Accounts up to date…I think!

Well that’s been something I have put off and put off but I got there in the end!! I’ve spent 3 nights sorting out the Bank Accounts and tonight I finally got them to balance and get everything else that the Accountant needs for completely my tax return. It’s been hard work and not surprising really as I’ve not done anything since November 2013, bit of an idiot really.

So, that’s all gone over to Simone for her to work out what I will owe, really hoping to get it scaled down so that I find that I am in a good position financially. Quite an obvious thing to say I appreciate but if my calculations are correct I could be sat on £10k which would be ‘nice’!! We shall see.

Worked at Raintree today and Peters yesterday, not much to report, was busy at both places and got so much done, very productive.

Now for an early night as I am off to Brighton tomorrow – need to be on the road by 6.30am ideally

Shopping and travelling home

Up at 7.00am and down to the gym by 8.00 – well not the gym but the pool. Did a couple of lengths and then into the sauna and back out again – I really don’t appreciate swimming!

Quick shower and then down to breakfast and this was excellent, had far too much to eat but I treated it like my Last Supper with the intention to eat less and more healthily for the next couple of weeks. Kept in touch with Lewis and decided not to go and see him again and made our way home. Got to Sheffield and went to the Meadowhall Shopping Centre there. Huge great place, on a par with Westfield and that.

Wandered round and managed to get some clothes etc and in the afternoon came home. Journey down was okay and didn’t hit as much traffic but there was some which was frustrating. Nice to be home, Charlotte did a Bolognaise which was good and I then worked on my Accounts to get them balanced and up to date

Been putting it off and off so it was nice to finally get down to sorting them out, wasn’t quite as bad as I feared but still not finished! Early night (10.30pm)

Really nice weekend and it feels like a long one which thinking about it we did start on Thursday night!

Another year older…ah well!

Up North to see Lewis

Had a heavy head this morning, hardly a surprise!

Sorted ourselves out, loads the car, made sure Jack and Charlotte were okay with the plans etc, had Sue come round for a coffee (got some booze!) and then we jumped in the car to make our way up to Huddersfield and see Lewis. Journey was okay until on the M1. There are road works on there (and have been for at least a year) where it’s about 20 miles of 50mph – it’s so dull!

Anyway, a coach had broke down causing all sorts of tailbacks and we couldn't’ avoid it, even once past that there was another set of issues so it took us an hour longer than it should have done. More frustrating than anything really. Not much you can do about it but the radio was good, Danny Baker was funny and then after that was Fighting Talk so that was a couple of hours of good entertainment

Got to Huddersfield in the end and great to see Lewis. Tom and Beckie were up and ready to go, Ellie was ill (I think genuinely ill and not hungover ill) and we then walked into town to the Wetherspoons pub. It was a nice feeling to be able to say to choose what they wanted and we would pay – I think it’s something they really appreciated – I hope so anyway!

It’s so good at these places, the food’s not the best, which is why for 5 of us we could have food and a drink for £34.00!! Swapped stories and listened to them chatting and it was nice being involved, I was tired I must admit so was a little quiet. Got another drink in and then we went through to the University and they gave us a quick tour of the new Sports building and we saw where Lewis works in Starbucks.

The facilities there now are excellent, looks really good and impressive and they should be loving it there. The University is going from strength to strength. Walked back to their house and had a chat upstairs in Lewis’s bedroom before saying our goodbyes and leaving them to it.

Really nice afternoon and great to spend some time with them

The Hotel was only 20 minutes away so that was good to be that close and we got settled in there around 5.00pm. Had a quick change and went the pool/sauna area. I went ‘tired’ and sat there whilst Tash did her length and then it was back to the room where I slept for an hour.

Just relaxed in the room and then ordered room service and had a small meal of sharing Caesar Salad (chicken) and some dips. Watched the film ‘Limitless’ which was really enjoyable and then to sleep.

A very pleasant day indeed

46 Years on this planet…

46 today…sounds too close to 05. Not sure I like that sound to be honest!

Tash was up early and got a full fry-up on the go and I wandered down around 7.15am. Lovely breakfast, was perfect and then some cards and presents handed over, got my jumpers and shirt I bought the other week at Bicester village so I was happy. Lots of sweets!

Worked from home today but wasn’t really focussed on the job in hand if I am honest, I think I was a bit hungover from last night, anyway, it was a dis-jointed day. Got a lot of Facebook messages which was nice and I answered them at the end of the day, pleasant to hear from people I don’t normally speak to.

