Working in Cheshire

So last night I worked late again and this morning up at 5.30am to get the train from Oxford (instead of Oxford Parkway) for once and travelled up to Cheshire for the training with TimStar. It was a long journey but much easier than driving but a fraction more expensive.

Got quite a lot done on the train and then had the session

Went well, a few sticky patches which had I had more testing time would not have happened, had I not tested though it would have been an absolute shambles because loads was missing and not working last night!!

Kept getting updates on the train from James as they were fixed!

Left and managed to get the 3.07pm train so was home about 6.15pm in the end. I didn't get much done on the way back, slept one journey and then started reading 'Eat That Frog' again and it suitably motivated me.

When I got in, after some lunch, I took the books advice and blitzed the action points from the day's session...was really pleased with what I achieved in the time I had. Didn't get to bed until 12.30am and have another early start tomorrow as off to GL again!!!

All quite tiring I must admit!!

23rd Wedding Anniversary meal

Didn’t get too much done in the morning today as still tired and groggy from the weekend’s activities and drinking! In fact I was so distracted I almost forgot about the meeting organised at Pearson for 10.00am but luckily something kicked in and I made it. Had a decent meeting with Sarah and Lisa and agreed to work on a mini project for them with the view to being involved again at a later date – if I can make a good fist of this one that would help me, not sure when I will actually fit it in though!

When I got home Lewis was up and it was nice to ignore my laptop for 45 minutes and chat and catch up, we don’t speak enough and it was good to do so. Loads going on for him and he’s enjoying life at the minute – obviously very important! He and Evie then packed up and went and met Tasha at work for a coffee and I got a few emails out the door but not much else if the truth be told, I wasn’t in the mood…

Tash got home about 12.30pm and we sorted a few things out before driving over to The Hand & Flowers for a meal there at a Michelin Star restaurant…and it was definitely worth its stars! We had a drink in the garden next to a fire…the sun was full out so not sure what that was about…and then inside and a lovely menu with absolutely gorgeous food, it really was a bit special. I went for the cheap option of fish and chips but the pea sauce tasted almost like satay – it was very nice indeed.

We had a nice afternoon and after two hours made our way home, absolutely stuffed to the rafters, I felt quite ill I was so full. Pottered around when back home and took Bess out for a walk and then caught up with some TV in the evening. Oh, before that I popped round to the neighbours from Saturday night and apologised and all is fine. He was mortified by the whole thing and was very apologetic as well, it was actually their baby-sitter that caused it all, amazing. So that’s all sorted, he was delighted I’d gone round to clear the air, as he’d wanted to but just wasn’t sure about it etc, I am pleased I made the first move as it showed I held no grudges about the episode at all.

When Miles and Charlotte came home around 9.00pm we chatted and listened to them and then at 10.00pm Jack came home and he told us of a story where one of his friends had hurt themselves on a zip wire and he was almost crying with laughter he couldn’t tell the story, it was lovely to see him like that, we did wonder if he’d had a drink but it was just this story that made him laugh so much. We all decided around 10.30pm to call an end to a long day and went to bed. Back to normal tomorrow…all too soon!

Posted the photo below on Facebook and got over 80 likes and 20 congratulatory comments – which was nice

 

General Catch Up…late shift!

Haven't done a late shift like this for a long time but I have a DotMailer training session with a customer and they wanted me to cover things that I am not familiar with. It will be interesting to see what happens because they want advice on subject lines, frequency and such like and that's not my area. But I did a bit of research and found things and bulletin points I could use. It did highlight to me how easy it is to get information and use it...I really need to read up more
But along with testing their functionality it meant I didn't get to bed until after 1.00am and needed to be up early for the train. (4th time of being on the train this week!)
I didn't watch it but France beat Germany in the Euro semi-final this evening 2-0 so it's them against Portugal after they'd beat Wales in the other semi-final
Work at GL today was ok, got through a lot of stuff and having been there at 7.30am, as I got the 5.31am train, it definitely felt like a very long day indeed!!
When I got home last night at 7.00pm there was new cardboard packaging outside...Tash had ordered the patio heater for the garden. She'd struggled to put it up so that was my job for an hour. Did it and it's huge, only problem was that it didn't work!! Just hope that the gas canister we are using is only good for the small table top one...will go and get a new one at the weekend.
Final comment, the Tories are voting on a new leader after David Cameron stepped down because of Brexit and it's going to be a woman...most likely Teresa May. So the obvious references are being made to Maggie Thatcher, no one will be like her but it will be interesting to see how she does.

Juno Rocket nears Jupiter

Working in London today after being in Birmingham yesterday and working late last night on a Help Guide for Jason. Quite tired I have to admit as I was then up at 5.00am

Interesting news today was that the Juno rocket probe to Jupiter arrived there today and will be orbiting the atmosphere there for 180 days. This is interesting because this was the launch that we saw at Cape Canaveral, I need to check thigh as it say it was x5 years ago, I can't believe it was that long since we went to the States...perhaps it was.

So today we'll see if there is anything else happening in the world of politics or entertainment, it's just one thing after another lately.

Mad world for certain at the moment.

Lewis passed…

Not sure how but he passed his exams so all the stress that we had about 5 weeks ago when he took them was for nothing…well perhaps not for nothing but thankfully he’d done enough to scrape through meaning there was no need for a re-take of his re-takes!!

Really pleased for him as he was so wanting to stay on the course and be at Uni next year. Whether this is a good thing or not I really don’t know as he doesn’t plough in all the additional work to get up to speed as far as I can tell, he’s very much like me in that respect. Especially as he now has a mentor who he’s meeting and he loves all that and is responding to the bloke he’s working with – much like me when working with Allan.

He is continuing with his review of dyslexia and anything else that will help him with techniques, stress and exam situations – fingers crossed.

He’s been back down to see us a couple of times so it’s been good to see him. I need to be better at keeping in touch with him though, I am useless at communications, it’s not right.

Fathers Day

Had a nice day today and was treated by the kids to loads of chocolate, lovely cards and a dodgy t-shirt from Lewis! Charlotte & Miles made breakfast and it was perfect and then I started working on doing a video compilation of the Paintballing yesterday – I got it finished by the end of the day and it’s visible below:
Oxford City Paintballing

At lunchtime we went out to Forest Farm and collected a load of strawberries so that Tash could make her yearly jam and when we got back home we walked down to the Perch. Bess was funny and was in the water all the time. Charlotte then treated us to lunch, we all has burgers, and I got the drinks. Very, very generous of her as it’s expensive there for the best of us.
Stayed a while and then wandered back home and pottered around the house, I finished that video and then we watched TV whether it was a film, programme or the football, just nice and relaxed.
Didn’t do much else really, we were all pretty tired and had an early night in the end.
Nice day and made me feel guilty that I don’t make more of an effort for Tasha – one year I will.

Jack’s Diary Entry

Jack is working hard for his Citizenship exam which takes place tomorrow and to be honest I am not overly confident in his ability in this, I am quite surprised as his English and writing ability. So this weekend we have been working on it hard and as anyone would confirm, it’s just practise that makes all the different and to be far even this weekend I can see an improvement.

So this morning (Sunday) I was up quite early and he was then up at around 7.30am and I had already decided that I was going to get him to write a diary entry, something that would be a lot of text, as he had a very busy day yesterday, and it would get him writing and hopefully being enthusiastic about something. So below is what he wrote…I’ll get him to do it again in the future.

Title: What I did yesterday – Saturday

I woke up on Saturday morning and immediately had a shower and got ready for training. My dad told me previously that we are going running so I was really dreading it. We got in the car and listened to our usual house music….at 9.00am!

When we arrived I stood with my team chanting at Twariq & Naz in a race at Cutteslowe Park, we were laughing at Twariq because he went the wrong way. Naz came 5th

It was funny when they came back to us to train because we went on another run! I ran next to Harley at the front, my Dad couldn’t keep up so he left us and walked a short cut to the pavilion but we still beat him.

After running we had a fun session on the freshly cut cricket grass – we all had tired legs so it was very slow.

After training we came home and I had to do even more Citizenship revision for my GCSE’s on Monday and Thursday next week. I revised until 12.30pm then I got ready for work, 6 hour shift. When I got to work my legs were shattered and it was so busy. I felt like crying! To get me through I had to constantly be sipping on my nice cool coke, I also tried to stay outside in the sun for as long as possible.

