We have a sign at work that stops you leaving through an automated door and forces you through a turnstile type door instead. Neither door has security on it, but the automated one gets people through quicker. Why it's blocked is beyond me.
The sign states that the door is for disabled use only. They then stick the sign right in the path of the opening door. So it won't open. Utter genius.
I have a headache. I've had a headache since yesterday evening. I'm not in a good mood.
It snowed overnight. They cancelled trains, but I ignored them. I took the *looonnng* route, slowly, and I'm nearly at work. At least all the trains far underground aren't complaining about adverse weather conditions this time.
Too much to do, too little time and staff to do it.
Meetings late into my home time yesterday just gave us more work, more reports. These ones won't go down well either. Name and shame is the new game in town. CYA. Management is different now. Bridges will be burnt. I think a few quiet heads-ups may be in order. I hate surprises, I'm sure others do too.
I read a lot of other blogs (a large portion of which are found down the left of the screen if you're not reading this over RSS), and the one thing that strikes me is how boring my life seems. Are all these other people working? Are they making all the stuff they write about up? Or are we just so safe and boring, that even when we do things, those things don't impart fun tales?
That was a really bad sentence.
I can't be bothered to fix it.
Onwards we go. My daughter has started repeating us. After months of simple two word structures, we're making leaps and bounds now. However, new words get repeated. New words we don't always want her repeating. We're pretty good about our language, but sometimes things slip out; and when they do, they're caught, copied, and filed for future reference. Oh dear. This parenting lark keeps coming up with new curve balls.
She knows what she wants too. It's bendable at the minute though. "Do you want to get out the bath?" "No". "Do you want a cookie" "No". "Really! Do you want a pony?" "No". "Ever?" "No". "Ok".
She wouldn't stand up the other day. Every time I said stand up, she sat down. Eventually, I said sit down. She stood up. Job done.
Can't see that working for long!
Time to stop rambling. Must go and make up some interesting stories.
A few flakes of the white stuff brought the south of England to a halt this week. We didn't get that much, but the train companies used any excuse to stop running. Even though we had no extra snow Monday night I still couldn't make it in yesterday.
The funniest bit about the whole thing: the main problem with my route on Monday was the underground. Deep level lines were suspended due to "adverse weather conditions". Underground. In a tunnel. I can understand the above ground parts having a problem, but all lines have emergency underground junctions for just that occurence. Didn't stop them halting everything.
Travel problems aside, the last couple of days have been good. Plenty of time spent with my daughter, and a snowball fight with my wife.
We've also managed a little more sleep of late which is definitely helping.
Still finishing off Dexter. This evening will be the last episode. Managed it quite quickly this morning. I left for work early, anticipating problems. 7 minutes early. I arrived at the car park 10 minutes late! This on clear roads with no excuses for slow driving. People down here just don't get it. A little bit of white at the side of the road, and suddenly they drive at 5mph everywhere, and don't pull out at junctions unless there is a half mile gap in the traffic!
New week, new month. I've finally got all my company and personal tax paperwork sorted and filed. Thanks for your help Jon, just one more to go and that one should be easy!
Waterloo is approaching, (I'm coming in the long way) so time to think about exiting this crush and getting to work. More tomorrow.
Working late last night. 9pm. Remotely for the last bit, but still too late. My wife was fantastic. Proof reading for me, no complaints about the disruption to our evening, nor the lateness. She's great.
No disturbances from little one last night, so we got a full nights sleep. Even though we both still feel tragic, I think we're getting better. There are more smiles. It's been a tough couple of months sleep wise.
Tax tonight. An evening of forms and paperwork. Joy. Thanks to Jon for helping me out on this. At least this is the last difficult year. It's simple from here out. Unless I go contracting again!
That's London Bridge out the way, we're packed in and heading to work. Should be an interesting day. Major change going in to one of my systems, and, hopefully, some positive feedback to last nights efforts. We'll see.
Running late, and Dexter kept stopping (glitch in encoding), so no time.
Only two more days of Dex, and then, I think, a break. More writing for a bit.
We slept last night. No peep from little one until 06:50. Still going to bed too late / getting up too early; but uninterrupted sleep is a good thing!
I'm going to miss Dexter at the end of this week. Friday will have seen him as my companion for 36 journeys. I haven't got anything else lined up at the minute as my wife and I usually enjoy watching the same programs. It's only Dexter that, so far, she didn't want to see. Too disturbing.
So I'll have to think of new things to do next week. I'm thinking topic blogging, but so far I've only got a handfull of topics. Any ideas out there?
Failing that, a new program will have to be found.
Difficult dilemas in my life!
Tonight is a lateish one as we have a departmental meeting to remind us all how bad things are, but we're doing great, but things are tough, but we're toughing it out. Etc.
Other than that, clear morning, meetings from 14:30 until I go home. Joy.
Canada Water comes and goes, no one gets on, no one leaves. Work next, time to go.
Watching TV isn't leaving much time for blogging. It's nice to break away and lose myself in a program, but I miss writing here.
Fortunately, it's the last week of season 3 which means I'll have to watch something different next week. I'll try and pick something shorter.
Weekend involved little sleep, huge amounts of cooking, and some other jobs. I got some clothes on Saturday, never that enjoyable an experience; however, 2 pairs of jeans, and 2 t-shirts will help bolster my ageing wardrobe.
Little one had a terrible night Friday. Waking at 01:30, and deciding it was party time. Finally slept, maybe, at about 05:30. Saturday night saw 2 calls in the night. Last night, finally, saw none.
That's it we're at work. Time to get my head together.
