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.