At 7.00pm my shift finished and I had to go home and get ready for my party and I had to be at Hal’s by 8.00pm. I went to the fridge and got out my WKD and Cider and made my way to Cutteslowe, Mum & Dad dropped me off as they were going out to a Race Night for Chloe Holden to race money for her Ecuador trip, I was excited for the party.

When we were on our way I thought we were lost in the middle of nowhere, then a castle popped up out of nowhere and we got outside thinking we were at the wrong place but no, it was just a private school party!

At the party I saw loads of lads I knew from football and rugby when I was about 11 years old, they recognised me and were talking about how good I was when we all played, it was really nice to see them. I came home at 11.30pm and Dad was asleep on the sofa with Bessie so I didn’t wake him and went to bed, a great day and night.

So busy

Working really hard at the minute as I'm all over the place. This week I've been at GL in London on Tuesday, Findel on Wednesday in Enfield which I then drive up to Mancgester to do more training for them in Hyde before coming back down to Oxford Thursday night and I'm back on the train now to London for GL.

I think Tash is finding it hard work as I am quite stretched meaning I'm not much use around the house as I'm not there enough. Can't even say I'll make it up over the weekend as I have a fair amount of football on. Mind you April is always so busy and having the Bank Holiday last week and going to Bournemouth feels like we've not had a break. Hopefully have a BBQ at some point this weekend. 

So we've rolled out the new Spirit v8 to a customer and the training went well and I received some nice comments hut it was also quite hard with a couple of users in either being thick as shit and slowing things down or two scots just talking throughout. Rude!

Anyway, Tash is trying to sort holiday in the US out so with all this work hopefully it will enable us to pay for it without denying out savings...we shall see. Also, the GL work isn't permanent so I need to get out of it whatever I can. 

One good thing about all this is that my body clock is starting to adjust to waking around 5.15am. Partly because Bess has worked out how to get out of her cage and like clockwork she comes up to our bedroom to snuggle up with us...always at 5.00am!! But I've been leaving early so my alarm is set for 5.30am anyway. 

I'm happy to be getting up this early as I'm slowly become more energetic in the morning rather than at night so hopefully this will continue. 

Finally, we've bought a set of bathroom scales. I suggested it as we're both complaining we're overweight but not really doing much about it. Although Tash does more exercise than me so is better than me but without a measure it makes it hard to be motivated...I'm just over 13 stone!!! Fuck!!!! 

Anyway, almost at work so signing off now. 

Lewis 21st Birthday

So Lewis is now 21! How old does that make me feel? Or is that such a cliched term from a parent?

Never mind if it, it does make me realise my mortality and age...scary. 

Anyway, it's not about me, it's him. Unfortunately I'm not around the house today as I have to be at a customers in London but I'll be seeing them later. Don't tell him but a surprise is that we're going to the Ice Bar in Regent Street and then out for a meal afterwards, should be fun. So I am already here in London so that's a bit of a bonus!

We've not got him a great deal, partly because his main present is a personalised number plate which he's already received because of problems it caused with insurance and such like. 

Should be a good weekend of celebrations as we have a family party tomorrow night and then we're going up to Huddersfield with him Saturday to go out with him and his mates, we're staying the night so I suspect it will be a messy affair!! 

Then it's Tasha's birthday which I've not planned for at all...what's new there?!?

Anyway, hopefully all will go well, we've worked hard on sorting out the back garden and getting new plants and some expensive furniture in place so it should be good. 

Well, I am on the tube right now about to arrive at GL so will sign off now. 

Barcelona day 1. 16.03.2016

Up at 5.20am and on the road 30 mins later. Easy run down to Heathrow Terminal 4. No problems with passport control and then into the pub for breakfast and two pints at 7.45am!!

Flight was a bit late leaving and I'm typing this a bit nervous about my connecting flight from Paris because it's a 25 mins window. 

Really excited about this trip, I hope it lives up to my expectations. Emailed tucks and he's there at the hotel at 9.00am. 

Really quick flight across and free beer. Was cheeky and asked for another as we we're descending and they gave me one. Felt very special!!

Landed fine then ran like mad to get to the connecting flight. Got there in good time in the end but that wasn't enjoyable. Very nervous and worried feeling. Now on the Tarmac at Paris waiting to go again.  Said I'd not have any beers but we'll see! Should try and have a snooze. 

Starting our descent into Barcelona and I didn't keep to my plans...they gave us a nice cheese sandwich and then I asked for x2 beers and she smiled and gave me them! Typical English I bet she was thinking!! Feeling a bit light headed I must admit. Ah well. Getting nervous about this weekend. Keep thinking about the football match I'm playing in, I'm so hoping I don't let myself or anyone else down with my lack of fitness. Too late to do much about it now though. 

Jack’s 15th Birthday

So our youngest son is 15 today, we were up early as it’s a normal working day and then downstairs having breakfast (Coco Pops of course!) and he opened his presents. I was pleased in that the Barcelona top arrived and it fitted him really well and he opened other presents and the final one was tickets to see Tinie Tempah at the Brixton Academy on Saturday with x2 of his mates. He was delighted with those and I think he was almost going to cry, it was lovely to see.

It was quite strange only being the x3 of us instead of the family of x5 – something we’ll have to get used to I guess.

We all then had to go to work so I took Bessie out for a quick walk and then notice that the drains were over-flowing, this was the worse I’ve ever seen them so I got my rods out and then experienced for the first time them snapping! The shit just wouldn’t move…literally… So I tried another pole and that snapped too. I couldn’t believe it. Pete then came out and made me feel a bit awkward implying that he’d have tried something else!

We left it that he’d have a go otherwise sort out Dyno-Rod to come along and sort it, I went to work with that awful smell in my nostrils trying to think of what I could do and had a plan of action for lunchtime. Worked at Raintree today so that was lucky but it was full on and busy but it was enjoyable and then came home to see Pete’s rods were out but he’d had no luck either so I had another go with his rods and every got my hands down into the drain in amongst all the sewage and managed to pull out both my broken poles and then I don’t know how managed to work it all loose and remove the blockage. Pete came out and couldn’t believe it and quickly cancelled Dyno-Rod so we didn’t get the charge and all was happy – although the smell was worse and I changed my clothes!!

Back to work in the afternoon and then home and out for dinner to the Harvester in Kidlington, Zoe and the girls came along and it was a nice meal and catch up. The staff were really amused when they had to bring out his cake as it was only a Battenberg cake but as we know he loves those!! Came home and pottered about at home, I had some urgent work to finish, but didn’t finish it and then went to bed at 9.30pm as I want to be off early in the morning to London on the train because working at GL I am getting pissed off with driving and how long that takes so I think it’s the same amount of time on the train but as I am doing now I am able to get some work and emails sorted…or my diary!

We’ll see how it goes!

Got to love Jack’s Facebook profile – I think he cheated on his age so as to get an account!!

End of an era….again…?

It was the over 35’s semi final this evening against Wantage at Wallingford Town FC. I went along expecting to be sub and unsurprisingly I was, bit disappointed but I felt good with my back so was keen to get involved.

It was a quick game but we were poor in the first half and were a goal down. Didn’t get on at half-time and was slowly getting more and more pissed off, eventually we got back into the game and we went 2-1 up. I was put on with 11 minutes left, I was fuming, we scored again and I did some good play to set up a chance that was missed.

Final whistle and we won 3-1, I just got dressed without a shower and drove home, I was so pissed off.

Not sure if it’s my pride, ego or what. They seem to just want fit players and I am not one of those, I have a different quality to give to the team in terms of experience, calmness and quality in possession, but they just want people that are going to run around a lot. I will try and get that little bit fitter but I think my time with the 35s has come to an end, I really don’t know if I want to go back.

Simon asked if I would be available next week implying I would play the whole match, but I don’t want charity, I am either good enough or I am not, clearly for me not to make the starting 11 and then with x5 subs still not get on until the last 10 minutes (4th sub) they don’t trust me to do a job.

It’s been a pleasure but this is ignominious!

*and yes, I am sulking!!

Decent weekend

On Friday I hardly got any work done, I procrastinate so much it’s ridiculous, I know I am doing it yet I can’t help myself. So I was down in Summertown getting stuff for the meal later and then driving Jack to Headington with his mates, just avoiding work!