I went home last night, I ate, I watched a little TV, I talked to my wife, I went to bed.
This morning, I got up, showered, dressed, went to work.
My mind has been pretty quiet (read tired), so no profound thoughts.
It's Thursday, I have meetings, the weekend is a couple of days away.
At least my wife is home today. I've missed her and the little minx.
Slept well, but not enough last night. Monday saw a terrible night. So bad that I couldn't get up yesterday, and worked from home.
My wife and I are just dog tired now. It'll take many nights of good sleep to catch up. Which we see no sign of getting.
Last night, and tonight my wife and daughter are staying with my wife's parents giving me a chance to get a couple of nights. It'll make a dint, but I fear won't be enough. At least it'll be followed by a weekend. Bad nights, but late mornings.
Right, enough whinging. I'll talk about something else next time.
Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th US president. Here is his inauguration speech in full.
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
It's not often that I leave the house and it's raining. Considering that we live in a, supposedly, wet country, it's actually dry most of the time.
Had a good long (not long enough) weekend. Friday was my daughter's birthday, so we took her to an indoor play area. Essentially padded scafolding with some slides, she loved it. Saturday we tried to go and see some horses, but it was shut. Sunday, we had some garden play. In between all that we got some planting done, saw "Twilight", and I got my hair cut. A productive weekend.
My wife and daughter will be away three nights this week, so a chance to catch up on some sleep. I'll miss them, but short periods of quiet are good.
Who knows what work will bring. The "emergencies" of last week are over, time for some new ones.
So why am I on a train underground in London heading for Canary Wharf? Because of pointless beauracratic paperwork, that's why.
Happy, not so much. My daughter watched me get on the train, and then went home, put a man in her little choo choo, and said "Bye bye Daddy"
These were supposed to be her days.
It doesn't matter if I do my job or not, but because some senior manager can run a report and see if a box has been ticked, this is important. Is this what my life has become?
I'll be going home as soon as I can.
Feel bunged up. Have too much todo before 2 days off. Mind not in the right place. Normal service resumes Monday.
Windy and wet this morning. The train is packed, it was busy at the start and has deteriorated from there.
Variable sleeps over the weekend. Good, but not enough. We've had two late mornings, but late nights to go with them. Daftly, I got into playing "the Force Uleashed" on Saturday night, and continued last night when I should have gone to bed. Don't feel too bad this morning, but I could feel better.
Short week this week. I'm off Thursday and Friday as it's my daughter's birthday. Be nice to have a relaxing long weekend.
Didn't do much this weekend. Filled the time with jobs and chores. Friday night I came home and worked until bed time. Saturday, my wife was out in the evening, so I tidied up and played computer games. Sunday was more of the same. I did manage to get all the Xmas stuff into the loft, so that's one less thing to worry about.
Apparently, our extremely cramped train is approaching Clapham Junction. Woo.
Don't know what to write, don't know why I write it. It is approaching one year since I started doing this properly. Time to think carefully about where it goes next.
Having an easy to press button that discards your message without confirmation is not the best UI feature ever devised.
Didn't get much sleep last night. My daughter was up in th early hours, and my mind had much to process. Thankfully, it's Friday. A weekend is almost upon me.
An advert in front of me reads:
"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet" Emily Dickinson
There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.
A poster from the atheist campaign, it does psoe a thinking point. My mind today thinks there's probably no purpose to my job. I should stop worrying and enjoy my life. Why do we put ourselves through this? Essentially, my job boils down to keeping costs down so an institution that provides no real tangible benefit to life can make more money. And for this I travel for over 3 hours a day, take on a huge amount of stress, and put up with so much crap it's unbelievable. I bet I couldn't justify my life to, well, anyone really.
Good job it's the weekend eh!?
Time for some R&R.
Over-running on Dexter this morning. Glitch in the last few minutes took me time to fix. Already I'm just 3 minutes from work.
No time to get my head straight.
Good job I haven't got many meetings today. Up in the night, so a bit tired. Early mornings starting to take their toll. Oh well, 2 more days, then the weekend, then a 3 day week, then my daughters birthday. That'll be good.
Can't move much as we approach London Bridge.
Things have got slightly better now.
Didn't get to bed that early, but did sleep through. Up again too early. Dragging my sorry butt to the shower.
Train only had 4 carriages, and they gave us no warning, so had to run half a platform for the train.
It was cold this morning, but dry, with no wind. It was snowing at 7 am. Quite pretty. Quiet.
Now at Bermondsey. No one gets off. No one can get on. It'll be the same at Canada Water.
Tired, but not too bad. Busy day ahead. Meetings throughout the day. Fun, if you like that sort of thing. The important ones are this morning. Everything else is filler. Or wheel spinning. We have meetings because we always have meetings. I've got work to do! Hopefully most of them are conference calls.
Canada Water is gone. Our destination approaches. Time for another day.
Things didn't go quite according to plan, but I did manage to get up at 06:20. Unfortunately, my backup alarm went off before the quieter main alarm, so it was a bit of a rude awakening.
I'm ok, if a little spaced, at the moment; but this will definitely catch up with me. Must have a proper early night tonight or I'll be good for nothing tomorrow.
Travelling in watching TV shows isn't leaving much time for blogging. Also, it feels a little weird watching a programme about a serial killer in a crowded train. Wonder what my neighbours think if they glance over at the wrong moment. Still, Dexter is an interesting diversion.
Fast approaching work. It seems to creep up on me.
