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They grow up so fast!!

2008-07-20T22:06:00.005+01:00

It's been a busy few weeks with lots of family events, and milestones! And lots of reminders that my little girls are growing up VERY quickly!

This photo of Eloise was taken last week on our (now) annual family outing to Greenwich. We started this 3 years ago, just me, Melissa and Eloise, and had such a good day that we've ended up spending a day there every year since (obviously now joined by Maisie, and other members of the family over the past couple of years!!). Anyway, Eloise has now officially left Pre-School, with her final day being Friday, when they finished up with a Beach Party. It's odd to think that this is the same tiny little person I held in my arms on that wet Saturday night in November 2003, it seems to have passed so quickly. Now she has School uniform hanging in her wardrobe ready for the upcoming September morning when she attends school for the first time! Although no-one from her Pre-School will read this blog (as far as I'm aware!), Melissa and I have to say that they have been brilliant for the last 2 and a bit years. Eloise has loved her time there, and they've prepared her well for her move up to "big" school - for her part, she can't wait to get started. And now the Pre-School staff have a few months to catch their breath, and prepare themselves for the arrival of Hurricane Howell part 2 in January next year! And here she is:

Maisie hits 2 in September. In some ways she is a completely different character to Eloise, but has seemed to grow up so much just in the last few weeks. Her speech is coming on really well now, and she's not backward in coming forward, particularly if she doesn't agree with what you are saying! As Nanny discovered last week when she referred to her new cardigan as a jacket!! She loves trying new things, and dotes on her big sister, who is happy to reciprocate.

And finally to my other girl!!:

As you may recall, in my last blog I mentioned that Melissa had been into hospital for some surgery. Well, that all went well, and she is now on the road to recovery, although still a little bit sore around the area of her head where her "lump" was removed. The photo above was taken at a recent family wedding, and I just thought I'd add it because she looks so lovely in it!

I'm incredibly proud of my girls! We've just booked a family holiday for next Easter, just the four of us, where we're going to go on a little adventure to France for a week, driving over there, staying on a campsite, and driving back again! The times we spend together are ones that I cherish, particularly as events continue to develop around us, and sometimes it feels like we're "running through treacle" - at least I have three reasons for keeping a smile on my face!

June Journal!

2008-06-26T22:20:00.003+01:00

It has been observed that I have yet to blog in June, so I thought I'd better rectify the matter before incurring further wrath from the general direction of South Essex!

So June began much as May had ended, with me completing my "UK Pension Tour" 2008. I finished (as all good tours should) in London on 9th June - Wembley was busy though, so I had to make do with a conference room on the 3rd floor of an office complex in Farringdon. It brought to an end a four week tour that had seen my deliver my presentation a grand total of 33 times in Newcastle, Scarborough, Barnsley, Birmingham, Norwich, Letchworth, Richmond, London, Basildon, Colchester, Hammersmith, Lewisham, Burton on Trent, Southampton, Letchworth (again), Southgate, Hornsey, Letchworth (for the 3rd time), Slough, and London. Now I get a few months respite, until I set out on repeat performances sometime in October. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Also this month saw our first meeting at the School Eloise will be starting in September - we're pleased that she got into the first choice school, and also that she will be in the class we were hoping she would be allocated to, but having to start buying school uniform, book bags etc is still all a bit odd!

Maisie is now hurtling towards her 2nd birthday in September, with her own individual character developing more each day. She's talking more now, and loves to be doing whatever her big sister is doing. She has also started "music and movement" session and now looks forward to her Thursday morning Dance!!

Today has been a bit fraught as Melissa has been into hospital for some surgery. About 6 months ago she noticed a lump that had appeared above her ear. After numerous tests it was found to be benign, but still had to go in to have it removed. Thankfully it turned out to be fairly straightforward surgery, but she is spending tonight in hospital as she recovers from the after effects of the operation.

Lastly, this month has seen me get my 15 minutes of fame with a feature in Weight Watchers magazine - I blogged about the photo shoot back in April, and the results were published a few weeks back. The magazine is still available in newsagents, but probably only for another week or so - check it out!!

Finally, next Monday, 30th June, is the fourth anniversary of my dad dying. Seems four years has gone very quickly, and Eloise still talks about her "Grandad Charlie" although she only knew him for a few months. It's saddens me to think that Maisie won't ever be able to form any memories of him, but in some ways I'm comforted that he hasn't had to face some of the events of the last 18 months. Love you Dad and still miss you every day.

London - Grrrrrrrr!

2008-05-20T18:20:00.003Z

Work is manic at the moment - I am in the middle of a series of presentations to one of our clients - by the end of the series I will have presented 45 times in 17 different locations. Last week I travelled almost 900 miles visiting Newcastle, Scarborough, Barnsley, Birmingham and Norwich ( I get all the best gigs!), and by and large those travels were fairly trouble free. With the exception of a 30 minute delay on the M11 coming back from Birmingham, I have been pretty successful in keeping moving thus far. So, today's trip seemed fairly simple - starting off in Richmond at 9am, followed by the City of London at 2pm. Now I know the M25 can have it's off days, so with that in mind I set off at 6am. 3 hours, 75 miles, that should be fine.

