Lewis Degree Results–stop reading now…

Lewis had his resit results today – if we thought that 5% couldn’t be made worse he managed to get 4% in one of them! I am beyond being upset or angry about it, he’s clearly not set up or equipped to deal with this work. I believe that he’s just wasted a year and not studied, I simply cannot believe that anyone with the knowledge can struggle so dramatically that they get 4% in an exam!! Anyway, he’s failed and he’s not allowed back to Huddersfield for any sort of tuition for a year. Not sure what he’s going to do or how this will progress – I suspect it’s a case of trying at another Uni. I don’t know. He’s been in touch regarding his first few days at work and it’s gone well for him and he’s enjoying it, really hope that he does the business and thrives here – such a good opportunity. Emilee is causing hassle for him in Huddersfield and trying to get him to go over there, very selfish indeed to put any sort of pressure on him after only his second day in the role. He can’t travel from Manchester to Huddersfield midweek, that’s just mad. I wonder how long things will last now because of this, it’s a shame for Lewis as he obviously likes her but he has to prioritise and I have serious concerns regarding how much he actually did work last year and she be a distraction. I might be wrong but recent events suggest otherwise…

Jack playing men’s football

Jack has been playing football for Old Woodstock the last two weeks in the men’s league. Only friendlies and I was concerned for his safety in respect of it being that much more physical but both games have been fine and he’s coped really well. He’s confident and talkative and you can tell he thinks he’s good enough to be there, it’s funny hearing him telling the men what to do or encouraging them etc. The manager and the players seem keen for him to sign on but it will clash with his Saturday JPL commitments so he’s not going overboard in terms of being excited about it. I will let him sign on and see how things pan out.

Talking of JPL – unfortunately Tom Griffiths has dropped out and it’s likely other players will as well – can’t blame them, the cost of £400.00 for a year is madness

Quick family update

This is more a list of what’s been happening as opposed to going into great detail

We finally got the truth out of Lewis about his situation with university and it wasn’t a nice truth to learn – he had falsified his submission documents and lied to everyone involved consistently – absolutely heart-breaking and I am writing this a week later!! I actually cried at work when speaking to Tasha about it because I was so disappointed with everything about this whole scenario, the lying, the waste of time, the money, the let down, I was tired anyway from stress with work and other things so that exacerbated things no doubt! Well, it’s out in the open and we need to see where this takes us now!

He came down this weekend and will be here all week so that’s nice and we can sort things out and clear the air with each other.

Got up at 4.30am this morning, an hour before I should on a Monday because the new season 7 episode of Game of Thrones was out so Lewis and I got up early to watch it together instead of setting our alarms for 2.00am! Glad I did that ecause I don’t feel so tired travelling this morning.

Nice weekend otherwise, even though I worked throughout – I have a lot on my plate with various customers so I took the opportunity to get up to date a bit – it’s been stressing me out as well and I think it worked in that I feel a bit more in control sat here this morning…no idea how long that will last!!

Also on Friday it was Paul Holden’s 70th birthday celebration party held at Oxford City FC – it was a joint party with Chloe although none of her friends were there – but it was good to see loads of old faces and it was worth going to. Not much else to report at the minute…trying to get my head into gear regarding the coming season with City!

Jack’s Prom and work mishap with stress ball

It’s tomorrow that we’re hosting some of the kids round our house for his prom pre-party tomorrow night. He’s not overly bothered about it all but Tash is pushing for it which I am sure they will be pleased about in the end. It’s just not much time for them so will only be here for an hour if that!

Anyway, I am in London so will have to find an excuse to leave early – but then I am in there at 6.30am so it shouldn’t really be an issue!

Not much to report today, worked at Raintree and made a bit of a fool of myself actually thinking about it, this is the post that I put on Facebook that has really amused a lot of people:

Just had some help from the IT techie at a company I'm working at and on my desk he placed one of those rubber stress balls so I picked it up and squeezed it whilst watching him work....only it wasn't a stress ball but a plum...it split and sprayed juice all over me and the desk!! Just a bit embarrassing!!