In the evening Andrew and Alison came over and brought Grace with them and it was a nice evening. Caught up with loads of chat and told them about us travelling to the States in August which they seemed pleased about. It was a boozy or late night, just really pleasant.

Saturday I worked on the patio as we need to get it cleaned up as it looks horrible with the dirt and algae so I spent a couple of hours kneeling down and scrubbing bleach into the damn thing.

I then spent a bit of time downloading a few new podcasts and I found some good ones which I am pleased with and it’s been a bit motivating, we’ll see if it makes any difference or not!

We went to Milton Keynes in the afternoon and took Jack with us and did a bit of shopping, it was quite successful, I managed to get x2 pairs of new shoes and we got other stuff for Tash and Jack

Came home, quite late in fact and had a nice Indian meal that was pre-made…cheats!

Sunday, today, was okay as well. I worked on the patio pressure washing it this time and it took me bloody ages! At least 3.5 hours, I was knackered afterwards and everything ached. I was listening to my phone and podcasts throughout this which was great. I then went to a cycle ride, I have to get back to some degree of fitness, I really have to, so I was slow and steady, quite pathetic really but it was 12 miles in over an hour and I know I can do better but it is the first step…or pedal! We’ll see if I can make it into a routine or not, I am hoping to just have a better shape ahead of our trip to India.

We worked with Jack on some of his homework, he is becoming a real nightmare at the minute, such a bad attitude and argumentative, it’s such hard work and makes this painful. He’s a real teenager and it’s frustrating. Hopefully one day he’ll grow out of it!

In the evening we pottered around and I worked on my laptop and watched TV with Tash.

A nice weekend, as usual it went too quickly!!

Struggling with work & life balance

I'm struggling with everything at the minute

Work is really hard to get motivated for, I just can't be bothered to get my head down and get on with things, I'm distracted by anything other than working, it's ridiculous I know and I am only hurting myself and my family but I am just so tired all the time and make excuses to watch TV or something, I've not really worked hard since December!

My body isn't in good shape either! I am incredibly fat and I am sure this is affecting my back and legs. I'm trying to do a bit more exercise at home now but walking the dog last night I can't run more than 200 metres, that's both through lack of fitness and getting out of breath but also my back/legs hurting.

I'll continue for now to try and lose some weight and get into some shape, especially with our trip to India coming up soon, I am fed up with being embarrassed by fat photos!

Charlottes Gap Adventure–Day 2

Message from Charlotte last night with a video saying how mad Delhi is, provided some video but it seemed normal enough to me. They have a nice room in the hotel which for what they made is amazing. Couple of messages exchanged and we sorted out a WhatsApp group with the Phelans as Miles hasn't touched base with them yet!

Another message from Charlotte this morning saying how tired she was and how much they both hated Delhi so they're not staying any longer and are moving on to Jaipur right away.

Not really sure what that is about but it's their choice, I told her to relax a bit and she's bound to be tired and emotional and it's a completely different culture to what she's used to so it will take time to adjust.

No doubt this will worry Tash but never mind.

She’s tired!!

Got an update later in the day and they had a great day and are really happy – talk about change of mind! They’ve already booked a flight to go down to Kerala which seems a bit early and like they’re running away from the North – seems a shame to me but I’m not going to say too much

London Bus - Colour and B&W Photo

I took this on the Family bus tour to London last year and then using an app obviously tweaked it, I was pleased with the result! (So were a few friends as well…)

Charlotte’s Trip to Asia – Day One

Charlotte and Miles started their Asia Adventure today!

She had a relaxing day doing final preparations in the morning and meeting up with family at lunchtime and then we took her over to Miles house to sort out their bags and then we were off to Heathrow in two cars.

Bit of traffic on the way because of problems on the M25 but we avoided that and were soon parked up in the airport and enjoying a 'last meal' together talking about the coming trip and offering last bits of advice

Saw them off at the luggage check-in and then said our goodbyes - predictably Tash got upset but with good reason, she's off now for 4.5 months - that's a long, long time to be away and all the things that could happen.

Obviously it's crossed my mind the negative things that are out there but you can't dwell on those and just hope there won't be anything 'major'. That's all you can do, they're both sensible kids so I am sure they'll be fine and it will be plain sailing and they will have the time of their lives.

I am both nervous and excited for her.

Came home and I tracked their flight on the internet once it was up and running and the screenshot below shows them over Belgium, I then went to bed!

Really hope it goes well for them, will look forward to updates throughout.

 

Jack Football Week Training

Took Jack and his x2 mates (Awadh and David) to Nottingham University to arrive at 5.30pm after a couple of hours drive. Jack has been very excited about it all day and it was a bit intimidating when we arrived as there were loads of lads all very serious and focussed, Jack looked so small compared to them all I must admit. We registered, got their room keys, checked out his room and dumped the luggage and I then left them to it. Journey home was fine.

I texted him later in the evening and he said all was fine, food was okay and tomorrow he would find out more about his team he's involved with etc, Natasha said she'd had more contact with him when she came in from her drinks night out.

It's hard to know how he'll fare, I am sure he's capable to hold his own and hopefully he will impress. More importantly, perhaps, it will focus his mind on things progressing in terms of his plans as a player or being involved in sport in some capacity such as physio or psychology because the evening seminars sound interesting as well.

Got home bang on 8.00pm and even after telling myself during the car journey I would focus on this, that and the other for my fitness Lewis and I just crashed on the sofa and watch the film called 'Dragon' - this including the main actor from Ip Man which is one of my favourite martial arts films I think. This Dragon film was very good as well, really enjoyed it but sometimes a little hard to follow as it jumped about. Bed at 10.30pm - early start tomorrow!

Happy New Year

Woke up without any sort of hangover around 9.00am and just pottered around the bedroom sorting out the clothes etc until time to meet for breakfast around 11.00am. Everyone was down and once finished went our separate ways, us coming straight home, Holdens and Carrolls both going for seaside walks.

Drive home was uneventful and once home unpacked and all that. 

Didn't do much else, we're both not feeling too good but took the decorations down and Claire brought Bess back safe and sound. She'd had a nice time but was also pleased to see us. 

Round to Sue's for dinner and then home watching films in the evening

Bit of a nothing start to the New Year but let's see how this one pans out shall we?

Life goes on

So I've been bleeding each time I've gone to toilet for x5 days now so decided to go to the doctors to take a look. Obviously I've thought the worse but they couldn't confirm either way. 

They checked and now I've got a prescription so will see what happens over the next few days and whether I need further tests. 

Tash was in such a fucking stupid mood and sulking about everything and being so argumentative as she wasn't feeling well either and needed antibiotics. 

So she's moaning at me and I replied that it was good she was interested in what the doctors said and her reply will stick with me for a very long time indeed:

"Whatever it is, life goes on!"

Whilst I'm not trying to be overly dramatic that really pissed me off. So I walked out and saw Great Grandma, got my prescription and read in the kidlington library and then went down the Botley road...anything to avoid returning home. 

I can't say anything more. 

Bit of a wasted day...

Woke up late and stayed in bed until about 10.30am. Tash was very ill and hungover and remained so for the whole day, literally stayed on the sofa from midday until 9.00pm watching films.

I had something to eat and then went to football at City for 1.30pm and we played Pershore in the over 50's cup. Too many under 50's were there so we didn't get much playing time as you're only allowed x3 on the pitch but it was ok. A very comfortable win in the end and I had a decent run out. 7-1 I think it finished at. 

Had a drink and some food afterwards and then came home and crashed out on the sofa myself and watched films whilst Tash slept

Made dinner and also Jack had a girl round. Called Elsa and it was very sweet indeed, they were just chilling upstairs in his bedroom. He probably thought I'd tease him when she left but I didn't, I'd like him to get involved with girls more so deliberately didn't make a thing about it. 

He didn't make out that she was a girlfriend or anything like that, just mates. 

So after dinner and more skinning around went to bed around midnight. Another wasted day in my life...

University Place & Tears of Joy

Just got of the phone to Charlotte who kept bursting into tears as she's so pleased and relieved to have been offered an unconditional place at Nottingham Trent University. 