All was going well, I was across the Dartford crossing by 6.45 and everything was still moving until junction 5. Then I stopped, and started and stopped and so on for about the next 30 miles, and for no apparent reason either. Still, I got off the dreaded M25 at 8am, and only had about 9 miles to go, so that should be fine shouldn't it?? At 8.45 I was thinking I was cutting it a bit fine, but was entering Richmond so just about had time to get parked, unload the car, set up the laptop and projector etc for a 9am start, as long as there was no further problems. Then the phone rang - it was the meeting organiser, who was based at the company's main office in Hertfordshire to inform me that she was very sorry, but she had given me the incorrect address for the presentation. It wasn't at their office, but at the Hampton Hill Playhouse. Great!! So I punched the details into Navman and set off for the extra couple of miles now added to my journey, except in turning around I was now sat in a queue of traffic waiting to get out of a junction. However, I located the Playhouse, parked up, unloaded the car and went in - only to be told by bloke who worked there that they had been told on Friday that the meeting was cancelled! After a few phonecalls it was established that there had been a bit of an error, and then 3 people turned up for the first session. The HR rep from the company was stuck on the M25 so I started on my own. I'd sat in the car for 3 hours, and had no breakfast, so by the end of the session I was starving! Anyway, grabbed some toast, and went back for the second session, which 5 people turned up for, and the HR rep also managed to arrive for.

I was finished by 12, and was due in the City of London for 2pm - no problem, was only 15 miles, surely that wouldn't be a problem? Anyway, as I began my afternoon presentation at 2.35pm.......Honestly, London is supposed to be one of the finest cities in the world, yet to travel 15 miles took me over 2 hours and I had to pay £8 for the privilege - Madness! Boris, I can't help thinking you've got your work cut out!!

Strike a pose....

2008-04-15T20:56:00.006Z

So, last Thursday saw me setting off to London for the day to take part in the Weight Watchers photo shoot that I mentioned in my last post.

It was a really good day, although a bit long - there was quite a lot of standing around and waiting actually, so I'm not sure I could handle being a model and doing that everyday! The official shots aren't out yet, but one of the other guys took some pictures on his own camera, so I thought I'd share some as a bit of a taster.

As you can see, there were four of us taking part in the shoot, and the morning was spent doing the group shots, however, before any photos could be taken we had to have our hair sorted out and make up applied. The make up artist in question has worked with lots of famous people and also does the hair and make up for Eastenders - she said she would make us look like stars, so I chose Dot Cotton!

Breakfast was kindly laid on for us - Croissants and Pain au Chocolat - we did point out that feeding us with that kind of food kind of missed the point of why we were there in the first place, so the Weight Watchers magazine staff ate them instead - a very cunning plan!

The photographer was excellent, really put us at ease and made us feel comfortable. Very funny guy as well, and the photos looked great on his laptop. In the afternoon it was time for individual shots and a change of outfit, before the day was over and we all went home.

It was a great, if slightly surreal, experience - I never thought I'd see the day I featured in Weight Watchers magazine. The feature is appearing in the July issue, which hits the shops at the beginning of June, now if you'll excuse me I have to go, I have a meeting with my agent.......!

Work that camera!!!

2008-03-21T19:13:00.001Z

So, it's been a while........again!! However, I do have some exciting news - I'm going to appear in a magazine - I'm going to appear in a feature in a magazine - I'm going to be one of the subjects of the magazine feature, not just someone who has been stopped on the street and has then been quoted a couple of lines - I'm going to be in a photo shoot to accompany said feature - the feature is going to appear in a magazine that is available in stores like WH Smith, Sainsbury, Tesco etc all around the country - yes ladies and gentlemen, I am going to appear in (drum roll please)..............Weight Watchers magazine, oh yes indeedy!!!! Am due to be going up to London in the next couple of weeks for the photo shoot and then it will appear in an issue of the magazine over the next few months - who knows where it will lead......maybe when the conservatory we're currently having built is finished "Hello" will want to do an exclusive multi-page spread on it......oh the possibilities!!!

And in other news that also involves me being in print, found out last week that the SA are publishing a piece of Songster music that I wrote the words for. It was written about three years ago (music by Dean Jones), and seems sort of funny that it's only just being published given our current situation.

Busy April coming up, but looking forward to a week at Center Parcs towards the end of the month with some friends, and also to Eloise being a mascot at Colchester United for the last ever league game at Layer Road before they pull the old place down. She's very excited (so am I!)

Anyway, check out my blog list as there are a couple of new additions - Katie's blog is entertaining and should provide a few chuckle. Ed's likewise, despite the numerous references to Ipswich Town - I have known Ed for many years, in fact he used to attend Layer Road on a fairly regular basis for a while, and then somewhere along the line it all went horribly wrong for him............!!!

73.5%!

2008-02-03T21:23:00.000Z

Yes, on January 21st I reached the "5 Stone lost" milestone, and am now approximately 73.5% of the person I was when I started my diet in January 2007! As you can probably imagine, I am quite chuffed with this, and once I have shifted another 7lbs to 1st will be able to say I've reached where I want to be!

In other news, Christmas came and went, and we had a very nice relaxing one, although it seems like ages ago now! Just before Christmas we completed Eloise's school application ( can't believe she starts this September) and we find out in April which school she has been allocated a place in (hopefully the first choice!) - Belated thanks to Mrs Fox for her professional opinion on said 1st Choice school's latest Ofsted report!

