Big News yesterday when we were all called into the meeting room with Jason and he announced that the Mailing Centre has been sold to JEM, another much larger mailing house, and all staff will keep their jobs but will become staff for Jem and the Education Direct name will also go with it. We'll become known as The Education Company now.
Surprisingly there was no problem and everyone accepted it with good grace, quite unbelieveable really, it all goes ahead in the next couple of weeks, but has been in the planning for over a year. I was surprised, didn't have any idea that this was occuring.
Went out for a drink with Darren and Jason in the evening and food to discuss this situation but didn't really establish much more to be honest! Interesting times!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Jousting at Blenheim Palace
Went to Blenheim Palace for a jousting display on Sunday but it was only Jack as Lewis was left at home to concentrate on some English work and Charlotte is away with Issy. It was fun and as much as it was all pantomime the strength and power of these horses was still very impressive.
We were both shocked at the size of Belnheim and its grounds as the jousting was in the 'back garden' which is somewhere we've never been to before, we'll definitely make an effort to get there again before our passes expire.
It gave Jack the need to make a sword which we did in the afternoon and spent time whittling it into a point but sadly it snapped so we had to go across into Port Meadow to find some more. That was interesting as we found an area that we've not explored before so that's another walk that will have to be done in the near future!
Photos of the jousting are here
We were both shocked at the size of Belnheim and its grounds as the jousting was in the 'back garden' which is somewhere we've never been to before, we'll definitely make an effort to get there again before our passes expire.
It gave Jack the need to make a sword which we did in the afternoon and spent time whittling it into a point but sadly it snapped so we had to go across into Port Meadow to find some more. That was interesting as we found an area that we've not explored before so that's another walk that will have to be done in the near future!
Photos of the jousting are here
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Running with Tash
Went out for a run this morning with Tash, we didn't do so well, she needed to stop twice and we go at a much slower pace, but it was a nice morning - actually it pissed down with rain halfway through so not so good!
Just dropped them into Oxford to do some shopping for Birthday presents although Tash came home from Bicester Village with Xmas presents!!! It will be quiet in the house next week, Charlotte is off to the coast with Issy and I am working away for most of the week which I am disliking more and more to be honest.
Well, I should be doing some work so best crack on!
Just dropped them into Oxford to do some shopping for Birthday presents although Tash came home from Bicester Village with Xmas presents!!! It will be quiet in the house next week, Charlotte is off to the coast with Issy and I am working away for most of the week which I am disliking more and more to be honest.
Well, I should be doing some work so best crack on!
Lewis is a baby sitter!
Our attempts to help Lewis raise a bit more money took a step further last night when he has his first baby-sitting role looking after Ben and Dominic across the road, not bad for £4.00ph so he came back in at 10.30pm with £16.00...
He's also been asked by Sensei Jake to help on Wednesdays and Sundays with the karate classes which is a real bonus (£5.00ph) which he could really do with, not just for the money but also the responsibility and taking his karate skills that one step further. Well done him.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Keeping fit...
Had a really good run last night, 6 miles in exactly an hour - quickest time and pace for quite a long time, really pleased with myself!
I also upload the video for Lewis and Jack performing at the skipping Championships last night and this is below, I love it seeing them perform together and the cheers for Jack is really pleasing - he's definitely a performer!
I also upload the video for Lewis and Jack performing at the skipping Championships last night and this is below, I love it seeing them perform together and the cheers for Jack is really pleasing - he's definitely a performer!
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Team Taurus perform at BRSA Gala Night
The team were invited to the British Rope Skipping Championships Gala Night to perform a couple of routines which went really well. The Championships had been on for four days and the Gala Night was a competitive night for some of the countries and in between the competition there were various acts either skipping or dance or whatever.
The crowd was at least 1500 noisy people, mostly made up of parents and competitors from throughout the tournament. The demo teams that worked for about 10 minutes were brilliant and it was close between South Korea, Belgium and USA but it finished in that order.