Absolutely delighted for her and over the moon, so very, very proud indeed. No stress or anything like that, she's in 

The course sounds right for her as well because it's more the kids one that she was after but more importantly is the fact that it's not got any paper examinations!! Not sure how that works but that's what it is. 

Again, really pleased for her, when I get home from Birmingham and she's back from work I think we'll be having some champagne. 

Will miss her though.  

Firefighting and a PR exercise

Groupcall project went live on Monday and today being Thursday I'm travelling back down to South Woodford to help straighten a few things out. 

Lots of emails back and forth between me and the users and EdCo techies with all sorts of issues relating to data, functionality and processes. It's been so full on and the two days working at Peters Books and Raintre have been constantly interrupted by this. 

I'm absulutely shattered, bed at midnight last night and then up at 5.45am to get the train. Didn't sleep in train either, spent the whole hour sorting through emails and housekeeping. 

I think we're getting there but confidence isn't as high as it could be. But then Darren and I've not had too much support from anyone else. 

Anyway, weiting this in the tube and almost there. Played for the vets last night. We had a cup game that I tried to get out off because of my work but I was told I was needed. However, the other team weren't too good, 2 got injured so we were playing 9, and with 11 they weren't a match really. About 4-0 up at halftime I was able to come off and go home to work! The other lads couldn't believe it when Grossy said, " Jools is coming off so he can go home and work!"

It helped of course. 

Cinema visit to finish my birthday off

As part of my birthday celebration (the last part!) we went to see James Bond's new film, Spectre. We don't go to the cinema very much so it's a bit of a treat when we do. In saying that I will be going to the new Star Wars film in December as well!

So it was me, Tash, Jack, Charlotte & Miles, we collected our tickets and took out specified seats and just as well. It was packed. You couldn't just sit anyway like you used to. I also treated myself to a popcorn as well...birthday treat!

The film didn't disappoint, 2.5hrs long and it flew by. We all really enjoyed it and having Blofeldt back as a villain was done really well. Glad we went. Walked back to the College to get the car and then I needed to work the rest of the night. 

A decent weekend.

Pleased as punch with my popcorn and drink...

Full on day at work

Say I was worried about today but it appeared to go okay. I got to their offices in good time and sat and worked closely with Steve.

Obviously there were a few problems but I worked with the guys at the Education Company and we got things fixed very quickly. 

Many of the problems could have been avoided if proper testing has been carried out in the time they had but clearly not enough had taken place.

Anyway it could have gone a lot worse but thankfully everything was quite positive and I am not overly concerned about the full training on Monday.

I still didn't leave until around 5 PM but I managed to catch the 515 train back to Oxford Parkway and made it home for 7:15 so a long day but quite productive

I am absolutely shattered now and typing this up waiting for Natasha outside of the new theatre know the playhouse as she is watching a show.

There was some drama at home because Charlotte stood on Bessie and the poor dog was limping around feeling sorry for itself and Charlotte was in floods of tears. However all is fine and the dog is as mad as ever she is lovely 

Oxford Parkway Train Service

Decided to try the new train station today to get the Marylebone and was really impressed. Parking currently free because of problems with their machines so that's a bonus immediately!!

Loads of space and nice and clean...well it is brand new! 6.31am train and hardly anyone on it. Stopped at Bicester Village shopping centre where more people joined but I had so much room. Very happy with that. Total journey time was 1hr

Trains back are very 30 mins so it should be fine. Can only use it for Marylebone at the minute and it starts from Oxford Parkway, not sure if they plan on starting in Oxford or not

A good first experience and I'll definitely use it again

A long day..

Was up and out to Bicester for the 6.45am train to London, watched opposite as the one to Burmingham that I will get tomorrow went past. It was then about an hour on the tube and walking to South Woodford and Groupcall 

Today was the first training session for the Spirit install project that has taken up so much of our time in the last few months. Something I was very nervous about which is unlike me. 

It all went okay to be fair and I had nothing to worry about but there were so many questions and new requests, it really was bloody hard work. By the time I left at around 5.00pm I was shattered. I earnt my money today!

Train home and got in about 7.30pm. Chatted to the student a bit and then collected Charlotte from work as she had to get a lift as her bike was locked to Tasha's and she'd kept the key...oops!

Tash went out with Nicki for a few drinks and I sorted of worked on the sofa whilst watching tv, I wasn't really in the mood but didn't go to bed until 12.30am which was stupid as I need to be up at 5.45am tomorrow again as I'm off to Peters Books. 

Jack went to football training which Paddy was doing but he was a bit underwhelmed which was disappointing to hear. He did the same session as before which I thought was okay so surprised it wasn't as good this time. 

Oxford City over 50's debut!

Set the alarm for 6.20am last night and was up and down working until 9.00am. Got quite a bit done, would rather not have to do it but the work's there so might as well do what I can

Got some food then took Jack to football, did some more work in the car and then went and watched. They played Ducklington and once again they proved too strong for our lads. But disappointing really as out lads didn't give it a really go. Ah well. Dropped Jack home and had something to eat and then went down to Oxford City myself for the over 50's vets. 

There were a few familiar faces and the usual silly chatter was taking place. We played Goring who only had 10 players and it was very comfortable. I struggled with my fitness, not impressed. 

We then offered to give them a player so I volunteered and it was ok. They weren't very good so I had to work really hard, I was still really competitive trying to tackle and beat my City teammates. We won in the end by about 6. I was shattered as I played the whole match. 

Had a drink and a chat afterwards and they want me to play regularly which suits me. 

Came home and our new Polish student was here and she seemed nice enough, very chatty and that so I think our concerns about her reduced. In email exchanges she seemed very nervous

I went back out into the office and worked until 9.30pm and then came in and went to bed. 

Worried about the session tomorrow at Groupcall, we've done so much work for them and this project has run and run with so many changes, God only knows what it will be like with people tomorrow

Futsal Tournament

Cut the trees back first thing in the morning and really worked the over!

Got ready and then took Jack to Swindon for the Futsal tournament we’d entered into. I had a pretty full squad but no goalies which was a frustration so we needed volunteers. There was a bit of a balls up when a few teams didn’t turn up so things were re-arranged and I had both my teams on at the same time.

I tried to leave them to it to do their own thing in terms playing time and goalies and it worked really well. We played a few teams we’ve already played and lost to (Ready and FGR) and they clearly thought they’d beat us comfortably…they were mistaken!

It was a league basis and in the combined 8 games my two teams had we won 7 of them. Some good football played and it was enjoyable. Team A went through to the Semi final but Team B seemed to get stitched up and didn’t get through – I still don’t quite get how that happened.

So they played the strong FGR in the semi and held them and that went to penalties and we beat them

In the final we played a very strong team – not sure who they were – but we lost 3-1 in the end. Never mind, it was a good afternoon and they should now have that confidence that they can compete and beat these teams. I was very proud of them.

Jack’s First Proper Concert

He loved it!

We took Jack and Harvey to Birmingham this evening to see Major Lazer in concert, neither had been to a full on concert before, and certainly not on their own. They were excited and nervous as the same time. We drove up no problem and parked opposite Peters Books and I gave them a very quick tour or my area there!

We went to the O2 Academy and the queue was massive, we were worried about them being checked for their age so we decided to wait with them, we had their passports but we didn’t want them to keep them so we waited in the queue and it wasn’t so bad actually. They had no problem whatsoever getting in and then they were gone!

We went round the corner and found a very nice authentic Chinese restaurant (you’re spoilt for choice in the Chinese Quarter!) and had a nice meal. Far too much food but it was good. Tash had a few glasses of wine and a few things to get off her chest at me, wasn’t very pleasant and was a bit unnecessary and out of the blue. I ignored it after initially being pissed off but it was going to ruin the evening.

We then had time to kill so got a nice coffee in a local hotel and then it was time to get the lads, we managed to get them from outside with flukey driving past at the right time but it worked

They were buzzing, so pleased for them, they had such a great experience and are keen to go again asap. They were chatting for much of the way home, we stopped and got them some burgers and made it home around mid-night.

I was pleased they had a good time, the support acts weren’t so hot but Major Lazer were very good – and very loud! It made me smile when Jack and Harvey got in the car they asked if they were shouting because they couldn’t hear themselves properly!

Money and time well spent! We’ll do that again and hopefully Tash will be more relaxed with me!!