As most of my recent tv favourites all seemed to reach the end of current series just before Christmas (Spooks, Heroes and Dragons Den), there seems to have been a lack of decent programmes to watch in these long, dark, cold winter evenings (although I must admit a sneaking enjoyment of Relocation, Relocation on Channel 4 and re-runs of Never Mind the Buzzcocks on "Dave" - great name for a TV Channel!). However, it would appear things are beginning to pick up - I've caught the first couple of episodes of a new US Comedy/Drama on E4 called "Reaper" which, although it is quite a black comedy, looks like it will keep me entertained. However, I am very excited this week, as Thursday night sees the start of a new series on BBC1, "Ashes to Ashes", not a sequel to, but more a spin off from the wonderful, superb, fantastic, brilliant "Life on Mars" (Yes, I quite liked it!).

Now, I must admit, that when the idea of "Ashes to Ashes" first surfaced last year I was a bit dubious, particularly as "Life on Mars" had only just finished, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they've done with this so will be settling down in front of the tv on Thursday night to find out! Hoping DCI Gene Hunt is as full of great one liners in the 1980's as he was in 1973, and I'll leave you with one of my favourites - "She's more nervous than a very small nun at a penguin shoot"!

Yule (B)Log

2007-12-21T14:14:00.000Z

Sooooooo, I haven't blogged for ages, and it's nearly the end of the year. The photo above is the "christmassiest" (new word, will be in the Oxford English Dictionary next year, just you wait and see!) I had to hand, and was taken on our recent trip to Disneyland Paris, which Eloise and Maisie enjoyed almost as much as me and Melissa!

Not sure how often I'll be updating from now on (not that I've been that regular anyway) but just wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'm winding down towards the end of the day now, off to client function in Southend shortly, and then it's 11 Days off. Looking forward to some chill out time, a bit of football (watching and playing!) and then spending New Year's Eve at home with the family and finally kicking 2007 into touch, not a year I'll be disappointed to see the back of!

Here's to 2008.

Christmas is coming.........

2007-10-26T21:23:00.000Z

.....Yes! It's less than two months away, and if you're already struggling for present ideas, then let me suggest the following............

This is "Little Cooks", a cook book inspired by and to raise money for Little Havens Children's Hospice, where Melissa works. Rather than let me waffle on about it, this is what the official press release says........

" Little Cooks features recipes from children, their families and staff at the hospice, plus contributions from celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Delia Smith and Ainsley Harriot. Priced at £5.99 each, the books will be available from October at outlets including some Essex branches of Asda, Waterstones, Havens Hospices charity shops and via the charity's website, www.littlehavens.org.uk "

So there you go, a bargain! Anyway, just so you know how much you'd be helping out, the Hospice has annual running costs in excess of £1.6million, and the government provide just £25,000 each year towards this. They have to rely on public donations to provide the rest.

So there you, put one in everyone's stocking, tell your family, tell your friends, tell your work colleagues, tell that bloke in Oxford St who stands there all day with the sign that says "Golf Sale", tell everyone - Please...............

.....BUY THIS BOOK!!

Happy Birthday Amelia

2007-10-19T18:56:00.001Z

Today would have been Amelia's 4th Birthday. Amelia was the daughter of Melissa's cousin, Sarah. Her and Eloise were best friends, just 5 weeks apart in age. Tragically, Amelia died as the result of a road accident in February of this year, along with her Grandad.

Today Eloise has been to Amelia's special Garden, and released a Balloon for her. In her words she wanted the "Angels to catch it and give it to Amelia".

Happy Birthday Amelia, you are missed by us all, and especially by Eloise.

Everything Changes

2007-10-17T13:08:00.000Z

So, prompted by Mr Mitchinson, I thought I'd better post again.

Life, for the last few weeks, has been hectic - work has kept me busy and last week I was travelling around the country doing some presentations. Over the course of 5 days I found myself in Hitchin, Letchworth, Dartford, Cobham, Cardiff and Huddersfield (and believe me travelling from Cardiff to Huddersfield, and then from Huddersfield to Chelmsford in the same day certainly takes it out of you!). I clocked up over 1,000 miles, passed through around 18 different counties, and was apparently on the highest motorway point in the UK whilst on the M62 (Well, I think I was, didn't quite get time to read all of what the sign said - I wasn't driving by the way, so was allowed to try and read it!). And in the middle of all that I had my birthday - so, another year older, another year wiser??? Hmm, will reserve judgement on that one!

Last night I was quite excited, because last night it was time for.........

Yep, a new series of Spooks - one of my favourite programmes on tv. Really enjoyed it, but something struck me this morning. In a strange kind of way the fact that I was able to enjoy it really demonstrated to me the way that everything has changed for me (stick with me here!). In previous years, the BBC scheduling a new series of this (or any other favourite, Like "Life on Mars" for example) for a Tuesday night would have resulted in an outburst from me - Why, when they could pick any evening of the week, would they pick the one night I'm out - It was so infuriating! It invariably led to late nights, as I would arrive home late from Songster Practice, but couldn't avoid the temptation to watch it there and then on "catch up". This year, no such problem. It's not that Songster Practice has changed nights, it's just that I'm not there - Everything changes.

