Day 538 & 539 (18 & 19/06/2011)

I have checked my calender and it is defiantly June so why is it raining loads and looking & feeling like November.

Come on sun do your worse (taken from It Ain't Half Hot Mum)

I have gone thru all of my old computer magazines, so will now start tidying up other stuff. Still a long way to go to approach the minimalist look for the house (or to even fit in the garage).

Update - Sat 19:00 - Finished my reports :-)

Still have other stuff to do so just ordered a curry from The Saffron Takeaway, which is our current favourite.

Update - Sun 10:00 - Happy Fathers Day.

Having kids made me appreciate my parents even more. Nearly as much as appreciating peace & quiet, freedom to do what you want, money and so much more.

But I wouldn't be without my kids, I love them, even when they are being annoying, which they obviously get from their mother.

Day 537 (17/06/2011)

Some time between 8am and 6pm the new freezer will be delivered. You would have thought they could at least say morning or afternoon. And they call this progress.

Update - 09:15 - OK so at 8.205am I got a call from the delivery team to say they would be with me within 15minutes. And just a short 25minutes later they arrived.

You would have thought I lived on the tenth floor with no working lift. They only had to go down a 20 foot path and put it in the utility room.

Anyway new freezer now fully loaded and waiting to settle.

I have told my wife that she mustn't buy any fish or quorn products this year.

Day 536 (16/06/2011)

There is a nice amount of work at the moment, so no stress filled nights trying to get my reports done.

I am also getting through my computer magazines and from a pile going back a year or two I am done to the last three. After that I will go through all of my computer cables and related stuff to make some more space.

I am supposed to be going to the theatre tonight to see some comedian but might give it a miss.

Day 535 (15/06/2011)

Well the Spanish evening was great fun last night. The meal was nice, with Tappas (for two but I eat most it)

Followed by Paella.

Then some Spanish people stamping their feet. It was OK, and it was surprising how you can watch a similar thing quite a number of times without it become too repetitive.

The hedgeman came round this morning. I do like it when the hedge has been cut, it looks so neat but starting before 8am probably wasn't the most neighbour friendly thing to do as it was quite loud and annoying.

Trying to arrange a holiday with my wife is hard work. I gave her some dates in November when I'm free for more than 5days, not good but its work.

Day 534 (14/06/2011)

After yesterdays very early start Mr Pix didn't even make the 7.51am training today. Oh well, I enjoyed the lie-in.

Have to rush to do my work now as me & the wife are off to see Jaleo Flamenco at the Brewhouse tonight and are having a Spanish meal before hand.

Day 533 (13/06/2011)

Early start this morning as Mr Pix wanted to catch the 6.51 train. It was a struggle but we managed it but how bloody early is that.

Might as well start work now as I'm awake & up.

It's a slightly disappointing week for me & the wife as we should have been seeing Take That :-(

Day 531 & 532 (11 & 12/06/2011)

An early star, picking up Mr Pix from a party.

Then, seeing as I was up and about I went and ordered the freezer, which will arrive next friday.

Then went to the car wash.

Then home and starting work by 10am but feeling hungry.

Update - Sun 15:45 - Its been raining all day.

Making a nice big curry & selection of stuff for dinner, the kids choice not mine but I didn't argue.

Day 530 (10/06/2011)

Well Mark Watson was great last night.

So yesterdays clearing of the guttering, which I arranged but didn't actually do myself, cleared big clumps of grass that were growing and making the place look untidy.

To be fair I can live with it but I know it annoys my parents, whose places is always spotless.

So today the replacement handle for the fridge arrived.

The tea towel over the broken handle was a short term measure to save anyone catching themselves on the broken bit.

And within 20 minutes I had changed it and its a good as new.

OK, so its been broken for about 3 years but it has now been replaced within 20 minutes of me being bothered.

Now to clear the garage, or perhaps later.

I can't believe that its nearly 1pm and I haven't done any work yet. Time to get serious.

Day 529 (09/06/2011)

In the office early still trying to clear the work.

