friends come over so he was on form and excited which was nice for him but meant noise coming through the house was a pain!

Tash and I sorted out some plans for the summer in terms of going to London to see a show and that and then decided to watch some TV. The kids had got me Game of Thrones for Xmas (x3 season Box Set from day one) and Tash wants to go through them all - well that would be rude of me not to sit with her and explain many of the points and intrigue taking place. She seemed to be into it for the first two episodes so we shall see what happens there! It was nice watching it all again, everyone looks quite young

Watched the episode of Elementary as the new season has started again so I am delighted and then went to bed at 10.30pm - a decent day but my hopes of getting up to date with work didn't happen!

Crap training, crap journey home!

Worked in Rochester with EduKent Service Providers again today and this was a session to be quickly forgotten! Travelled down okay, still took over 2 hours having left at 6.30am. There were x4 women and very quickly after I started it was clear that x3 of them had come with completely shut off minds and would not be persuaded that the system would work for them and they were not going to use it.

How do you continue a session when you get that message within 45 minutes of it beginning. I was quite pissed off by it I must admit as they were being awkward for the sake of it and thought they were something special and different. Far from it, just plain difficult and backward, they wanted to stay in the Dark Ages with their Excel spread sheets and pen & paper. We carried out with the session though and by the end we agreed some areas that they will be able to make use of the functionality.

I appraised Nikita and Kathryn of the situation and they’re going to address it with Rodica, we don’t expect repercussions, that’s not the point, just need Rodica to be aware of the lack of interest in taking the system on.

I left at 3.00pm after discussing other aspects with the two of them, got some petrol, which was a pain to get out of the station and then nearing the M25 outside Bluewater I heard an odd noise, I pulled over to investigate at the nearest ‘safest’ place and found a wire embedded into the left front tyre. I pulled it out and sure enough the tyre went flat! WTF!!!

So I managed to get the sealant from the boot and got it reflated and decided to make it to the services to pull in and check it out. Sure enough, at the Services there was white spray all over the passenger side of the door/car where the hole hadn’t sealed and it was leaking and the tyre was still going down. I was pissed of by now and not sure what to do in terms of getting the RAC and also Vets football in the evening. Texted people to say I’d probably miss it and then tried a couple of things with the tyre and it appeared to remain inflated so decided to give it a go for another 20 miles to the next services.

When I got there it was fine so I decided to make a run for it and get home. The traffic by now, 5.00pm was terrible and it was such slow-going as to be unbearable. I kept in touch with people over text and got home at 7.00pm (should have been at Oxford City at 7.00pm!). Straight back out to the club and was in the team.

We played Wallingford and had quite a strong side, I was left wing-back and didn’t really offer much but enjoyed it and after a tight and competitive opening we upped the tempo and were too strong, leading 4-0 at half-time. I was expecting to come off but we changed formation and I went to centre-half and lasted until the last 10 minutes. Aching and stiff even in the changing rooms, to be honest I was struggling before the game from last Wednesday and shouldn’t have played but I wanted to push myself.

Had a drink and some food afterwards and then came home, Tash was out watching ‘50 Shades of Grey’ with Zoe so I did a bit of prep for the training session tomorrow in London. Tash came home and had enjoyed the film and I closed down the laptop and we went to bed.

It was Derek’s birthday today and I was late wishing him so, also Charlotte drove Miles and Liam to Huddersfield earlier in the day to stay with Lewis for the night. Got an update (and photos) from her enjoying herself.

So a pretty shit day in some respects, but as I said, it’s been a very long time since I have experienced a training session like that so I can’t really complain.

Pancake Day

Didn’t get up until after 8.00am but had time to remove the skirting boards I needed to get rid of in Jack’s bedroom and then went to work. Didn’t eat all day but had plenty of coffee!

Busy day at Raintree, got a lot done and was productive. Came home about 4.45pm, I’d cycled and it was pleasant to do so today, chilly but the sun was out!

Got home and had something to eat, Jack had Cory and Awad round and they were making plenty of noise upstairs in his bedroom – broke the bed I think. Always something gets broken which I find frustrating but I try to keep quiet about it! They were hyper as they’d been to Milton Keynes and the Bounce place there and had such a good time. Jack got ready for football and we went to Horspath, got there late and there were only 6 of them in total but I continued with the session with Phil and it was quite enjoyable actually!

Finished that and came home and managed a pancake before bringing Jack to Karate, we picked up and brought home Naima as well. She’s a nice girl, very polite and gets on with things.