However, Taurus were involved in two demos, they did the Rugby routine which went down well and it was brilliant to have Lewis and Jack performing, Jack got huge cheers when his tricks came off. The whole team were then on near the end to perform their routine that will be used in Talent Oxford. They got huge cheers throughout and were really impressive. They got a standing ovation at the end which was incredible, the noise was deafening. It was such a great feeling for everyone involved with the team and obviously as parents we were all proud as punch. Didn't want to leave really as everyone was on a high but eventually left at the end and got home for 1.00am! But it was so worth it. Haven't got decent video of the performance because of where we were sat but will look out for some asap!
A great evening
The crowd was at least 1500 noisy people, mostly made up of parents and competitors from throughout the tournament. The demo teams that worked for about 10 minutes were brilliant and it was close between South Korea, Belgium and USA but it finished in that order.
However, Taurus were involved in two demos, they did the Rugby routine which went down well and it was brilliant to have Lewis and Jack performing, Jack got huge cheers when his tricks came off. The whole team were then on near the end to perform their routine that will be used in Talent Oxford. They got huge cheers throughout and were really impressive. They got a standing ovation at the end which was incredible, the noise was deafening. It was such a great feeling for everyone involved with the team and obviously as parents we were all proud as punch. Didn't want to leave really as everyone was on a high but eventually left at the end and got home for 1.00am! But it was so worth it. Haven't got decent video of the performance because of where we were sat but will look out for some asap!
A great evening
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Summer Holiday in Devon
We went to Devon for the first week of the summer holiday and had a great time camping at Braunton and surfing at Saunton Sands. Weather was fine and we did well with the surfing so that was an added bonus. We took our niece, Katie, along and she seemed to enjoy it as well.
Definitely fancy going back to the same place as it was perfect for us
Photos available on this link
Definitely fancy going back to the same place as it was perfect for us
Photos available on this link
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Early start
Dropped the student off at 6.45am so when I got home I wheeled the kayak down to the river and went down a mile and a half exploring. It was lovely drifting along in the early morning with no hassles from the river boats. Couldn't believe the number of fisherman out and about, there were loads.
Got back and after sorting out the car for the trip to Devon tomorrow we went to Aston Pottery to meet my mum and have a tour of the pottery and that was interesting. Treated ourselves to a nice lunch and then dropped the boys off at Team Taurus.
Katie was dropped off at ours and after dinner at Sue's, Charlotte, Katie and I went for another trip down the river! Talk about over-kill but Charlotte was really insistent so we went down to the Perch and back. It was hard work as we didn't work as a team and kept turning round which was really frustrating but I kept quiet and we carried on. They enjoyed it though. Bit worried as one of the sides started to slowly deflate - we can't have a puncture already surely? Bit pissed off if we have and will send it back.
Well, off to Devon tomorrow, can't wait, surfing and exercise and fresh air and no work! See you later!
Got back and after sorting out the car for the trip to Devon tomorrow we went to Aston Pottery to meet my mum and have a tour of the pottery and that was interesting. Treated ourselves to a nice lunch and then dropped the boys off at Team Taurus.
Katie was dropped off at ours and after dinner at Sue's, Charlotte, Katie and I went for another trip down the river! Talk about over-kill but Charlotte was really insistent so we went down to the Perch and back. It was hard work as we didn't work as a team and kept turning round which was really frustrating but I kept quiet and we carried on. They enjoyed it though. Bit worried as one of the sides started to slowly deflate - we can't have a puncture already surely? Bit pissed off if we have and will send it back.
Well, off to Devon tomorrow, can't wait, surfing and exercise and fresh air and no work! See you later!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Kayaking in Wolvercote...
Well, got out on the kayak today at Wolvercote and enjoyed it. Hard work and we found that missing the skeg seems to make hell of a difference because we kept getting turned which was really frustrating. Have ordered one so hopefully that will solve the problem. Spent an hour or more going up and down the same stretch but need to go further afield next time.
The furthest Charlotte, Jack and I went was to the Perch and back, took an hour.
Photos available on this link
The furthest Charlotte, Jack and I went was to the Perch and back, took an hour.