Going to see Mark Watson at The Glee Club in Cardiff tonight with a friend. Mark Watson was great when we saw him last time but not been to the Glee Club before.

Must buy the freezer on the way out later.

Update - 10:00 - The other day I had to give some advice to the police on a high profile court case.

Then two days ago I helped a chap I gave some training to, probably solving a twitter type liable job without the need to go to court & spend thousands trying to identify the writer. It probably won't make the news as its not that important but a fun little challenge, that I hope he won't take all the credit for.

Then yesterday I helped an acquaintance with a presentation he is giving in Prague.

I can't decide if I am mug or just a nice guy. Wait there, the sound of thousands of people (especially those working in call centres) are shouting at me that I am not a nice guy.

Mug it is then.

If I had more free time I could type up some invoices to send these people.

Day 528 (08/06/2011)

Getting loads of work done & emails sent but there is still so much to do.

Can't wait till my desk is clear.

Day 527 (07/06/2011)

It was wet & cold this morning but it turned out to be a lovely day in the end.

We are having to get a new freezer & Hob as both are playing up.

Looking forward to burgers & a jacket potato for dinner.

Update 19:45 - Dinner was nice, now having some coconut whilst doing some reports.

Day 526 (06/06/2011)

The 6th of June has many memories, not just D-Day, although that is obviously the one most people think of and probably the one of most historic importance but on the 6th of June 1986 I was somewhere else;

It seems a lifetime ago and certainly many things have changed in my life have changed since, many of which I could not have been foreseen and probably would not have changed.

I wonder what will happen over the next 20+years.

Day 524 & 525 (04 & 05/06/2011)

The weekend is here, the sun is out, my wife is off, and I'm stuck in the office with about 3 weeks worth of work.

I'm not complaining but am emailing a few clients saying I can't do the longer enquiries as I need free time and time to devote to writing some books. They may be crap and might not earn me any money but it is something I want to do but something I have no time to do at the moment.

This morning in the post I got a letter from my accountants, with a copy of last years accounts. My company needs to spend more money but I am chuffed at the tax bill. I don't think I will be saving any libraries this year but I will be getting my garden done.

Update - Sun 18:00 - We ended up at The Boston Tea Party in Honiton for lunch, very nice.

Home in time to do a few hours work then time for Scott & Bailey on ITV.

There is some great stuff on telly at the moment, The Shadow Line is just brilliant, with Rafe Spall just chilling as Jay Wratten.

Day 523 (03/06/2011)

Out all day yesterday with Kelly having an MRI Scan in Cardiff. There's nothing wrong with her it was just part of a medical enquiry called Children of the 90's.

While we were there we went over to see my cousin, who recently gave birth to baby Harvey.

I told my wife to not get too attached, we are not having any more.

Afterwards we went to Bristol and went out for a curry at the Bengal Raj, with Gary & Elaine.

In the office today with loads to catch up on.

Day 522 (02/06/2011)

We saw Dom Jolly last night, it was OK I have never really seen any of his stuff, so seeing as it was a show of his career it had plenty of clips, so was quite fun.

The kids went to see Derren Brown in Bristol and seemed to enjoy it.

Might pop into Cardiff today and see family and do stuff.

Day 521 (01/06/2011)

June, are you sure its June, how can it be June already, wasn't Christmas just the other week.

Gave a talk this morning up north then the long drive home. Off to see Dom Jolly tonight, not a big fan (not actually seen any of his stuff) but it was a free ticket.

Day 520 (31/05/2011)

Well we had a nice few hours out at Sidmouth yesterday.

Admittedly most of it was spent in a nice restaurant, but we were still out on the Bank Holiday and by the beach.

But it was a nice meal.

Things to do today then driving up to Preston (again) for a talk tomorrow morning.

Update - 08:50 - Damn just had a call asking where I was as I was due to give a talk in Preston at 9.00am, AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH.

