Day 277 (30/09/2010)

Lovely meal last night at Edwardos. Not great pictures as it was quite dark but I started with the scallops.

Then the wife had the Sea Bass and I went for the Duck in a port sauce, yum yum yum


There were vegetables but they were in a bowl when I took the photo's.

Then finished off with a Creme Brulee with Blueberries and a lovely Orange & Lemon Tart.



Fantastic food and great value, less than £45 with a couple of glasses of wine.

Mr Pix is having his Thursday lie-in and I'm due to have a hair cut then the heating man will be here. Hopefully we will have heating and hot water by the end of the day.

Update - 13:30 - Had a nice short hair cut and a lovely lunch of Italian sausage bolognese followed by a caramel panna-cotta. I didn't make it fresh, Mr Pix was too tied for dinner the other night after getting up earlier for college and it was sitting there in the fridge calling out to me. I think I am spoiling myself. I must do some work.

Update - 15:00 - Hello warmth, welcome back you old friend, why did you stay away so long.


And hot water straight from the taps, it's a mirracle.

Day 276 (29/09/2010)

It has got harder and harder to get up to take Mr Pix to the train station, thankfully I can have a lie in tomorrow.

I have just a nice amount of work at the moment so no massive pressure on completion dates. No doubt something will happen meaning I'm swamped with work and courses again. The money's nice but so is having a rest.

Checked the cinema listings but there are no films on at the right sort of time today. All the scary horror films on at about 7pm, whereas all the ones we want to see are either far to earlier or far too late, so I guess we are going out for a meal :-)

Update - 13:30 - Had a good day so far. Met a friend for tea and a chat. I had an almond croissant, which is neither a cake or bead but was very tasty. Passed over a spare laptop, so my office has a small amount of extra room.

Changed some light bulbs for he right ones, then unloaded three bags of childrens clothes at a charity shop.

If every week went like this we could have the house cleared in a year or two.

Update - 16:45 - Picked a nice restaurant to go to. Will pig out as had a phone call telling me I had lost out on a nice training contract to a competitor, who I don't think is anywhere near as good as me. Obviously not a fair fight, I'm just not as well connected as they are. Might have to fight dirty next time ;-)

Update - 17:45 - Heating man phoned and hopefully we will have a working boiler but this time tomorrow.

Day 275 (28/09/2010)

Busy day for lazy people like me. The cleaner is here and then the man is coming to fix the boiler (hopefully).

Dropped Kelly at the theatre and noticed that the wife's car has two bald tyres, so have dropped it off to get that done. Hoping to get rid of the car before Christmas and just get something newer that she likes as I don't think it will sail thru another MOT and can't be bothered to throw more money at it.

Update - 16:00 - The house is clean and the car now has legal tyres instead of racing slicks but the house is still cold as the man has had to order a part for the boiler and he might not get it for a few more days. Hope it doesn't get too cold.

Update - 17:45 - Loving the new albums from Tom Jones, Mark Ronson and Brandon Flowers. And such good value ;-)

Slightly jealous as a friend of mine is having the Andrex Christmas advert filmed at his house and they have tidied up his garden to film there. I wonder if I can get anyone to film something in my garden or garage?

Day 274 (27/09/2010)

Previously it was always a mad rush of a morning but now that Mr Pix gets up so early for college, it seems we have so much more time. Mind you we are all knackered in the evening. I can't wait till half term.

I enjoyed my weekend of bread, now the week is here its is time to abstain from bread.

Can't wait till the heating man gets the heating fixed, its a bit chilly at the moment. Obviously I am still in shorts and t-shirt but am now having to wear socks.

Saw this on my cousins Facebook page and thought it was funny.

I am home this week, so should have an Orange Wednesday or a nice meal out with the Mrs.

Update - 15:00 - Still cold so had some Ready Brek for lunch. Very nice but I don't have an orange glow, was the advert a lie?

