You know I blogged last week about being really rough.

well... I'm still off work.   I did manage to make it back for a day and a half before I was off again.  

I went in last Friday feeling pretty much OK, apart from a sore eye, which I put down to some sort of irritation.

As I drive round and round I find it more and more hard to keep my eye open. Once I finished I popped along to see my Doctor, who took one look and sent me straight to the A&E. Bugger! A&E on a Friday night, not good at the best of times, but last Friday was the V festival and I live in Chelmsford...

So, the tribe and I arrive and book in to the A&E at about 7.00pm and sit and wait... and wait and wait.   Finally about 90 minutes late I get called through to see the nurse to be assessed. Then back out in to the waiting room. It has by now become apparent why it's called the waiting room...

After another   2 hours I finally get to see the Emergency Doctor, who while dealing with me also deals with another 5 patients. I suppose I should be lucky that I didn't end up with both legs in plaster and stitches to my head. The Doc has a look in my eye and says" yes, I see you have a problem there."

Next was the clincher... having been there of about 5 hours I get told " Ican't do anything more for you, come back tomorrow afternoon and see the Emergency Eye Clinic."

I'm at this point both lost for words and too fucking knackered to argue back.

I went in to work and tried to work with my eye as it was, but I nearly crashed the bus on a couple of occasion's and gave up. Afterall, if I did hit anything or anyone, I would be in so much shit that it's not worth the risk.

Having come home I then go to the Emergency Eye Clinic and wait again... only for a short time this time, and then go in to see the Eye Specialist who has a look with his slit light and tell me I have coldsores in my eye.   I've had them twice before, it's medical name is Herpes_Simplex   and I can tell you it's bleeding painful. So armed with a couple of tubes of ointment to put in, I head home.

Sunday was no better, one of the problems with this or any other eye infection, it effects your vision. With mne, I can't   open my eye fully, bright light - anything more than total darkness hurts, my eyes is watering and running like a tap and the vision blurred. It also feels like someone is trying to pour sand in to your eyes at the same time as poking red hot knitting needles in to them and setting fire to them, while jumping up and down on my bollocks.

It's been like that for a couple of days now, however today it's opened a little more and I can go outside with my normal glasses on, although the vision is still blurred and according to my GP to blurred to drive buses safely.

So here I am, bored shitless finding it hard to see the telly, PC or even go outside. I was sat in side with the curtains pulled and my dark glasses on for the last 3 days.

I can't even have a glass of wine, as I'm still on anti biotics!  

I just found on photo thingy - red eye remover, wonder if that might help...?

Despite feeling like I've swallowed a whole roll of Razor Wire, and having temperature changes that will match any climate change reading's, I wandered off to my "Fat_Club"   tonight.  

I was amazed...

Some how, I've managed to loose 7lbs in one week.   I don't know how, I've not been vomiting, I've not had the "squirts" for weeks (which means I'll get them soon!) and I did have a bit of a boozey weekend.

Strange how it all works out.

Anyway that cheered me up.

As promised by BT, my new black Home Hub phone arrived yesterday...

So after some more buggering about I have managed to get it to do what I want it to do.   I had the usual choices of ring tones too, including a Caribean one.   Being stuck for choice I went for a bulk standard "ringing" tone.  

So taking in to account this new telepone, one mobile for me, one for the missus, 4 wireless "normal" phones and a phone in the bathroom, that now make a total of 8 phones... bleeding rediculous!

I got sent home from work today, by my manager.  

Yesterday I came home part way through a shift as I was feeling as rough as a Badgers arse.   In fact I felt so rough I was in bed for just after 9pm (normally it's more like midnight) and having had a semi reasonable nights kip I went of to work still feeling rough, at about 8am

Having arrived at work, I was dripping wet with sweat, and shivering and aching and then I fell over   - my head is swimming or dizzy and my sense of balance has gone. The Boss calls me in to his office and I explain to him how I feel and he sent me home - sadly without pay.

I got home and went straight back to bed where I slept for another 3 hours before going to see my GP.   The Doc has told me I've got an infection, although I don't remember where and the same old problem with my Tonsils.

So I'm now sitting here shivering and   sweating with the headache from hell, hurting alover and generally feeling like death, and now I'm rattling too, with all the medication I on - diabetes tablet's,anti-depressants,  anti-fat bastard tablets and now some antibiotics.