New laptop

Testing this out – any good? Seems okay so far!!

Centre Parcs Sunday

Up at around 8.45am without a hangover so nice bonus!! All round to Sue's for breakfast, had a big fry-up. No hurry to do anything as our hooking for an activity was at 4.00pm

So we pottered around and then went for a walk to the Jardin de Sports and had a drink there. Cycling down the massive hill was a laugh and it was pleasant

We then went to the centre shops and did some shopping before people went their separate ways. Jack and I went to the car and found my camera at last and the cycled round exploring. 

Tash needed up home at 2.00pm as she didn't have any keys so we did that, watched some TV and I then got ready and went to the JDS again but this time on the train. 

We then had out table tennis tournament and it was good fun. Jess and I were teamed together and we did well, a couple of exciting games and we made it to the final against Jack and twice we were at a tiebreak but we couldn't quite finish him off and he triumphed. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy that and we then went for a pint in the Spirts cafe. After that we stopped at the park and there was a strange apparatus that enables you to go upside down that was brilliant. We were stupid!!

Got to the swimming pool and we'd timed it so it was dark now and had a few goes down the Rapids. All good silly fun. 

Didn't stay much longer than an hour or so and then got the train home. Had a 10 mins snooze and then round to Niks for dinner. Pulled pork, pulled pork as the chant went...

Everyone was absolutely shattered so it was a quiet night but it was still really pleasant and we had a laugh. A few rounds of pieface were played but no one was really up for it so it didn't last too long

Had a coffee and came home and in bed writing this by 11.30pm

A lovely day with a lovely family. We all get along so well. 

Giving blood & Jack's sleepover

Did my bit for society today by going up to the JR and giving blood. Always a nice atmosphere up here and I wish I could do it more often. Nice people and relatively painless, although I do hate the first time the needle goes in!

Knackered today, stiff as a board and hobbling around, Tash had to help put my socks on I couldn't reach down!!

After the blood donation I went to Aldi and got a load of snacks for Jacks sleepover this evening. He's got about 12 friends coming over, boys and girls, so that's going to be interesting!!

We accepted the idea because we don't really know his mates so it will be a good chance to do so. 

Worked quite late into the early evening before having a bath and then bed. Really struggling to walk around. I'm typing this whilst listening to the music being played outside on the patio

Jack's friends all turned up and it's a nice atmosphere so far, I lit the fire pit and their all sat round it in blankets chatting and having fun. If it stays like that I'll be happy, I'm not confident though, I think there's a few excitable lads here. We'll see, I'm not judging yet

Dog or no dog?!?

So Natasha is really close to talking me into buying a dog. We've found a cockerpoo we like and Charlotte has already named him Chester!! About £450.00. I suspect we'll probably get him. Oh dear.

So anyway I worked at Raintree today, really busy and got loads done, was in early and didn't have a break so leaving at 4.30pm was acceptable. 

Came home and had something to eat and then got ready for football, we played at Thame today for the vets and they're likely to win the league this season so we knew before the match we'd be in for a really hard game but also with suspensions we knew it would be doubly hard. 

Sure enough we struggled for the first 10-15 minutes and went a goal down but we got back into it all and equalised. Second half was frustrating as we went 3-1 to sloppy goals but got one back. The game got really feisty and quite a few bookings ensued. We had them rattled and had two excellent chances at the end to equalise but they were spurned so we lost 3-2 in the end. Should have been draw I think would have been fair. Ah well, I will whisper this but I seem to be getting fitter and more mobile so hopefully that will continue although typing this up I'm struggling with my legs and back!

Had a drink afterwards and chatted to Liam Herbert and that was nice to catch up with him, Martin Brown and Dave Tregurtha also played so it was nice to see some old faces. 

Came home and watched the end of a film I started last night and then bed at 11.45pm. Couldn't be bothered to work. 

Will try and get up early in the morning

So let's see what's going to happen about this dog shall we???

Standing on a train

Done my bit for chivalry today...coming back from Birmingham and had to go to New Street Station instead of Moor street because of problems and it was absolutely packed out with loads of people standing. 

I got a seat but a woman not much older than me was stood close by so I offered up my seat and stood for 30 mins instead. Didn't mind as she was pleased. 

Although she didn't say thank you when she got off...ah well 

Decent day at work as well, was at Peters obviously and got a fair amount done. More next week!

Tash phoned me earlier in the afternoon as she'd heard that Claire's husband was found dead in bed this morning. Very, very sad and heartbreaking as they'd just sent their daughter to Uni and were planning a holiday away. Really sad indeed. You just never know when you're going to go. Tash now wants me to have a check up at the GPs which I'm entitled to. Guess I better book up and find out what's wrong with me!!

Writing this on the train so have work when I get home. Finding it really hard at the minute, my motivation is zero

Didn't do very well in the evening. Had dinner watching Hannibal and then took Hack to karate but slept in the car. Came home then watched last two episodes and enjoyed it. Went to bed late without turning my laptop on again. Nightmare. 

Charlottes Birthday - Part 2

So she's 19 today! Where has the time gone? It's so strange. They're all growing up far too quickly. 

We posted the usual comments on Facebook and throughout the day she got loads and loads of well wishes and also via text message which she showed me later and she was pleased about

In the morning we got up early and made pancakes for everyone and handed out her presents which she was pleased with

Normal day at work for everyone although I didn't have much of a day, wasn't with it at all. Felt terrible and didn't work in the end. Slept throughout

Still went to Jack's football in the evening and let Alex do the session. He was okay but I intervened a couple of times as the intensity was a bit lacking sometimes. Decent session in the end though and another good turnout with 16 players all there

On the way home I stopped at pizza express to pick up the food Tash had ordered and then went home. Charlotte was having a few friends over, wasn't as many as we expected in the end and was about 20 or so. We set up outside with the heater and the fire pit and it was a really nice evening. She's got lovely friends who are all chatty and friendly and accept Tash and I being around and see to enjoy our company as well

All of them are growing up and turning into good adults

We stayed up until about 10.45pm and left them to it, about 10 were left and they kept the noise down so that was good. I woke up at 1.30am and a couple were still out there talking but it was Jo problem. 

So our little baby is 19 years old and travelling the world later next spring...scary!!!

Charlottes Birthday - Part 1

We had a match in the morning for Jack's team and they played Cumnor. I was expecting a hard game and this in fact was the case. Cumnor rushed into a 2 goal lead before being dragged back to losing 3-2. 

We missed loads of chances to finish the match but they were kissed and with 4 mins left they equalised, very unjust in my opinion. Ah well, Jack did ok but again didn't really stand out which he needs to remedy. Came home and went out to do some shopping for the party later today and tomorrow. 

Got the house ready and then all the family turned up including Mum and Derek and the Phelans. It was really nice, loads of food, I didn't drink as I needed to work later (although that didn't happen!)

Tash got quite (very!) drunk and it made the very end of the evening unpleasant which was a shame hit the afternoon was great fun. 

Katie brought her pie face game which involves getting splattered with cream, all very amusing! It was a lovely afternoon and everyone really enjoyed it. Derek was downing the red wine so we need to keep that in mind for xmas I think, as well as a selfie stick. 

Everyone left by about 7.30pm and we cleaned up, I got that wrong by hoovering, it was bizarre and uncomfortable and I didn't like. I've just come to bed and left her to it. I don't like her when she's drunk like this as I think it just shows me how much she resents being with me. Not nice. 

So Charlotte is 19 tomorrow and we have 30 kids coming round. We're doing pancakes in the morning so I need to be up and at them first thing. 

So bed for me now and the alarm set for early. There's a red moon tonight so might try and see that. 

Rolling back the years – for 25 seconds!

Worked from home today, hard to get motivated if I am honest, a very unproductive day all told. Just couldn’t get the focus on anything important which is not ideal for a freelancer!

Anyway, got through the day and did get a few things sorted and up to date, not what I should have though!

I went to vets football in the evening, we were home to Chinnor and we all know what sort of competitive game that’s going to be, and it was! We’ve struggled the last couple of games and after a decent start found ourselves 0-2 down at half time, I was tired throughout but carried on. We got back into the game immediately scoring from their kick-off and then straight after that as well, it was bizarre. Suddenly found ourselves 3-2 up and they get clawing us back when it was 4-4 with a few minutes left.

