Day 116 (22/04/10)

These computers are crap.


Hopefully they will have some new computers before I come back in August.

I did buy a few more things at lunch which I managed to bring home.


It was nice to catch up with a few people I hadn't seen for a while but I couldn't work in that environment all the time. It made me feel uneasy just being there. I managed to hide it well with my normal confident and friendly manner but I would rather just sit in my own office.

Any way another course done and now back to clear the stuff in the office.

Day 115 (21/04/10)

Well another day of slow crap computers.

I treated myself at lunch and got a few things to munch on for the drive home. Will still have about £40 left for lunch tomorrow so I may have to take a bag in with me and buy some extra stuff.

This is the view as I left the venue. Funny I remember the place being built, I now feel even older.


I keep bumping into people who think they haven't seen me for a while. I have to explain that I left 12 years ago and am just back for a few days. There are some good people here but things within the organisation do not look good. Some things never change. Glad I left and am only back for a few days.

Now to catch up on the work that has come in whilst I have been dong the course.

Day 114 (20/04/10)

Well I spent a day training at a place I used to work at.

Firstly it felt funny being back at a place I left 12 years ago, where I had some really good times but some really bad times. If nothing else when I saw people who I had known years ago and got told about other I had known, I realized how bloody old I am now. 12 years is a long time.

Anyway the computers were the oldest slowest bits of crap I have ever worked with.

I got a swipe card for lunch and was just told to be sensible. I got someone to check to see how much was on there and they have given me £50 for 3 days; however I only found this out after I had bought lunch, which was a cheap sandwich, crisp and drink. I think I might have to use all £50 on it just for a laugh. I could buy all their chocolate.

Day 113 (19/04/10)

What a glorious sunny day.

Still doing stuff for the course this week. Hope they appreciate the extra work I have put in. I doubt it.

When my wife went to work this morning her car, a Renault Scenic, sounded like an old London Taxi. I'm not a qualified mechanic but it sounds like something is wrong with it, she really should get it seen to. However I dare say she will tell me when it breaks down.

We had planned to go to New York on holiday this year but have just worked out the time that my wife has taken off from work for the holiday actually coincides with things that the kids have booked. Thomas has his School Prom & Kelly has her Film Night, where her course work is shown at a local cinema, along with other people on her course. Below is a photo from last years event, which wasn't fancy dress but Kelly and her friend decided to dress up.


So yet another year of disrupted family holidays due to the bloody kids. Saying that I will miss them when they don't want to go on holiday with us, but it will be nice to go at a cheaper time of year.

Thomas has now finished all of his photography course work. Well done mate. On the minus side he has printed out so much that my printer cartridges are already running low. This photography is costing me a fortune.

I have found a cheaper place to buy my cartridges which should save about £50 on a full set but when he prints out a few A4 photos full of colour or even lots of black for the moody black and white shots, I am tempted to just charge him a few quid.

Update - 10:00 - Just heard about the course I'm about to do. Most annoying. I billed and have been paid and have printed out stuff for 10 people to attend the course and they have decided to stick 11 people on it at the last minute.

As a punishment I am not not going to supply any sweets, let them starve.

Also contacted someone whose website service I recommend on my course, to ask if it was all right if I used a few slides from one of his presentations (which is online but password protected) but he doesn't want me to use his material.

I'm doing him a favour in recommending his website. I only talk about it for 10 minutes on a two day course and he charges people a lot of money to have an account on his website that I am recommending to people.

Sometimes you can see why in America stressed out people turn up at work with a gun and waste a few people who they hate. Really instead of saying how bad things are in America we should admire their restrain. If we had unrestricted gun ownership in the UK we would halve the population in a week.

Whilst typing this rant I have been phoned again and told it is now 12 people on the course and that means I now have to do more bloody laminates as I had only done enough for the course.

Have told them I will put up with 12 on the course this time but no more and that now I want a free lunch everyday (I actually said something much ruder but better not say that here).

Day 111 & 112 (17 & 18/04/10)

The weekend is here the sun is out and I'm sat at my desk. I must get next weeks course done or there will be an embarrassing silence on the third day.

BTW I must cut the grass this weekend as I have not cut it this year.

Update - 20:30 - OK I didn't cut the grass I spent the weekend doing work stuff, but to be fair I watched a lot of Car Pool episodes on iTunes and have had a lovely dinner, not just any dinner but an M&S dinner. We had Muscles for starters, Paella for main and some apple-pie stuff for afters. Very nice as was the bottle of wine that I seem to have had far more than half of.