If I was a dog,   you'd have put me down, no??

BTW - Badgers are one of my favorite wild animals 

Blimey... that was only eleven days, but fuck... that seemed like a life time.

I'm back on the 'net.   BT have taken over and at 0945 yesterday morning I became a BT customer again after 4 years in the wilderness. Then at 10.50 my Welcome pack arrived, which included the Home Hub.

Although the telephone thing that was supposed to go with it was noticeably missing - so a quick call to BT and they're getting one ordered up and sent out, it should be with me by the 11th August.

So, having thrown the instructions to one side, I popped the CD in to the reader on my PC and installed the Hub and it's BT stuff.... Blimey that was easy!

Next I wanted to add the email to Outlook, ok, a quick look at the instructions and a little bit of buggering about and... hey presto... that works too.  

At this point I had to take the wifes car to get an MOT done, which it passed.

Then back to the PC and the dreaded wi-fi connection for "her" lap top. I spent the next 50 minutes trying to get the connection I gave up, called the helpline and got through to Southern India. Doesn't anyone have UK based call centres anymore???

Another 50 minutes on the phone - fortunately it was an 0800 number so that wasn't so bad - and the Lady at the other end suggested that the LAN card was out of date.

I shot round to our ever friendly Computer shop and twenty quid lighter, I was home again and plugged in the new card, loaded the drivers and blimey that was sorted to.

Any there you have it.   I also got another call from the head of Public or Customer relations at Tiscali today, they're going to refund me £67 for my trouble I had with Pipex, I'l believe that when I see it.

As for today... well, I've repaired the toilet and had to re-box in all the plumbing as the previous residents here had tiled all the pipe work in, a large hammer and much cursing later and the toilet works! - much to the wife's suprise.

Right now, I'm going to turn this PC off, and I'm going to enjoy the rest of a very nice bottle of Shiraz

Tomorrow, I'm going to spend some quality time with Little Legs.. weather permitting we're going to the park to play on the swings!

As I previously posted I've been experiencing some problems with my internet company..

Well... they've now, for reasons unknown disconnected my service, and having spent the best part of 5 hours on the phone to them to try and get things resolved, I have been left feeling that I have been lied to, cheated, conned and robbed.

My ISP - well thats Pipex Homecall. They're such a crap company that I have finally been forced to change, with all the chaos that causes.. I can't believe that with such incompetence that they continue to trade, although they have recently been taken over by Tiscali, who, by all accounts are in fact no better or even worse.

For those of you still with Pipex I pitty you and sternly suggest you get the fuck out. For those thinking of joining them - DON'T.

My new ISP is going to be BT, so finger's crossed things will get back to normal. I'm going to be getting one of their relaunched Home- Hubs, you know what I'm like with toys, so I can't wait.   I even get a free internet telephone service line thingy, although I'm not to sure   what this is all about. Unfortunaly this lot won't be until the   6th August.

This also means that I won't be   able to get online to update this blog for a few weeks.

Bearing that in mind - have a wonderful school holiday, enjoy the sunshine and I'll see you soon.

I've been having some trouble with my internet people, namely Pipex-Homecal. I am finally back but I'm also on the lookout for a new ISP, any ideas?

Not alot has been happening here, Little Legs is coming to the end of his first year a school, the missus and I have just become Aunt and Uncle to a pair of twin boys - but I think I might have already posted up abouut them.

The only other real bit of gossip - I've just passed OCR level 2 in English Lit - remember...? I did post a while ago about going to Learn Direct, well... I passed the exam and it's the same   as an 'O' level or GCSE 2 pass. OK, so your not to impressed, but hey - I'm fucking chuffed.

As for the weight loss thing - I'm put to 10lbs now, and still losing - on this occasion I don't mind being called a Looser!

I went fruit picking last weekend, with the missus and Little Legs.

Between us we managed to pick 12lbs of Raspberry's and 9lb of Strawberries. Having got t hat lot home, it was then very much a case of, shit... what we going to do with that lot?

So, I have duely turned 4lb of Raspberry's in to a gallon of Raspberry wine, which is bubbling away niceley in my kitchen, sadly though it's going to be almost a year before   it's ready to be drunk. While I was sorting out the Raspberry, I found a gallon of Rhubarb I made last year, that needed to be bottled, so I have now bottled a very clear and sweet tasting brew of Rhubarb wine.