A year ago, there were things, people and relationships that were a big part of my life, some had always been a big part of my life, and even defined a lot of who I am. I couldn't imagine that there would ever be a time when those things, people and relationships wouldn't be a big part of my life. Now, as a result of the course of events that have unfolded over the past year, some of those things seem far away. Now I know that some of those changes have been instigated by me, and that's just part of where I am at the moment, but some of them haven't, and some things have changed and I'm not sure why.

I've never been one for living in the past, and always coped with change quite well - but I don't like these changes. I'd just like things to be as they were, I miss that.

Before and After

2007-09-14T17:50:00.000Z

Tomorrow is Maisie's 1st birthday! I have no idea where that year has gone - She's already growing up quickly!!

What a difference a year makes. Here is a photo taken in the summer of last year (Melissa was pregnant at the time! I had no such excuse!!):

And here is one taken this summer:

In the past year I've had to face up to situations that I would rather not have, and have learnt a lot about myself, and others around me. Sometimes the things I've learnt have been things I'd rather not have. I'm a very different person now and not just in the way I look.....

Too much, too young?

2007-08-15T11:38:00.000Z

Let me introduce you to Hana - She's a duck, and the star of the programme "Hana's Helpline" (Yes, for some reason it's only spelt with one 'n'). Eloise likes this programme - I don't, for two reasons:

1) The basic set up of the show is that Hana runs a helpline which people can call up, and she helps with their problems. Whilst this normally involves a happy ending, I can't say I'm entirely comfortable with the concept of a programme aimed at Pre-School age kids that is basically telling them they should get therapy. Now, I know in "real life" there are some situations where this might be necessary, but this would be the exception rather than the norm. Surely turning it into the basis for a kids tv show is too much, too young???

2) The second reason I don't like it, and by far the most concerning, frustrating thing about it is this.......................................................The theme tune is so flipping annoying it's untrue!! Virtually every day this week, this programme has been on in the morning, and I then can't get the tune out of my head for the rest of the day! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, come on now, all join in......

"Moo, Baa, double Quack, double Quack, She'll send your problems packing, Moo, Baa, double Quack, double Quack, come on on now lets get quacking"

Make it stop, please.........................................!!!

Here comes the Sun.....(Hopefully)!

2007-08-15T07:56:00.000Z

Well, despite the hint last weekend that summer had arrived, the weather is still, frankly, rubbish. Not that I am worried, because on Saturday we are off on holiday, and according to the weather forecast for the area of Spain we're going to, it's sunshine all the way!!! It's going to be a week of doing very little, sitting on the beach, or by the pool. The summer reading is all packed and ready to go, though nothing else is yet!, and Eloise is very excited! It's going to be a much needed holiday this year, and I don't think I've ever looked forward to getting away for a break so much!

So, have fun everybody, see you soon!

For the whosoever??

2007-07-23T23:05:00.000Z

I've been a part of the Salvation Army for all my life, grown up in it, got married in it, seen my children dedicated in it. Figured I knew what it was all about - however, seems we've introduced social profiling now, and in the name of protecting itself (which, however it might be dressed up, is the over-riding concern) the "powers that be" are now decreeing who is and isn't acceptable, and requesting those that aren't, don't attend. Jesus, apparently is for the whosoever, the army, it would appear, is slightly more choosy. Hooray for comfortable, surburban, Middle Class christianity - William Booth must be so proud.

For Kirsty - A lesson in 80's-ology

2007-07-20T23:47:00.000Z

Following on from Kirsty's wander back through the mists of time, I feel it would be wrong of me not to provide some education on the areas in which she is lacking, so with the assistance of youtube, Kirsty here's a lesson in 80's-ology:

1) Vanilla Ice - the precursor to Eminem - "To the extreme I rock a mic like a vandal, light up the stage and wax a chump like a candle" - Indeed Mr Ice, and was there ever a finer rap lyric than "cooking MC's like a pound of bacon"?? No, I don't think so! Anyway, cast your eyes below and you can indeed "check out the hook while my DJ revolves it"!!!

2) Mr Miyagi - see the following video homage to the karate legend and Daniel-san, including the famous "wax on, wax off" method, painting the fence and that weird 1-legged scissor kick thing that we were all trying in the playground for weeks (soundtrack provided by MC Hammer - a perfect fusion of 80's icons!!):

3) Rentaghost - Timothy Claypole, Dobbin, Miss Popov, Mr & Mrs Meaker etc (I can't remember the Witch's name though) Incidentally, the actor that played Harold Meaker often drinks in the pub my eldest brother frequents in London, although he doesn't like being reminded of his Rentaghost years (Harold Meaker that is, not my brother!):

4) DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Recorded THE GREATEST summer tune ever, funnily enough called "summertime", see below. Unfortunately they followed it up with the rather oddly named "boom, shake the room", which was, quite frankly, rubbish:

Here endeth the lesson, but I would suggest further additions to the curriculum should include "Jamie and the Magic Torch", "Fonzy and the Happy Days gang" (The cartoon version), Kids of Degrassi St/Degrassi Junior High and Romford's very own Five Star!!

This has absolutely nothing to do with me!!!

2007-07-16T21:53:00.000Z

This is as a result of a conversation between my lovely wife and Estelle Blake. I divulge all responsibility for any offence caused to your eardrums, and ask that you do not take what follows as any reflection of my own thoughts or moral values:

We love you Estelle, but I can't say I'm too enamoured with the choice of music!!

That said, whilst searching Youtube for this video, I also found this little piece of Musical gold - the same song, but sung in Japanese - a vast improvement I'm sure you'll agree!