Photos available on this link
Friday, July 23, 2010
Holiday time...well sort of
Kids are now on School Holidays for the next 6 weeks, lucky them, but it will fly by in no time at all. I was working from home today and it's getting harder and harder to cope with this job, I don't know what I can do. I wish I knew what to do. Just always feeling so out of my depth. Oh well, I now break up for a week and we're off to Devon on Monday.
No doubt it will be a manic weekend as we prepare for Monday, but to make things more manic is the canoe has arrived. It's huge as well! Can't wait to try it out on the river and if things go to plan in the morning then we'll take the kids down there in the afternoon. Should be a laugh.
Charlotte is at Rosie's tonight with her friends, they have a great time each week when they have their sleep-overs and it was good to have a chat with Shaun and Amanda, Shaun's really into his fitness and everything and showed me his canoe and kayak(s) so I was jealous! Well, best start saving for the next one!
Will let you know how the canoeing tomorrow goes....
No doubt it will be a manic weekend as we prepare for Monday, but to make things more manic is the canoe has arrived. It's huge as well! Can't wait to try it out on the river and if things go to plan in the morning then we'll take the kids down there in the afternoon. Should be a laugh.
Charlotte is at Rosie's tonight with her friends, they have a great time each week when they have their sleep-overs and it was good to have a chat with Shaun and Amanda, Shaun's really into his fitness and everything and showed me his canoe and kayak(s) so I was jealous! Well, best start saving for the next one!
Will let you know how the canoeing tomorrow goes....
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Squirrels
Just heard on the news this morning that Squirrels can be regarded as a pest and disposed off accordingly. The example the chap on the TV gave was that if there is one in your house you're not allowed to capture it and set it free into the wild so you have to kill it and he said you could use a trap or shoot it. Shoot it?!?! Can you imagine walking round your house with a shotgun firing at a small furry animal running around the place? Talk about needing to redecorate afterwards!
Homesick already???
Bit fed up actually, I am stuck away for the week in Rochester and it's the last week at school so that means that they're having their end of term activities etc and Jack had his sports day today. Tash is useless and couldn't tell me what he'd done well in so will need to speak to him later and find out.
Managed to continue the fitness drive last night at the Village hotel - love it there, ran for 20 mins, rowing machine for 25 mins, bike for 20 mins and the sweat was dripping off, I was soaked! Bloody hard work. The went and did 20 lengths in the pool, I hate swimming so much but persevered and feel good for it.
Not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep this up but it's worth making the effort, I look bloody awful at the minute and won't be taking my top off on the beach!
Well, best get on with work, should be interesting, got my document back from Jason and he's slated it and I need to re-do the whole thing, I am not very good at my job it has ot be said - I seem to get everything wrong!
Managed to continue the fitness drive last night at the Village hotel - love it there, ran for 20 mins, rowing machine for 25 mins, bike for 20 mins and the sweat was dripping off, I was soaked! Bloody hard work. The went and did 20 lengths in the pool, I hate swimming so much but persevered and feel good for it.
Not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep this up but it's worth making the effort, I look bloody awful at the minute and won't be taking my top off on the beach!
Well, best get on with work, should be interesting, got my document back from Jason and he's slated it and I need to re-do the whole thing, I am not very good at my job it has ot be said - I seem to get everything wrong!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
No joy at the Orthodontist
Frustrating day yesterday, spent the morning at the Orthodontist in the JR with Lewis and after God knows how long they confirmed the worse and they won't be able to mend his teeth on the NHS. Really disappointing as it means that it's going to cost us £1300 to get them sorted. We don't have that sort of money! Will have to see what we can do.
Came into work and finished "You only live twice" on the audio book, enjoy listening to these so much.
Work was fine, busy. Got to stay at the Holiday Inn tonight (nowhere is free, it's unbelievable!). Anyway, went in the gym and worked hard on the bike and then on the rowing machine, did about 6000m, arms ached! Lasted just over an hour in there, but they're so boring. Tried the pool and then the sauna but I get restless so went an had antipasta in the bar which was lovely!