Standlake Camping, Fathers Day and Charlotte travelling…

What a great weekend…

On Friday afternoon Charlotte, Miles and I went to Standlake and they helped me pitch the tent and then they went back to Oxford and I stayed setting things up. I had a phone call at 4.00pm which went okay and then was able to relax after that and enjoy the evening. Nikki and Gaz and all the kids came along and it was a great evening. Walking the dogs and drinking etc etc. Nice meal and chatting.

Same again on Saturday, Jack and Cory came over and I did a full fry up breakfast, it was so very hot all weekend and I stupidly didn’t put any cream on – I am suffering for it now! Ah well, it will calm down sooner or later, can’t put my rucksack on my shoulder as it’s too painful. Saturday was lovely, just chilled (in so far as relaxing and enjoying the scolding hot weather). Couldn’t get on the water sports as all fully booked. BBQ in the evening and more drinking…

Sunday was packing up in the morning and then home to sort things out. Jack and Lewis went off to the Summertown Stars tournament but I was too tired so stayed at home and left them to it. They didn’t win the competition which was a surprise/shame. Never mind. We then did a BBQ in the later afternoon for Grandma’s 97th Birthday and that was lovely. Pimms out in the back garden was great.

The neighbours kids kept coming round which was really funny, they seem very relaxed and confident in just walking through the back door – Vince and Cal – that was amusing

It was also Father’s Day today so the kids got me a t-shirt and cards and some beers so that was nice to get.

Then finally, Charlotte is going off Inter-Railing with Miles for 3 weeks tomorrow so she’s all packed and ready for that, should be so good because they’ve got a great itinerary planned – very jealous of them both!

So a great weekend – and Cornbury in a couple of weeks so that will be something to look forward to

Election Result

Well that back-fired spectacularly for Teresa May – she called the election 7 weeks ago because Corbyn and Labour were about 23 points behind the Tories and she wanted to capitalise and grind them into the dust with an over-whelming majority but she completely ballsed up the canvassing – it was pathetic how she worked and would not engage in debates etc and she was found wanting. So instead of making a huge majority we’ve ended up with a hung parliament. Absolutely nightmare

So I’ve been active on Twitter and Facebook amusing myself but it’s serious and it could well mean another election in the Autumn, what a waste of time and energy and money.

Anyway, not good and caused a lot of trouble and disruption as you would expect.

We shall see what happens now!!!

General Election

Worked in GL today and as per twice a week I was in the car by about 5.40am and travelling down the M40 – decent journey meaning I was in work by 6.45am, I got my head down and ploughed through so much, it was really good and productive.

Anyway, today was the general election called by Teresa May of the Conservatives and it looks like it’s going to be tight. IN the evening we went out to Sue & Roger’s because Brett was over and it was nice to catch up with him for a couple of hours and had nice food and wine at their house.

Good to meet up with everyone

Came home about 10.30pm and the election results were on – I stayed up until 1.00am watching them and it wasn’t good viewing for any Tory supporters!! Looks like it could be a hung parliament – this is not good!!!

Raintree Redundancies

Odd day today as I was working at Raintree and 5 people were leaving at the end of the day. They've made about 12 redundant and then next batch leave next week. Not nice. Some had decent payoffs so they weren't too bothered.
They all went to the pub. I wasn't invited, I don't really mind about that as they don't think of me as an employee anyway. The office is going to be even more quiet now as it's already pretty empty on a good day!
Saddened to hear that Angela has also handed in her notice as sue told me. That's a frustration because she's quite an ally for me.
Need to think about my own position and what I offer so as to be valuable to them.
Lewis is still holidaying in Crete and enjoying himself. He had a phone interview today with Siemens which he said went really well and they sound keen on him so that was rally pleasing to hear. Says he might be offered a face to face interview as a result of the phone call. That would be great if something comes from it. I'm not confident in his exam results. They'll be out soon. Scary!
Not much else to report. I'm typing this at the tyre place as my car has a slow puncture. Didn't know they could fix it without replacing it. Not sure that they can, we'll soon see either way
Got my haircut done today as well. It's been a nightmare the last 4 weeks as it was a shut cut a few months ago!!

It’s been a long time…

Odd that I’ve not updated this diary in such a long time. I started the year with a manual diary which I managed for about a month and then gave up on that sadly. And since then I have simply not bothered to update it and yet I’ve had such a good 6 months to report!! Typical.

I am at Jack’s karate now in my usual pose of sat at the temp desk they provide me and eating shit, although I am supposed to be on some sort of diet or other…it’s not going well.