I was linesman for about 10 minutes and then Nathan got a bad injury so I was back on and then went on a run down the wing, didn’t get the cross in but made up for it chasing down a ball into the 6 yard box, pulling it back for Lee Smith to smash in the winner – a good goal and a great team spirited performance.

What was interesting is no-one actually came and celebrated (or even shook hands) with me, there were a few congratulations afterwards but that was strange to see, not sure if that confirms me as a bit of an outsider in the side, not sure. I’m not going to read anything more into it. But again it highlighted my age and lack of fitness because I was struggling throughout the match and had a decent pacey forward against me – next week versus Thame is going to be even harder.

Had a drink and something to eat and then home to watch the end of Watchmen and then bed!

I was pleased with my contribution today, just pleased to not be picking up injuries as I have done before – well I was kicked a bit but not muscle injuries I mean

England match v Switzerland

Long day today, didn't get up too early as so tired. Worked through the day but it was a real struggle

Finished around 4.00pm and then got ready to take Jack to Wembley for the England game. Went up to Bicester train station and then straight into the Wembley station that was only 400 yards from the ground

Walked around a bit and then went into the ground and got our seats. Decent view but high up. The game and the attempt by the announcer to liven it up was poor. The way England played was very disappointing, they lack so much quality in passing and movement. I find it really hard to watch but at the same time it was nice to be with Jack. 

The game only livened up in the last 20 mins when they put Harry Kane on and he scored quite quickly and injected some enthusiasm into the match

We then got to witness history as Wayne Rooney became the England all time top scorer by putting his penalty away. So it wasn't a complete waste of time. 

Waited until the end of the match and then went back to the station through all the rush. Had to wait a while before getting the 22.18 train. Jack fell asleep on the way back I wrote my diary. 

Knowing I've got to work when I get home is a concern. I've got a real shit project I'm trying to get completed and I'm struggling with it. Well, we'll see what happens when I get home and how late I need to work. (Update – I worked until 5.00am!!)

Bobby Moore photo-bombing me and Jack!

Suffering from Nuts Challenge!

I am in agony today. Every single possible muscle is aching and my knee was killing me. Hardly slept at all last night. Made a genuine excuse not to go to Peters to work because I just couldn't walk, the swelling in my knee was unbelievable and I couldn't put any weight on it, unable to walk or drive. I still did their stuff in the day and then the Groupcall project I've got on my plate to deal with in the evening. 

It's really hard work at the moment, I'm really very stretched and it's not ideal for me or anyone else. Not sure how this is going to end, something's got to give. 

I'll keep pushing to get the work done and still do late nights but I'm so tired. 

I hope I get a better nights sleep tonight, we'll see I guess!!

Nut Challenge

This was a fantastic day!

Up at around 8.30am with a slight heavy head, had breakfast, got ourselves ready and then headed off to Surrey after collecting Zoe on the way

We had entered for the Nuts Challenge obstacle event and didn't 100% appreciate what we'd signed up for...we were soon to realise!

After parking we walked to the registration area and saw what was waiting for us, it was mental. Mud and water and obstacles everywhere

Check in and got sorted and then met with Zoe's cousin who we ended up staying with

We went on the 11.00am start and were off. Within 100 metres we were facing our first of so many things to go through

Ditches down and then scrambling up the other side, crawling through mud, waist high water. Slides, cargo nets, tyres, so much I can't even list it all. Even carrying sand bags and tyres. It was absolutely shattering and it took us 3 hours. Partly as a result of staying together through. Everyone loved every minute of it. 

I smashed my knee on a rock which was horrible and made getting round really hard work. Got round and we celebrated at the end. Cold showers to clean up and then drove home, got a macs as well before piping into Sues to wish Tiffany happy birthday. Didn't stay long as had things to do at home

Didn't get much work done and went to bed around midnight as I was so very tired. Decided not to go to work T Birmingham on Monday

Oh, posted some photos and videos on Facebook and loads of people were interested in what we'd done and if we sign up to do it next year I think a lot of people will be interested in joining us

I will say again, that was absolutely brilliant fun. 

Back to Rochester…can’t escape there!

Worked in the office today because I was asked to run training and a data workshop for Learning Resources, as I was driving down there at 7.30am I was trying to think how long it it that I have known Hannah Searle who’s based there and one of the first people I worked with when they became customers, I’ve not seen her for a long time so was looking forward to catching up with her.

Got to Rochester around 9.30am and spoke with Jayne and got things sorted for the day’s sessions and she went off to get them (Hannah and Laura) from the train station. Introductions when they arrived and Hannah was straight over and gave me a kiss greeting which surprised the others there (including me actually as she’s always been reserved.). We worked it out that we’ve known each other for 10 years as I went through the CRM Helpdesk history to check!

Anyway, we went through so much today and it was very, very full on and detailed, but they were both pleased with the work that we did and got a huge amount of progress. But it was draining and I was exhausted by the time we finished as we also had a working lunch.

It was a good day’s work and there were a lot of action points as a result which I will deal with over the coming days, said our goodbyes and said we’d catch up sooner etc and they were gone.

I continued in the office for a couple more hours before making a move and got caught in all sorts of traffic and did have to stop on the way for an hour’s sleep before finally getting home at 8.50pm. Had some dinner and then came out into the garage to work – it’s now 11.00pm and I have another couple of hours I need to go through before the night is over and I can go to bed

It’s all too much at the minute with this work and the Oxford City JPL work I need to do as well – I am fast sinking!

Lake District Adventure–Day 3, coming home!

We were all tired and slept in a bit but had to be sorted and out by 10.00am so got on with it and had breakfast, packed and signed out by 9.40am. 

Drove down to Haverigg as that was on the coast and it was much nicer than expected, the weather was warm and we wandered around the water sports lake and then said our goodbyes to Lewis and he set off home

I didn't quite go straight back and we found an ice cream shop and looked over the dunes before setting off for home at 10.50am

Officially the satnav said it would take 4 hours...I didn't trust that though and with good reason. The concerns I had for traveling up here that didn't materialise certainly did when going home

It was just sheer volume of people trying leave the Lake District at first and then we hit a major blockage because someone on the northbound side of the M6 at J32 was threatening to jump. It was eerie because they blocked off northbound and there was no traffic whatsoever coming up as we were very slowly getting down there. 

We eventually passed the incident and he was still stood the other side of the bridge not holding on. I checked the next day and there was no mention of him jumping

So we carried in down but it was stop and start all the way, very hard work. Stopped at one of the services and it was packed out as everyone else was popping in for a break!

Carried on home and got home at 5.30pm so it took 6 1/2 hours all told. Ah well, it was definitely worth it and it was only the once!!

We unpacked and all that and then ordered a Chinese meal which was a lovely treat to end the weekend with. 

Vegged out in front of the TV for an hour or so and then bed at 10.00pm after Charlotte had uploaded a load of photos from the weekend. They looked really good. 

Great fun.

Lake District – Day 2

Up early at 7.00am, had breakfast and then out on the road so as to get to the meeting location in time so the guy didn’t leave us behind. Only 41 miles but was going to take us about 90 minutes because of the slow roads, and these were slow!

I enjoyed the winding, tight roads and it was quite enjoyable to drive down, especially as we didn’t see any traffic at all at that time in the morning, made Tash very car sick though, I knew it would affect someone!

The scenery on the way was stunning, I didn’t see too much as I was so focussed on the road but made some mental notes of places to stop on the way home to take some photos and that.

Got to Honister Slate mine in plenty of time and the chap, Chris, who was leading us arrived and said we’d wait for another couple who were joining us, so we had a coffee and got ready, the other couple that turned up were a mum and son and they were nice enough so it was a good little group that we had.

So we got harnessed and geared up and made our way up the mountain side and got our first glimpse of what we would be doing, it was a bit mad to be honest! Sheer drops and all we had were metal rungs jutting out of the side of the cliffs to hold onto. Of course we had safety harnesses on but it was still nerve-wracking and hard work.

There were a few groups up there so we missed out the introduction run and went straight to the middle run and that was horrible! So we’re climbing down and up these rungs and then traversing along the side of the cliff face holding on for dear life, everyone was doing well but I must admit I was struggling with it and my arms were burning, legs were jelly and I put on a brave face but was very nervous! I did it, you had to, but I’m not ashamed to say I was scared.