First big signing of the season for football, Joe Cole has signed for Liverpool after being made a free agent by Chelsea in the summer. He was holding out for more money at Chelsea and I think he's signed for less at Liverpool, but not bad is it - £90k per week!!! I just need one week of that to pay off the mortgage.
Came into work and finished "You only live twice" on the audio book, enjoy listening to these so much.
Work was fine, busy. Got to stay at the Holiday Inn tonight (nowhere is free, it's unbelievable!). Anyway, went in the gym and worked hard on the bike and then on the rowing machine, did about 6000m, arms ached! Lasted just over an hour in there, but they're so boring. Tried the pool and then the sauna but I get restless so went an had antipasta in the bar which was lovely!
First big signing of the season for football, Joe Cole has signed for Liverpool after being made a free agent by Chelsea in the summer. He was holding out for more money at Chelsea and I think he's signed for less at Liverpool, but not bad is it - £90k per week!!! I just need one week of that to pay off the mortgage.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Jack's Tribute to Jack Black!
Not sure what to say or think about this, I think the Demon has gotten into him:
Easy like a Sunday...
Lovely day today, egg muffins in the morning and then pottering around the house until we went out to Shotover Park for a family picnic. Lewis was still tired from D of E yesterday so he didn't want to do the cycle ride that we planned. But it was fun and we had the usual good laugh we always have there. Found a rope swing which they all went on.
Went to the sand area that I grew up in as a kid and made some damns which then burst with all the water and swamped the lower damns! Great fun and l will never grow too old to do!
Relaxed for a couple of hours and played tennis, let the kids have a driving lesson in the car park and then I ran home.
6.75 miles without stopping, took just over an hour, went through town and it was very hot and humid but did okay. Driven now by not looking good, I need to lose so much weight and get in shape.
New student arrived today, Jorge, from Spain and he's here for a week.
I'm off to Kent for a full week in the office, should be interesting!
Went to the sand area that I grew up in as a kid and made some damns which then burst with all the water and swamped the lower damns! Great fun and l will never grow too old to do!
Relaxed for a couple of hours and played tennis, let the kids have a driving lesson in the car park and then I ran home.
6.75 miles without stopping, took just over an hour, went through town and it was very hot and humid but did okay. Driven now by not looking good, I need to lose so much weight and get in shape.
New student arrived today, Jorge, from Spain and he's here for a week.
I'm off to Kent for a full week in the office, should be interesting!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Update
Okay, I've been very quiet for a couple of years but I fancy trying to update this on a regular basis now and see what happens!
Had a great night last night with Katharine and Pete coming round and Tash did well with a lovely dinner. Drank far too much wine but it wasn't a drunken night at all. Learned even more interesting things about them both, really relaxing and lovely evening
Charlotte had Georgia and Rosie stay the night, waiting for them to emerge from the garage and will then cook them pancakes.
Need to sort out the garages today, Holdie phoned last night from Standlake as they borrowed our airbeds and we'd not given them the stoppers! Oh dear, they were trying to plug the holes with crayons. Oops...
Right, catch up later!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Jack's Birthday weekend
We won the cup last week, certainly not a classic by any stretch of the imagination but it was good to get the result. Went down to Cardiff on Sunday for the National competition and won comfortably although I picked up a groin strain and then we beat Bicester on Wednesday so we need to win one more game I think to win the league.
Went to Alton Towers yesterday with the kids and also Wayne and Kerry and the girls came along too. I haven't been there for such a long time but it was brilliant, hardly anyone there, the weather was okay (overcast) and we got to go on all the rides possible. Everyone had a great time and I got some good photos that I'll have to upload soon.
It was part of Jack's birthday celebration but not officially. It's his birthday on Sunday and we have family coming up on Saturday and he's going out with friends on Monday as they're off school.
We asked him what he wanted to do on his actual birthday, the Sunday, because there isn't anything really planned so we said, it's his choice to do whatever. He turned round and said that he'd really like to go to the pub and watch football on the big screen! It's his 7th birthday!!!!