I have a slight excuse as the person who usually books me told me to cancel Tuesday & do Wednesday but they were talking about another course which I hadn't been booked for anyway. Damn Damn Damn I hate letting people down.

Day 519 (30/05/2011)

Time for a quick bit of work, then hopefully having the Bank Holiday with the family.

Haven't quite decided what to do yet but will try to have a nice day out.

Update - 3:30pm - We might not of had a full family day out as its gone 3pm and we are not all ready yet. I am determined to leave this house and have fun at some time today.

Day 517 & 518 (28 & 29/05/2011)

Up fairly early and had some nice waffles & fruit for breakfast. Not as healthy as it sounds as I obviously had to have loads of Maple Syrup.

Trying to get as much work done today as I can as the family are off this week and it would be nice to spend some time with them.

I see that Take That have started their tour. Feeling gutted that we didn't get our tickets :-(

Day 516 (27/05/2011)

Kelly's car off to the car doctors or mechanics as you might call them, as the electrics are playing up and I know nothing about cars.

Phoned the Chief Executive of my local hospital today. Her PA told me she is currently away from work in hospital receiving treatment but didn't think it was very funny when I said "hope she gets better treated than my father". What a tough audience.

I will contact her again, just to make sure that she looks into this and does forget me. I'm sure she wont do that, it wouldn't be good for anyone.

Lovely weather at the moment. Off to see a friend for a few hours then back to work.

Day 515 (26/05/2011)

Up north today where I gave a talk this morning. I left in the afternoon and thought I should be home before 6pm but oh what joy the M5 was closed at Birmingham and I had to drive around Birmingham on a 40mile 1 hour detour so was not home till just after 7pm. What a pain in the arse.

Feeling sorry for my parents as my dads legs are causing him lots of problems. Why do some people in the NHS show a complete lack of care. It seems the only way to get the service you require & deserve is to make a fuss.

So time to say Hello to Mr Fuss. Lets hope a few of them see that now is the time to act and not to let things lips further.

Day 514 (25/05/2011)

Good news, I have booked myself a place on course in California for September. I have done the course a couple of times before but not for a few years, so it is chance to learn a few new things & see some people I know.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Not really looking forward to a day sat in a plane and going thru American Customs but a week in California should be fun.

When I am there I will try to get a day shooting a variety of guns (at targets not animals) as this will be useful for my book, which I must start writing soon. I already have the outline for the next two stories in the series.

I just need to write the damn things, get them published, sell loads of copies, then sell the plots to be made into films and then I should have made enough money so I don't have to do things I don't want to. Easy then.

Off to Preston later.

Update - 12:45 - I know I have a strange and at times rather lucky job. At other times, oh to work for someone else and take the week off sick without caring about the company.

Day 513 (24/05/2011)

Finally started tidying up the office, how many laptop bags does one man need?

I think that you really need no more than the number of laptops that you have but it seem that I have quite a few, some unused.

I also have 2 laptops that I don't use, 3 spare mobile phones and about 8,000 computer cables, that are only spares of the other 1,000 that I have packed away.

I reckon I could get rid of more than half of my office and not miss any of it.

Day 512 (23/05/2011)

I have cleaned two cars in two days, neither of them mine.

Have I became a car cleaner and not been told. Why haven't I been paid for this manual work?

Relaxing day in the office :-)

Day 510 & 511 (21 & 22/05/2011)

The weekend is here and I have just about completed all of my reports, just one more to go, then no doubt more stuff will flood in next week.

I just have a few emails to reply to, quoting for some presentations, then I can start tidying up my office.

I even managed to cut the grass. I must do a drawing of how I want the garden to look then I can get the gardener round to sort it out, as it needs quite a bit of work doing to it.

Update - Sun 19:30 - Not done as much as I wanted to do today, but then we had a nice dinner.

Day 509 (20/05/2011)

Well I must say that Lee Evans was fantastic last night. I'm not a fan but he was good and it was just a practice run, with him still trying out material and was reading some of it.