Update - 20:15 - Had a very nice chicken balti pie and chips, followed by another small slice of the American Cheese Cake.

Day 272 & 273 (25 & 26/09/2010)

Bloody hell its cold. I would put the heating on but he boiler is playing up so we don't actually have any heating or hot water. Thankfully we have electric showers and a big kettle. Damn you boiler, your days are numbered. I have a man coming round to patch it up and talk about a new one.

Nice to have a few weeks at home, give me a chance to catch up on things.

Update - Sun 16:45 - Just had some sushi now can't wait, got a lovely joint of lamb slow cooking in the oven, smells lovely.

Nice American Cheese Cake with fresh strawberries for afters.

Day 271 (24/09/2010)

The meeting appeared to go well but they were interviewing four companies, so we will hear next week if we won the contract.

Then had a 240 miles drive home, so knackered again but liking the new car.

Have a few things reports to do which I will try and do this weekend.

Day 270 (23/09/2010)

The course is nearly finished, just given them some work to do, so thought I would do this in case I don't get a chance later.

Not looking forward to my 4hr drive up north. I should have checked my lottery tickets earlier, I might not have to work anymore and will be kicking myself if I drive all the way up there only find out I'm secretly a millionaire (chance would be a fine thing).

Update - 23:45 - Well I managed to got up north by 8pm and luckily it was curry night at the hotel.

Nothing on the telly, wish I had brought some dvd's now.

Day 269 (22/09/2010)

I'm knackered, I hate getting up early.

Tomorrow as soon as the course finishes I have a horrible 4 hour drive way up north, then have to prepare for an important meeting, a few hours kip, then the important meeting.

No Orange Wednesday this week then

Day 268 (21/09/2010)

First day of the latest course and it went very well. Bit of a pain that next weeks course has been cancelled, hopefully it will be rescheduled soon.

Drove my new car there and back and am already in love with the bluetooth, played my music and made a hands free call. Now I must work out how it can check twitter as well.

Day 267 (20/09/2010)

Busy day today, will pick up my new car later and tonight we are seeing the first night of Armstrong & Miller tour, in the local theatre. Strange place to start a tour, not a theatre, I mean Taunton. Hopefully I wont nod off during the show.

update - 17:45 - Gave the my car a fancy wash, with 3 coloured soaps.


Picked up my new car,


then gave Kelly my old car.

The wife did the ribbon I wouldn't have bothered.

Got home and received a call from someone I met a few years ago who now works for a posh car company and asked me to do some things for them. Hopefully I might get a few nice corporate jollies out of this.

Now off to the theatre, hopefully I will stay awake.

Update - 23:00 - Wow Wow Wow OMFG Wow, just got back from seeing the first night of the Armstrong & Miller Tour. It was like one of their shows with all the characters and usual sketches. It was unbelievable. If you get a chance you must go and see it

Day 265 & 266 (18 &19/09/2010)

Friday night telly is great, QI, New Tricks, The Rob Brydon Show, 8 out of 10 cats and Later with Jools Holland.

But why is there hardly anything else on for the rest of the week. The brilliant Would I Lie To You has just finished as has Who Do You Think You Are.

It was another fantastic series, with the scene where Alan Cumming found out about the death of his grandfather being very powerful, shocking and painful. I did feel for him as it was quite unexpected.

I like him, he is a great actor and if you haven't seen The Good Wife on Channel 4 then you must watch it.

Mind you I tend to watch most of it on my computer.

Now work and laminates.

Update - Sat 12:30 - A small success, managed to get rid of recycling and some cardboard boxes, despite the fact that "we might need the boxes" which we wont!



Update - Sun 12:00 - 286 laminates finished. From printing & cutting, to laminating, then cutting the laminates and finally counting them out in to the packs for the course;




Now time for breakfast then popping out to get something nice for dinner.

Day 264 (17/09/2010)

Have one job left to do then I can update the course for next week and do the laminates. I might get the weekend off.