So what’s happening, I can’t recap on everything so I will add the most recent events which was this weekend just gone where Tash, Wayne, Kerry and I went to London on Saturday afternoon and relaxed around Canary Wharf and then went to Depeche Mode in the evening at the Millennium stadium. The concert was really good, I really enjoyed it but also at the same time I thought it could have been much better, but I also was about 200 metres away from the band, my companions had no desire to go closer which pissed me off a bit – quite often I was wishing I was there on my own so I could go forwards and enjoy it more, nevertheless it was still really good.

When we left it was mental chaos to find a tube but we got there and got home but there was nothing open which was a let down and a surprise.

Canary Wharf is a lovely area, we were really impressed, had a few (expensive) cocktails and some beers and a nice meal before hand overlooking the quay and we were hoping for more of the same when we got back to the hotel – ah well.

So the one thing I’ve not mentioned yet, when we got on the tube at Stratford I look at my Twitter feed to see what people had to say about the concert only to see my timeline full of alerts and stories about  terror attacks in London. That’s right, we were in London and we’d experienced an attack which thankfully was small scale and not anywhere near where we were. So last week there was a terrible bomb blast in Manchester at an Ariane Grande concert in which sadly about 22 people (kids and mums) were killed – absolutely awful and heart-breaking.

The attack in London took place at London Bridge and Borough Market and was similar to one a few months ago on Westminster Bridge, a van mounted the kerb and ran people down and then three men jumped out and started stabbing people apparently in the name of Allah. They were despatched quickly by armed police but they still managed to kill 8 people. I find it shocking and sad and pathetic – I just don’t get what is being achieved by these senseless acts. Maybe in 30 years things might be different and whatever changes these people are trying to instigate will have happened. Personally, I hope not, religion to me is madness whichever one you follow I’m afraid.

Also, we’re at the end of an election campaign and the country goes to the polls in two days time – to be honest none of them are fit to rule, it’s quite depressing. We have Teresa May (Tory) who won’t do interviews, Diane Abbott (Labour) who is the most inept politician you will ever listen to, her interviews are a car crash every single time – it’s amazing to watch, and finally Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) who 4 weeks ago was 24 points behind in the polls, hence May calling the election to wipe him out, but he’s spoken well, promised the earth but not how to pay for it and May has been appalling and destroyed the lead to about 4 points. I think she could even lose and it would be her fault without a doubt

Finally, we have the biggest mockery around, Donald Trump being President of the USA. He is a mental case and is on Twitter upsetting absolutely everyone, except his idiot supporters. I don’t know where to start and perhaps it’s best I don’t write too much about him now. I will take a gamble and say that he will be impeached and removed as President, I don’t know how soon from now and whether he will last the year or not. I wake up every morning and check the news and Twitter just to see what madness he’s said now. I will be really interested to read this in the future and see what history records of Donald Trump – I don’t think it will be positive!!

Wembley. Oh, and Mothers Day

So today is Mother's Day. Tash was up early and made Charlotte go for a 6 mile walk which I don't think she was too keen on!! They did it and whilst out we tidied up around the house and I did a fry up.

That went down well and we then pottered around before getting ready to go out. Collected mum and Derek and we drove to London for the England match against Lithuania. Mum hadn't been to a big game so this was on her list and so the kids clubbed together to buy her the tickets for Xmas. 

We parked just over a mile away at a church car park, was a bit worried about the walk for Derek but he was fine. Everyone was quite excited and we stopped at a Caribbean restaurant which had the worlds worse waitress!! We were scared of her!

Anyway, went to Bobby Moore's statue and took some photos and then went and got our seats. We were high up but it was fine. Nice to be there and experience it all. Wasn't the best game but England won 2-0 so we saw some goals and mum really enjoyed it. That was obviously the key purpose. Made out way back to the car in the knowledge that we'd be back again next week for the cup final that Oxford are playing in. 

The traffic was mad but we got out the f London really quickly, I was so surprised but delighted at the same time. Took just over an hour to get home and drop mum and Derek off. 

Really nice day, wat he's a bit of telly and then early night. 