We got ready in the evening and then walked down to Summertown to meet Nikki and Gaz at the Dew Drop for 7.30pm. They weren’t much ahead of us and I soon caught up with Gaz and his extra pint!. They’d bought me a bottle of wine and left it under the Xmas tree so I had to go and collect it which amused everyone. Then at 8.30pm we went next door to Joe’s.

Had a really nice evening in there, good food (although my Thai Green Curry lacked the flavour I’ve become accustomed to!) and plenty of wine! Good chatter and when they finished with coffees I had a Mojito which was a good way to finish the night!!

Said our goodbyes and then Tash and I walked home, both a little drunk, she a little more drunk than me!

A pleasant and enjoyable birthday so no complaints at all!

Start of the Birthday Celebrations..

Start of the birthday celebrations..Charlotte wants to go out tomorrow night so we organised an early birthday meal for Mum, Derek and Grandma for tonight so that she could do both! Busy day with work and then I did the Horspath training – we seem to be getting fewer players at each session which is strange.

Got home and they were there, quick change and then a normal/usual evening. Had a few drinks and chatted etc and then food which was really nice. Tash did a lovely Mediterranean Chicken. Grandma was loving it and ate all of that and the pudding! She was quiet tonight but seemed okay. Derek was enjoying himself and helping himself to wine which is unusual but was nice that he felt relaxed.

Had a good laugh actually – it was a really enjoyable evening. Derek had an ‘announcement’ to say that it’s 40 years that he and Mum have been together. Tash and I made a mental note to try and do something about it later as he obviously felt quite proud of that achievement, he’s not someone to normally be sentimental along those lines.

Had some presents after dinner which were good and then they were off. I had another couple of beers and watched some TV and then went to bed, a nice start to the weekend!

Another day in paradise…well London…

Back in London again today – third day in a row that I’ve been at Bicester train station! Wasn’t as early today but because of that travelling on the tube was a nightmare, so crowded, very unpleasant. Got to Scholastic on time though and met with Jason and then upstairs to carry out the training with the new/existing users who are going to become power users.

Interesting session really, Jason doesn’t do anything different to the way I do my training but it was still interesting to see how he does it and pick up some additional points. I’m glad he did it though as the questions coming in were very data specific.

Had a chat afterwards regarding the TED project and it was all fine, he said his bit which was relevant and I took on board his comments, happy to change my ways to fit in and ensure things remain smooth and obviously improve on the issues that are causing concerns in both offices. Take the emotional sting out of the process!

Delays coming home but will be home in time for football this evening against Didcot Vets – I really suspect this will be my last Vets match, I am still struggling from last week so shouldn’t really be playing – ah well, let’s see how it goes!

Nightmare day today…

Hard work today as up at 5.45am again and off to Birmingham on the train, did some work on the way and then into the office not before stopping off at Greggs to get some cakes for the office but also a bacon & sausage bap and lovely coffee! Very nice but not good for my non-existent diet!

Got loads done for Peters today but allowed myself to get distracted too many times by Edustaff work for a release that was required. Need to remain focussed on the customer in hand in future and also slow down in trying to help people, my work at the minute is almost 100 miles an hour as I try and keep everyone happy instantly, a bit less haste will help and if it takes longer than a couple of hours to reply to people then so be it. That’s the theory/plan anyway!

Off to London (Scholastic) tomorrow with Jason, have been concerned about this one but he’s advised he’s going to lead so that was a relief and I can concentrate on matching his training style and learning the ropes for Scholastic as a company I can then support going forwards.

Long day in Peters but it’s always a real pleasure being there and the people are lovely.

Typing this on the train home, won’t have an evening like yesterday, will leave the laptop shut down and relax for a couple of hours!

Full On Working Day…

Up at 5.45am today and off to London for an early meeting with Wayne at Edustaff. Really productive morning and discussed the plans and requirements for the next couple of weeks. After that I was working with a new starter and then left around 5.00pm. Got home very late (i.e. about 8.00pm) and then worked through to midnight as I have so much on with Edustaff that needs completing.

Absolutely knackered and I was a little rude to Tash when she was criticising me for looking tired. After the amount of work I carried out over the weekend it was little wonder I was struggling.

London is mad to be in during the rush hours though! I end up going to Oxford Circus and it’s such hard work – so many people crammed into the tubes and the walkways – so dangerous!

Anyway, another day ticked off…one day closer to retirement!

Another win for Horspath..

Up early this morning, sorted out Jack’s bike puncture and then went to football. We were against Cumnor today in another tough match and had a full contingent of players to pick from. We set up the team and they went out and done the business, a little rusty to start with and slow but it was an okay game and after some cajoling and that we ground out a 3-2 win. There’s a strange atmosphere within the team at the minute which I can’t put my finger on it. Morale or team spirit just isn’t there. We’ll get there in the end I hope. I think there is also a difference between me and Chris which is becoming apparent so hopefully this will sort itself out.