I got so engrossed in the program last night that I rode the tube 2 stops past mine. I ended up paying attention at Swiss Cottage, and had to quickly get off and ride back to Baker Street. Wasted about 15 minutes.
Busy day, and the low headache is starting already.
First of the year, and I almost forgot to take it. Clearly the eight hours of daylight we're getting at the minute don't include 7am!
Here we are in a new year. A traditional time of change, of resolutions. And yet, the same problems exist this week that were there last week. We're still too tired; we're still going to sleep too late; little one is still waking us in the night; we're still sleeping in too late to compensate.
It's going to hurt, but tomorrow has to lead to a re-adjusted lifecycle. Alarms will be set where I can't reach them from the bed. Resolutions will be made. Things will change.
Also, tomorrow sees the start of "Steve's Tuesday Morning View" a photo of the dawn taken at the same time every week. It'll be Tuesday to avoid Bank Holidays (and also because I missed it this morning). Something to look forward to.
This twitter thing seems easy enough. I'm following enough people to get enough reminders to update. This, plus the blog, and the picasa photo albums suits me. Facebook is fading as a pull now. I feel I lost contact with people for a reason, if I'm not in touch, why do I care about your latest drunken weekend? I'll keep it going for a while, see how it fares. Time is, however, precious, and I only have time for limited updates.
Time to focus, time to change, time to start doing something, and make some choices over what can't be done.
I really should have taken today off. Having worked from home Tuesday and Wednesday, and then having Thursday off, today seems a real drag. My mind is having issues working out what day it is. It's amazing how important routine is.
Last night, convinced it was Sunday (even after a conversation 30 minutes earlier where I had mentioned doing the ironing because it was Sunday, and then realizing it wasn't) I washed my daughters hair. Poor thing doesn't like it at the best of times, but now she's had an extra turn.
We visited Kew gardens yesterday, and had a nice wander. Little one enjoyed it for the most part, but it was a little crowded for me and my wife. We finished up our New Year with "Quantum of Solace". A good film, but a little too fast paced in the action scenes at times.
Next week, I feel, is the proper start of the year. People will be back from holiday, and we can start working properly. Today is just one last chance to get the paperwork up to date. Joy.
My wife and I will be enjoying a quiet New Year on our own this year. A nice meal, a good film, and, if we're lucky, bed by midnight.
Festive salutations to you all.
An easy 4 day week with a day off Thursday. A better way to ease into work again after 5 days off. A lot of the office have taken the time off too, so the distractions should be less.
Xmas was good. A busy 5 days of family, food, and festivities. My daughter had a great time (even if she did keep waking us in the early hours), although she doesn't 'get' Xmas yet. She likes the presents, but once one has been opened, that's enough. Time to play. It's a good attitude to have, but it means it took 3 days to finally open all her presents (yes, she's spoilt, but there weren't *that* many to open).
I cooked a good dinner if I say so myself. Turkey, obviously, and all the trimmings. No one ate much of anything else for the rest of the day, so that's always a good sign. That and the clean plates.
The weekend was spent at the in-laws, and was a welcome chance to relax. They prepared another great meal, and another good time was had by all.
Now it's back to work. A chance to take stock and work out what's outstanding, prioritise it, and get some done. All setup for next year. That's the plan anyway.
Aaargh. Aaargh. Aaaaaaargh. Sob. Sniffle. Hyperventilate.
A direct quote from my wife.
On the door for 5am, childrens wear hit, then menswear, finally womens. Now in the queue. Only the British could do this at this time of the morning. I must be certifiable by now.
We have 2 bags of 'bargains', and enough clothes for my daughter to see her through at least 2 weeks!
As soon as we're done here, it's home and bed.
...I've got a seat on every train I've been on today. Which reminds me, best check the works register for next week. I bet something's shut.
My last working day before Xmas, and my last working day for 5 whole days.
Sleep hasn't been that great lately. Friday night had a couple of wake up calls, but Saturday was terrible. Little one seemed to believe that it was nap time, and was up throughout the night. My poor wife got about 4 hours sleep, and, because I had gone to sleep at the start of the night instead of reading, I got about 6. Sunday was a bit of a write off. Although, somehow, my amazing wife managed to make 2 casseroles!
We got a tree moved, and another one planted on Saturday. I'm informed that that is the last large plant our garden needs. We'll see. I also got the turkey, pigs in blankets, potataoes, parsnips, carrots, and sprouts (yuck) for Thursday. I have another long list for this evening, but that will be it.
I'm really looking forward to Xmas this year. More so than usual. I can't quite put my finger on it; maybe I just need a break more than usual.
On something completely different. We were watching a bit of the snooker final on Sunday night (yes, we were that tired), well, I was watching it, and my wife was ignoring it in favour of the internet, and I was surprised at just how bad the players were. Now I'm not a great player, and count myself lucky when I get a pot, but I've watched snooker on the TV for many years; by the time you get to the final, the tricky shots should be executed every time. Perfect position, accurate cannons. Both of the guys playing on Sunday were mis-queuing, failing on position, missing pots. In the days of Jimmy White, and Stephen Hendry, to name but 2, the final was always a spectacular display of snooker. The 2 on Sunday looked like a couple of semi-pros down the community pool hall. I haven't watched snooker for about 4 years, so maybe this is what it's become, but what happened to the greats?
Anyway, work is a few minutes away. It's team lunch day, and I don't have many meetings either. A show and tell at 15:00, but that's about it. Then home, shopping, and Xmas. Yay.
Merry Xmas, and happy yule tidings to both my readers.