We are our lunch by the car chatting to Chris and finding out more about him before setting off for the next location. 

Driving through the tight and narrow roads with cars coming the other way or avoiding hikers was an experience. 

Got to the place we were meeting the other group and they seemed ok, about 8 of them. So we got geared up in wetsuits and head gear etc and then walked for about 15 minutes up the hill to the start point

I was expecting something the same as Paul's stag party but this was by far much better

The very first obstacle meant sliding down some rocks into a pool going over your head so no slow and gentle introduction and then we were off

It really was fantastic, scrambling through the water and down slides and three times we had jumps we had to make. They were nervy I must admit but we all did them. Some great videos as a result. 

It was over after about an hour or so but with what we'd done in the morning that was definitely enough. We went back to the car, stripped off and got dry clothes on and said our goodbyes to everyone. 

Made our way home and everyone was asleep quite soon, we did fancy some ice cream so we stopped at Grassmere, we've been there before the last time we were up here, found a coffee shop and we all had drinks instead. 

Didn't stay long and then drove again through the lovely scenery stopping a couple of times, took about 90 mins but we weren't clock watching going home!

Crashes out and had pizzas and beers and the kids were on their gadgets. Watch Casualty second part because we expected Charlie Fairhead to die, he didn't! And then some film or other, early night though as we were shattered

That was such a great day, really enjoyed it, but Found those heights frightening, I really am getting old.

Up North to visit Lewis

Alarm went at 4.45am, up and dressed which considering is not gone to bed until 1.00am wasn't bad at all. 

Got everything together and the car packed and got the kids up and we were on the road at 5.40am, about 20 mins later than I'd hoped but not a bad effort

And then we were off with 4.5hours ahead of us...if we were lucky

The traffic was fine in fact and to cut a long story short we made it up there by 10.15am so that was excellent. Much earlier than expected which we'd planned for midday, meaning Lewis wasn't really ready for us! He'd been out the night before and his flat mate Rhys had two mates over and the place was a tip with beers cans and washing everywhere. Never mind, the cottage was nice and it suited him

We went for a walk to the beach and it was really windy and rough so we weren't out for long. Went back to his house to collect clothes etc and then went for a drive to Whitehaven where we had a McDonald's for lunch and then a walk around the town and fishing harbour. It was a nice town and was interesting to see his local town. 

Back in the cars to go down to the log cabin we'd booked and took a detour to see Sellafield Power Plant but as expected we couldn't get too close but it was good to have a nose about from a distance

Got to the place and our cabin wasn't ready so we watched the end of the football on TV and had a drink and a look around the grounds. When we were allowed in we unpacked and settled down

I was shattered and crashed out for an hour in the sofa and then we ate and had a few beers and played card games and Bananagrams and that

We settled in front of the TV for casualty and that was nice to just spend time together. Tash went to bed and we watched MOTD before I too had to give in, early start tomorrow needed as well

A nice day and lovely to have the family all back together for however short a length of time. It's so good we all get in so well and like each other's company. 

I love my family!

Oxford City drafted in!

Worked at Raintree today and it was okay. Got a lot done and it was an enjoyable day, someone was leaving and also Laura’s going to be off now as it’s her wedding next week so they took the chance to have a bit of fun and a joint send-off. Quite nice to be involved for once.

Not much else of excitement to announce from the day, it was nice to cycle there and back and it felt good to get my legs going, pleasing I wasn’t quite as stiff from football today as I was last week. Hopefully that’s a good sign!

Came home and was back out the door 10 minutes later taking Jack to football training. The manager Jack then pulled me aside and told me he was packing it in because of work commitments, I wasn’t really surprised but I was a bit pissed off and didn’t make much effort to hide it. I’m not good at working with people it has to be said! No idea what will happen now, I suspect I will be roped into it more and get things sorted and to be honest if I can sort out one night of training then I won’t mind taking over, we’ll see.

Came home and got caught in the bloody road works traffic so it took over 30 minutes to get down that couple of miles on the by-pass, winds me up!

Worked again in the evening and it was fairly productive, had an email from Charlie at EduKent in answer to my one as Nikita had told me earlier in the day that she was completely shit-faced, sick on herself and everything!! So I sent a sympathetic email to her…yeah right…and she replied saying she’d only just got out of bed around 8.30pm – oh dear! We’ve all been there, can’t believe she got that drunk though.

Anyway, have a nice weekend lined up so got things sorted for that as well, off to Birmingham tomorrow unexpectedly as requested by Claire so that was a nice little bonus

Let’s see what happens with this football shall we?

Struggling a bit today…and another football match!

Woke up around 8.30am with a very heavy head, quick showers, said our farewells and then got the cars to go our separate ways. We’re really proud of Lewis, and the other kids, they’re growing up to be such great kids and they do enjoy being with us which is so pleasing.

The drive home was pretty good and we were back by midday, I was shattered though and really didn’t fancy doing much work if I am honest! Tried though!

Annie came round and I got my hair cut and then carried on working, had a nice pasta meal for dinner and then went down to Brasenose College for another vets pre-season match and this was against the other Oxford City side. We were too good for them but it was a challenging match and we won 3-1. I was against a couple of decent players and it was hard work, especially as they put me at wing back!! My fitness levels are improving…slowly!

Didn’t stay for a drink afterwards instead coming home to watch a bit of TV and then work late into the evening, decided to update some of my diary because like a friend said earlier in the day I do live a very full and busy life and it should be documented. I am not the best writer as any of these posts would testify but it’s interesting to have it down for memories.

It was good to be back down at Brasenose, that place really hasn’t changed in 20 years when we were playing there for Cold Arbour.

Franz Ferdinand in Manchester

Worked in the morning from about 6.00am and got a few things sorted and then from midday we set out to drive up to Manchester, the run was fine and without incident. Tash has a cold so slept pretty much all the way there, she’s struggling with it which is a shame.

Found the car park and Lewis was waiting and then we went and sorted the hotel before having a quick wander around town and then back to get ready. I quite liked what I saw of the place and would be more than happy to return and spend more time up there.

Went to the bar to get something to eat and have a few drinks. Went and found the venue (Albert Hall) and drank at Brew Dog next door – didn’t like that drink in there and then went inside. I liked it there and we continued to drink, Lewis and I were getting quite drunk indeed! He was paying his way, mostly, so that was really nice.

The concert is a collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks so it wasn’t full on FF but it was still enjoyable and they played some of the hits that we know, we all enjoyed ourselves and it was a good night. When finished we found another bar and had more drinks and then got completely lost on the way home, got a kebab and had to get a taxi back we were so lost and yet we were only x8 minutes away!

Crashed out in the hotel – a great evening

Working on a Sunday…all day!

Woke up around 9.00am and was downstairs in the garage working as I have so much in my plate at the minute. Went okay and I got two of the main projects sorted before having breaks etc. I didn't help around the house at all and just ploughed on. 

The big project at the minute is the Groupcall one as there's so much to sort and so many action points. I worked through their data files and species what was required, took me 7 hours and I'm still not finished!!

Shame I wasn't around for the family but with the time I'm spending in Manchester on Tuesday I think it's acceptable, I also feel better for having done it. 

Bed at 1.00am and then alarm set for 6.50am...not nice

WBA for Jack’s football

Woke up with a hangover today at 7.00am. Up and out by 7.50 taking jack to his football match in Birmingham. We made good time and we're playing near to Edgbaston cricket ground. 

Played against WBA colts but only had 10 players. They worked hard and did ok I feel

Really hard work for them but it was rewarding and we only lost 3-2 after having one of their players for 20 mins

Jack did ok, he's struggling fitness wise I feel so need to work on that

Came back and went to go outdoors to get some gas and found a new chair for camping. 

Pottered around the garden and did bits and bobs for the rest of the day. In the evening Tash and I caught up with House of Cards and then went to bed. A relaxed day.

Relaxing by the sea…

Sat on the beach writing this today at Cala Galdena. In the shade as it's about 31 degrees

Was up at 8.30am today and did some emails but wasn't in the mood if I'm honest. Quite a lot to return to when home which I'm not particularly looking forward to. There's sand here on the beach so I might stick my head in it!!