Now I must do some work before the course starts or its the Buckaroo on Wednesday.

Day 110 (16/04/10)

Got a few things to do but have to prepare for course next week.

Wouldn't normally be a problem but they have booked me for three days not the usual two, so I either speak a third slower than normal or think of some extra things to teach them.

Must go on-line and look for something fun to tell them about.

Update - 16:20 - Currently taken by Robert Llewellyn, him from Scrapyard Challenge & Red Dwarf(www.llew.co.uk) who does "Car Pool" on iTunes, where he interviews people whilst he drives them around, usually taking them shopping. Very good and very relaxed interviews, where you see people probably being themselves a bit more.

Must stop watching them and get some work done.

Day 109 (15/04/10)

Back in the office and busy.

I had an unexpected email from an old friend today who I haven't spoken to for ages.

I am crap at being friends as I never keep in touch with close family and friends. If it wasn't for the computer I could be one of those people that dies and its not discovered for several years.

It is possible that Kelly would conceal my death as it would mean she got full time use of my car; however she would soon discover that the diesel fairy doesn't re-fuel the car when your sleeping.

Anyway it was nice to hear from my friend and I have now sent him a long rambling email of what I have been doing for the last few years. Strangely as well as being one of my closest friends he was also my boss. I never really got on with any of my bosses and it would be fair to say that I hated most of them.

During the 5+ years that Paul was my boss there were a number of times that perhaps I did things that weren't quite right (OK there were loads but whose counting) but he is such a good leader of men (and women) that he always gave me constructive advice that told me what I should do. I have nothing but total respect and love (not in a Brokeback Mountain way) for this man.

I did tell him about this blog so he might read this later and he will know that it is true (especially the bit about me hating all my other bosses and that I did plenty of things wrong).

Day 108 (14/04/10)

Well another day in the classroom.

Honestly there were people in there earlier. They seemed to enjoy the course.

Nice long drive home. Stopped off at a services for healthy dinner of a BLT sandwich, worcestershire sauce flavoured crisps, a diet coke and a snickers bar.

Got home at about 9.30pm and had to do my blog clear me emails and time to relax.

Day 107 (13/04/10)

Well the training went OK, but I got talked into visiting a local Indian Restaurant. Well to be fair I obviously didn't need too much convincing but was a bit disappointed.


Although it had a lovely selection on the pickle tray the rest was a bit average.

More large northern Naan's.



I think I might have been spoilt lately by some really lovely curry's.

A few bits of work to do then settle down in front of the telly, Jools Holland is back on but the reception for BBC2 is crap in the hotel.

Day 106 (12/04/10)

Up north, via Bolton for a meeting. Now in my cheap and crap hotel room.

I have already booked the hotel room for my next couple of courses, so the next time I book some hotel rooms I must book something a bit nicer.

I have got my roll-out keyboard, I think it will take a bit of getting used to,but more comfortable than using the netbook.

Update - 21:00 - Thought I would have a change from curry, so went for the burger &chips.

Day 104 & 105 (10 & 11/04/10)

Up north again next week, so I have to do all the preparation for the course. Plus the following week I am doing a course down south but have to make a few alterations for the client. What a pain.

BTW I have now changed all the printer cartridges in my lovely printer. I should have enough ink for the next few weeks but always like to have spares in just in case. This is going to cost me a small fortune.

Update - Sat 16:00 - Got replacement cartridges for my printer.


£177 - I think you pay at least half of that for the packaging. Thank god (he doesn't exist) they last a lot longer than the cheaper ones.

Just done another couple of hundred laminates for the course, very hot and annoying.

Now to finish the course stuff and I might have a relaxing evening as everyone else is out.

Update - Sun 17:45 - Thomas really can't do anything wrong in the eyes of my parents. We went round there today for breakfast, as we do most Sundays, and they never mentioned his haircut once. I still get told off if I have anything strange done to my hair, which I haven't for over 10yrs.

Anyway a few things to get done today as up north first thing tomorrow.

Day 103 (09/04/10)

Kelly has told me that she needs my car today but I need to go into town and then go and get my haircut, so I have to take my wife to work in her car and then use her car and then pick her up from work.

If I had a dog I would now be barking myself to save it the bother.

Listening to Malcolm McLaren this morning, very sad that he has died. Unique and timeless music.

Update - 17:30 - Thomas's new haircut.


OK it does look like he has had surgery on the side of his head and everyone he walks past laughs at him but he is happy.

Day 102 (08/04/10)

Well had great time last night getting together with some close family for a curry and a chat.