Well, maybe. If I can think of something. So much going on in the world, so little of it joyful. Hey, it's Friday. A fact my brain disputed this morning. I was putting out the bins when I decided I was being daft. It was Thursday. Silly me. So I put the bags back. As I shut the garage door I caught sight of a bag next door, then another. Hmm, maybe it wasn't Thursday. So I put the bins out again. By this point, I had missed my train. So I went and made my wife a nice hot drink, and faffed with the computer for a bit.
We were up in the night with little one, and this has compounded the lack of recent sleep to leave both me and my wife knackered and a 'bit spaced'. Just what I need when I've got some important meetings today. TFI Friday.
No idea what we'll do this weekend. Sleep for the whole thing would be good. I doubt there will be another trip up to London, but we will fid something to do. My poor wife is going stir crazy. She's stuck in waiting for friends who cancel at the last minute. It's just been one of those weeks. Time of year I guess.
At least the tube is fairly empty at this time of day.
And there we go. Writers block. Have a good weekend, and I'll try to do something worth writing about between now and Monday.
If you want to arrive at work in the *wrong* frame of mind listen to Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah on repeat whilst travelling through the dark underground!
I feel a bit weird today. I assume it's the insistent coughing during the night, and the resulting lack of sleep, but the day just feels slightly off centre.
I got all the bills paid last night, and some other paperwork caught up with, but didn't do anything of interest.
Today promises to be fairly productive (I have some chunks blocked out in the diary to allow me to get some work done), but it could always break that promise.
It strikes me that my life is not that interesting!
...but too distracted to post. Came in a different way, and it's thrown everything into disarray. Normal service will resume tomorrow.
The downside to the german market and London trip on Sunday was the lack of appetite when we got home. Burgers, stew, pancakes and waffles will do that to you. (No, I didn't eat all that!) The upshot of that was our planned chicken dinner didn't get eaten.
Last night we had chicken dinner (you couldn't see that one coming, could you?!) My darling wife had prepared the veg ready, so I got home and just sorted the meat and the timings out. Unfortunately, chicken takes a while to cook, and we didn't get sat down until about 21:30. This led to a late night, and a tired Steve this morning.
Now on my way in to sort out a report, and manage the impossible by 09:30. All in a days work!
Much going on, only 7 more working days until xmas (for me at least; I have the 24th off.) Of couse this doesn't mean things ease off. I have a number of big meetings this week as we outline the strategy for next year.
However, the weekend. Saturday saw a miserable day weather wise with a trip to the supermarket as a high light. My wife was out in the evening, so after putting little one down, I did a quick tidy up, and settled down to watch 'Iron Man'. The film wasn't bad, a little less silly than expected, but the finale lacked something. I'm sure they're saving plot lines for the inevitable sequels, but it did seem to just want to establish the characters with little thought to action.
Sunday we went to London. Our first train journey as a family, and it went well. Little one enjoyed the experience of being on a train, and was very well behaved. Once in London we used the underground, another experience that brought a couple of wry smiles,to head to Hyde Park and the Winter Wonderland. We wandered around the German market, enjoying the wares, and browsing the stalls. The only downside to the event was the extortionate pricing of the rides. Little one couldn't go on much, but a simple toddlers ride was £2 a go, and a giant slide, which both Mummy and Daddy wanted to go on with her, was £3 a ride!
The journey back was uneventful, and the whole day can be called a success. A spur of the moment decision, executed with the skill of experienced parents. It's only taken us almost 2 years!
Back to work now. Normal week with extra mince pies (I can hope).
Iron Maiden, Fear of the Dark, 8:15, crammed into the underground.
Followed by Run to the Hills as the doors open at work.
Feeling better today, not happy by any stretch, but more positive. I was working until 21:15 yesterday, giving me a 13 hour workday, or 14.5 hours if you include the morning travel. I spent the last 2 talking. Talking a lot. A number of things cleared and crystalised. A direction was discussed. Things may actually work.
As a result of all that means I didn't get anything else done yesterday. I finished work, spoke to my wife, spoke to my Mum, had some soup (a *lot* of soup), and went to bed. Back up again at 06:20, and meeting my wife for lunch.
Tired, and hoping that glimmer of light in the tunnel isn't the first sign of an approaching train!
Up early (on time) this morning, and it hurts. 06:20 was not designed to be seen be mortal man.
I was out last night with my wife. We had a lovely meal, really enjoyed the food; however, I think I could have been better company. Things at work weren't great yesterday. The factor in my days seems to be inversely proportional to the number of meetings I have. Yesterday, I had too many. I also got told off because something I've been telling people since March will be available end Q1 2009 won't be available until, shock horror, end Q1 2009. Roadmaps be damned, someones having a tantrum beause they want their software now damnit!
Not that anyones just looking for excuses to justify their political motives. No, surely not.
Anyway, moving on. I'll be spending the evening wrapping presents for my darliing wife, and watching some movie she wouldn't approve of. Just need to get through today. Thankfully, I haven't got any meetings until this afternoon, so I might get some work done, and have a shot at a good day.
Whenever I go away, or work from home, my time for blog reading is seriously deminished. Going away for 3 days the other week for the wedding left me with a huge defecit. Finally, today, I've fully caught up. My reader is empty. Many thanks to all those who write the blogs I read, but do you think you could take account of my holidays in future, and tailor your output accordingly? Thanks in advance.