So there I was......

2007-06-15T11:14:00.000Z

....sitting on the beach, topping up my tan, generally unwinding when this happened.......

2007-06-14T12:02:00.000Z

Priorities, Economies and Social Justice

2007-05-23T11:30:00.000Z

Here's a selection of public sector jobs being advertised this week:

- Single Front Office Development Officer
- Deputy for Governance and Competitiveness
- Capacity and Change Policy Manager
- Head of Engagement and Partnerships
- Scrutiny and Equality Support Officers
- Supporting People Commissioning Manager
- Civil Contingencies Strategy Manager
- Dual Diagnosis Practictioner (part of the Assertive Outreach Team)
- Reparation Co-Ordinator

What do they have in common?? They are all offering significant salaries (funded by the taxpayer), and the job titles are complete nonsense, giving no possible clue of what the job involves. Why am I highlighting this, and bear in mind this is just a selection from over 500 similar jobs that are being advertised? Well, at the same time, consider the following:

- Many NHS trusts are freezing recruitment of nurses, and in some cases have made nurses redundant.
- One healthcare trust in London has (on at least one occasion) in the past two years been "technically bankrupt"
- Our local Childrens hospice, which has an annual operating cost of £2.6million, is receiving just £25,000 in funding from the state, and relying on public donations for the balance of £2,575,000.
- We have the highest rate of teenage pregnancies than any other country in the Western world.
- We have a generation of young people who feel disaffected and disenfranchised. They are also less literate on leaving school than any other country in the Western world. (no reflection on those who work in the education system, more on the lack of investment from the state)
- Levels of crime are rising, our prisons are overcrowded, and upon release prisoners are more likely to re-offend than in any other European country.

Added to this, on a global scale, we have the following:

- Human trafficking continuing on a massive scale whilst Western Governments pat themselves on the back for "abolishing" slavery 200 years ago.
- Someone dying every three seconds in Africa as a result of malnutrition, the massive Aids epidemic, or illnesses that would be laughed at if described as "life threatening" in the Western world. Meanwhile, governments continue to avoid answering questions regarding dropping Third World debt, and pharmaceutical companies continue to resist providing cheap, simple drugs that could save countless lives, whilst pulling in billions of pounds in profits each year.

Makes you wonder about the priorities, and moral values of the people that make the decisions doesn't it?????

Impossible?Pah! Impossible is nothing!

2007-05-15T12:40:00.000Z

Found this, thought others might want to give it a try:

www.notdoppler.com/theimpossiblequiz.php (hopefully link will work, if not copy and paste into the address bar!)

Think I've made it up to question 36 so far. Some questions require varying degrees of lateral thinking, some are just plain baffling you just have to take a guess!!

Wonder who can get the furthest

(P.S - Warning! One of the questions I have done had some slightly dodgy language, don't know about any further on as haven't got that far yet!!)

A Tribute

2007-05-01T08:39:00.000Z

Forgive me this indulgence, but going to use my blog today to pay tribute to my Nana. I realised this morning that it's 15 years ago today that she passed away.

Nana was, without doubt, the biggest single influence on me as I was growing up. The balance of reason when my crazy teenage ideas and dreams ran away with me, and the "still, small voice of calm" in conflict.

I spent a lot of time with her as a child, and a teenager, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. Life moves on, I know, but I would love for her to have been here to know Eloise and Maisie (and obviously, Melissa too!!).

So here's to you Nana, I miss you.

My very exciting blog!

2007-04-30T08:54:00.000Z

So, another weekend come and gone! It was a return to my "weekend dad" alter-ego this weekend with Melissa returning to work!

Saturday was mainly spent at my mum's house setting up her new broadband etc. However, I'm told by more experienced bloggers than I that this isn't very exciting, and if in doubt, to make it up. Therefore, ignore the start of this paragraph, and just know that Saturday was actually spent wrestling tigers, sailing the high seas, jousting with bad knights, and defeating the dark lord of the sith to generally ensure that by Saturday evening the good had out, and the people of the world could relax with a warm fuzzy feeling, knowing that all was well!!

Having done all of that, Saturday evening was spent with friends, something we hadn't done for a long while and was great to spend time with them.

Sunday was the usual mad rush! Melissa went to work yesterday afternoon and Eloise wanted to "make cakes"!! Hmmmmm, now I'm not bad in the kitchen, if I do say so myself, but I struggled with this one!! We started with 10 cake cases, but somehow only finished with 8 cakes!! The instructions on the cake mix packet (Disney Princess, if you're interested!) then told me to mix a "little" water with the icing sugar to make the icing. Great!, how much is a "little"?? - what I do know is that it is less than the amount I actually did add. So we have cakes (of sorts) waiting to be iced today.

So there we go, such excitement!!

There's gratitude for you!

2007-04-27T08:40:00.000Z

I just thought I'd share something that happened to me last night. Was walking from the office towards London Bridge station, when a big Mercedes pulled up beside me. A gentleman got out, and started walking towards the station. As he did, he pulled something out of his back pocket, and in doing so a bundle of £20 notes fell onto the ground. He obviously hadn't realised and carried on walking.