Not great photo's as they were taken on my phone but you get the idea, we had loads of food and a nice relaxing time.

This morning has been hectic. I had to watch the final of Masterchef before going online and seeing the result, then decided to watch the new Dr Who, (Yes I'm that sad and geeky).

So now I can start working.

BTW already bored of all the election stuff on the telly. Seeing as all politicians are the same, why don't we just have a Harry Hill style "fight" to decide who gets to be PM.

Update - 18:00 - OMG Thomas has just come back from having his haircut. A slightly more extreme version of his previous cut. What will my parents and his headmaster say. Will try and get a photo later.

Day 101 (07/04/10)

Well more things to do but best off all we are off to Bristol this evening to see my mad artist brother, his lovely partner / wife (its hard to be politically correct, but she should be sainted for putting up with him anyway) and my cousin Laura and her husband Gareth and we are all going out for a curry.

Well a night at a fantastic Indian Restaurant with some people I love and enjoy being with.

I think tomorrows entry might have a few photo's in it.

As long as I don't get any more work in this week I should get on top of all of that as well.

Day 100 (06/04/10)

Well a hundred days since I started my blog, so I should recap on my attempt to change my life is going;

loose wright / get fit - well I was really enjoying my cycling, even on cold days and had got to the stage where I was doing two circuits but I have been so busy that I have not seen my bike for around 6 weeks. I miss my gloves. Must try harder.

tidy the house and throw out the crap - well we have gone thru one or two boxes of stuff but it would be fair to say that during that time we have accumulated more crap. Must try harder.

write the stories in my head - well I was really enjoying the course but have had to miss half of it due to being away working. I will start writing anyway. Must try harder.

work life balance - well I have been so busy for the last few months my work life balance is once again completely wrong but you can't turn work down as the money is quite useful. I have another cunning plan to get someone to pay me lots to do less but I need a few things to work out which means I need to work hard for a little while longer. Even if I won the lottery I would end up working a bit as I would only get bored and doing what I do can be fun. I suppose the only good thing is that my wife and I go out on Orange Wednesdays, which has been nice. Must try harder.

So it would be true to say that nothing has quite worked out as I aimed as I am working too much which is getting in the way of doing what I want to do. Its a good job that driving less wasn't also part of my plan.

The only good thing is the company accounts have a few quid in them, now what do I need.

I have enjoyed my daily blog and will see how the next 100 days go.

Update - 12:00 - So the election has been called, so nothing but politicians on the telly for the next month telling us how they would do things. They are all the same, lying scum and I hate them all. I don't think that's too harsh, after all I hate loads of people but politicians are near the top of my list. I will vote but have no intention of listening to any of them.

I wonder which good songs they are going to ruin for a generation by adopting as their themes. I can't listen to D-Reams "things can only get better" as it was hi-jacked by the far-right, sorry new labour. Why don't they just pick something by Wagner and stop the pretence.

I hate politicans more than I hate driving and I really hate driving.

Still look on the bright side, Eugene Terreblanche is dead. Now that's what I call start. However if they are getting rid of awful political tyrants, why not do it alphabetically and start with Blair.

Probably won't get that government job now, oh well.

Day 99 (05/04/10)

Well yesterday I did my one report and then cooked a nice Sunday dinner for us and our friend Kim, who despite being told that she didn't have to bring anything brought with her;

home made lemon drizzle cake (very nice)
a couple bottles of wine (they will be drunk)
some flowers
lots of easter eggs (they have all been stated now)
and finally her annual easter competition, which was about 30 questions, most of which I wrote funny answers to and so lost. Some how my wife won, but took about half an hour to complete.

Anyway dinner was a nice retro prawn cocktail followed by a full Sunday roast, with a choice of beef or chicken (and chicken-less-chicken vegi option for Kelly), followed by individual cheese cakes. I cheated and bought the cheese cakes.

It was nice to have a proper Sunday roast again as for the last few weeks I have had to drive to work after dinner so had to have something quick and no wine.

I am not keen on religion (at all) but at least a few of them understand the fact that Sunday is a day where bread (which should be with dipping oil & balsamic) and a nice bottle of wine (white and dry, none of this cheap red stuff) is how people should celebrate a lazy family day.

So Monday now, will do one report then might go out and buy a freeview box with a recordable hard drive for the bedroom. The sky+ is full again only a month after I had to wipe the lot. It seems a metaphor for our house, its full of crap that nobody actually wants but we are not allowed to get rid of.

