Today we all went to the Wealdand Downland Open Air Museum in Chichester for the planting of a hornbeam tree in memory of Kim.
Must start catching up with my work tomorrow.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Day 675 (01/11/2011)
Must start catching up with my work tomorrow.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Day 674 (31/10/2011)
The comedy show at the Lyric Theatre was really good. On the way there I had a Mexican fast food / take away which was great.
When I got back I was thirsty and had a couple of beers as I knew I could have a bit of a lie-in.
Today I gave a talk at Goldsmiths University which went down really well.
Once inside Goldsmiths is lovely but what an interesting area New Cross is. I was only there for an hour instead of the four I was originally booked for. I had got a train ticket for the 7:15pm train but as I finished early I was able to get to Paddington at around 3:30pm and had to choose between spending over 3hrs at Yo-Sushi and getting home late after a relaxing journey in first class or spending more money and travelling second class and getting home early.
I mistakenly went for the travelling home early, spending more money and travelling cattle class. NEVER AGAIN (hopefully).
When I got back I was thirsty and had a couple of beers as I knew I could have a bit of a lie-in.
Today I gave a talk at Goldsmiths University which went down really well.
Once inside Goldsmiths is lovely but what an interesting area New Cross is. I was only there for an hour instead of the four I was originally booked for. I had got a train ticket for the 7:15pm train but as I finished early I was able to get to Paddington at around 3:30pm and had to choose between spending over 3hrs at Yo-Sushi and getting home late after a relaxing journey in first class or spending more money and travelling second class and getting home early.
I mistakenly went for the travelling home early, spending more money and travelling cattle class. NEVER AGAIN (hopefully).
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Day 672 & 673 (29 & 30/10/2011)
Well I traveled to London on the train, along with Angela Rippon but I only noticed here when we arrived at Paddington.
The course is going well with a variety of students from different sectors & many different parts of the world.
There is a familiar face in the classroom, Christine, and in the evening I popped round to the Eden residence for dinner and far too much wine. On the train on the way there we passed the new Olympic stadium, which is as close as I am likely to ever get to it.
Sunday evening I am off to see Richard Herring in Hammersmith. I have not seen him for ages and am really looking forward to seeing the show in which he is comparing as Stewart Lee & Josie Long are on the bill.
The course is going well with a variety of students from different sectors & many different parts of the world.
There is a familiar face in the classroom, Christine, and in the evening I popped round to the Eden residence for dinner and far too much wine. On the train on the way there we passed the new Olympic stadium, which is as close as I am likely to ever get to it.
Sunday evening I am off to see Richard Herring in Hammersmith. I have not seen him for ages and am really looking forward to seeing the show in which he is comparing as Stewart Lee & Josie Long are on the bill.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Day 671 (28/10/2011)
So flew back from the Isle of Man at lunchtime.
we had the same small plane but when we arrived at Gloucester there was an even smaller plane. It was so small that the passenger was stood on the top wing.
If I could have remembered how to zoom in on my iphone it may have made a much better photo.
Back home for a few hours to change my clothes and delete a few emails then off to London for the next 3days.
Can't wait for a nice quiet period, really want a few clear weeks to start writing.
we had the same small plane but when we arrived at Gloucester there was an even smaller plane. It was so small that the passenger was stood on the top wing.
If I could have remembered how to zoom in on my iphone it may have made a much better photo.
Back home for a few hours to change my clothes and delete a few emails then off to London for the next 3days.
Can't wait for a nice quiet period, really want a few clear weeks to start writing.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Day 670 (27/10/2011)
The course has now finished & went quite well. I will probably be back a few times next year.
The view from one of the windows of my hotel room.
Looking forward to getting back home tomorrow for a few hours, wish it was for longer but going to London in the evening.
Probably staying in the hotel tonight, as I have things to do if the internet connects for more than 5 minutes.
The view from one of the windows of my hotel room.
Looking forward to getting back home tomorrow for a few hours, wish it was for longer but going to London in the evening.
Probably staying in the hotel tonight, as I have things to do if the internet connects for more than 5 minutes.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Day 669 (26/10/2011)
Second day on the course, seems to be going well but another grey & wet day.
Possibly going out for a curry again tonight.
Update - 23:45 - Nice time having a curry. now its late & I'm starting a few reports that are a week late.
Possibly going out for a curry again tonight.
Update - 23:45 - Nice time having a curry. now its late & I'm starting a few reports that are a week late.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Day 668 (25/10/2011)
First day of the course went quite well.
There was no air-conditioning, thankfully the rain stayed away so we could open a few windows.
My hotel isn't too bad and the internet seems a bit better today. I can even see the sea my some of the windows.
I have been told about a nice curry house down the road so may go out for a curry tonight if the rain stays away.
Update - 23:00 - Nice curry tonight.