Update - 16:30 - Today could have been a really S**T day work wise but thankfully a meeting went OK and although delayed good things might happen at the start of the year.

Have a face to face meeting next Friday about something else which could go either way, hopefully it will go the right way and I will have a guaranteed number of courses booked for next year.

Anyway there are always things that need doing.

Day 263 (16/09/2010)

Well we had a nice night out last night at The Cosy Club. We both went for the Duck and very nice it was to.


Then the Knickerbocker Glory, very nice.


Saw this on Twitter and had to include it.


Don't forget its not nice to call an old man names but if he is a Nazi and is a friend to paedophiles, then shouting the truth at him is the least you should do.

This a very funny song by Tim Minchin. You have to sign in to view it as someone says its to offensive for under 18's. But is there an age restriction on who the Pope can meet, as there should be.

Update - 12:00 - Why is it when my friends tell me about a great opportunity to work in a recent war zone that they are always surprised that I'm not that keen. OK I agree that the money is good and it looks good on a CV to say that you worked there but it is the war zone part that makes me think that perhaps I shouldn't be there.

Thankfully I don't need the money at the moment, so I will stay in the UK or any nice countries where they have proper toilets, speak some form of English and there has not recently been any war.

Day 262 (15/09/2010)

The sun is out so Mr Pix is wearing a coat today.

After a couple of admin days must get some work done and will try for an Orange Wednesday later.

Update - 18:30 - There seems to be lots of horror films on that the moment. Going out for a meal with the wife instead.

Day 261 (14/09/2010)

Bought a new car.


I really didn't want a red car, well actually its Moroccan Red but I was able to get a very good deal. I went for an easy to remember number plate. You will have to wait to see what it is but it made me laugh.

Now to arrange Kelly's insurance and let her have my old car.

These kids cost a fortune. I am going to have to put my prices up to cover the cost of giving her the car. Better tell Thomas that she has just borrowed it.

A few pictures from Sunday night curtesy of Mr Pix, who thought it funny to take the picture of me and the lovely Elise Rayner but cut out my wife. Luckily they both laughed.


I should explain that I am not her stalker, I was there first and then she turned up. I don't think that counts as an actual date but its a close as I am going to get.





Just realised photographs now medium but should be small.

Day 260 (13/09/2010)

The Art Exhibition was fun.




Got a few things to do today as might buy a new car tomorrow and I have a meeting at lunchtime.

Update - 20:30 - Been busy all day doing things but haven't actually done any paid work.

The other week I tidied up the garden and within no time even more apples have fallen from my neighbours tree again.


My kitchen waste bin is now heavier than ever. It was hardly worth putting them in the garden waste.


Just realised that all of today's photos have been done as large instead of medium. I thought it was a combination of my glasses and the new large monitor.

Day 258 & 259 (11 & 12 /09/2010)

Sad anniversary, world changed, as they said it would.

We went from a country that (on the surface) abides to international law to one that invades countries, takes part in torture and put an end to many long held civil rights.

A moments thought.

Oh well, now thinking of breakfast. Have decided to give up bread. Well only during the week and unless it has the term garlic or naan in front of it.

Update - Sun 08:30 - Watched The History Boys on the iPlayer yesterday. I had seen bits before but it was the first time I watched it all. Very sad, funny and thoughtful.

Had a nice Chinese takeaway last night but might have overdone the wine. Looking forward to Gary & Elaine's show later.

Day 257 (10/09/2010)

Home catching up on stuff. Installed lots on new software on my computers which I quite like.

Looking forward to being home for a week.

Should be a nice weekend as on Sunday we are going to an Art Exhibition in Bristol, where a couple of new modern artists are displaying their work. Might buy something for the office.

I must tidy up my office as I have loads of stuff I don't need. I have at least two laptops that can go and about 100 cables that are no longer needed. Plus I must set up my old monitor in Thomas's room.