Today I have been catching up with my work, or it might be that I have pissed off a few clients who are not sending me any more work until I stick to the time limits.

Oh well, I'm sure everything will be fine, but I'm not going to work myself to death, now trying to be a bit more relaxed.

Will cut the grass this weekend.

Day 508 (19/05/2011)

Been catching up on my work today but still got loads to do. In fact its 2:30pm and I haven't even had breakfast or lunch.

Seeing Lee Evans tonight. I don't actually like him but he usually plays massive venues like the O2, so I just had to see him, just in case.

Day 507 (18/05/2011)

Nice lie-in and breakfast then a drive down south.

Got home had a sleep and then just for a change had Italian for dinner.

Busy couple of days to catch up on my work now.

Day 506 (17/05/2011)

The course went well, even allowing for the language difficulty, I managed even without the aid of an interpreter.

Looking forward to getting home, even though I have loads of work to catch up on.

Day 505 (16/05/2011)

The first day of the course went OK, despite being told off by the lady working at the training centre, for sending the class out too early for a tea break and then for making a mess with the coffee machine. I tried to be nice and point out I don't drink coffee so it was a bit wasted telling me off for the mess.

I appreciate she may not enjoy her job but a little smile may encourage a more positive reaction.

I wonder if she was perhaps the basis of a character on Taget, she would have fitted in.

Jamie's was nice again, though I was tempted to have more than 1 glass of wine.

I hate being away from home, I have quite a bit of work to do of an evening but just can't get motivated when I am away. I sit watching crap telly and half heartedly looking at incomplete reports. Looking forward to Wednesday & being back home.

Day 503 & 504 (14 & 15/05/2011)

Mad mad busy busy day today, getting ready for the course on Monday and spending all of tomorrow driving up to Glasgow.

Was looking forward to a bit of a lie-in and a nice breakfast with my wife but the girls have gone out for the day.

Update - Sun 21:20 - Well i'm up in Glasgow and 400+ miles wasn't that bad, it's a straight road.

The hotel looked really nice on the website but not quite as nice in real life inside.

Had dinner at Jamie Oliver's, very nice.

Day 502 (13/05/2011)

Well annoying this site was down yesterday so I couldn't do my blog as usual.

It was my wife's Birthday, so I am once again younger than her. We all went out for Afternoon Tea at Mr Miles, which was lovely (but not quite as piggy as the one we had in Dublin).

Then I got dragged along to see Barry & Stuart, two Scottish magicians, which was absolutely fantastic.

Day 501 (12/05/2011)

Before the talk in London we went for a cup of tea, where they had the cutest little milk bottles.

The talk seemed to go quite well.

Eventually there were around 60+ people, so it was quite a good turnout but a long day. Worst of all by the time I got back to Paddington Yo-Sushi was closed.

Suddenly have loads of work to catch up on and the my course to prepare for.

I have opted to drive up to Glasgow. I know its mad but by the time you hang around the airport and pay for taxis I think it might be just as easier to drive up.

Day 500 (11/05/2011)

Day 500 of my blog.

It seems strange that I do this blog & it might actually not be worth it but when we were out the other day we wondered where we spent our last anniversary and it was nice to be able to look back and see & read about what we did. River Cottage if you were wondering.

Sometimes, especially when you get older, your memory isn't as good as it used to be and this is quite handy, even if most of the entries relate to meals I've had, doing laminates and having too much work.

Anyway off to London later, looking forward to Yo-Sushi & Krispy Kreme later, damn just remembered new diet, just Yo-Sushi then, but no wine as I am driving back from the train station.

Update - 13:00 - On the train, enjoying the benefits of first class travel. I am giving a talk in London for a charity so am not getting paid for today but still nervous in case everyone says I'm crap. It's is a constant fear of being found out. It is always nice and reassuring when you realise that you actually are much better than most other people in the same field.

I didn't realise that there were still train spotters but I saw one at Westbury Station so took a picture to try out my webcam.

Honestly I'm not bored, I'm working hard.