Gareth’s Birthday in Edinburgh

Such a great weekend – and only one full day in Edinburgh! so it was Gareth’s 50th birthday this week and he, Nikki, Ted and Kaye were going to Scotland for the day and night on their own…little did they know we were all on the way to greet them and travel with them as well!

We were up and gone from the house by 5.30am with Lewis driving in his car and me as navigator! Eaxsy journey to Standstead, parked and then Liam and Zoe turned up – the rest of the gang all arrived (the Bulls) and we went through customs no problem and waiting at the Wetherspoons on the beers immediately at 7.15am – what a great way to start the day! Keeping in touch with Nikki throughout they turned up, we put on our ‘Gareth’ masks and surprised him – he was delighted!

The plane journey was uneventful as you would expect as it’s only 60 minutes but we were then told that due to fog we couldn’t land at Edinburgh so were diverted to Glasgow instead. Sat o nthe tarmac for a while and then they kicked us off and organised coaches. We found a Tescos so stocked up on beers and eventually got on the right coach and we were on our way! By the time we made it to the Premier Inn at Edingburgh, after having paid the driver an extra amount to drop us at the door, we were pretty tipsy ad ready to get going!

Gareth said where he wanted to go and I couldn’t help but take lead – which I don’t think anyone minded and it seemed to work out okay. So first stop was The Oxford Bar where it was already quite busy so us lot turning up made it quite cramped – didn’t feel particularly welcome if the truth be told but we were fine and made it into the back room where we took over. People were hungry so we then went to a Wetherspoon’s that was massive and had some food before walking down to the Abbotsford Bar – outside I did a bit of tour guide barbie for them and then inside for a drink. From there we went to the Banshee Labrynth that they all loved for another drink and then finally we went to The Stramach for one last beer!

It went really well and everyone enjoyed it and felt comfortable leaving to go and get ready so that was nice – we wandered back to the hotel to get ready, I crashed out and then showered and then out for a meal at a local Italian that we’d booked. Ted and Kay were late but the rest of us just got on with it and that was a laugh, apparently I was VERY drunk and very loud…not sure I was…!

When we finished our meal we went to the Rat Pack bar and stayed there all night until about 1.00am – I don’t remember. We just danced and danced (and drank!)

Such a bloody good day – yes a long way for drinking all night and not much sightseeing but absolutely loved it and we all got on so well.

Next day – no hangovers!

Tour Guide Barbie questions

Taxis to the airport

Home!

Off to Birmingham today…

Working in Birmingham today for Peters books. Awake just two minutes before the alarm was due to go off and then got the train from Bicester. Really busy day today and flat out. Worked on the train all the way here and then at the office it was non-stop! Nice to be productive so i didn't feel bad leaving at 3.55pm to get the tea in so I'm home for football training in time.

Tash took Charlotte home to Nottingham after work and they're there at the time of writing this, on the platform waiting for my train!!

Worked on the training session plans for this evening on the train and loads of other emails that kept coming in – I seem to be on a bit of a roll at the minute!!

Not much else to report so nothing more to type!!

Not Enjoyable Day with JPL Football

Days like today make me wonder if being involved with kids football is worth it. Horrible game, horrible manager and it all got very unpleasant. Even more so and unlike me I complained about him in my match report. Whether I get any comeback or not I don't much care.

The opponents were Kidderminster who beat us last year in the cup at their tiny pitch and as soon as I met their manager I recognized what a prick he was!! He's not changed at all. Constantly and loudly questioning absolutely everything.

We did well in the match itself but couldn't get the finishing touch and eventually conceded a disappointing goal to lose 1-0. Couldn't fault the fight and attitude of my players and everyone was frustrated afterwards including me having too many subs to work with. Such a hard juggling act and I hate it. Kidderminster made accusations at the end and left without having food etc. all very acrimonious. Winds me up even thinking about it!!

The day started well enough as I was up early, what a difference not drinking at all makes, and I was sorting out work etc and then jobs around the house that needed doing, all quite productive actually. Fixing a uPVC (bathroom) window handle - not done that before and anything else Tash wanted doing!!

After football we had a lovely roast dinner, Tash wanted Charlotte eating properly before returning to Uni this week and then we just pottered around the house and watched a film. Quite late Tash went up the JR with Jessica and Oscar & Katie as Jess has fallen in the garden earlier in the day, banged her head and was now throwing up. Advised to attend the JR to get a scan and Tash wanted to be invoked...bad, but nice, idea.