The internet at this hotel is driving me mad!!!!!!!!!!!
There was no air-conditioning, thankfully the rain stayed away so we could open a few windows.
My hotel isn't too bad and the internet seems a bit better today. I can even see the sea my some of the windows.
I have been told about a nice curry house down the road so may go out for a curry tonight if the rain stays away.
Update - 23:00 - Nice curry tonight.
The internet at this hotel is driving me mad!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, 24 October 2011
Day 667 (24/10/2011)
The weather is pretty awful, lots of rain and very windy. Apparently the ferries have been cancelled to the Isle Of Man but the small plane that I'm flying on later is still due to depart on time.
If I arrive in one piece I will post some pictures of the plane & journey. I'm not expecting to arrive with my lunch.
Update - 23:00 - Well Gloucester Airport is never going to be called Gloucester International Airport, my garden shed is bigger. The plane was much smaller than my last flight.
No in-flight entertainment, no in-flight meal, no toilet and not even a stewardess. I think the last one in had to sit outside. Saying all of that it was OK, a bit bumpy but I managed to sleep through most of it.
The hotel is OK, it has a decent restaurant but the free wifi advertised on its website barely reaches my room, so I'm not happy. I can't really change rooms as I spoilt myself and went for an executive room, so don't really want a smaller more basic room.
Anyway it appears to be the monsoon season in the Isle of Man.
If I arrive in one piece I will post some pictures of the plane & journey. I'm not expecting to arrive with my lunch.
Update - 23:00 - Well Gloucester Airport is never going to be called Gloucester International Airport, my garden shed is bigger. The plane was much smaller than my last flight.
The hotel is OK, it has a decent restaurant but the free wifi advertised on its website barely reaches my room, so I'm not happy. I can't really change rooms as I spoilt myself and went for an executive room, so don't really want a smaller more basic room.
Anyway it appears to be the monsoon season in the Isle of Man.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Day 665 & 666 (22 & 23/10/2011)
I can't remember the last time I did so much cleaning & packing. I don't even clean my own house. I hope Ann our cleaner gets better soon, as we need her.
May have bought slightly too much bubble wrap.
We had bought smaller rolls and they hadn't lasted long. However I can confirm that if you have lots of large pictures that need wrapping one 60meter roll is probably enough.
Now what else needs wrapping as I have about 75meters of bubble wrap left over.
I have hardly done any work this week and its going to be a mad rush to get the next three courses ready, which I must as when I fly out on Monday I won't have any more time to do them.
Plus when I'm away next week I will have to do reports every night rather than getting to relax.
One good thing though, as we have been busy all week and not really had a proper meal we have opted for a curry tonight, as it will be easier.
Update - Sunday 21:15 - The curry was lovely last night.
Honestly it not that much. There are four of us and it lasts for Sunday dinner as well.
This week has been so busy that we have hardly done anything round the house. I t will be nice to return to normal.
Hopping the weather is OK on Monday as flying over to the Isle of Man.
May have bought slightly too much bubble wrap.
We had bought smaller rolls and they hadn't lasted long. However I can confirm that if you have lots of large pictures that need wrapping one 60meter roll is probably enough.
Now what else needs wrapping as I have about 75meters of bubble wrap left over.
I have hardly done any work this week and its going to be a mad rush to get the next three courses ready, which I must as when I fly out on Monday I won't have any more time to do them.
Plus when I'm away next week I will have to do reports every night rather than getting to relax.
One good thing though, as we have been busy all week and not really had a proper meal we have opted for a curry tonight, as it will be easier.
Update - Sunday 21:15 - The curry was lovely last night.
Honestly it not that much. There are four of us and it lasts for Sunday dinner as well.
This week has been so busy that we have hardly done anything round the house. I t will be nice to return to normal.
Hopping the weather is OK on Monday as flying over to the Isle of Man.
Friday, 21 October 2011
Day 664 (21/10/2011)
Busy Busy Busy.
Garden still being done, with 16 tonnes of chippings being put down.
The shed roof man also turned up and started to replace the roof on the now fully treated shed.
The guttering man is arriving this afternoon.
Update - 21:30 - Well they were getting on with the garden but are now away for a week but the shed is finished and looking a lot better.
I also spoke to the guttering man, who is going to clear out & repair our guttering.
Been shopping and sorting out Kim's house, very busy and very stressful but it will be better now that someone is in there again but I don't think I would enjoy being a professional landlord.
We had to buy a new washing machine, luckily getting a bargin rather than going for what you would like.
There is so much that needed doing, I have not managed to actually do any reports this week and have not even managed to fully prepare for the next three courses, so its going to be a hectic weekend.
Garden still being done, with 16 tonnes of chippings being put down.
The shed roof man also turned up and started to replace the roof on the now fully treated shed.
The guttering man is arriving this afternoon.