I've been messing around with google alerts recently. Asking it to e-mail any references to me, or to my daughter's first name. The ones about me haven't brought up anything of interest yet; which isn't that surprising, I tend to keep a low profile on the net, and I'm unlikely to be published, nor referenced anywhere. The ones for my daughter, however, have been worth further investigation. I'm only looking for her first name as it's a little different, and shouldn't come up that often. So far, 2 people have been posting under the sudonym (I wish this thing had a spell checker), and one person used it as a mis-spelling of something else. The interesting bit is the sites that tend to come up. So far, a 22 year olds blog full of angst and lols, a site dedicated to the evils of childhood, and a bulletin board for transexuals. Really backs up our decision to give her that name!
Out tonight for an Xmas meal with my wife. Looking forward to some 'us' time. Tomorrow night I'll be alone as my wife and daughter will be at her Mum and Dads for the night. Looking forward to some 'me' time. On Thursday, my wife will join me at work for lunch. Looking forward to a 'lunchtime'. All in all, a good week. Shame to spoil it with work.
So it's Monday morning, and I'm already counting down to the weekend. What's it called when you're forced to go somewhere you don't want to for most of your waking life? Oh yes, work.
The weekend was good. We got a load of jobs done without it feeling like we spent the whole weekend doing jobs. Saturday saw us actually getting out of the house for fun. We drove up to a National Trust property where there was an xmas food market. The food market wasn't great, but the grounds were lovely, and it'll definitely be worth another visit next year. The day was only slightly marred by vindictive old grannies stopping my little one getting a go on the train. Although that may have been down to bumbling and faffing rather than vindictivness. Who knows when it comes to grannies?
Sunday involved a quick shopping trip, and a sunday roast with my wife's parents.
Somehow, we also got all our remaining wrapping finished, our bathroom cleaned, and some vacuuming. All in all, a productive weekend.
And now it's back to work. More stress, more requirements, not enough time, not enough staff. Oh well, it pays the bills.
I started writing this blog properly in March, the year has ticked by rapidly since then. It'll be interesting to sit back and look over the changes in my life at some point. I wonder if the turning point between enjoyment and frustration can be spotted. Hopefully, another few months and a reverse will also be spotable.
Why can't my phone capitalise letters when I hold them down? That's one of the main things I miss from the blackberry. Having to press shift first just seems daft. I can see they had to make a decision, and chose to offer foreign varients of letters, but given localisation I would choose capitalisation over ferign characters. Hòw øftêñ dö ï ñèéd thë§ë thîñgß? Must letters don't have foreign options, so just repeat. Surely using the 'sym' option to reach those characters, and offering capitals on a long press would have been a better option.
Moving on. There are posters (and TV adverts) around at the minute for Windows. They state "I'm a PC" offer some picture of a 'normal' individual, and follow it up with some comment on the users job. E.g. "I'm a PC and a merciless gamer" accompanied by a picture of Fatality (an overgrown kid who makes a living out of playing games (not that I'm jealous or anything)). You are also encouraged to record you own video message, using the phrase, and send it in (although not on you tube I guess :) ). I'm seriously considering recording one saying, "I'm a PC and I use Linux". Do you think that would make the website?
Time to move on. Late today, but the boss is out. No real meetings to speak of, so I might get some work done! The weekend is only a matter of hours away, and it promises quiet (and a few jobs). Joy.
Short one today.
I had two late meetings in the end yesterday. The first of those got me annoyed and frustrated, the second was interesting for 5 minutes. I finished working at 18:40. Thankfully, I'd come home early, taking the first meeting on the train, so I was able to see my daughter.
I was also able to go swimming. 40 lengths, or 1km. Not bad.
Now I have a morning or trying to sort the issues that so annoyed me yesterday. Fun.
Ok, not *that* tired, mentally distant maybe. Took me 2 minutes to work out what day it is. Wednesday right?
Utterly rammed today, I keep wobbling whilst I type as I can't get to a decent hand hold.
Life is fine. No changes from yesterday with the job. Just a busy day with plenty to do. We got all our xmas decorations up yesterday, so our house is now a festive centre. Great to come home to.
Hopefully I'll get some swimming in tonight, but I think I've got a late meeting (flipping americans refuse to have meetings at sensible times.) Hopefully I won't be home too late.
For some reason, at this time of the morning, I'm craving pizza. Weird.
When little one woke us at 05:25 this morning it was 5 minutes before the heating came on. And it was cold. That feeling has stayed with me so far, and, as I'm stood by the door in a Jubilee line carriage with a cold draft hitting my back, looks set to continue for some time.
I'm hearing rumours that the American I was asked to "interview" may be given my job leaving me in charge of data only. So I'm following up a few leads to get another job lined up just in case. I am not going to have a chain of command through 2 people in another country, neither of which know me, and one who has shown no interest in getting to know me. I know a stupid political game when I see one. My new senior manager wants a power base in the US. It's not personal against me, I'm just not important to the big picture. Well fine, good luck running all of the systems and reports without my knowledge.
I have a couple of internal leads within the company, so I'll follow them up and see what's out there. I'm not even bothering to look external at the moment. The market is not at its best.
So, on that cheery note, another day begins.
I have had the honour and priviledge of being co-best man to a friend I've had since our school days. I shared the honour with another friend from that time. Being best man is one of those things I believe every man should do once.
The duties of a best man come down to 3 things.
Support; both during the preparations, and on the day itself. Helpful words of advice, willingness to take on any task to help things procede smoothly. This is an on-going duty, although not an onerous one. Our groom had the benefit of a best man who had got married himself, and a best man who had done the job before, so there was support for anything. Not that we were called on much. Tasks alloted were sorting out some music before, between, and after the band sets; and creating a hundred favour boxes from a lot of empty boxes, some tissue paper, and thousands of iced jems. Other than that, helpful, and un-helpful advice as and when required. That, and having to sleep in a room with no curtains the night before the wedding!