I stayed up and watched a few Game of Thrones episodes and went to bed once Tash texted to say how much longer they'd be up there for and no point staying up. I got woken up at 3.30am with her calling me to be picked up, there was still another hour or two for them to wait but Tash needed to come home and sleep. So off I went in my PJs and all was ok.

Update in the morning and she's better and there's no serious issue.

Working up in Manchester

The alarm went off at 6 o'clock this morning and I was absolutely shattered. Up and out within 30 minutes and then on the road to Salford, Manchester.
I am dictating this whilst driving on the M6 Toll Road and one of my biggest bug-bears is middle lane drivers, they on an absolute nightmare I don't understand why it is so difficult to move and drive on the inside lane. Twats!
Anyway I'm a bit worried about today's session for DotMailer training because Education Company support have not done all that they should have done for the data and the integration has not been sorted out so it's likely to be quite an embarrassing and awkward situation.
I have enough experience to deal with the situation but it is still far from ideal and I have made my comments to the relevant people at EdCo.
I must remember to buy Natasha some flowers today to thank her for her hard work on organising the skiing trip that we all enjoyed so very much. I think she will be completely shocked at that - we will soon see.
Update…training was fine. Two sharp people and it was at the BBC offices up there so it was interesting being in that famous environment. The issues I was expecting were raised but we got them sorted and moved on
Left about 2.30pm and came home, had to stop for a snooze on M6 as I was shattered, felt so much better for doing so though and I as home by 6.30pm. Tash was at her Mum’s and when she came back was surprised that I'd got her flowers, almost cried, she might have done if I'd got her anything but chrysanthemums (not her favourite – or even ones that she likes apparently!) – I can't get anything right can I?!?
Did nothing much else in the evening other than select and upload a load of the skiing photos to Facebook which went down well with people viewing them and caught up in an episode of the new series of Blind Spot. Can't decide if I'm going to continue watching it though as it's become very predictable and the same. Give it a couple more Episodes and then decide.
Early night in the end!

First day back in London for the New Year!

Up nice an early today with the alarm waking me at 5.25am. I was so tired and could have done without this. Same again tomorrow as I'm traveling up to Manchester!! Glutton for punishment.
Got the 6.31 train to London as normal and to the new GL offices. There's a gym here that I've signed up for so that will be used at lunchtimes now...well not today as I wasn't organised!!
Such a busy day today, did a presentation of Spirit v8 to all the CRM master group and it was very successful so that was pleasing. Loads of questions and I was shattered afterwards but still got on with loads of the work, testing and feedback. Fully focused on GL all day so that was good
Left the office at 5.15pm and fought with the usual commute, it was fine and I got the 18.18 train home which is the one I always aim for.
Had to do prep for the training session tomorrow, bit anxious but it should be ok...famous last words. It was a long evening as things just weren’t working, got there in the end but it wasn’t ideal
To make things worse, I took Jack to karate and was prepared to stay there and work and he was straight back in the car – the place was closed!! We had no idea there was no session today so that was a bit of a waste of time. Ah well.

Back to Work - Raintree

Working at Raintree today. Struggled to get going so have Bess a walk over the meadow and cycled to work. Worked up a bit of a sweat.
Got a fair amount done and had various meetings etc so it was productive. Needed to complete a training session in the after noon so went home to do that and it was a strange one. It was a webinar and was so one way, I didn't enjoy it as I got no interaction from anyone.
Anyway, it was done and I worked the rest of the afternoon at home. Had jacks football in the evening at Berinsfield and worked the 10 lads that turned up. They were puffing!! All we did was 5-a-side so I'm a bit concerned about the match at the weekend. Not much more I can do about it now though!!
Back home and I tried to help with looking at a present for Gareth's birthday. We've got a weekend in Seville with them in a fortnight and we were thinking about wine tasting tour. Looks good fun but I'm not 100% sure how good value it was. But if a waste of time as Tash is going to look into it as well tomorrow.
Watched some TV and did some more work before going to bed quite late again. Not ideal as I'm up at 5.30am tomorrow!
No exercise managed today...disappointing!