Update - 21:30 - Well they were getting on with the garden but are now away for a week but the shed is finished and looking a lot better.
I also spoke to the guttering man, who is going to clear out & repair our guttering.
Been shopping and sorting out Kim's house, very busy and very stressful but it will be better now that someone is in there again but I don't think I would enjoy being a professional landlord.
We had to buy a new washing machine, luckily getting a bargin rather than going for what you would like.
There is so much that needed doing, I have not managed to actually do any reports this week and have not even managed to fully prepare for the next three courses, so its going to be a hectic weekend.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Day 663 (20/10/2011)
Very busy day again.
Up to Bristol in the morning to be examined for part of Children Of The 90's.
It was quite good as I got breakfast for giving a little bit of blood and a urine sample. I could have given so much more if they had been offered curry.
I had a 3D digital image taken of my face although it looks more like the Death Mask of some fat middle aged man, what do you mean I'm a fat middle aged man!!!!!!!
Anyway they are getting on with the garden putting in the foundations / hardcore.
Sorted out some of the heating at the other house but still lots to do.
Up to Bristol in the morning to be examined for part of Children Of The 90's.
It was quite good as I got breakfast for giving a little bit of blood and a urine sample. I could have given so much more if they had been offered curry.
I had a 3D digital image taken of my face although it looks more like the Death Mask of some fat middle aged man, what do you mean I'm a fat middle aged man!!!!!!!
Anyway they are getting on with the garden putting in the foundations / hardcore.
Sorted out some of the heating at the other house but still lots to do.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Day 662 (19/10/2011)
We had an interesting delivery first thing this morning.
The gardeners were here by 8am making use of the digger to dig out the foundations of the patio. If I could drive a digger I might do this sort of thing but it the manual side of manual labour I can't really be bothered with.
I think they plan to have it dug out and lay some chippings by the end of the week but it is still due to take a couple of weeks to finish (and they are not hear next week).
Must finish preparing for the course next week and getting the houses tided up.
Update - 11:45 - Busy day in the garden.
And now a man has turned up to paint / treat my shed as apparently we are supposed to do it every year but haven't done it yet after about 6 yrs.
I did explain it was because I couldn't be arsed to paint the shed and that's why I had asked him to do it for me. I say asked but paid him may be more accurate.
This is definitely going to be a busy couple of weeks for having things done, which should make life easier in the long run.
Now just to hire a skip to clear out the garage & videos that are never going to be watched.
The gardeners were here by 8am making use of the digger to dig out the foundations of the patio. If I could drive a digger I might do this sort of thing but it the manual side of manual labour I can't really be bothered with.
I think they plan to have it dug out and lay some chippings by the end of the week but it is still due to take a couple of weeks to finish (and they are not hear next week).
Must finish preparing for the course next week and getting the houses tided up.
Update - 11:45 - Busy day in the garden.
And now a man has turned up to paint / treat my shed as apparently we are supposed to do it every year but haven't done it yet after about 6 yrs.
I did explain it was because I couldn't be arsed to paint the shed and that's why I had asked him to do it for me. I say asked but paid him may be more accurate.
This is definitely going to be a busy couple of weeks for having things done, which should make life easier in the long run.
Now just to hire a skip to clear out the garage & videos that are never going to be watched.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Day 661 (18/10/2011)
Did a talk in Preston this morning then a long drive home.
They started doing our garden today.
After years of not using the garden as it was an uneven tip we are having quite a bit of work done with patios and a decked area, so we should be able to sit out there on a nice day.
We had originally started arranging to get it done in the spring with the idea of being able to use it in the summer but got a bit distracted with things.
It is a bit of a busy week for workman, the shed man is due back in the next few days to fix my shed roof, the guttering man is due round to quote for repairing & clearing the guttering, the maintenance man is on Wednesday to fix a tap & fit some smoke detectors and the boiler being serviced on Thursday.
It is easier to admit your own limitations and just get people in.
They started doing our garden today.
After years of not using the garden as it was an uneven tip we are having quite a bit of work done with patios and a decked area, so we should be able to sit out there on a nice day.
We had originally started arranging to get it done in the spring with the idea of being able to use it in the summer but got a bit distracted with things.
It is a bit of a busy week for workman, the shed man is due back in the next few days to fix my shed roof, the guttering man is due round to quote for repairing & clearing the guttering, the maintenance man is on Wednesday to fix a tap & fit some smoke detectors and the boiler being serviced on Thursday.
It is easier to admit your own limitations and just get people in.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Day 660 (17/10/2011)
Not that I'm upset with myself but I'm sending myself to Coventry today, for a presentation to IT Security Professionals.
I can guarantee that means there will be at least one person in the room who knows nothing at IT Security. I'm not even getting paid, its a favor to someone, what a mug.
Then after that a drive up to Preston for tomorrows presentation.