Watched some of the Champions League game first leg between PSG and Chelsea – didn’t particularly enjoy it as they were just fouling all the time and besides, I don’t like David Luis so really don’t want them to win!

Early start tomorrow as off to Rochester, in and out so hopefully a decent day ahead

Nikki’s Birthday celebrations…again

Worked from home today, bit rowdy because it’s half-term and they were all excited to be off! Well Jack was anyway!

I worked downstairs and Tash finished painting Jack’s room and made a good job of it. She then went out in the afternoon to spend time with Nikki as it’s her birthday today. Even though we’re meeting up in the evening she wanted to keep up the charade that nothing was happening – it didn’t work! Nikki knew we were meeting, ah well!

Jack played FIFA for what seemed all day so he was happy!

In the evening we went out to the Harvester in Kidlington and met with Nikki, Gaz and all the girls and also Kaye and Ted so it was a pleasant evening and we had a nice meal – really didn’t need it to be honest! But it was right to go and it was fine. Nik’s certainly done well for her birthday this year…

Took Sue as well and she enjoyed it. Were home by 9.45pm so nice early night to bed.

Had a look at Jack’s bed and getting it in a gap that he wanted but it wouldn’t fit because of the skirting board, I think I might just remove that section as it will be hidden from view!

Charlotte off to the Ice Bar in London

Worked from home today, didn’t get a huge amount done but went okay. I took Charlotte to school in the morning and then picked her and Miles up from school around 11.00am so as to take them to the bus station so they could travel up to London as it is Miles 18th birthday and Charlotte was treating him to a meal and a visit to the Ice Bar – very nice!

I then went and did some shopping in Aldi and carried on working in the afternoon. In the evening Tash was going out to Nilofer’s with Anna Ballance and I stayed at home and worked. I noticed that Tash has signed up for Amazon Prime for a month so I watched some of the Sherlock Holmes film that Robert Downey Jr is in – I finished it the next morning – really enjoyed it!

Tash said it was a quiet night but I still went and picked up Anna and dropped her home so she could avoid having to get a taxi.

Miles and Charlotte came back around 9.00pm and I picked them up and they went out to Miles’s again. They had a really good time and enjoyed themselves, very grown up the two of them, I wonder how things will pan out for them in the coming months/years. I am certain there are tears ahead…sadly

I also ordered some posters for the office in the evening as well – looking forward to getting those up on the wall! When I picked Tash up and after I’d dropped Anna home I got myself a glass of wine and took the iPad to bed with headphones and watched the Sherlock film for an hour until 1.00am – quite a nice end to the evening!

A nice day although not hugely productive if the truth be told

Getting too old for this lark…

Wow, I’ve not felt like this in the morning for a very long time, could barely put my socks on as I was so stiff and aching, to be honest it was my back, I am sure I’ve put it out of line with the nudge I got last night. So much pain it’s daft! I was in bed last night at 1.00am so having the alarm fire off at 6.10am wasn’t pleasing to hear!

Got up and out but avoided a shower for the first time ever I think and just put deodorant on and left by 6.35am. Decent run to Rochester, although a few standstills in terms of traffic and got to the office to find Stacey was already waiting for me. I was aware that she was opinionated but held any judgement back for myself to determine and she was fine. Yes she was knowledgeable and keen to ensure I knew that she knew her onions but that was fine and we struck up a decent rapport (at least I think we did!)

So we worked hard throughout the morning as more of a workshop based session without too much (any) structure but by the time she got to finish the session at 1.00pm she was thankful and said it was worth her time, I don’t think she’d have said that if she’d not genuinely thought it.

Anyway, I polished off some items and then got out of the office to try and beat the traffic and I got home around 4.15pm and went straight in the bath as my body is killing me, that did help. Finished dinner, spaghetti bolognaise, which was lovely.

I took Charlotte to work and then Tash and Jack came home from school where he’d had his ski trip meeting so he was buzzing and looking forward to that, good for him. I then took him to karate and spent the whole time updating all the outstanding diary items. Productive night personally if not professionally

Actually, even worse is that Tash has signed up for a month of free Amazon Prime which allows watching videos and TV series for the next month…not a great idea!

Working hard, playing hard!

Working in London today at scholastic so writing this on the train travelling in with loads of other commuters. (7.34am). People eating breakfast and doing their makeup, I wonder where they're all going and what their jobs are. 