Day 97 & 98 (03 & 04/04/10)

Weekend here again and lots to do. Thomas has his girlfriend over today and Kelly is having her friends round tonight. We decided it was best to go out later, back to the Globe in Milverton, might have the slow cooked pork tonight.

Before then have to change the shower hose in the ensuite and do the taps in the Kitchen, so my dad is coming round to help (hopefully).

When I was out getting the taps popped into a few computer shops and bought some cool things for my netbook to use when I'm away. Some nice little speakers and a roll up keyboard. Hopefully the new keyboard will be more comfortable than using the one on the actual netbook. Failing that I might have wasted money on gadgets (again).



Update - Sun 10:00 - Went to the Globe last night (see the 31/01/10) had the muscles for starters, WOW (I had already eaten two before taking the photograph).


I had the pork for the main whilst the wife went for the guinea fowl, again very nice.


And the sticky toffee pudding was so light (unlike me).

Day 96 (02/04/10)

I had arranged to go out for as a family for a curry night at a local pub which we like, but we got stood up by Thomas.

I remembers those days when you first start going out with someone and want to spend all of your time with your new girlfriend. He's over at her house all the time and we have not actually met here.

He is either really private or just embarrassed by one of his parents. I think that's a bit off as my wife isn't that bad.

Anyway we are all off for a few days and will do a few things around the house. Well I have arranged for my dad to come over and change a broken tap.

I am aiming to just do one report a day to get on top of things, so not a complete rest.

Day 95 (01/04/10)

Richard Herring was really funny last night and what a nice guy.


If you are confused by his Hitler Mustache, thats the theme of his show.

A new month with loads to do, looking forward to a few days off.

I must book our holiday. I've been saying that for over a month now, I must get it booked or it will be Tenerife again.

Anyway work to do.

Update - 16:45 - Still not done any paid work but sent out all of my invoices for last month and did some bits and pieces. Got asked to do some more training in Bournemouth which is a lot nearer than York.

Might all go out for a curry tonight and will take my wife out on Saturday for our belated Orange Wednesday.

Day 94 (31/03/10)

Well that was a long and rainy journey home. York is a lovely place but it's just so far away.

Now back in the office and to do the work that has come in whilst I was away. I always aim to do some work whilst I'm away but just never feel like it.

It's Orange Wednesday but I'm seeing Richard Herring (www.richardherring.com) at the Brewhouse tonight. I have seen this show before but Kelly got me a ticket for Christmas. Not the sort of show my wife would like so I am going alone and may go out for a meal tomorrow night.

Now to work.

Day 93 (30/03/10)

Just parked in a long stay car park in York. Either it's really expensive or I just bought a plot of land the size of a car.

York and Bristol are obviously twinned (by car parking charges).

Day 92 (29/03/10)

I hate driving (I think I might have mentioned that before) so a nice 4 1/2 hr drive up to York was really nice on a Sunday evening. I arrived in a crapy Travelodge (why do I book this cheap crap) with a bad headache and went to bed.

It seems for some reason I booked a twin room and not a double. The quilt is so small it barely covers me.

Had a nice long walk to the University after I got given shit directions from the receptionist in the Travelodge. Got there in time but knackered.


Venue and delegates OK but a pain not having a bottle of water in the room (quite strict on Health & Safety).

Left the University to walk back to the Travelodge and thought I would try to find my own route back without the aide of a map, directions or knowledge. After about an hour of walking round in circles I got a cab who took me the Travelodge. Still York is very nice.


I would come back with my wife for a nice relaxing weekend if it was 4hrs nearer.

There are loads of nice restaurants here but settled on the Karachi Restaurant. My god what a meal but the size of the Naan Bread.


I tried my best but felt like a failure.


I wish I was here for a few more night but driving back tomorrow.

Just heard that Claudia Winkleman is the new presenter of Film 2010. I like Claudia Winkleman as much as the next hetrosexual man and would love to see here do a programme about hot tubs and lingerie but Film 2010. There are loads of people who already review films within the BBC and who should have been given a chance on a bigger stage.

Day 90 & 91 (27 & 28/03/10)

Well had poached eggs on muffins, very nice, getting quite good at them.

Got to update my course material and do three reports today as I have to drive for about 4 hours up north on Sunday, as the course starts on Monday morning.

Once again I am missing my Sunday dinner and bottle on wine. The things you do for money.

Day 89 (26/03/10)

I love my printer and was telling my family how good it is and that I hadn't needed to change a cartridge yet, despite printing loads for the courses and loads of Thomas's photographs for his course, then my black ran out.