Jack did well but his focus for football and anything for that matter appears to have reduced – not sure what to do about it, he’s hard work with most things at the minute which is a shame

After the game Jack and I came home, Charlotte and Tash were shopping in Milton Keynes, so we had the afternoon to ourselves. He went upstairs and played his Fifa and I (instead of working) watched Stardust – love that film. Once it was finished then I got on with some work and spent another couple of hours working and getting myself sorted for the coming week.

Nice roast dinner and then last bit of work and then an early night. Off to London tomorrow so setting the alarm for 6.00am…not a nice thought!!

Dinner with the In-Laws

Worked all day today, was up at 7.00am and in the office all day with minor breaks. I have so much on for edustaff and I needed all this weekend to get up to date, I’m writing this on Sunday night and it’s been good to have got so much done – head’s spinning though I must admit!!

I didn’t do much else other than work to be fair and Tash went out etc and then in the afternoon around 4.00pm we needed to go out to Miles’ family for a meal. It was ‘Bring a Curry’ which was interesting as it meant so much food was there. It was a big family affair and we were made welcome and had a few drinks and plenty of food. People didn’t really stay long which was interesting so we didn’t over do it but we were still there as one of the last set of people there.

Chatted to other people and it was a pleasant evening – main food and the desserts were amazing!! Terry and Ru are really nice people and we get on well with them, we’re all very similar – it’s quite scary how similar!

Came back home around 9.30pm

2 Year Anniversary…work!

Through LinkedIn I’ve been congratulated by a couple of people for hitting my 2 year anniversary with my Dark Enterprise venture. Can’t believe that’s been two years I’ve been doing this, it really has flown by.

Things are going well and have gone well throughout the whole two years which is pleasing, lots of work coming in and being processed and I am enjoying it, it’s nice having a bit more money to be comfortable with especially when we can go to Thailand and skiing without it breaking us and paying for it without hardly noticing! That’s admittedly the only extravagance really, we’re not spending our money and time on going out loads or anything like that.

Hopefully things will continue the way they have been, there is a lot of work ahead of me until Christmas time I think but I need to start considering ways to expand further I reckon now. Jason had a good idea recently which I will follow up

So, raising a glass of champagne – although it’s 7.21am on a Saturday morning so raising my coffee cup instead!

Veterans Football again

Played this evening over at Chinnor and it was the usual expected unpleasant experience. Pissing down with rain throughout and the angry exchanges with them as players which makes it so un-enjoyable to play these types of matches. As well as that we had constant arguing and bickering with the ref and each other. That was the worse thing, I’ve played for a long time and been criticised by good players in my time but getting stick from players who aren’t up to scratch is hard to take

Perhaps I deserve some of it and perhaps I am getting past it – admittedly I am struggling to keep up and my fitness level is not acceptable but I don’t need it and seriously thinking about knocking it on the head. I’m not too sure what it is that’s keeping me going and turning up.

Will see what it’s like against Didcot this week…

We lost 1-0 by the way!

Charlotte’s 18th Birthday

Charlotte turned 18 today, can’t believe where the time has gone, so very scary indeed. So Saturday night she went out with her mates to Cowley and then we waited at home for Lewis to come back from up North and picked him up from outside the Randolph around 10.00pm. He was down as a surprise for Charlotte so she didn’t know about his arrival.

Back home to get showered and then back into town for about 10.30pm, went and got a drink (me, him and Tash) at The Crown and then Rose turned up and other people, Liam Carroll, but not Charlotte. She eventually turned up and was very merry and excited. The pub shut so we walked down towards the clubs that she wanted to go to (Purple Turtle) and waited outside Gap for the midnight hour to strike. Lots of her friends had turned up by then and when it hit midnight they all burst into Happy Birthday song and that was our cue to make a move home!

Said our goodbyes and good lucks, even though they wanted us to go in the clubs with them, we then got a kebab and drove home. She had a great time out so it was pleasing for her.

Our little girl is all grown up now!

Veteran’s Football

Long day today working, was at Pearson International in the morning and then working on Edustaff in the afternoon and evening

Played football this evening for Oxford City Vets over at Wallingford. I missed last week’s match so started as sub, it was fine as I didn’t want to overdue things because I’ve not done any exercise or anything. I enjoyed playing but I am not sure I want to continue. See how I feel in the morning when the aches and pains kick in!

Nice to see some old faces that I used to play with, Matty Whitehead, Lee Smith and Jermaine McSporran.