Update - 22:00 - Did my presentation to a large room of serious computer types.
Most talks I listen to are very dry & dull but mine tend to be anything from that. I usually get a few laughs, although I bet that some in the room don't always appreciate my somewhat relaxed & lighthearted attitude.
It didn't really work as a networking or marketing tool either as I told them I didn't want any more work anyway, although I did swap business cards with a man from a very interesting government body, which might be fun.
I can guarantee that means there will be at least one person in the room who knows nothing at IT Security. I'm not even getting paid, its a favor to someone, what a mug.
Then after that a drive up to Preston for tomorrows presentation.
Update - 22:00 - Did my presentation to a large room of serious computer types.
Most talks I listen to are very dry & dull but mine tend to be anything from that. I usually get a few laughs, although I bet that some in the room don't always appreciate my somewhat relaxed & lighthearted attitude.
It didn't really work as a networking or marketing tool either as I told them I didn't want any more work anyway, although I did swap business cards with a man from a very interesting government body, which might be fun.
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Day 658 & 659 (15 & 16/10/2011)
Well I've arranged the guy to put the new roof on my shed, the man to fix some taps and someone to tidy the garden. Still got loads to do & arrange.
Slowly getting thru my work.
Update - Sunday 20:00 - Lovely Sunday roast chicken dinner in a Yorkshire pudding.
It was even better with gravy, cranberry sauce and a bottle wine.
The nice thing about Thomas working at M&S is that on a Sunday he brings us an afters back.
Slowly getting thru my work.
Update - Sunday 20:00 - Lovely Sunday roast chicken dinner in a Yorkshire pudding.
It was even better with gravy, cranberry sauce and a bottle wine.
The nice thing about Thomas working at M&S is that on a Sunday he brings us an afters back.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Day 657 (14/10/2011)
Well the curry was lovely last night. I know some people may think that driving over 50miles just to a have a curry paid for by someone else may not be worth it but it was. I suppose it was also a business meeting of sorts.
Plus on the drive I had lots of thoughts about work and diversifying a bit as I must do something to give me more time off.
I noticed this morning that the felt from the shed roof has come off, so I now have a long list of trades man that I need to contact and arrange for our & Kim's house;
Plumber
Boiler Servicing x2
Shed Roofs
Guttering (clearing & replacing)
Gardener
Mechanic
Bedroom furniture people
Utilities
The trouble is I'm very busy with work so may have a struggle to get it all done soon but basically it needs to be all done within the next few weeks.
Must get some work done.
Neil
Plus on the drive I had lots of thoughts about work and diversifying a bit as I must do something to give me more time off.
I noticed this morning that the felt from the shed roof has come off, so I now have a long list of trades man that I need to contact and arrange for our & Kim's house;
Plumber
Boiler Servicing x2
Shed Roofs
Guttering (clearing & replacing)
Gardener
Mechanic
Bedroom furniture people
Utilities
The trouble is I'm very busy with work so may have a struggle to get it all done soon but basically it needs to be all done within the next few weeks.
Must get some work done.
Neil
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Day 656 (13/10/2011)
It was only last night I was thinking to myself that I had not had a curry for over a week, then first thing this morning I heard from a friend who I hadn't seen for a while who is in Bristol for the day and invited me out for a curry. And they are paying, double result.
Just can't get enthusiastic about work at the moment, and am barely doing one job a day.
In a years time I might have someone else to help me with the research and after an interesting meeting yesterday I might also be doing some new training courses, not just the ones I do now. Could be an interesting development.
Just can't get enthusiastic about work at the moment, and am barely doing one job a day.
In a years time I might have someone else to help me with the research and after an interesting meeting yesterday I might also be doing some new training courses, not just the ones I do now. Could be an interesting development.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Day 655 (12/10/2011)
Aiming to put more stuff into storage today, but to be honest I could say that for the next two years and the garage would still be full.
Hoping to see the new Johnny English film later as its Orange Wednesday but I have things that must be done first.
Have heard a few interviews with Noel Gallagher lately and he comes over a lot better now he is not with Liam. I might even download his new album.
Hoping to see the new Johnny English film later as its Orange Wednesday but I have things that must be done first.
Have heard a few interviews with Noel Gallagher lately and he comes over a lot better now he is not with Liam. I might even download his new album.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Day 654 (11/10/2011)
Busy day, with a meeting booked with the solicitor later.
Hope our cleaner gets better soon, not just because our house needs tidying up.
Update - 22:00 - I can't believe how busy I am.
Hope our cleaner gets better soon, not just because our house needs tidying up.
Update - 22:00 - I can't believe how busy I am.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Day 653 (10/10/2011)
Started moving stuff to the storage unit and dropping stuff off at the tip, it might be a busy few weeks.
Nice to be home but as always I have work to do, for once I might look forward to Christmas & time off.
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