I don't mind, I reckon it lasts at least three times longer than my old printer cartridges and probably only costs twice as much, so I'm.................. ......... ......... ............ ............. I don't know, I'm not Carol Vorderman

Update - 17:15 - I have decided I have a sex obsessed computer, not that it was taking me to a porn site on the internet but I was writing a report, where the subject was from Bearsted in Maidstone.

What a choice I had from the spell checker, but none of them were appropriate.

Day 88 (25/03/10)

Well Orange Wednesday yesterday and not a great choice, so we saw "The Bounty Hunter" with Jennifer Aniston (in 1D). Has her whole career been her playing herself. Surely it must be wrong to call yourself an actor if you can only play yourself.

Saying that it was quite fun and broke up the evening.

Now work, too much to do to be on my bike this week.

Day 87 (24/03/10)

Whilst on my recent long drives I have noticed there are loads of white coloured Fiat 500's.


But is it just me or do these cars actually look like Star Wars Storm troopers?



OK but pretty close I'm sure you'll agree.

Is this some fascist plan by an Italian company or could it be like a plot from Dr Who, where the aliens are slowly invading, disguised as friendly cars.

I can't decide but I'm not getting in one of these cars just in case (Obviously I currently wouldn't fit in one of these cars, but if I did I wouldn't get in one)

Now back to work, though some of you probably think after reading this that I need a rest.

Day 86 (23/03/10)

Just (21:45) got back after a day away and a long drive back home. Interesting time and plenty to think about.

Will write more tomorrow after a sit down and a cup of tea.

Day 85 (22/03/10)

Getting ready this morning I realised that the shower has been replaced by a unit that tests police water-cannon.

Managed to get some breakfast and spoke with reception who lost the email for my room. Apparently my group do qualify for kettles but some of the other groups do not. As I was put in the only free room there was no kettle in it, but now I have one.


The class rooms are bit more organised than I am used to but it was not overwhelming.


Had a nice lunch, went for the salad rather than a curry, but if its on the menu later I will be having the curry.

Day 83 & 84 (20 & 21/03/10)

The weekend is here and a few work thins to do, but will try to relax for a few hours.

Watched Sports Relief and am really impressed by Eddie Izzard and had followed him on Twitter whilst he was on his Marathons. I donated to him at the time but think he deserves more. He did much more than the celebrities who cycled a bit along the country.

Please Donate @ https://www.sportrelief.com/whats-on/challenges/eddie/donate

Update - Sun 23:30 - Got invited to a government training place for a few days, to see if we could help each other out. Arrived after a pig of a journey only to find that they had no record of a room booked for me, but they let me in anyway.


Nice room but no kettle and only the 5 channels on the telly. Not that good then.

Day 82 (19/03/10)

In London for the day.

In my car I, like most people, have a spare wheel just in case of emergencies, then I past this guy, what sort of emergency was he expecting;


I don't think that Londoners understand that we only need to have practical little fuel efficient cars. I mean a 4x4 is one thing but this is crazy;


Noticed this sign outside New Scotland Yard, very funny;



I had an hour to kill in London so I took some photo's of some touristy things which I have put on Facebook.

Day 81 (18/03/10)

My wife woke me up at 8.30 this morning by saying "I thought you were up" which I clearly wasn't, I was still asleep.

Within 5 minutes I was ready and was giving Thomas money for lunch. He has pocket money that includes an allowance for school dinners but he never has any change, so always gets more money every morning. Even when the schools are on holiday he still gets the same pocket money, with the added bit for school dinners. It's like an episode of Hustle. If it wasn't for the fact that its me that's being mugged I would feel proud at the way he is able to get round people with his nice manner. He should have been royalty, he never pays for anything.

My wife is taking Kelly to a college open day in Salisbury and was leaving at nearly the same time. She said something about not having money for lunch and asked me if I had any. I only had £15 in my wallet which I handed over.

So in 5 minutes I had gone from nicely asleep under a warm quilt to having been mugged twice by my own family.

This is why there should be a married mans tax allowance, so I would actually have something for myself. They should call it the "poor sod allowance" as I am sure those unmarried folks without kids, who in my mind are out having fun, just look at us and go "poor sod".

They could give it out in vouchers, that can only be spent by middle-aged men who looked like their best years are behind them and that are just abused as taxi drivers and cash machines. We know that look. I see that look whenever I look in the mirror.

And that finishes "Thought For The Day" now work.