Day 499 (10/05/2011)

Well The Adobe Hotel in Exeter was again fantastic and the food was unbelievable.

And it goes without saying that breakfast was as good.

Home after one day away and loads of emails & work to catch upon before going to London tomorrow to give a talk to 90+ journalists & students. Hoping it goes OK and its not all stuff they know.

Day 498 (09/05/2011)

Have a few work things to do this morning then off for the evening to spoil ourselves on our anniversary.

Day 496 & 497 (07 & 08/05/2011)

Busy family weekend, Dad's Birthday today.

Update - Sun 20:30 - It was nice to all get together for my Dads Birthday yesterday.

Having a nice day away tomorrow with my wife for our anniversary. It seems hard to believe that it's 24 yrs since we married, of course if she had been on time we would have been married for 45 minutes longer but she's never changed.

Day 495 (06/05/2011)

Can't believe that I have actually done all of my work. Nice to have time to go over my course material and stuff.

Busy family time over the next few days.

Day 494 (05/05/2011)

Well its Local Election & Referendum day.

Obviously it goes without saying that you have to vote for AV, if you don't know why then you shouldn't have the right to vote.

Then there is the Local Election but which party to vote for;

The War Criminal & Corrupt Scummy Party

or

The I Don't Care About You & Corrupt Scummy Party

or

The I Would Sell My Mother To Get Power Scummy Party

I think that only me or Billy Bragg should be in-charge of anything and neither of us were standing.

Day 493 (04/05/2011)

Saw Richard Herring last night, though its hard to tell in the photo.

It was a good night and very funny that when he signed my programe he didn't need to ask my name as he already knew it.

Looking forward to seeing his new material next month.

Busy family time coming up.

Day 492 (03/05/2011)

Bristol Zoo was very nice, apart from it was quite busy.

I always find it very sad to see the Gorillas, they are just so human. They should not be mistreated or kept locked up even.

In years to come I dare say we will see our mistreatment of many of these animals the same as we do when we look back on the Holocaust, which is in no way meant to belittle what was a sickening event in our history.

We saw Justin Lee Collins at the Zoo with his son. He is very easy to spot and hear.

I am glad I am not famous as it must be very hard to go anywhere and just have a normal time with your family. People staring, pointing & taking photo's, a bit like a human exhibit at the zoo. Most odd.

Then we had dinner at Jamie Oliver's new restaurant in Bristol, which was very nice.

Now doing some work before Richard Herring in Bristol tonight.

Also decided must definitely lose weight. Will start cutting down from today & hopefully get the bike out soon. I haven't said that before have I?

Day 491 (02/05/2011)

Come on sing along, we're all going to the zoo tomorrow, the zoo tomorrow, the zoo tomorrow.

OK we're all going to Bristol Zoo today but there isn't a song for that, or for we're all going to Jamie Oliver's for dinner later (hopefully).

Well thats our Bank Holiday Monday sorted, bet Kate & Wills are jealous.

Then back to normality tomorrow with work, followed by, you guessed it, Richard Herring in the evening.

Day 489 & 490 (30/04/2011 & 01/05/2011)

Well like a bad sniper I managed to miss most of the royal wedding.

Going to a BBQ with some friends today, should be good as not had a proper chance to see them & chat for ages.

Update - Sun 20:15 - Had a nice time yesterday at the BBQ & catching up with some old friends.

Went out for dinner today, Mr Pix was being very mature and had a Guinness, which makes me feel so old.

Day 488 (29/04/2011)

A family I don't care about are having a wedding today, so why must I be force fed all this crap on the telly and radio.

Why must the BBC and all the other broadcasters say we are all interested in this, some of us don't care and don't wish we were there or even wish them the best. Some of us think its wrong that people thru an accident of birth get given power and titles. And what a dysfunctional family they are. Will we have this much celebrating when they divorce, as they don't have a good record so far.

I have i-tunes on now, starting with Tusk from Fleetwood Mac, think I will go through all my 80's music today. Might download some Kim Wilde.