I think this weekend...

... I'll start some Strawberry wine off.

I was  supposed to start a new job today with the Highways Agency.   But they have put my start on hold, because I'm to fat... my BMI is to high for their standards, something to do with H&S.

To be honest I wasn't suprised, although I was some what pissed off being as they had already offered me a job, and having seen how big I was at the interview.  

Anyhow, they've agreed to hold a space open for me until April next year, in order to give me the time and chance to loose the weight, I need to shift 5 point's on the BMI index - about 30lbs (2.5 stones)

I started back with Slimming world 3 weeks ago, and the GP has put me on Xenical tablets - anti fat bastard pills. I'm not going   to in to to much details here but I'm sure if Google Xenical it'll give to all the fun side effects I might suffer.   So far in 3 weeks I've lost 0.5 stone's, only another 2 to go. I prefer to look at it in lbs - I need to loose about 30, and have lost 7, so that means I've got another 23 to go.

In order to conitue to loose weight, I'm thinking of making my weight loss a sponsored thing, with all money raised going to the Essex Air Ambulance - so will you lot sponsor me?   - 1lb for £1????

Mean while - I'm still driving buses - and strangely enjoying it, and munching lettuce like a small furry bunny

Bizzar

It been a bit of an odd few days for me.

As you know I've been offered a job with the Highway Agency, subject to medical .

Well, although I didn't pass the medical, I didn't fail it either - due to my BMI being wrong. Then on Saturday last, I got a welcome pack from the HA giving me details of the training course and the accommodation that has been booked for me..

So having only just started with the local bus company, it looks very much like I 'll be resigning before I even get a chance to wear my new uniform, to be honest I feel a little bit of a fraud, but then needs must I suppose.

Because the training course is in Birmingham and over 5 weeks long, and then because I'm going to be back on shift, and I need to really concentrate on my new job, I have sadly have to give up running the local Scout Troop.

I've been a Scout leader for 22 years, and although I'm now finding that I ache a bit after sleeping in tent,  I still enjoy it - maybe it's just because I'm still young at heart. Anyway I feel that now is the time to "hang up my woggle" and to let someone else "ging-gang-ghooley." I know I shall miss it, but I am going to take over as the QM for the local Group in order to keep in touch with the youth.

People are all to quick to complain that the "youth of today are rubbish," no they're not - not all of them, just 1 or 2

Anyway - getting of my high horse now. Being as I shall be away from home for a while, please note - I haven't vanished without reason this time, just I'm a little busy. I will fingers crossed be able to accesst eh PC from time to time, and maybe pop a post up on here of how the training is going.

All I can say is thank god for Sky TV

What with the Euro 2008 football thing and Big Brother about to start, even repeats of Eastenders is better watching.

Maybe I'll have the chance for loads of overtime, as my work mates   will want to watch the matches.

Are England playing this time??

There was a song in the 70's or even 80's that had the line - " you spin me right round baby right round..." this must have been written about route learning on the buses.

As you are aware I have this week started back on the Buses, and after a couple of days in the driving school, I have been sent out to learn the 25 route that run from my garage... most of which are mini   or midi bus routes and go round and round and round and round. HAving completed about 35 % I gave up on Friday and got a long straight(ish) run out in to the country... my head was hurting by this stage, and this is the first full week I've worked in months

Littlelegs thinks it's really funny that his Dad is now a bus driver, and tells all   his friends that "my Dad drive the 36 bus" - thats my local bus and no I don't   - not yet anyhow.

Speaking of Littlelelgs, its his Birthday this week - he's made the right old age of 5, due to work he's going ot be with his Grandparents on his Birthday so we decided to have   it early, so   today him and his mate have had a fun day at an   activity centre near us, and then a Pizza tea. He's gone to bed totally exhausted, yes I know   not the most exciting   Birthday thing, but having just come back from holiday and having not worked for a full week for 2 months money was tight.

I've got the weekend off and then a Medical appointment on Tuesday so I'm not back   to the buses until Wednesday - so have a nice weekend.  

It's been a long while, but finally I have something to blog about...

I'm just back from a most enjoyable family holiday to Arillas in the beautiful island of Corfu, feeling relaxed and recharged, and with a brilliant tan. Although we went there last year we enjoyed the place so much that we went back there with Littlelegs this year. WE all had a smashing time, it was a lot of firsts for Littlelegs - the first time he went on a plane, the fist time he's been on a holiday abroad and so on, but he loved as much as we did.