I picked up the bundle of notes - there were a lot, I would estimate well in excess of £100 in total - and being the good, honest boy that I am, scurried (or maybe even sturried Liz??!!!) after him. I tapped him on the shoulder, he turned round and I said "excuse me, you dropped this on the floor" at which point, he scowled at me, snatched the money out of my hand and walked off again. Not a word, not even a thankyou.

I'd like to think that if the roles were reversed I would have shown some gratitude, or am I expecting too much???!!!!!!

Never Look a Polar Bear in the eye!

2007-04-23T12:57:00.000Z

Saw this story, and it intrigued me!! Some of you may have read about this bear in the papers a few weeks back, German Animal Rights protesters wanted him put down because he wasn't being allowed to live as a "proper bear" The only reason I have added this, and it's not to trigger a debate about animal rights, was because it actually made me chuckle - see points after the story!

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's celebrity polar bear cub Knut has received an anonymous death threat, causing alarm at Berlin Zoo on Thursday and prompting heightened security.
Top-selling Bild newspaper said the zoo had received a hand-written fax from a suspected animal hater with the words: "Knut is dead! Thursday midday."
But that deadline came and went safely for media star Knut, who has been on newspaper front pages around Germany and the world for weeks. "He is safe and in good spirits," said zoo official Ragnar Kuehne after the time had passed.
Berlin police said they had investigated a letter containing a threat but did not believe it was serious.
Berlin Zoo's business manager Gerald Uhlich said: "They told us prominent figures often have things like this happen but in this instance we need not be too worried."
Nonetheless, Bild said the zoo had trebled the number of minders responsible for Knut's safety to 15.
"Death threat, police protection for Knut!" Bild wrote in bold letters on page one above a picture of the sad-looking polar bear cub peering out from behind a tree branch.
As Knut appeared for one of his public appearance on Thursday, about twelve minders in orange jackets and carrying walkie-talkies patrolled the area around his enclosure to keep a close eye on the cub and the crowd of fans.
Just an hour before the death threat expired, an unperturbed Knut rolled around on the ground with his bearded keeper Thomas Doerflein and, as usual, chewed his fingers.
Knut, who now has his own brand, won global attention after questions were raised about hand-rearing polar bears. Some animal rights campaigners were interpreted as calling for him to be put down rather than raised by humans.
Doerflein has slept in Knut's cage, played with him and fed him porridge since the cub's mother rejected him at birth.
The zoo has already received about six serious offers to give Knut a home when he is older, the latest from a Norwegian zoo north of the Arctic Circle.
"We are the northernmost zoo in the world so we thought, why not take the initiative to get him up here," said Sigbjoern Soerensen, managing director of the Polar Zoo in Bardu, Norway.
Soerensen, who sent his proposal to Berlin in a letter, said the Polar Zoo had ideal conditions for Knut, with deep snow in winter and temperatures sometimes diving to -30 degrees celsius and summer temperatures typically a cool 10-15 degrees.
Kuehne said Berlin Zoo would only consider whether to send Knut abroad in a year or so when he is old enough to breed.

1) - The person who sent the death threat - brave or stupid?? Polar Bears actually have a reputation as a fearsome predator, so I'm going for stupid - Stupid enough to want to take the bear on in the first place, but also stupid for sending a death threat to a Polar Bear -as far as I'm aware they can't read!!

2) "The zoo received a hand-written fax from a suspected animal hater" - Suspected?? He's threatening to kill the bear, hardly sounds like he's a big fan!

3) The bear makes public appearances with 12 minders - that's almost as many as Mariah Carey!!!

4) "Berlin Zoo will consider whether to send Knut abroad in a year or so when he is old enough to breed" - Why have I got this image of a Polar Bear in dark glasses, carrying suitcase and passport, boarding a plane!! Is it a permanent trip, or a gap year - lady polar bears of the world beware, Knut is on his way!!

Anyway, sorry for the slightly surreal nature of this entry, it just amused me that's all!! The title for this blog, by the way, comes from what, I am told, is the second golden rule of Arctic survival. The first?? Never eat yellow snow!!

Later,

G

The wisdom of Nichole

2007-04-19T12:37:00.000Z

I should point out that the article reproduced below doesn't necessarily reflect my own views or opinions completely, but it seemed quite relevant to various discussions that have gone on recently in Blogdom, so thought I would include it! Besides, it's written by Nichole Nordeman - and she's a legend in my eyes!!!

Comments, discussion, or otherwise welcome!!!