Day 487 (28/04/2011)

Well I have now fixed the toilet.

As you can tell I fixed it by phoning someone who knows what they are doing and then paid them.

That was so much easier.

Slightly disappointed that a house opposite has put out union jack bunting. Really lowered the tone of the area.

Day 486 (27/04/2011)

Al Murray was very funny last night.

But why-o-why must people keep getting up to go for a drink or to the toilet during a show. Sit down and watch the show you've paid for you idiots.

Update - 14:45 - bought another flush for the toilet tried to fit it and now given up and phoned a property maintenance company, who are coming over over tonight.

I don't know why I ever bother with the pretence, life works out easier and cheaper in the long run if you just admit your own limitations and get the right people in to help you.

Day 485 (26/04/2011)

Me & the wife were very middle aged and British yesterday on the Bank Holiday. We went to a Garden Centre then to the seaside, where we had Fish & Chips and a Cup of Tea. I might as well put a knotted hanky on my head.

Anyway guess who we spotted on the Pier at Weston.

Noel seemed taller and more wooden in real life.

We are seeing Al Murray at the Brewhouse tonight, which should be good.

Day 484 (25/04/2011)

Yesterday was nice, seeing my Mum & Dad and my Brother. Unfortunately Elaine was missing as she has an exhibition coming up and had arty things to make.

Thinking of hiring a skip for the clearance, though a charity shop may be a better place.

Day 482 & 483 (23 & 24/04/2011)

Bank Holiday and Decent Weather, not usually phrases that go together in this country.

Can't decide to go out for an Indian or a Mexican tonight.

Update - Sat 17:45 - When you buy a light bulb its a pretty safe bet it will fit. Its either a bayonet or screw fixing, normal size or small. With plugs, we have our UK style and then the Europeans and Americans have their own but if you buy something in the UK it going to have the standard UK plug.

Needless to say I tried to fix the toilet but the fitting wouldn't fit my toilet, you bastards, why can't there be a standard fitting.

If I could have fitted the bit it all would have gone smoothly in about 20minutes but no it wouldn't fit. It wouldn't screw in place as it kept hitting the side of the cistern. All toilets have cisterns so why wouldn't this one fit.

So then I tried to make a new one with bits from the old one and new one, needless to say I have wasted over an hour and £25 on something that wasn't right. Thats why usually I don't bother. I now know what I need and will buy one more thing but if it ain't plug & play then I'm calling a plumber.

Update - Sun 08:45 - Went for an Indian and had a set meal, totally stuffed and defeated.

Its not that bad, there was two of us and my wife had a whole bottle of wine,

OK it was a very small bottle.

Might tidy my office today.

Day 481 (22/04/2011)

The show was OK last night, today has not gone as planned.

Oh well.

Day 480 (21/04/2011)

Dr Phil Hammond was very funny last night.

Tonight we are going to see something like Songs From The Shows, as my Mum & Dad can't go. I will enjoy it and will probably embarrass my wife by singing-along.

Got a nice level of work in at the moment, just enough to have too much but not too much to be stressed. Probably wont last but should mean I can take a few days off over easter.

Day 479 (20/04/2011)

With all the protests that may happen at the Royal Wedding I might even be worth watching or even going down there. Now which side to be on?

Sad new about Elisabeth Sladen who played Sarah Jane in Dr Who.

Off to see Dr Phil Hammond at the Brewhouse tonight with my wife, should be fun.

Day 478 (19/04/2011)

Even nicer out today but still have my curtains closed.

My Dad is now home from the hospital and hopefully will start to recover quicker now, whilst not over doing it. The trouble is he is probably going to get under my Mum's feet and spend more time on his computer, either way that means more phone calls to me.

Looking forward to a few days of for the Bank Holiday but not enjoying the near non-stop coverage of the marriage of the pointless couple in London. If I lived nearer I would protest but I don't so I shall just ignore them.

Day 477 (18/04/2011)

The sun is out.

Hopefully Dad will be home today.