The stag do; there can be little doubt that this ritual is a major part of the best man's duties. For this stag do we went to the Lakes, got the groom extremely drunk, put him in a dress and walked him up and down a hill, put him in another dress and took him to the pub, and generally provided camraderie, banter, and, from those already married, a whole host of useful tips.
The speech; if you mention that you're going to be a best man, invariably the first question asked is, "Have you got the speech ready?" The best man speech is a time honoured way of sending the groom up on his wedding day, of entertaining the guests, and a chance to praise the happy couple. So no pressure then. Ours went well, and was received in the spirit intended. We were pretty easy on him, but raised a few laughs. For the record, the groom did thump a sheep, sang guest vocals on the ace of spades (not with Motorhead), but gave up half way as he couldn't hear himself, and did relieve himself in a drawer at a friends house after arriving uninvited during the early hours of the morning.
So that's it. The happy couple are married, the weekend is over, and I'm on my way back to work. Would I do it again? Yes, if I cared about the groom as much as I cared about this one. Congratulations to the two of you, and thanks for involving me in your big day.
...overground, wombling free.
The wombles of Wimbledon common are we.
Making good use of the things that we find,
the things that the everyday folk leave behind.
The speech writing continues...
I'm only in work two days this week. Today and tomorrow. After that we're off up north to see my family and attend a friends wedding. It's this latter fact that limits the size of the posts this week. I'm acting as one of the two best men, and have a speech to finish.
So, that's where my effort now goes.
The announcemment I wanted yesterday didn't come. The word is that it will come today. However, the word is that it will be amiguous, and not provide any clear direction for 6 months. Which will cause more trouble, conflict, and stress than a clear decision would now. You can't have 2 conflicting teams doing the same job. I can't see this being easy, nor fun.
The title sums it up. No real post today, there is too much at stake this afternoon. The next stage of my life is being mapped out, and I have no real input. How someone who listened to me for 30 minutes whilst reading mails on his blackberry can decide whether I'm the right person for the job I don't know.
It may be all a worry about nothing, I'm incumbent, I have the systems, the knowledge. I just don't find out until this afternoon.
In other news, thanks to Laurie for the kind comment; Mum, make sure you read the comment attached to yesterdays main post.
Right, hopefully back tomorrow in a better frame of mind. One way or the other I'll know what I'm doing, and that has to be better than this uncertainty.
Is it too much to expect that when in a 2 way corridor with room for, maybe, 5 people, and there is a train with open doors waiting at the end of it, that people could move over so that within our half of the corridor there was enough room to allow someone to get past you. Is that too much to ask? Is hugging the wall too much hassle? Is it just me?
I'm in the process of writing a speech for myself and another friend to give in our dual role as best men. And it's difficult. Suming up a friend's character and life in a short speech that is both funny and evocative is bad enough without having to work out delivery between 2 people as well.
Other than that, life continues as normal; not enough sleep, too much stress.
People around me continue to get too close, although handbags are absent this morning. So far. Can't believe it's only Wednesday, it feels like I've done enough for it to be Friday.
It's my Mum's birthday today. Happy birthday Mum, I'll speak to you a bit later on.
Here comes the crush at Waterloo. Better go.
I have had many requests (with a readership of 7, 2 is many!) for a post with a picture. So here you go. My platform at too early in the morning, from the other end. Enjoy.
Normal post (or as normal as my posts get) to follow soon.
with the headphones plugged into this phone is not easy!
My blog got a real comment from a real person yesterday. Until now, the only commenters have been my friends and family. Much appreciated comments they've been too. However, now my comments have been visited by greatness. Not one of the great unwashed, but the great Richard Madeley (or Dick, as I like to think of him) himself! I know! I was shocked too.
Clearly being the good sheep that I am, and fool for anything new and shiny has payed off. I can only surmise that filling in all that nonsense on blogger stating all the blogs I'm following has actually produced some traffic. And there was me thinking it had just duplicated all my feeds in Google Reader.
The, excellent, advice in the comment will be followed through on. Consider tired and cranky to be my preffered state of being. Being fed up with commuters just comes naturally, and fat women with oversized hand bags deserve everything they get frankly.
Which reminds me of a joke.
A freshman from Texas is lost on Princeton campus and inquires of a senior gentleman, "Excuse me sir, where abouts is the library at?"
The senior looks at the freshman and sneers, "At Princeton we don't finish sentences with prepositions."
The freshman replies, "Ok, where abouts is the library at, asshole?"
And with that, I'll remind you that I'm here all week. Try the veal. Thank you and goodnight.
I've lost 2 posts this morning due to being knocked, and I'm getting sick of it.
I guess I'll have to write these outside of the cramped tube.
Weekend: wedding. I had written a lot more, but I'm sick of typing now. I'll pick it up later.
General temprament: tired, and cranky. Sick of inconsiderate commuters. Especially fat women with over sized handbags.
Looking forward to: open spaces, and the ability to type unhindered.
Driving home last night I could have sworn it was Friday. I feel I've done enough this week for it to have been Friday. However, reality dawned quick enough, and, once again, it was Wednesday.
So I did what any sane and normal person would do, I went swimming. 40 lengths or 1km later I painfully pulled / rolled out of the pool and tried to command my muscles to show enough dignity as I made my way to the showers. Thankfully, it doesn't hurt too much this morning.