Update - 15:00 - Am I becoming famous or just a friend of the stars;


No your right, I am still a nobody.

Day 256 (09/09/2010)

Well what a hot old day, in a class room full of computers and students, the sun beating down, with sealed windows and no air -conditioning. I felt like an extra from Tenko.

Long drive home with massive traffic queues.

Now time to sit down with a cup of tea and no cake :-(

Day 255 (08/09/2010)

Course finished, went OK but was a bit rushed at the end as we had a few delays. I have to stay up north for another day to sort out a few software things but should be back home tomorrow night.

Might have a mixed grill :-)

Update - 20:45 - Went for the Steak & Chips.


In case you were wondering, they don't really do curry at the place I'm staying at.

Only had 1 pint but feel ready for bed already but have work to do.

I am now up to 4 replies from celebrities on Twitter and just can't ween myself off of it. Thankfully I can always say its work related.

Day 254 (07/09/2010)

Drove up north last night, over 200 miles of heavy rain where you could neither see the other cars on the road or the road. It was so bad at some points I was actually doing 70mph.

First day of the course went well after a few teething troubles with the new laptops.

Looking forward to fish and chips in the next few hours.

Update - 21:00 - Had lovely Fish & Chips, Bread & Butter and a couple of pints of larger shandy.


Now stuffed and slightly tipsy, ideal time to start work NOT.

Day 253 (06/09/2010)

Thomas first full day at college.


Nice and early to the train station.


All set for the course tomorrow but doing an extra day for which I have to create some more social network accounts and stuff.

Nearly up to date with all of my work.

Day 251 & 252 (04 & 05/09/2010)

I can't believe how quickly all this work has piled up and I have three courses and a presentation to do in the next four weeks.

Busy times for me, the printer and my new laminator.

On the bright side I did fill out the insurance forms and send Thomas's camera away for fixing. True I didn't fill out the insurance forms for Thomas's camera as I hadn't read the small print all those weeks ago but his camera is now getting fixed.

The Pakistan cricket team has been staying in town this week so we have had a lot of press here for a change.


Saw the ITN satellite truck parked up, not as you would expect at the cricket ground or in the car park next to the ground but at the other end of town in a car park next to a pub.

Update - Sat 18:45 - Honestly I am working really hard and have done loads of reports today but I thought I must add that I think Grandma House is absolutely brilliant.

I hope they do more but quite a few people have slagged it off.

There has been some great telly on lately, Sherlock, Vexed, Would I Lie To You. No doubt in a few weeks all the good stuff would have finished and it will be time to clear the sky+.

Update - Sun 19:45 - What a relief, I had enough laminates already done for this weeks course. Just got loads of printing to do.

Looking forward to a Rhubarb Crumble that's warming up in the oven.

Day 250 (03/09/2010)

The sun is out
The Sky is blue
I've got lots of work to do
So I can't blog to you

Day 249 (02/09/2010)

Presentation went OK and then had an interesting meeting over a curry at lunch time.

Nightmare drive back, loads of hold ups and accidents. Stopped for an ice-cream as the sun was beating down.

Now to catch up on work.

Day 248 (01/09/2010)

Well Rhod Gilbert was great last night.

When we first got to the the theatre we were shown to the wrong place and had great seats but then realized we should have been upstairs and had to move. So we were quite a bit further back and did not have quite as much leg room. Oh well, how the other half live.

Nice drive there in my parents new car. I say nice drive but I am now more gray and feel lucky to get back in one piece. I will drive next time and every other time.

I can not wait until I can say I am never driving again, as Dirty Harry says "A man's got to know his limitations".

Have stuff to do today before driving up to Preston later, so I can give a talk tomorrow.

Update - 22:45- Well a nice easy 3hr drive up north. Now sat here with a cut of green tea with lemon and a Stewart Lee dvd on the laptop.


Good times.