Will try and fix the toilet and tidy my office today (the two are not related).

Day 475 & 476 (16 & 17/04/2011)

Well that was a long long day yesterday but quite interesting and it might lead to a few more things.

Yes thats a reflection of me, looking like a tramp in a suit.

I didn't really get to see a lot of London, France of Brussels but I was impressed by the metal ramps on all the stairs on the Brussels underground to help you take your bike on the underground.

Very clever and useful.

Now time to catch up with the stuff that came in yesterday but I must cut the grass this weekend.

Update - Sat 20:15 - Well I've cut the grass but it looks like its been hacked by a nutter, as it was.

I have somebody coming round in a couple of weeks to get the garden done properly as we don't use it but it would be nice to sit out there sometimes with a glass of wine and a wifi signal.

Hopefully I will fix the toilet tomorrow.

Day 474 (15/04/2011)

Spent a few hours late last night trying to get my laptop working properly and failed. I might just take a hammer to it and start again.

After about 4 hours in bed I got up at stupid o'clock to catch my train to London only to find all services in the South West either delayed or cancelled. I eventually got on my train over 45 minutes late and don't know yet if I will make my connection on the EuroStar.

I treated myself to first class and its very nice. the staff are really friendly and they keep coming round with free drinks and snacks. So far I have had a Danish pastry and a nice banana.

As I'm wearing a suit no-one has asked to look at my ticket. I may just sit here next time anyway.

Update - 09:00 - Second drink and now having a slice of fruit cake.

If it carry's on like this I may have made money by going first class.

Still no-one has asked for my ticket.

Day 473 (14/04/2011)

Booked hotels for the Isle of Mann and Glasgow.

Decided to go by myself to the Isle of Mann as it seems to be during a motorcycle event and the hotels were fairly full. Boring time for me.

Went for a nice hotel in Glasgow but still can't decide whether or not to fly or drive, hate driving but hate sitting at airports even more. It's going to work out about the same price when you add in taxis etc.

The talk went well yesterday, everyone enjoyed my easy going style and were amazed at the things you could do but not many approached me for courses so might have been a bit of waste.

Going to a thing at Kelly's old college, so have to get all of my work done during the day.

Day 472 (13/04/2011)

Had too much pizza last night, now stuffed (not crust), might not need to eat again for a while.

Giving a presentation later but luckily its only about 2 miles away. Not getting paid unfortunately but it might generate a course or two.

Update - 09:00 - I think my body thought the pizza last night was a transplant as it is rejecting it this morning, not good.

Day 471 (12/04/2011)

It seems like its going to be a fairly nice week weather wise, I had hoped to get out into the garden & cut the grass and maybe even get my bike out but guess what, yeah, I know boring ain't it.

Day 470 (11/04/2011)

So my bets on the Masters came to nothing, even if I had got McIlroy's name right.

Dad's still in hospital, it's a long story, and I am giving 2 presentations this week which I haven't done yet. At least I had a lie-in as My Pix is off from college for a very long easter break.

I didn't get to cut the grass or get my bike out but did have a very nice Sunday with the family.

Day 468 & 469 (09 & 10/04/2011)

The sun is out it's a lovely day & my wife is home today. Bugger I'm in the office.

Hopefully it will still be nice tomorrow so I can cut the grass, which is getting a bit long.

Update - Sat 13:00 - Yesterday I placed a bet for my Dad for Graeme McDowell to win the US Masters. I thought that the young curly haired Irish was a good bet so put a few quid on it.

Unfortunately it was only later did I find out the the young curly haired Irishman is in fact Rory McIlroy.

Usually this wouldn't be a problem but McDowell didn't make the cut and McIlroy is leading by a couple of strokes, so no point putting any money on him now :-(

Between us I think we have back about half the horses in the National.

Update - Sat 17:15 - Well we had a 2nd & 3rd, won about £35 so not quite ahead for the day.

Come on Westwood or Poulter for the Masters, a nice meal out is resting on one of them winning.