Update - 16:30 - I can't believe I have worked non stop all day but have not actually done any work that has earnt any money yet. I have booked all my hotel rooms for my courses, sent out loads of emails and some quotes and done other things and now its 4.30pm and I haven't actually earnt any money yet.

Hopefully I will get at least two reports done now as I am in London tomorrow.

Day 80 (17/03/10)

I think the local farmers have started muck spreading, it stinks out there today. The joys of the countryside.

Getting on top of work, have a least of about 19 things that need doing and 5 reports to complete.

Postman delivered the wrong mail again yesterday, idiot.

Today I delivered the mail to the other house and spoke with them. Apparently the young idiot postman got the job as his dad works in the sorting office. So presumably that's two family members that can't read.

I wonder if the post office have signed up for gift aid as a tax benefit as surely employing these two idiots is an act of charity.

Update - 13:45 - Been to the cinema and got Kelly 4 tickets for her and her friends to see Alice In Wonderland in 3D. Nothing on we want to see so I guess I am taking the wife out for a meal tonight. Now should it be Subway or KFC as I like the choice of fillings at Subway but I like the Chicken selection at KFC, there's only one way decide,...........Fight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update - 22:00 - Well we went to the Worlds End, a pub that does nice food, plus we had a voucher for a free bottle of wine.

I went for the Steak


The wife went for the fish pie.


All very nice.

Lots of press about the "Legal High" drugs that may have contributed to two deaths. The deaths are very sad as are the deaths of anyone; however these kids had been drinking and taking a mixture of drugs, so the alcohol may have contributed to the deaths but no-one is calling on the government to ban alcohol.

Grow up everyone, making things illegal doesn't work, think about prohibition in America. Regulate the industry, so you know what is in your product, plus you can charge tax, just like with alcohol and cigarettes, which are the two biggest killers.

Anyway time to get off my soap box and have a cup of tea.

Day 79 (16/03/10)

Well the very large reports are done, now I just have 7 normal sized reports to do then I am up to date, as long as I don't get anything else in this week, as I have to be out of the office for most of it.

Missing my bike, think I might have to start off on short rides again and build myself up to the big hills and second lap.

College later.

Update - 22:30 - How nice it was to get away from my desk and my computer and get to college and relax.


OK so it's a different desk and a different computer. Just because its a writing course I don't see why I should actually write with a pen.

I had a chat to my brother on the way and he had planted the idea of a battered sausage and chips for dinner. Well it was a lovely idea and an even better meal. Not one I would recommend every week but a nice tasty treat for the arteries.

Have found a few old friends on facebook lately, nice to see they are well, but it does make you realise how the years pass without you keeping in touch with friends you were once very very close to.

Orange Wednesday tomorrow. Have to check out what is on at the cinema or might go out for dinner.

I still have lots on and have just agreed to go somewhere for three days next week to try something out. Might be work in the long run or might just be useful but I could do without giving my time up, especially for free, I'm definitely a crap businessman.

Day 78 (15/03/10)

Must get three large reports done today, clients waiting.

Update - 20:30 - Finally finished an large job for a client. 9 long reports, which they then decided they wanted put into one very large report, so I had to go thru it and change all the page numbers and find away to send them a file that was far too large to email.

Now I can get on with the other stuff that is overdue as well.

Day 76 & 77 (13 & 14/03/10)

The weekend is here but no days off as I have about 12 reports that need doing so I can get my work up to date.

But first breakfast and I feel another poached egg session coming on, especially as Sam had given me some of her eggs (well not hers, that would be IVF but I can't remember the chickens name).


I still haven't bought any special equipment so still following Jamie's advice with the saucepan (I'm not a Nigella man).


Then on to some nice crumpets.


Dropped Kelly off at work and had to get my wife some stuff for Mothers Day. She had got my mum something but hadn't bought anything for her self, how thoughtless. Luckily Tescos does everything and you can park.


I know a Rhoid Gilbert comedy dvd doesn't seem like an ideal Mothers Day gift but she bought me Slum Dog Millionaire for Fathers Day so I'm just getting my own back.

Anyway Thomas has just heard back from a local exhibition that he entered that three of his photographs have been selected and are now on public display. I fell a visit to see them, followed by a curry to congratulate him.

Update - Sat 23:00 - Went with Thomas to see the exhibition, very pleased for him, having 3 out of the 10 photographs chosen.


Nearly got 3 reports done today, wish I had done more but its a start. Must get at least another two done tomorrow.

Update - Sun 19:30 - Made a nice dinner for mothers day. Starters were baked halloumi with figs on a rocket salad with balsamic vinegar, which was inspired by our visit to the Globe in Milverton. Very nice.