I'm alternating between being nervous about today's meeting because stuff isn't done and then thinking 'fuck it' as there are more important things in life to worry about. Struggling with my attitude a bit at the minute. Not sure what it is, I don't have the same enthusiasm and verve I normally have and it's been like that since before Xmas. Hopefully it's just the time of year but I'm not certain

Have a vets match this evening to look forward to over at Abingdon town so that should be a laugh

On the train home now. Meeting was ok, a bit difficult as I bullshit through so much of it. Need to ensure that the action points I've agreed are pushed ahead with. Some awkward moments in reports not working or it freezing but got out ok in the end. 

I finished reading Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost and really enjoyed it. Will find another of his to read as I feel I've achieved something by doing so! Amusing book as well

Fell asleep on the train home and then realised I was in the wrong slow train. Very odd as the station directed us to it, got off at Slough and got the correct one easily enough. Although a train line app came in handy as I was initially on the wrong platform!!

Haven't eaten much today so feeling a bit tired. 

Got home and had a lovely roast chicken dinner and then simply crashed out, so tired. Slept for a bit and then had to go to football. We were playing Goring in the quarter final of the over 40s cup at Abingdon town. We had a decent team and it was a good game, plenty of chances at both ends and I was playing a combination of centre half and sweeper, I was against a decent quick forward who was only 35 and it was a real battle between the two of us, I enjoyed the contest. We went a goal down against the run of play, we were very much on top throughout, but we equalised early in the second half and then went a goal up and they equalised again. We missed so many chances but they also had a couple as well which we got away with. Went to extra time and I couldn't last, my calve was cramping like mad and then my back went. I am typing this hardly able to move, bit concerned to be honest.

Had some food after the game and then came home and did some prep for the Consortium training tomorrow at Rochester. I think I am in for another full on day which will be interesting...

Charlotte and Miles came home around midnight from the cinema and a meal at Frankie and Benny's and they enjoyed themselves.

Night night!

Sky sports deal

Working at Raintree today and had a really full on day with lots to get through. I was focussed and did well. Always more to do there though

Worked right through any sort of lunch break and came home around 5.00pm and had a nice pasta lunch. Took Jack football training but stayed in the car to do some work for 45mins and then went along. They were in good spirits and it was nice to see them enjoying themselves. 

Took Jack home and had a quick turnaround for him to go to karate and I sat in the waiting area and worked. Then when I got home worked as well until midnight. Worried about a meeting at scholastic tomorrow as things haven't progressed as they should. Hopefully be able to wing it...we'll see

Today the Premier League announced a deal for 2016-19 rights to show football on TV with BT and Sky worth £5.12bn. A huge amount of money and we know it will just go towards the players and no one else. Not sure how this can be justified but there you are. Astonishing amount of money. No wonder people have issues with football. I must admit I do hate the modern players and the sport, it's a very ugly game.

Usual Monday blues…

Up and out by 7.10am as I had to drive to Birmingham today because of problems with the train line. It was okay but still took ages and was annoying in the traffic

Worked hard today to clear items in my list and then had a chat with Ray in the afternoon and he told me he'd like to reduce my hours after Easter to 2 days a week. I can't complain but still pissed off about it. I have no idea what I will do now. Need to get someone else on board ASAP

Drive home uneventfully and had dinner and watched some TV. Picked Charlotte and rose up from work and dropped them down the Cowley road as they were meeting miles as its his 18th today so he wanted to be out for a drink

Came home, watched more TV with Tash and then had another early night. Quite nice to be going to bed at a decent hour, read some of the Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde, it’s quite amusing so far!

Harvester and relaxing day

Woke up with a bit of a heavy head but the paracetamol and drink of water the night before helped to ensure it wasn't too bad a hangover! Really enjoyed last night and nice to wake up not so bad! Had some breakfast and then took Jack to football and we played at home against Thatcham Tornadoes who are really struggling in the league this year. The pitch at Horspath was a nightmare, I'd have hated to play as it was dug up and sticky mud, but they did well and they won about 8-1 in the end. 

I was delighted that Jack was able to play the whole of the second half as he's missed so much football because of his knee problem and it appeared after the game that he didn't have too much of an adverse reaction so that was pleasing.

Went home and showered and warmed up and then went out to the Harvester in Kidlington and met with Sue, Tiffany, Paul, Brendan and Ivy. She's growing up quickly and smiles now and it a lovely baby. Had a nice meal there and it was a pleasant afternoon. Came home and pottered around and then watched back to back episodes of Silent Witness.