G

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – March 2007 CCM By Nichole Nordeman
Lights, camera, action
Movie night is a big deal at my house. I remember when I was a younger, single person, hearing my married friends with kids talk about how excited they were about getting to have a “Blockbuster night” on Saturday night. I remember thinking, “Wow. How sad. When I get married and have kids I am sooo not going to be a giant lame-o and allow the highlight of my entire week to revolve around microwave popcorn and a DVD player.” I was certain my evenings would be spent strolling through art museums or stopping at sidewalk cafes to scribble something insightful in my journal. Naturally, whatever child I was schlepping around in a stroller, would be quietly practicing his or her French with the flashcards I found at the museum gift shop.
No joke. That was my vision of family life. ANYTHING, dear Lord, but Blockbuster night.
The irony of course, is that I married a man who is such a film buff, that we have a separate ROOM for movie watching. A special screen on a special wall the size of an SUV with 19 remote controls, specifically designed to detonate in the hands of women. But I am an admitted convert. I am now the girl who takes great pride in un-scorched popcorn, and great shame in un-popped kernels. I am now the girl who races to my special spot on the couch for movie night. Let the museum people scoff…I have far more comfortable slippers than Van Gogh ever owned.
The other night, Errol and I made a rare and erroneous film selection. He had obtained a free copy of the most recent King Kong movie (2005). I won’t waste time reviewing the film. Besides, I should try and be sensitive…maybe you liked it. Maybe you also like sweaty gym socks and small daggers poked in your eyes. Maybe you like the Keebler elves. But, our only consolation in watching this film was that it was…free. But then, so are the chickenpox.
The film opens with one of the main characters Carl Denham, played by Jack Black, a struggling yet passionate movie director in the 1930’s trying to make his mark and fund his next “masterpiece.” When he is first introduced in early scenes, I had compassion for him. He is desperately trying to win the enthusiasm (and dollars) of some wealthy investors to afford him the luxury of finishing his film. He is appropriately eccentric and inappropriate, but it was easy for me to be sympathetic with his willingness to go to any lengths to make his movie.
Most of the movie is spent watching him trail a giant, hairy gorilla (duh) who spends 2 hours flinging the lovely Naomi Watts about, lipstick and curls perfectly intact, despite the fact that Kong repeatedly snaps her bony neck around like a chicken. There. Now you’ve seen the movie.
Oh yah. She screams a lot.
Long after the movie mercifully ended, it was the Jack Black character…the passionate director…that stayed with me. Once he is finally on spooky Skull Island, and he begins frantically filming, it is clear that his passion for his art has started to look more like a disturbing obsession. Danger lurks around every corner and even though his closet friends and crew are losing their limbs and lives to creatures who are unspeakably gruesome, he manages to somehow keep his camera rolling ‘for art’s sake.’ Narrowly escaping the clutches of giant cockroaches and gianormous eels himself, he is miraculously able to scramble behind the lens and continue to film the bedlam, unharmed.
What began as my admiration for his passionate pursuit of art quickly became disgust for his insatiable greed and opportunism…all at the expense of his cast and crew.
Why is there always such a fine line between genuine commitment and unhealthy fixation? And why is it so easy for everyone else to recognize when that line has been blurred or crossed, except for the sucker who is still clinging to the illusion that he or she is somehow gallantly obliged to keep fixating? We see it all the time…dating relationships that should have ended long ago, jobs that should have been resigned from, unrealistic pie in the sky notions of being “discovered” at something, the optimistic pining away for a certain kind of physical beauty we will never attain, the clutching, the grasping, the constant justification…and everyone else in the room is thinking… PUT THE CAMERA DOWN. YOUR LIFE IS FALLING APART AROUND YOU AND YOU’RE WAITING TO GET FOOTAGE OF A 50-FOOT MONKEY HOLDING A BLONDE. Let…it…go.
Knowing when to clutch at something even tighter because you believe so firmly in seeing it through and knowing when to walk away might be one of the hardest parts about a journey in faith. There are so many competing voices. So much input. So many books and friends and friends recommending books. So many therapists and counselors (big fan, by the way)…it can be a great struggle to quiet all the chatter and really hear God’s heart. Everybody and their gorilla is an expert on what God wants for you. And very few people have a clue. Least of all the goofball staring back from the mirror who can no longer see the forest for the bananas.
In the 10th chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus spends some time talking to a crowd about how His sheep “will follow him because they know His voice.” Other shepherds, other watchmen and “hired hands’ will try and coerce His sheep to follow but “they will never follow a stranger, in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” (vs. 5) After his thorough and gentle explanation of this sheep/shepherd metaphor…18 verses worth in fact…about half of the crowd decided he was “demon possessed and raving mad,” and probably went off in search of Little Bo Peep. Case in point, I’d say.
There’s the challenge. Not JUST the getting quiet part, but whose voice you choose to amplify. And it is a choice. And a huge risk…because it might very well mean God prying your white knuckles off that camera.
ARRGH. I hate it when I accidentally write something that applies to my own life. Stupid Kong.
Don’t rent it…you can borrow my copy. You can have my copy. No charge.
nichole

Best Feet Forward

2007-04-17T08:31:00.000Z

There's a pedial theme to today's entry (that's foot-like, in the same way that "Cupboardy" is Cupboard like!)

Yesterday Eloise went to her first Ballet Lesson. She was very excited, although disappointed that she didn't have a leotard and tutu like the other children - This has now been ordered! I was treated to a "replay" of the class's events when I got home from work. Needless to say, she has an elegance, grace and poise that she could only have inherited from me ( and anyone who has ever seen my "Beyonce" would know that that's the truth!!) She's growing up very quickly!! Maisie smiled and giggled her way through the repeat showing in the lounge last night, and it's only going to be a matter of time before she starts joining in!!

The other "foot-related" news is as a result of my ongoing weight loss - Have felt the need to set myself a challenge once I get to my desired weight, and first started looking into this a couple of months ago, it's been a bit overtaken with the events of the last couple of months though. However, now beginning to look again at a plan to walk the Great Wall of China (well, part of it, not all of it!) next year. I will be doing it in aid of Little Havens Childrens Hospice (Where Melissa works), and will probably be doing it in October of next year. It's all very early stages of planning at the moment, but if all works out I will need to raise quite a lot of sponsorship, so be warned!!! I'll also need some advice on comfortable, functional walking boots from the walkers amongst you!!!