Then we had pan fried herring (fillets) for the main course. I also did a lemon & dill sauce (well that was out of a packet).


Thomas had a tuna steak and Kelly had something vegi in a filo pastry.

Not got much work done, possibly due to the bottle of bucks fizz and then rose cava that we had with dinner.

Day 75 (12/03/10)

Well the meeting about work was OK but I'm a crap businessman and gave in on price for a chance to get my foot in the door. Hopefully in the long run it will pay off.

Whilst there bumped into a couple of people I hadn't seen for a few years so it was nice to catch up. Plus got talking and might be doing some stuff for one of them. Again no money yet but might pay off eventually. I really should get myself registered as a charity.

Dave Gorman was very funny and very different to the other comedian I have seen recently.

So today, lots of work that has to be done (as always) plus I have a haircut booked, which I can't wait for.

Update - 14:45 - Had a hair cut and now feel so much better.


The sign for the hairdressers in bigger than the sign for the pet shop but you do have to go through the pet shop to get to the hairdressers.

Got tickets today for Jason Mansford, not until October but looking forward to it. Taking my wife this time so she can't complain.

Day 74 (11/03/10)

Saw Alice In Wonderland in 3D last night on our Orange Wednesday night out.

Firstly I didn't realise that tickets to see a 3D film would be £2 more than for a normal film. Saying that it was worth it and fun seeing it in 3D but I think its a film which would be as good in a normal screen. Anyway well worth seeing.

So today the big news is that the rest of the country has been added to Google street view.

Unfortunately this was taken last summer when I was doing the fence at the back of the house and the old fence was just thrown on the drive waiting to be taken to the tip. Plus the hedge is looking a bit unhealthy.

I was filmed by the camera car at 9.20am on the 7th of August 2009 as I drove past the bingo hall in Taunton, but having checked this on street view they have film going the other way up the street so I have been left on the editing room floor like some unwanted bit-part actor.

Anyway busy day today, like they all are lately. Work to do then shower and clean up for a meeting about doing some work down south as opposed to up north, then driving over to Cardiff for a pizza and to see Dave Gorman. I hope he's funny. But if he is really funny then my wife will only complain that I didn't get her a ticket and took a friend instead (long story don't ask).

Day 73 (10/03/10)

I have been so busy I haven't had a haircut for ages and my hair is starting to need a brush, which is just far to long, so booked in to have it cut on Friday.

It's a very classy place, well actually its not, its part of a pet shop. I only go there because it's easy to park, that and they clip your nails an give you a new collar.

Now work.

Day 72 (09/03/10)

Work, work, work, work, then work. Oh for those days when I could go out on my bike, play a game of chess and watch the i-player (not all at the same time) then just work of an evening.

I do have a few fun things this week. We (me and the wife out on our "Wednesday Us Time")are going to see Alice In Wonderland in 3D on Orange Wednesday. Then Thursday I am seeing Dave Gorman (not with my wife).

I wrote a letter for Thomas's last night explaining that no he wasn't staying for a detention after school as I thought the incident (don't ask) was open to interpretation and that Thomas had already asked the Headmaster to review it. Whilst writing the letter the wife pointed out the teacher I was writing to was in fact an English Teacher and she had to correct holf a dizzen spilling mistokes.

I toyed with the idea of making a load of mistakes on purpose but thought the joke might be lost on the humourless git.

Now work.

Update - 16:15 - Oh what tossers they are at that school. Now a teacher has taken Thomas's mobile phone from him and is keeping it until Friday. I contacted the school and said you have 10 minutes to return it or I will report the teacher as having stolen it. Guess what, the silly people didn't take me seriously, so I have now reported the phone stolen and am expecting the police within the hour.

I traced the teachers home address and told the school I had now reported the matter to the police and said I knew where the thief lived, which they took that as a threat.

I guess that another teacher I can't see on parents night.

Why can't people just let me live in peace, don't they know I have a load of work that needs doing.

Update - 17:15 - Well I now have the phone back and have managed to upset the school and the local police. What a busy day.

I spoke to the lady in the police control room who was telling me the law. I asked what her law qualification was to which she replied "I've been working her day in day out for three years, I know what theft is"

After she said the 3 year comment I just had a vision of top trumps in my mind, so said "look if we were playing knowledge of the law and police experience top trumps I would beat you love" Oh so patronising but oh so funny, but she didn't laugh.

Went to the school to ask for my phone back and ended up having a meeting with the Headmaster. I said contempt and hate are strong words but fit my feelings for the school.