Got back home at 10.30pm and then worked through until 2.30am – shattered!!!

Busy with work…no complaints though

Such a busy week so far, working flat out with Edustaff and it's hard work. Two really late nights 2.00am and 1.30am which isn't ideal really! There is so much to do for them and it's a challenge to keep everyone focussed and on board with what needs to be actioned

Working at Raintree today and Jack is struggling with a cold and didn't make it to school which is unlike him

What has been nice though is working in the garage/office - nice feeling and atmosphere in there so it's been a good idea to have got that sorted. Will tidy it more this evening now that the projector wires have turned up

Another late night!

Long day at Raintree today, needed to finish some work on mailing lists meaning I didn’t get away until almost 6.00pm. Tash was out and about at Nathan’s and other chores, apparently his house being left alone is now riddled with fleas and rotting food etc, doesn’t sound ideal…

Jack had Leadership course and Tash went off to Clare’s for a ‘business’ party. I don’t agree with those at all, you’re inviting friends round and they’re under pressure to buy from you, don’t like that at all.

Worked in the evening again, and also tidied up the room following the work last night, pleased with it and will start being ruthless with my paper work and draws and will clear away loads in the next day or so.

Didn’t play football for the veterans against North Leigh tonight, my knee is killing me so took the time off but found out they lost 4-0, not good.

Writing this in bed as having to work up here until I sort the spare room out and Tash is sleeping with Charlotte because I would keep her awake, so I’m playing YouTube videos instead!!

No drink tonight – although I was tempted by a glass of wine before bed I must admit!

Another day..

Birmingham again today with Peters Books to do their CRM follow up training meetings and be involved with the Marketing teams, went well but really busy and loads done.

I hardly slept as well so was awake at 4.00am and seriously considered working for a bit as there is so much with Edustaff on my plate at the minute, I didn’t though and suffered the rest of the day with being so very tired!

Getting home was a pain, the train was delayed and the traffic at Bicester is a nightmare so I got home for 10 minutes and was out with the kit bags as I am doing training for Horspath this evening, was a bit late because of traffic but we had a decent session. Only 10 players but I like it like that sometimes and we got through loads of work and scenarios. I think the lads enjoyed it, they all thank me afterwards which is a nice touch from them

Jack didn’t come as he was at St Giles fair, I wasn’t overly pleased about that but it’s for him to make his own decisions now. There were a few others missing so we’ll see how Chris plays it with them about missing it for a fair!

Tash took Lewis home today and I was getting texts as they’d gone the wrong way, or actually missed the A43 turn off but it was fine and they went via Birmingham as well. Mum got to see Lewis’s new house and then they treated themselves to a nice meal before she made her way home. Got home at 10.00pm so a long day for her and she’s in bed as I type this.

Right, I need to do some work before bed myself as I have to get to EdCo very early tomorrow to meet with Jason and then do the training on Data Mining. Another long day but it’s all helping to pay for the next holiday!!

Weekend of family life

This was written in some notes so I just copied and pasted them across to as to not lose them but I’ve not elaborated on them much to be honest!

Saturday was whole day in garage and shed clearing it all out. Much better now

Saturday night at Dancing Dragon for a family meal and then Dew Drop for a couple of pints - but they threw us out bang on time. What a strange pub!

Sunday morning. Paintballing. Great Fun.

The girls hadn't done it before, nor had Tash but they all loved it and loads of bruises to show for it, we then went to Wycombe to get some food

Sunday afternoon all the family round for more food. Sues birthday today. Tiffs yesterday

Jack said kids love the football training and think in a decent coach, very complimentary. So that was pleasing.

Back to Work & Reality

Well, the alarm didn’t go this morning as the battery on my phone was exhausted (as was I!). Slept okay last night to be fair and felt okay when I woke up so got ready and went to work at Raintree today. All was fine and they were asking about my break.

Took the car in for a service and it was nice having Charlotte driving herself and at lunchtime came back home to get my hair cut. Started to struggle in the afternoon but was okay in the end.

Picked up the car in the later afternoon and then had dinner, Mum had taken Jack to karate and then to football training with Horspath, I really didn’t want to be there tonight so got there late and then found out that Phil had dropped out as coach so I said I’d step into his shoes which I am more than pleased to do.

Watch the session and then came home – I have ideas for the next sessions.

Back to reality all too soon and tired as well so wanted to complete this update and go to bed, I’m getting short-tempered with everyone at the minute!! Wish I was still on holiday!

Thailand Holiday - Coming home

• 4.00am
• Travel
• breakfast
• delay
• x3 flights
• no sleep
• Derek waiting
• pick up car
• home
• unpack