Drove across the island to get here today and because of the size of the island it didn't take long at all. Going out to a nice restaurant this evening which isn't what we wanted to do but Pauline was insistent that was the plan. 

Jacks sat in the sun reading his book and Tash is sunbathing. Might go and have a snorkel now as apparently it's quite good here. 

Have heard from Charlotte and she's enjoying herself but apparently it's very hot indeed, 40 degrees in a tent, not comfortable but as long as she's having a laugh. Exam results tomorrow, hope she's successful. Fingers crossed

First ever proper golf game…

We all woke up with hangovers today and I didn't get up until about 11.00am. Wayne was worst out of all of us and it was clear no one had any energy or enthusiasm to go out and do anything so we didn't and just sat sleeping and lazing by the pool. Which was actually quite nice

Had some lunch and decided to give the golf a go. I wasn't overly keen on it I must admit but agreed to it and I'm glad I did. We left around 4.30pm, hired me some clubs and sorted out the round details and then went to the driving range to have a practise. I was okay and felt comfortable so after some putting and that we went down to the first tee to get going

I sliced my first shot left and lost the ball...my first ever proper golf shot. Ah well. Wayne was decent as id expected and Paul was a bit more consistent than me. We went through to the 14rh hole before it got too dark to play but by then we were all flagging and tired. We'd not taken enough water or food and were struggling big time. Went back to the reception and everyone was waiting for us and we got some drinks, I had a full large bottle of water, drank the whole lot. 

Went back to the villa and had some pizza by it was after 10.00pm. Time had flown by. I was so tired, couldn't be bothered to do much more than drink coke and check social media before going to bed around 11.30pm. 

I really enjoyed playing the golf and I’d like to think that with regular practice I might be able to hold my own and get a respectable score. Hopefully I'll be able to make an attempt at playing or practicing some more. We'll see!

I did win one hole, but struggled to keep my shot count down, some shots were really good so I was pleased with my first proper round of golf.

Look closely and you will see the ball – it didn’t quite make the lake though!

Zorbing

Woke up in the morning a bit heavy-headed but nothing too serious and then got up around 9.00am to have a bacon sandwich with the family all up. Lewis and Sian left around 10.00am as he really had to get back up North to do last minute preparation for his exams tomorrow and the next couple of days. I really don’t think him coming down for the London tour was a good idea but there you go, it’s done now!

We’re putting him up in a hotel for x2 nights so that he can focus on what he needs to be doing. I shouldn’t put this in writing but I don’t think he’s going to get through the exams, he’s crammed as much into a week but it’s just not enough time to improve on what his previous results were. Of course I hope I am wrong as I don’t want him to fail but I am just being realistic. We’ll see soon enough!

We then met up with Wayne & Kerry and Paul & Pauline came too as we drove down to Reading for the Zorbing experience that the kids had got for me and Wayne for Father’s Day. Hard to get to place and when we arrived it was busy and didn’t look much to be honest, the hill wasn’t very high and the balls we saw coming down weren’t quick or anything. So we signed in and got the H&S briefing and then harnessed up. There was the zorbing we were signed up for and an aqua zorbing which was a lot milder apparently because the woman was pleased when she learned what we were doing – I think the majority do the water one!

So we were driven to the top of the hill and once up there it looked a lot higher and steeper than at the bottom! We were told what to do and then got into the zorb and were strapped in against the walls and then rolled off down the hill…

…if I said it was enjoyable I’d be lying! As you rolled over we started bouncing and each bounce was a real jolt for the back and neck and was uncomfortable, I wouldn’t say painful but you were definitely bracing each time the bounce landing took place. It was funny being in there and I am glad I’d done it, not sure I’d have done it again if they’d offered straight away!

Got out quite dizzy and queasy and Wayne was the same and unsurprisingly complained of neck problems later in the day, as did I. Certainly pleased I’ve done it though and the kids all enjoyed watching us do it.

We dropped Charlotte and Jack home and then Tash & I went to the Fox in Boar’s Hill and met up with all the Holdens for a meal. The food there was fantastic, I had curry and it was really good. Had to wait for a bit but it was definitely worth the wait. It was good to catch up with everyone and we talked about Cornbury and everyone was very excited. We had to leave as they were ordering pudding, because the main had taken a while to arrive, but we weren’t eating more anyway so it wasn’t an issue. Paid our bit and went and got Jack from his Leadership thing he’s being doing for karate. Thankfully that’s over now so no more interruptions to our Sunday afternoons!

Back home we got the tent and other stuff out in preparation for Cornbury and then I did some work, I have a lot on my plate this month and with the amount of time I want to take off I really need to get as up to date as possible. In fact I have taken the wrong decision already by sat here on the train to Birmingham typing up my diary instead of planning the day and doing other work! Ah well, long nights ahead…

I’d decided that I’m not going to work all the time and at 7.00pm I called Jack down and we watched Mad Max together, had to explain a lot to him to give him a background on what it was about but also as things were happening to help his understanding. It’s action packed all the way throughout so he enjoyed it, I liked a couple of instances where there was clearly an homage to the other Mad Max films like the mis-firing sawn off shotgun and the winding music box. There really wasn’t too much story line to it but it was definitely enjoyable, bet it was amazing in the cinema.

I then went back out to the office and did some more work and then to bed around 11.30pm

A fantastic weekend, really enjoyed it.

Family Trip to London

Today was the family trip to London that we’d organised for everyone. Well, Tash had organised! I was up early and down at Sainsbury’s at 8.00am buying more beers and food and then back at the house getting sorted out before picking up Tiff, Paul, Brendan & Ivy so we were all at our house for the pick-up. The workmen arrived as well so were starting on the patio as we left. The minibus we had was actually a coach so that was a nice surprise and we were able to leave our cool box on there so we had cold beers for the journey home!

Once on the coach everyone opened up the beers and cocktail drinks and started on it…it was 10.00am!! Went steady and only had two by the time we were dropped off at Marble Arch and then the fun began…we went and had the picnic in Hyde Park and left after 45mins to get the coach for the first part of the tour.

We were all able to get on the coach together and I enjoyed listening to the facts and showing people where I’ve been working etc. Got off as planned at Trafalgar and looked round there and took some photos and then back on the bus. Sue was struggling a bit with the heat as it was quite hot but she was okay.

The tour took us to the places I’d planned and wanted to see so we went through the London Mile and St Paul’s, the Tower and then back down to Westminster where we got off and boarded a boat for a trip back up the Thames to the Tower again. That was enjoyable on there and listening to the guide was interesting, always nice to hear pieces of information that can be useful in the future.

Off at the Tower and back on the bus for a 10 mins ride to Blackfriars bridge where we walked along South Bank to the Wharf restaurant that we’d booked, we were 30 mins late but it was fine and the location was fantastic. Nice meal and loads more to drink…couple of hiccups with food orders but it was good until we got the bill and they wanted to charge us £49.00 in service charge which we refused and made our own cash payment which turned out to be about £35.00 anyway!!

We walked back to Blackfriars only to find that we’d missed the last bus 20 mins earlier so that was a pain and a bit embarrassing, so we had to jump into taxis to get back to Marble Arch where we waiting for a bit and the bus was 30 mins late to get us but got there in the end. The journey home was fine, not mad as I think everyone was quite tired out, as we left London there was a massive pall of smoke rising into the sky and as we got closer there was clearly a factory fire taking place – it was incredible.

As we passed Barton we dropped the Foxes off, and Miles, then all the Bulls got out at Five Mile Drive and Sue at her road and finally us. We’d had a fantastic day, it really went well and everyone enjoyed themselves I think. We quickly dumped stuff at the house and then made our way to the White Hart as Jake & his mate Shak were performing and when we got there the place was packed out with friends and locals, it was a really good night I was pleased for them and we saw loads of familiar faces.

I got some good feedback from the staff at the pub about my social media work so that was flattering – didn’t get a free drink out of it though! I periscoped some of the performance but we never got more than 6 people viewing which was a shame…then my battery ran down.

Had a few more drinks there but Tash was conscious of my zorbing experience in the morning the next day so dragged me out of there even though I wasn’t ready to leave…ah well. Sulked a bit at home and then went to bed, such a lovely and fantastic day, loads of photos that I need to get uploaded.