Welcome to 2017

Took a while to wake up and get going, thankfully only a heaving head and not feeling dodgy!! Mind you, I came home early and was finished by 1.30am because of the situation with jack. Later found out from Lewis that they were still in the Mines bar until 3.30am...both disappointed and relieved I didn't go back out...I guess.

Had some brunch and gradually everyone came to life and we agreed to go out skiing at around 1.00pm. Some didn't bother but when we went out we went to the Roche de Milo and then over to the glacier where we were yesterday and it was so worth the effort, it was excellent snow and a bit of a challenge but we were also so high up in the mountains that the views were spectacular!! Did some videoing again and got some good stuff. Didn't overdo things but when back on the Belle Plagne side of the mountain the snow was once again hard to navigate. We were okay though and made our way home for 4.00pm and then dropped off our ski gear for another year before going back to the apartment to pack away our stuff and then pack the cars. Mine struggled to start which was a bit of a worry but it was eventually ok once it had warmed up.

Went back to the Bobsleigh pub for food and that was really quite good and watched one of the darts semi-finals which was good fun. Left early leaving those that didn't need to drive and had an early night. Although that turned into a shit nights sleep for some reason.

Anyway, the end to a fantastic holiday once again. Now to save for the next one.

Skiing - Day One on the Slopes

Everyone was more or less up around 10.00am – could easily have slept for a lot longer but needed to get going and have breakfast and get out on the slopes. But of course that couldn’t happen until we got the ski passes and our gear – all sorted eventually, always the worst part and then we were off!

There is a slope and lift right next to us so we have one trial run on the nursery slope before thinking we were ready and then went for it. Lewis stayed behind with Katie to try and teach her and we went off exploring…that could take some time…it’s clearly absolutely huge!

Went up a few lifts together and there was plenty of snow and it will definitely keep us challenged. I was worried that there would be a big lack of snow and skiing but definitely not, it’s amazing place, it really is. Quite busy but the slopes weren’t too bad actually so it wasn’t overcrowded or anything like that.

Katie was really struggling so we went back to see her and try and talk her into coming out but she was adamant that she’s not liking it and doesn’t want to do it – this is a real shame and could be awkward. We’ll try again tomorrow with her.

Went and had a drink and hot chocolate (or beer) and then got another 2 hours in and I went off on my own and did really well. Love it here, really impressed.

Back to the apartment at around 5.00pm as the slopes were closed and had a few beers and something to eat, everyone’s tired as yesterday’s travelling has caught up with us. We’ll go to the pub in a minute though and watch some football.

He’s behind you!!

Went to the Panto again this year and it was one of the best we’ve been to. The usual nonsense that is so much fun but it just seemed extra good this year.

Tash had managed to get us on the front row again this year and there was 24 of us! Only two short of completely filling the row… Ivy also came a along and she seemed to love it as well, just enthralled by what was going on and clapping along – lovely to see.

The 12 days of Xmas song was played which included a water fight so we have a few plans for next year!

What was really funny though was the main local guy (who does the 12 days song) singled out Natasha for clapping out of time to everyone else, he absolutely hammered her, we all know she’s got no rhythm but it was funny for someone to notice whilst they’re acting!! Obviously we didn’t make the most of it and tease her.

I don’t want to provide spoilers so look away now, but Aladdin wins Jasmine and they marry!

Had our team photo outside and then went over to Weatherspoon's for dinner and it was surprisingly good quality actually, I think we were all pleasantly surprised at how good it was. A few of the actors were in there afterwards so I said thanks to them for a good night and we then all made our way home

Such a good family get-together, shame Lewis was missing. Same again next year.  

Winter Wonderland

Went up to London today with Wayne, Kerry and the girls and also Zoe and the girls (and Liam). Managed to find some space around the Bayswater Road although not on it like Wayne did but got sorted for free parking and then into the Wonderland itself. It’s so huge these days, it’s just got bigger and bigger.

Massive fair and all the ‘traditional’ German market stalls offering food and drink. We just wandered round and it was good fun taking in all the sights, sounds and smells! Ate a few things here and there and had a really nice evening. Didn’t do any of the rides, as good as they looked!

It would be nice to do it and stay for longer and drink a bit and get involved with the live music and all that – perhaps another year! I cannot see how it can get any bigger, it really was so big!

Driving home was nice and easy so not too late night home.