Sadly though like all good things it had to come to an end, and we arrived back in the UK last Monday. However we are already booking for next year...!

ON a different note, having struggled with different jobs over the   last few   month's, I'm changing job again, not once but twice. The ambulance company I ended up working with lost it's work (again), so I went from a 60 hours week - reasonable income to 5 hours a week if lucky and I earned so little the tax man refunded me some tax - the first time in nearly 20 years!! so anyhow, as from Monday coming I'm off to drive a bus - not great but regular money and regular hours. Then the other day I got a phone call from these people, offering a job. I applied a few months ago, and made it through the assessment, then they said it would be 3 months or so before I hear, I had forgotten about it until the phone rang, so now I start with them on 25/6/08 not bad - suppose abit like buses - wait for ages and then 2 come at once.

Apart from that lot I'm having new specs too, I lost mine the other week, and claimed on my insurance, got the nod and trotted of to the optician, and walkout with a bill for £490.00 - now that hurts! I'm getting a really nice pair of rimless glasses they look the dogs doodahs' but as I can't find a picture of them on the 'net your have to take my word for that.

As you are well aware, I am working as an Ambulance person... well sort off anyhow...

Last weekend I was sent   to cover First Aid, for an Art Exhibition in Peckham, SE London.   I should have smelled a rat straight way - Peckham... Art Exhibition...?   Anyhow, of   I   go and find the venue - I'm driving around looking for a posh arts place and my satnav takes me to this rather derelict looking old warehouse... so I get on the phone and right enough it's where I'm going. I was to cover the First Aid for the Peckham Scrap Club where everyday scrap items are collected from around the borough and then taken to this warehouse and   are smashed and destroyed in the name of art, and of course stress relief  

It was a bizzar evening, I've never experienced anything like it before, but I'm damn sure I want to go again.   Even more bizzar was the fact that the BBC covered it, check out this link Artists start smash club   and click the named link.  

Although I never got to have ago- my choice, I was offered... next time - try and stop me.

So I suggest you   keep an eye on the web site for the next one, and book a ticket - trust me do it!  

It seems that the smashing up of things has had an effect on me too - not only have I had a minor bump in the firms Ambulance Car, but I've also bumped mine which has really pissed me off.

I'm really disappointed...

Having spent the last 10 or so years sharing my bed with the missus, and having got used to each others express train style of snoring, I slept right through the earthquake that struck the other night...

Every one was going on about it today as if it was some major incident... maybe it was for the UK, but hey apart from one person who was hurt - and I hope he gets better soon, and a few chimney stacks and a few smashed things nothing really happened right?

As you will recall I stared the new year in a fairly buoyant mood.   I'm determined to get back on my feet this year and some how feel this year is for me and my family.

So far it's proved a little difficult but we are bumping along in the right direction, although it is a bit of 2 steps forwards 1 step back and half a step sideways, but the general direction is forwards.

Part of my plan was to get my self sorted out educationally , after all I left school with only a handful of CSE - yes remember them...?

I decided a couple of weeks ago to embark on an adult learning course, so I popped along to my local learn-direct   places and booked myself on a couple of courses, I hope these will help me and may help me to get a better job or a new career. I can recommend them, my local place is really good, and the tutor there is really friendly.   Not at all as I imagined, I thought it was going to be like going back to school although it's changed some what from when I went there.

Already, so soon...

It seems that I'm still not very good at updating this blog thing.   I was hoping that by now and after 3 or more years of blogging at various sites and under loads of different names I might be used to it - sadly no.

And so whats new, well absolutely nothing... some things in life just don't seem to change, apart from Little Legs that is. He continues to grow and grow getting more and more confident in his own way as time goes on.

He continues to do really well with his school work,   we had one of those "meet the teacher" nights last week, I was at work but the missus went and we got a glowing report about how well Little Legs is doing... excellent, we were both really pleased.

And tonight I sat down after our dinner and he wanted a story so, he picked up a book and he read it to me... wonderful... unless you have done this you don't understand how it makes you feel, however he did really well, I was impressed to say the least.

As for the missus, she's still putting up with me, but she does have a stinker of a cold at present.  I know this because when I farted - and it was a real stinker - she didn't moan, makes a change... she must be ill. 