Coincidently, it's Man Utd v Chelsea so a big match. We have tried to put him off but that's what he wants to do. So we have had to say to friends and family that if they want to come and see him on his birthday they'll have to come to the pub and watch football. It's making me laugh just typing it, Tash is aghast at the thought.
Went to Alton Towers yesterday with the kids and also Wayne and Kerry and the girls came along too. I haven't been there for such a long time but it was brilliant, hardly anyone there, the weather was okay (overcast) and we got to go on all the rides possible. Everyone had a great time and I got some good photos that I'll have to upload soon.
It was part of Jack's birthday celebration but not officially. It's his birthday on Sunday and we have family coming up on Saturday and he's going out with friends on Monday as they're off school.
We asked him what he wanted to do on his actual birthday, the Sunday, because there isn't anything really planned so we said, it's his choice to do whatever. He turned round and said that he'd really like to go to the pub and watch football on the big screen! It's his 7th birthday!!!!
Coincidently, it's Man Utd v Chelsea so a big match. We have tried to put him off but that's what he wants to do. So we have had to say to friends and family that if they want to come and see him on his birthday they'll have to come to the pub and watch football. It's making me laugh just typing it, Tash is aghast at the thought.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Cup Final Looming - and I have a cold!
Response from the parents not selected for my football team next season has been pretty accepting. No one has stepped forward to take over the team though which is a bit of a shame, but we'll give it a bit more time.
Had a manager's meeting for SSAFC last night which announced there is to be a trial period next season of support for coaching and training sessions supplied and student coaches which is really exciting, can't wait to learn some more things and take my skills to the next level to help out improve the kids I have
I have the cup final this evening and also a visit to see the author/actor Charlie Higson - he of the Fast Show fame, looking forward to both. The cup final is against Old Hooky at the lovely Chipping Norton, hopefully the pitch is okay and there won't be much wind. If that is the case then it will be a first! Awful place to go to.
Had a manager's meeting for SSAFC last night which announced there is to be a trial period next season of support for coaching and training sessions supplied and student coaches which is really exciting, can't wait to learn some more things and take my skills to the next level to help out improve the kids I have
I have the cup final this evening and also a visit to see the author/actor Charlie Higson - he of the Fast Show fame, looking forward to both. The cup final is against Old Hooky at the lovely Chipping Norton, hopefully the pitch is okay and there won't be much wind. If that is the case then it will be a first! Awful place to go to.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sad email sent out to parents today
Had to send out a pretty shit email today. The coaching of the under 7s this season has been brilliant, but too successful. Word has got around and I have over 40 boys to work with now and it was today that I sent out the email advising the parents that I need to reduce the numbers to only 20 for next season and they would have to find a new manager for the ones not selected.
I feel pretty guilty about it but it was necessary and I can only be honest. We'll see things out to the end of the season and make it enjoyable but it'll still be nagging at me in the back of my mind. The games that we have played have been good and we have won a few and lost few so it's been fun.
Just been out for a job with Tash, well more of a walk really but it was nice to get out together and leave the kids behind for 30 minutes. We'll have to do that more often.
I am getting fitter and fitter by the day, the veterans football has been brilliant and we have had a good season so far. We're in the local cup final on Wednesday night which if we don't win there is something wrong. In saying that, it's at Chipping Norton so anything can happen really.
Work's still busy!!! Nothing changes there.
I feel pretty guilty about it but it was necessary and I can only be honest. We'll see things out to the end of the season and make it enjoyable but it'll still be nagging at me in the back of my mind. The games that we have played have been good and we have won a few and lost few so it's been fun.
Just been out for a job with Tash, well more of a walk really but it was nice to get out together and leave the kids behind for 30 minutes. We'll have to do that more often.
I am getting fitter and fitter by the day, the veterans football has been brilliant and we have had a good season so far. We're in the local cup final on Wednesday night which if we don't win there is something wrong. In saying that, it's at Chipping Norton so anything can happen really.
Work's still busy!!! Nothing changes there.
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