Day 467 (08/04/2011)

With my Dad still in hospital I offered to put a few bets on for him, for the National & the Masters, so put some money from my credit card onto an online betting site. No problem.

Golly well I can now see how online betting can be addictive, in addition to Dad's bets I put on about 4 or 5 of my own.

I then did a bit of work, making a few of my regular online purchases from secure sites, then bought a few t-shirts from my usual supplier of t-shirts that could easily double as quilt covers.

Then my credit card got stopped for possibly fraudulent action. So they let the online gaming go thru but stopped me t-shirts from who I have made numerous purchases from before.

Can't these credit company get it right, the gambling is the dodgy thing not buying clothes from a local retailer.

Oh well, nearly up to date with all of my work but must do the two presentations I am due to give this week. Hoping to cut the grass at the weekend.

Day 466 (07/04/2011)

Honestly it's not an obsession.

Just seen that he is previewing his new show in Bristol in July, so just got a couple of tickets.

I know that means I am seeing him 5 times in 3 shows in 4 months but I am not a stalker, juat an average geeky fan.

Update - 14:15 - Going to Brussels next Friday. Having to catch an early train to London and a late one back, so thought I would treat myself to first class. Now to tell the client that they are paying for it.

Can't believe I have been working since before 9.00am but still not actually done any paid work yet, could be a late night.

Day 465 (06/04/2011)

Well my dads operation didn't quite go as planned but he is nearly up on his feet now.

Slowly going thru all of my work and have now added a trip to Brussels next week to give a talk. Not been there before and it was a nice offer, thought it will be a bit exhausting as its there and back in the day.

Seeing Richard Herring again tonight, so will try and get another photo, I know I am sad.

Strangely after I posted the last picture a friend asked me about him as his wife had gone to school with the Herring kids and knew Richard, small world........but I wouldn't like to paint it.

Day 464 (05/04/2011)

Its wet & grey out, more like autumn than spring.

Dad has gone in to hospital this morning for a hip replacement, so it will be a busy couple of days visiting and keeping his spirits up as he is not the most patient patient.

I know, then my mum will have him under her feet for the next few months whilst he gets back to full mobility.

Day 463 (04/04/2011)

So it was Mothers Day on Sunday. I had gone to the card shop last week and bought cards for my wife and my mum.

I had found a nice card for my mum,which said from Son & Daughter-in-Law which I thought was very nice. I had also found a lovely card for my wife but it had no envelope so whilst I was waiting for the shop assistance to find a replacement envelope I deiced to make sure my mums card was OK and decided to change my mums card, to a less creased one from the shelf.

It was only after I had given the card to my mum that she pointed out that the one I had given her said Daughter & Son-in-Law. O000ps.

She accepted it in good faith.

It was as bad as a few years ago when I came home with a couple of bouquets of flowers for my wife and put them in the sink until she got home. Later she asked me why I had bought one bouquet of real flowers and one of artificial flowers, and why had I put the artificial flowers in water.

OK, I admit it I thought they were both real. I'm not a gardener, I just thought they looked nice.

A TV programme I helped out on was on BBC 4 last night. I wasn't on the screen, as always I just did some stuff behind the scenes but they nicely thanked me in the credits (possibly due to the fact that I didn't charge them).

It is on the iPlayer Here for a week and was a documentary about the BBC's Rough Justice series, which began investigating miscarriages of justice in the early 1980s.

Day 461 & 462 (02 & 03/04/2011)

I have spent all day doing reports, working my way thru the backlog. Next week should be a bit easier and next month even better as one of my main clients should be able to do most of their own work.

Been listening to Adele & Elbow, what fantastic music. It has made the last few days of none stop reports nearly bearable.

I have completed the census to the best of my ability, though it is true to say I have no ability when it comes to using a pen. I failed totally to get my writing in the little boxes or to make it readable. Oh well, I'm sure that won't be a problem.

Day 460 (01/04/2011)

Golly the year is flying by. April already, un-bloody-believable.