I was offered a job back on my old company - no not the Underground, but the ambulance firm and you know I think, I'm going to take it.

I've just added another link to my blogroll, some pop over to it, and link along to see my mate Barry's blog.

I've known Barry for about 8 years now, and it's pretty much his fault that I do this blogging lark.

  I can't remember if I mentioned that I was applying for a job and had to attend an assesment... well I didn't get the job. Although I passed 3 out of 4 part of the assessment the final part was a dictation test, although I managed to get all the points down, my spelling let me down.   In case you hadn't notice over the course of the last year and for the last few years on Blogger my spelling is... pretty poor to say the least - and for those of you who know me personally   I bet you would say it was even worse than that.

So, as part of my effort to pick things up and get myself and my family back on track or at least to where we were pre-October, I've been in touch with these people regarding some course's. I want to do an English course to improve my spelling and grammar and I wouldn't mind doing a computer course. Suppose it all depends of how much it cost's, but then its a bit like chicken and egg - I need to do the course(s) to get on, but I can't due to the low salary I'm on... I wonder if I can get my firm to pay?

Speaking of Spelling, I sat down and watched the latest HarryPotter DVD last weekend, and really enjoyed it. I must sit down and catch up on the books.

The other thing, remeber before Christmas and since some time last year, I have been trying to battle with my expanding stomach.   I had been doing really well, and had managed to loose 1.5 stones ... sadly it appears that it was almost all in vain - as I have piled on 13lbs over the Christmas period.   I largely blame the missus for her fine cooking and making of excellent shortbread so now i have to start all over again.   However because I've done it once I know I can do it again. So the battle is back on - watch this space, I'll post up weekly how I'm doing.

Blimey - week 2 of 2008.

I not know if I told you, but I recently changed companies, and you know what - I'm loving it,   (oh god now I sound like a damn   advert for this global company.)   Any how, I'm really enjoying my new firm, I know it's ewarl;y days yet - but lets wait and see.

As for other things.   Life is still improving which is great news, Littlelegs has returned to school, so he's also happy as he see's his mates again - mind you I hadn't realised how much he's grown in one term, the missus has had to let down all his school troussers' so they're not swinging above his ankles.

My Fater-in-law reads the readers digest   and then passses it on to me.   Last month they ran an article about blogging, and about particulary this blog, which got me reading and sort of thinking.   Why not pop along   and see for yourself, I did.  

Thinking of adding a couple of other pages too, about my wine making and one about my Paranormal investigation - what you think?

Like any other people, I really don't want to see another slice of Turkey ever,... oh ok - not till next Christmas...

As you know I began a battle of the bulge earlier this year, and so far had managed to loose 2 stone's, sadly over the last 3 weeks I have   put on 7lb - not good although I expected to put on some weight.

Bearing that in mind, I am just about finished the packet of mince pies and pot of extra thick double cream, along with the most amazing shortbread that the missus makes.   She was given the recipe by my Mother, and it goes back in her family for as far as time it's self. needless to say   she(my missus) make it better than my mum.   The only problem with it - it's no good for the hips!!

The missus and I had to verture into the local Tesco's yesterday to restock on fresh foods and other bits of stuff, while we were there Littlelegs got some more Hotwheels stuff,   some more Magnetix and some clothes - all reduced.  I also managed to get a couple of jumpers, a pair of slippers and a pair of jeans - yes I know   but it's a real treat to be able to buy such items after having to use fat men shops for so long.

We also went into a little shop in Hornchurch at deals with all things for the ghost hunting work I do, so I had a good  rummage around in there and got several item's, which I'm really pleased about.   I'm off on a ghost hunt later tonight, maybe I'll post about it over the next few days.

The manager from the company I'm due to start working with on Wednesday called yesterday just to make sure that I'm still doing to be there and just to confirm a few detail's. I thought this was a nice touch, but didn't say so.

All in all, I really feel like I might have taken a turn up at last.

In case I forget - Happy New Year.

Today, 26th December 2007.... and Christmas day past with out incident.

Christmas morning the missus and I were awake by 8.30, supprisingly Littlelegs was still asleep... so we crept down to the kettle and made a cup of tea to take back to bed, as we got back under the duvet Littlelegs woke, we could hear him..." Wow, Santas really been and look theres my stocking"   bless.