Have a good day everyone!

G

Thursday, It's the new Friday

2007-04-12T09:11:00.000Z

Hurrah, today is my "Friday" - not working tomorrow, so I'm in a good mood!! Quite excited, off to the company box at Tottenham tonight for the UEFA cup game, where one of the guests will be a chap by the name of Karl Duguid - captain of the mighty Colchester United. Yes, I have the number of a professional footballer in my phone book!

Spent the evening watching tv last night. Loving the new series of "The Apprentice", this lot are hilarious - the brightest young entrepreneurs in Britain?? Don't make me laugh!! But the one that got me last night was Property Ladder - I'm not a huge fan of property programmes, but Melissa likes them, so I do my husbandly duty and watch them with her!! Although, truth be told, I actually quite like this one - which is odd, because it entertains and frustrates me in equal measure. Why oh why oh why does nobody take notice of her advice, she's an expert property developer for crying out loud!! And why volunteer to go on the programme in the first place if you're not going to listen to her advice!! You know, there's probably a testimony in there somewhere!!! Mind you, the family on there last night, after taking no heed of her opinions, ended up with an £85,000 profit, at which point the "Property Ladder is a bit like life" analogy kind of falls down!!!!!

Have a good weekend everyone,

G

The "Next" target!

2007-04-11T12:42:00.000Z

I'm feeling quite pleased with myself this week - Some of you may know, that we've been "doing" Weightwatchers since the new year - Well, Monday was weigh day, and I've hit the "2 stone lost" mark!! I am officially now only 90% of the man I used to be (you do the maths!).

To be honest, I've suprised myself (and Melissa) at how I've taken to it (think it might be because I have to pay for it!!) - 3 months ago I couldn't envisage that I'd actually be happy to cook meals using Quorn and Couscous, amongst others!! It's not been all easy though - I miss Cheese, and oh how I miss Pies (mmmmmm, love the pie!!). Still, onwards and downwards (in weight that is).

What it does mean is that at some point I'm going to need to buy some new clothes, as some of my existing ones are beginning to look a bit "spacious". My suit jacket is beginning to look like I'm 11 again, wearing my brother's "hand me down" school blazer (actually, not sure it ever looked that big, in fact not sure I ever actually fitted in his "hand me downs"!!) But, hey, at least soon I'll be able to start shopping in Next again (what do I mean?? I don't think I've ever been able to shop in Next!!!!)

New wardrobe will mean I need lots of shirts and ties though!!!

See you all later,

G

Is there "Life on Mars"

2007-04-11T12:37:00.000Z

Liz tells me that I should overdo it in my first few goes!! So here's another entry!

So last night found me glued in front of the tv from 9 until 10 for the final ever "Life on Mars"! A lot happened, and Melissa, who was watching it with me, asked a few times what was going on - Unfortunately I couldn't beging to explain for fear of missing out on something else!!

So was he mad? Was he in a coma? - Well, I'm still not entirely sure, and that's what made it such a brilliant ending! Nothing wrong with a bit of ambiguity! At least there was a resolution to the Sam/Annie story. And the moral of it all - "You're not alive unless you can feel it" - very deep, maybe??!!!

Now, apparently there's a "sequel" coming next year - can't wait!!!

Go easy on me, I'm new to this!!

2007-04-10T13:50:00.000Z

Well, seems I'm arriving at this pretty late, and as everyone else seems to be doing it then perhaps I should too!!

Choices, choices - what to call my blog, what template should I use?? Good job it's pretty quiet at work today - they were tricky calls to make!! I'm sure that someone has done a psychological survey on what you call your blog says about you, so I await some analysis!!

Like I say, quiet at work today - as some of you know I've recently got a new job, so it kind of feels like I'm "marking time" at the moment until the end of my notice period (middle of June!!).

Easter weekend has been good, and been able to spend a lot of time with the family. Saturday morning was spent at Lakeside (was just supposed to be a quick visit, but before we knew it, it was 3pm!) Although Eloise seemed to think the only purpose was to get her a new Recorder (hers was recently broken) and some "scoop" sweets.

Challenging service on Sunday morning, which gave us plenty to think about. Eloise spent time at the end of the meeting "exploring" the tomb, Maisie spent time growling, and blowing raspberries at the back row! Sunday evening's meeting was eventful for the wrong reasons! After thinking I felt a bit strange (no comments anyone!), I felt decidedly "dodgy" whilst the songsters sung - tingling fingers, light-headed, blurry vision. Managed to make it to the end of the song, but then decided it was probably best to go home! Made it back and into bed, where I proceeded to spend most of Easter Monday - great! especially as it was so sunny! Now I'm not suggesting that the sudden illness on Sunday evening was anything to do with having lunch at my mum's on Sunday afternoon but...............!

For other reasons, it was a great weekend - 6 points for Colchester United, 3 of them at the expense of Southend, which is always satisfying! And the play offs are still in reach!

No songster practice tonight - which is great (oops, should I be saying that??!!) as it's the last ever episode of "Life on Mars", one of the best series to grace our tv screens in recent years, so please note, I will be completely incommunicado between 9 & 10pm tonight - absolutely, totally, and that is in no way negotiable!!!!

Well, not sure how interesting anyone will find that, but hey, I'm up and running - comments anyone!!

G