Went home, and had a late curry before things get a bit blurred. I know little one was up, and I know my wife was sitting with her. I moved some bedding around so they could both go to the spare bed. I'm sure there was a drink involved, but I really wasn't with it. Whilst I know it was late, I can't recall the time, and eventually I must have just crashed.
Next thing I knew the alarm was going off, my wife was asleep next to me, and little one was in her cot. I don't remember any of that happening. I also had a headache. Earlier night called for tonight!
Work continues as always. I have constant meetings today, but should achieve most of what I need to. Ready for working from home tomorrow, and the earlier start to the weekend due to the lack of travelling.
Almost forgot to post this morning! My mind just isn't with it. I did get up on time, I did manage to get my wife a hot drink for the first time this week, but the old grey matter is working on auto pilot.
Life continues apace. Little one has started responding to me on the phone. She knows it's me, and says "hiya", "dada", and "appy" when prompted. Makes me smile every time.
Two late working nights for me so far this week. 20:00 and 20:30 is when I've got home this week. That, with early mornings is taking its toll. I'm working from home on Friday though which makes things easier. Means I have to go to the dentist though.
The study continues to clear. A small amount of filing has amassed, and the in tray has a few things in it to deal with. Hopefully I'll get away on time today, and sort it out this evening. We can finally aim to have a clear paperwork load.
I have an interesting view on life goals!
Approaching the end of the line for this mornings journey. Not too cramped today. Time to see what meetings I have, and face the deluge of overnight e-mail.
My first pic sent to blogger directly. The view from an Autumn morning on my station's platform.
No real post this morning as I have a couple of e-mails to write. Busy weekend, busy week coming up.
Stressful week! My job seems safe for the time being, which is all that matters at the minute. Tired, worn out, looking forward to the weekend.
Lunch today with a mate, something to look forward to.
Weekend plans : none that I can recall. I plan on getting the stag photos up on the net, and writing a bit of a blurb. Some (a small amount for once) paperwork to do; and, no doubt, the usual jobs for me and my wife.
Just looking forward to getting a days work done, hopefully tying up some loose ends, and going home for the weekend with my wife and child.
I got a late phone call yesterday from my boss asking me to check a CV out, and conduct a phone interview in 40 minutes time.
I've been having problems recently hiring a BA/project manager for my team; dispite finding the right candidate, and conducting all the HR formalities, weeks ago. So to get asked to look over someone who hasn't been through any of that, and is on the wrong continent, was frustrating to say the least. When it was backed up with the idea that the eventual outcome of my interview may not have any bearing on the procedings just made things worse.
Alarm bells started when I got the CV. This person was not what I wanted, this was someone who would want *my* job! Wary, I went into the interview.
We had a half hour chat during which I was asked as much about what I did as I asked him. Towards the end of the interview it was let slip that he wasn't interviewing for my free role, he was just talking to my team for information, and he and my boss's boss had been talking about another role entirely. A role he didn't expand on.
Call me pessimistic, but I'm not too happy this morning.
Over slept this morning. A lot. Vaguely remeber the alarm, but not really. Showered, dressed, and out without even enough time to make my wife a hot drink. missed the train by 2 minutes. The one I got was slow running into Paddington. I'm now waiting for a train underground, and really rather late!
Yesterday I absconded, briefly, from work and visited a T-mobile store. A short while later I left with a new G1. The Googlephone. It cost nothing, they put me on a higher tarrif for nothing, and they left me on an 18 month contract for nothing. I wasn't going to complain.
So, here it is, my first post with a very different keyboard and phone.
What's it like? Easy enough to use, but maybe a little too sensitive on the keyboard. I find myself wondering if I actually pressed a key when I have, and have had some unwanted double hits.
The apps seem good. The browser is better then the blackberry (not hard!), and e-mail / texting is simple enough. It's fantastic to finally be able to sync my calendar, mail, contacts, and RSS feeds automatically. Although I still need an offline feed reader.
Other than that, early days. I seem to have made it through this post easily enough. Now, when I hit send underground will it hold it until I get back to a signal? Only one way to find out.
In between cooking, jobs, and tele, my PC broke. I now have a grub error 17 on boot. The timing ties up with wanting to re-build the thing anyway, but I don't like having my hand forced. Once I work out what the problem is I'll put something here. (Lucky you eh!)
Work continues to be tough. Too many crises, not enough time (or people). Lunch is now someone getting me a sandwich, the time taken to do it myself is too much!
All I want for christmas is more time. Easy request eh?!
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We we're up and dressed at 07:30 yesterday, and made our way to a local food store to get some xmas presents (side note, my brilliant and fantastic wife has just about finished all the xmas preperations. Cards were all written ages ago, most of the presents are now bought, and everything is wrapped and tagged.), and, I my case, pick up some lunch. Then we were off to Cliveden.
Disaster struck early on. My wife needed to "relieve" herself, and moved off behind some bushes. Now, in hindsight, we could have planned this better but little one was wandering free with her little pushchair, and wasn't waiting for anyone. At the point she decided to trot off down the path, a couple walking their dog appeared, approaching from the other side. I had no choice but to follow my daughter, so I passed a warning to my wife and followed little one. A short while later, the conversation went something like this:
Wife: Thanks!
Me: What?
W: You could have warned me people were coming.
M: I did
W: When? You just wandered off.
M: As I left I said, "People are coming, sorry, have to follow little one."
W: Yes, and I asked if you were talking to me.
M: And I said, "Yes, but I have to go"
W: Oh, I thought you said, "No". Well I wasn't very well hidden, I got no warning, and I'm sure they could see me. As soon as I saw them I stood up. I've got wee down my leg, and I've got a nettle sting on my bottom.