So the missus and I waited and sure enough Littlelegs appeared at our bed side clutching his stocking full of bits and bobs.   " Mummy look what I've got"... he gave us both a Christmas kiss and hug and then sat on our bedroom floor and opened all his little stocking presents.

A bit later we were joined by my outlaws, who joined us for the day.   It's our way of doing things but the main presents don't get opened until after the Christmas lunch, washing up, coffe/tea and the Queen... so being as we missed the Queen 'cos we were eating, that was one less thing to do.   Littlelegs sat at the table and announced that he didn't need any Chrsitmas dinner because he had his earlier last week at School, but in order not to offend Grumps (the misuses Dad) he had some Turkey, potatoes and sweetcorn followed by icecream. The missus made a gammon join as well as the Turkey. Her gammon join is to die for, sod the Turkey give me the gammon anyday , it is the best

Then it was present time.

As you no doubt have read on an earlier post, Christmas was going to be bleak this year... just how wrong was I? Largely due to both sets of parents (AKA the outlaws) he appeared to have the European present mountain in my   lounge.

It took Littlelegs nearly 2 hours to open all this presents.   The missus bought me some   things to do with another hobby of mine, a nice new watch and some other bits and bobs to do with wine making, which I happen to be very good at. ( the father-in-law calls me Jesus -'cos I turn water in to wine, a subject for another post another day)  

Finally Littlelegs went off to bed way past his normal bed time, totally shattered as he has been hyper for over a week now.

The missus, outlaws and I sat down to several games of card's, I managed to make a serious dent in the bottle of Jack Daniels I was given by Santa, before falling into bed about 0130 this morning.

So Littlelegs has gone to stay with his Grandparents for a few days, while the missus and I are at work.  

It seems very strange without him charging about...laughing and shouting. He got some hot wheels sets for Christmas, so I have made then up and they are ready for his return... (the missus thinks it's 'cos I want to play.) as for the missus, shes been busy this afternoon. Tonight we're going ot curle up in front of the telly and veg out, just the 2 of us.

We' have decided that we've got as low as we can go, and times time to remidey that.   She's been shampooing the carpets and getting rid of clutter, while I'm sorting out and getting rid of anything with a roundle on, we are also going to change both our jobs in the new year, in fact I start a new one on 2nd January.

I hope that you all had an uneventful day yesterday, and aren't to hung over today. The high Street sales oare on, if you've any money left, remember it's only 365 days to Christmas...Happy Boxing Day

You will have seen from the side of the page I have been running a user poll about Christmas being over rated, and the majority vote is Yes, no suprises there.

I'm going ot  change it now, so please add you view and clink which ever button you think is right.

May I take this opportunity , now the shops are closed, and the presents are wrapped, to wish you all

MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a
HEALTHY and PEACEFUL 2008

on behalf of the missus, Littlelegs and me.

I'm really having a hard time, with this just of late.

In fact you might have noticed I haven't been around since my birthday a month ago.  I have no excuse for this other than I really haven't had the enthusiasm to blog here of late, any more.

 Does anyone actually read my crap I tap out on here?

Life has become shit, and I mean really shit just of late - in fact, it 's been crap since October 19th when I got the boot from LU.  The missus and I have been struggling to make ends meet, and that as well as Christmas coming, I think we've just about got as low as we can get, when the firm we both work for lost it major contract, so for the last 2 weeks I've had one days work and a couple of odd hours here and there....  I feel for Littlelegs - afterall - Christmas is supposed to be fun and excititng, with loads of pressies to open after the fat man in the red robe has been.... not in my house this year, of course Littlelegs will be opening a few pressies - and no doubt he'l be giving it - is that all?  Yes son that is all.

I doubt I'll be getting anything and the missus has a couple of things - but I wont say what as she does read this blog. We also have her parents coming for Christmas dinner, suppose that'll help to break the tension... I've offered to be on stand by over Christmas so I may get called in.

I think that we'll be putting our home on the market in the new year, as I can't afford the repayments - I wonder if that wanker of a Duty Station Manager realises just how much pain and upset he has caused, not only to me, but to my family,  just so you can score a few more brownie points with management and worm your way further up the corperate ladder, only rember - what goes around comes around.

I also wont be carrying on this blog after the end of the year... as I have pretty much run out of things to write about...  and as I posted in an earlier session - I may not even be around to write, do you realsie just how shit it feels when you cant even provide for your own family, - no I didn't think so.