It was funny that during the meeting my phone went off with a very loud ring tone featuring Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen singing a Bugsy Malone track. I had to smile.

Please let life at college be quieter for Thomas.

Day 71 (08/03/10)

Spent the day at a training session in Manchester.

I have done 6 of these previously so knew there was no need to have breakfast before hand as there are always nice pastries to start the day and a nice buffet at the end. Also no need to take a pen or note pad as these are always provided.

So imagine my surprise at the lack of food and no note pads or pens. The recession must have hit this industry (I doubt it).

There was a raffle to raise money for a charity, so I bought a £5 strip of tickets, but only fancied the nice bottle of Champagne or large handmade Easter Egg so guess what I won?


Great a 12 year old bottle of whiskey worth about £25 just what I didn't want, seeing as I don't drink Whiskey, though Thomas seem rather pleased.

I think my brother might be having an unexpected present in the next few weeks.

Went through my old blog messages and realised there were a few comments so put some replies to these.

Now to work.

Day 69 & 70 (06 & 07/03/10)

Nice breakfast, muffins and poached eggs. I might get some of those special cups to make poached eggs as when I try to do it like the chefs on the telly they never come out as nice.

Loads to do (again, oh for a day off) and then off up north again tomorrow. This is me just keeping up to date with some databases I use, which is good, but they always hold these refresher days in Liverpool or Manchester, which is bad.

I have been so busy lately that I realised I haven't played chess on my computer for weeks.

Hopefully when I'm back down south on Tuesday, my cold will be better and I will go out on my bike.

Update - Sun 22:30 - There was a time when a drive to Manchester was a long thing, now its 1/2 hour shorter than my normally monthly trip up north. It would have been shorter if the whole of the M6 was being dug up.

During the journey I was able to relax and think. Unfortunately I thought about the 5 emails aI had meant to send before I left. Damn.

Day 68 (05/03/10)

It feels ages since I went out on my bike and now I am full of a cold, so won't be going out on it for a few more days.

Loads to do as up in Manchester on Sunday for a days conference on Monday. Oh how I am NOT looking forward to the long drive and another night in a crap hotel.

Update - 09:30 - Nice breakfast, lovely hot buttered crumpets with cheese, now a beechams lemon and honey.

Day 67 (04/03/10)

Home, with a cold and a shed load of stuff to do, but it's nice to be home.

Wondering where to take the wife tonight as its not Orange Wednesday but Twice The Price Thursday. Might go for a Greek.

Now work, work, bloody work.

Update - 22:00 - The Greek (www.aphroditesgreekrestaurant.co.uk) was very nice and very reasonably priced.




Now home and its freezing out there.

Day 66 (03/03/10)

Still up north on the last day of work. Starting to go down with a heavy cold.

On the long drive back stopped off at a motorway services, thought I would sit in rather than have a takeaway. The sign said 2 meals for £10, so I thought it was probably quite reasonable so had Fish & Chips, a Coke and Piece of Cake.

The guy told me it was £10.33 which shocked me. Apparently the small coke and slice of cake were the same price as a meal. I wish I had just had a takeaway from burger king.

Day 65 (02/03/10)

Up north working, things going OK but never like being away.

Loads of other stuff to do so I can't relax. Had the Beef Madras tonight at the Travelodge, as you can tell it went down well.


Now work to do whilst listening to Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie on Radio 2.

Day 64 (01/03/10)

Busy preparing for going up north for a few days to do a course.

I have now finished off a whole pack of paper (500 sheets) and my printer is running fine. I've not had to change any cartridges yet, which I usually have to do when doing the course handouts etc.

It feels like I haven't been out on my bike for ages, so I will make sure I do on Thursday, with an extra long cycle if I can manage it.

Why do Royal Mail employ postmen that can't read. Every week I get post for houses in nearby streets and today I got post that had been delivered to someone else and then re-sent to me, so it took two weeks to get here. I phoned the local sorting office to complain and when I explained why the man asked where I lived, then laughed and said "well that's not a bloody surprise we have load of complaints about him, he's useless".

I think it might be kinder to just put the postman down, it will save us all a lot of trouble.

Update - 23:30 - Now up north, it took forever, its like the whole of the M6 has roadworks and average speed cameras. I only saw one group of workman, so it seems a bit stupid to slow down for the safety of a workforce that isn't in the carriageway but probably already in the pub.

So I'm sat in my very cheap and basic travelodge and have had 4 cups of tea already. Must try and do a report before going to bed.