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