M: rofl
W: It hurts
In the afternoon I did some paperwork, and my fantastic wife wrapped xmas presents.
I didn't get out for a run yesterday. It was far too wet early on, and remained damp throughout. It's not a good idea to do running in the wet when you get asthma, the two things don't tend to work well together!
Now the clocks have finally gone back I feel more righted again. I mentioned this at the beginning of the year, but I feel slightly off kilter when the clocks are forward. I don't know why, but as soon as things right themselves it's as if a low grade headache suddenly goes away. I firmly believe that time should be based on when the sun is highest in the sky. Midday should be exactly what it sounds like.
A quick hello to my Mum to let her know we're thinking of her. Even though she won't read this until afterwards, and I'll probably speak to her before she gets to a computer.
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The weekend saw us doing stuff! We went to Cliveden on Saturday. Eventually. We all had a lie-in first as little one had us up at 03:45, and I'd got in late on Friday after meeting some work colleagues for a drink. (Not a good combination!) The compulsory weekend trip to the supermarket in the afternoon, and my wife and I got some jobs done.
Sunday saw me out for my weekly run. It was cold out, and I took a while to warm up to it. Did ok though, and it's getting *slightly* easier.
Once I was back and changed we went to the seventh circle of hell, or, as some call it, the NCT nearly new sale. We were only inside for 30 minutes, but I'm sure I'm about 5 years older now. We did manage to get a coat for my daughter though as her current one just doesn't fit properly anymore. Escape from Hades saw us heading home for lunch, followed by a trip to the garden centre for some soil. On return, little one went down for a nap, and my wife and I finally re-potted three plants which we've been meaning to do for months.
I cooked our Sunday dinner after that whilst my wife cleaned the house. Dusting, tidying, vacuuming; a small tornado of cleaning moved through our house. Anyone would think her Mum was coming over today. Oh. :)
Little one was in a strange mood last night, fixating on buttons and lights and just acting weird. Her teeth seem to be bothering her too. She finally went down at about 20:30, and was asleep about 40 minutes later. We watched Fringe, tidied the kitchen, and went to bed.
The journey this morning has taken ages. Every train seems to be on a go slow. I, finally, have 1 more stop, and then I'm there.
Friday night out was good. I didn't end up in Oxford, I left at the right time, I caught all the right trains. It was good to see those I was out with, but, as always, I could have done with longer to chat. The world was nearly set right, but the clock caught up with us.
Escape is almost at hand, so I bid adieu. More tomorrow. (You just can't wait can you?!)
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Forgot to charge my iPod last night, so no music this morning.
Went swimming last night. First time in years. It was harder than I remember it. Did a constant 45 mins, so not bad. My legs twitched something cronic last night though. Painful too. Not too many aches this morning though which is encouraging. Should get a run in over the weekend.
The usual load of jobs are lining up for the weekend. We have an NCT sale on Saturday to go to too.
Tired, but glad it's Friday.
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My wife does the majority of our housework. Vacuuming at least once a week, and the more frequented areas daily (if not more). Keeping our bathrooms clean and clear. Washing up twice a day, and keeping on top of loading the dishwasher. At least one load of laundry a day.
Whilst I keep on top of benches and cleaning the hob in the kitchen, she is always the one to clean and wash the floor.
She does a fair portion of the shopping too, which is extra difficult with little one in tow.
In short, the house would be a wreck if it wasn't for her, and whilst I may put in a reasonable contribution (especially at weekends), the bulk of the work is done by her at times when she is 'free' from the little one and would like nothing more than a quiet sit down with a hot drink and a book.
Right, hope that sets things straight.
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My parents are visiting this evening (and tomorrow), so the house is now fairly spotless. (Until my daughter gets up anyway!) They've been away in France for ages, so, no doubt, they'll see big changes in little one that my wife and I don't notice as we see her daily.
My wife was out last night pampering herself at a spa. So after doing ALL the housework (only kidding babe) I settled down with pizza and ice cream to watch 'Vanilla Sky'. It was alright, but I think I could have found a better film to watch with my time. Still, it clears some space on the Sky+
We're now hardly moving, crammed in like sardines approaching London Bridge. I'm hot and just want to get out. I've had enough and I'm not even at work yet!
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Live music reviews, backup strategies, and lifestyle changes have all been on my reading list this morning. I wasn't won over by the description of the electro/techno duo who get steaming drunk and smoke during their act. The backup strategy was rubbish (it hadn't worked), and the lifecycle changes called for me to cut 120 minutes of 'spare' time from my day. What 120 minutes of 'spare' time would that be then?
I have a training course this morning. I don't know what in, nor where. Should be interesting.
I plan to finish organising a stag do this week too. Ah, that'll be the 'spare' time I don't have then.
At least I'm not too tired today. Yet.
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Nothing much to post as I'm gathering thoughts at the moment. A way forward is always that little bit out of reach. Roll on next year, it seems a little more stable from this vantage point.
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Not happy.
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And it was. Just long enough for 75% of the passengers to get off and start trecking for another line. Then it left. No crowd on this journey!
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aptitude search '~i' | awk '{print $1,$2,$3}' |grep A | awk '{print $3}' > installed.txt
aptitude search '~i' | awk '{print $1,$2,$3}' |grep -v A | awk '{print $2}' >> installed.txt
for i in $(cat installed.txt) ; do packages+="$i " ; done
aptitude install $packages
Well, it's that time of year. Once again I can abuse my html knowledge and shove a few YouTube videos into a blog post to illustrate wha...