Had an early night (9.30pm) as it's been a long and tiring weekend and I have to get up early tomorrow for traveling to Peters Books in Birmingham. Will be driving as there has been a landslide which has meant traveling by train gets interrupted by a bus journey...I couldn't be bothered with that sort of hassle!

Quite a nice weekend all told

Hosted by the Millars

Went shopping with Tash in the morning to Aldi and got what we needed for the week and then home as she was taking Charlotte to Milton Keynes to buy some clothes for the nights out she's got lined up. 

I stayed at home and pottered around the house doing the housework as requested and also watching the football when I could. Arsenal lost 2-1 to Spurs. Harry Kane scored a couple of goals and because he's English everyone's going OTT over how he's the next saviour....utter nonsense. 

When Tash got home around 3.45pm she got ready and we went over to Didcot to spend the afternoon with the Millars and it was a really lovely evening. Sharon made a lovely curry and Jason supplied a load of drink and we had a good laugh and a catch up as we'd not all been together since before Xmas. The Carrols and the Holdens were there so it was good. Zoe's birthday and she seemed to have a nice time

Liverpool v Everton was on the TV which turned out to be such a boring 0-0 draw. 

Didn't leave too late and came home, I was quite drunk I must admit. A good evening with family and friends, what more could you ask for?

Normal day in my life.

Nothing day really, I was up late (8.00am) and then went off to Raintree for the day, I had loads to do and just got on with it. Ploughed through it all and was quite pleased with the amount I'd achieved. I'd cycled there and back and I must admit I felt shattered in the evening when I got home, my back was killing me and I felt sick, I think it was a case that I'd not eaten throughout the whole day and that affected me. Took Jack to Horspath for football training and I did much of it with Phil and then came home and took him straight off to karate as well

I worked in the waiting area and got the work I needed to do for the Apple training session tomorrow afternoon. Brought him home and then we spent about 30mins looking for his iPhone, thankfully found it in the end as he'd left it in the car! Watched a bit of TV and then when Tash came home I went to bed

Tired!

Third Day in Berlin

Up at a normal hour this time and down for breakfast around 9.30am. Huge breakfast ready for the day ahead. 

Planned the morning and then walked down to the tube station and were helped by a really good conductor who got us a bargain all day travel ticket and we were then on our way. Even though it was the underground we went over-ground and got to see more of Berlin. Although to be honest it's all the same block housing and graffiti. 

We got to the station we needed and then walked some way to the East Side Art Gallery over a lovely bridge across the river Spree. The gallery was interesting as it was on the actual remains of the wall and the location and history surroundings were interesting, it was also amazing. And sad!

We walked along and took loads of photos etc and then headed towards the TV tower with the intention of going up it. We stopped at a typical East Berlin apartment block and had a drink in the pub cafe at the bottom of it. Nice lady welcoming us. I had a Baileys coffee, very nice and very strong!

We then continued to Alexandra plaza and went to the tower and Tash and I bought tickets. Nik and Gaz didn't want to. Stopped for something to eat and drink but our number came up so we went off to the tower. 200 metres up and a great view of all of Berlin. Took some good photos but it's all very similar in look and feel. Blocks of flats everywhere. 

Came down and then met up with Nik and Gaz and ate and then got the tube to Podzdamer Place and walked to the Tiergartten so that we could find the memorial to the gays killed in Berlin and we got that and then crossed over and looked at the Jewish memorial again and this time went underneath it looking at the exhibition which was sad. Came out and looked for Hitler’s bunker but it's just hidden and very hard to find, we failed on that one mission!

Got some more tube trains to get home and had an hours sleep before meeting downstairs for a beer and then got the tube to the restaurant we booked. Tash didn't trust my directions but I was right!! When we got there we decided it wasn't what we wanted so we found an Italian that was really nice and we had a lovely meal. I wasn't feeling too well, tired and full up I think. Also too much alcohol over the weekend. So I was a bit quiet. 

After the meal, we didn't leave a tip as the waiter was surly, we went to the Schwarzes Cafe and had a drink. Love the atmosphere there, 24 hours opening!

Stayed until about 1.00am and then walked back to the tube station but it didn't look like anything was running so we got a taxi home. Another night over and a really good day. So full on and got loads done. 

It's been a very good city break, really interesting but not somewhere I think you'd fall in love with. Nice people throughout.

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