Just changing the subject a little bit- Littlelegs had his first Christmas play at school the other day, apart from getting cramp half way through and finding those  chairs just a little small for both arse cheeks - we really enjoyed it.

I'm going to get blind drunk now, so sod off and leave me in peace. 

B'ah Fucking Humbug

I borrowed this from my blogging friend Tom_Reynolds, hope you don't mind Tom - just it sums up my views of the "Silly Season" 

As I previously posted, I started a new job and what is more I really love it - it's magic.  

I can't go in to to many details, because of the rules of my job, but I am working for a private ambulance company, and at times end up dealing with 999 calls.   I've met some really interesting people, but most of I feel valued, appreciated and that I have made a difference to some one each time I answer a call.

This weekend, I also celebrated my 40th Birthday. Alothough my actual Birthday isn't until Thursady, I had the do last nigth.   It was a corking time, I saw a lot of true and old friends, caught up with whats going on, and whats happened.   Oddly enough I didn't have a hangover either this morning, although I did have a bit to drink last night, so either I had just enough or I'm still pissed...?

I need to thank the missus, who worked like a trojan to get all the food ready, and the hall decorated, as well as dealling with the house and hosting some friends in a kinda after gig drink last night.   Of course she has also been my rock over the last couple of months - being there for me when LU fired me, helping me get sorted with my new job and just putting up with me at my lowest. Thank you.

my Sister made my birthday cake - I'll put some pictures up when I get a moment, but until then ...

...so long.

as the Monty-Python team used to say.

Over the last week, I have been doing some job hunting, and a First-Aid course, which has been very interesting and extremely testing. I was luck enough to be invited, at short notice to attend a course being run by Alpha-Medical who my Missus works for. It was suggested to me tonight, having completed the course and passed, that I might like to consider whether I might like to follow this up with some more training, and if I would have a think over the weekend about joining the company as an EMT ( or in old school speak as an Ambulance man.)

I'm not going to say much else here, 'cos I don't want to blow my chances, but I am thinking about it.   I also know that I will have to undertake alot of new and at times very difficult training, but I think the answer is yes please.

I also, this week have had a long chat with a legal bod, and lets just say I feel better for doing so.

All in all, it's been a tiring week, but worth it.

Well it's hapened. 

I was sacked from London Underground yesterday.

I posted the other day that I was due in front of my more senior management at work yesterday for a Company Discipline Inteview, ( I really don't want to go into to much detail at this point, however I will once the case has been closed.)

After 6 hours of hard questions the board decided to adjourn until Friday for the outcome.

I had got myself geared up to either going back to work on nights tonight or going job hunting. Well I've done neither.

As you are also aware I suffer with depression, and through the course of this year I have been making really good progress, alas now I feel like I am once again slipping back in to the dark corners of my mind. Yesterday, when I left the meeting with the managers I really felt cold, sick   and empty, I felt that  I seriously let my family down, my self down and my friends at work.   I didn't want to speak to anyone, although loads of people had been ringing and texting my mobile to support me, I really felt that that black, so black cloud reaching out and the swirls and probing fingers of it's mist reaching out a pulling me into the darkness, and it all felt strangely welcoming.   As I waited for the tube, I really started to question myself, and ask if it was all really worth it... whats the point?   I know from experience that to jump under a tube wont necessary kill you, your more likely to survive with serious burns and bit s of body missing, but those rails looked like an easy way out.   I even thought about a little wander across   Tower Bridge, after all - when I'll done with the is life I want to burried at sea - so whats the difference? the tide was high and going out so I might have made the open North Sea. Then I got to my home station in Essex, and while sitting in the car had a look in the boot for that hose pipe I bought the other day... seems some one is watching over me, I had taken out of the boot last week.  

Today hasn't been much better - I just seem to be going through the motions of life, theres no feeling there anymore - just numbness and a strange sort of pain. I don't want to eat , or drink anything other than booze - this somehow does manage to ease the feelings, for a short while.   I can't sleep and yet again I am so tired, my mind is unable to switch off - I keep turning over in my mind   - what am I going to do, how am I going to provide for my family, the mortgage, and so on. To be honest I really am starting to believe that everything would be a lot better if I was to simply "pop off".   The missus   - she could be free of me, Little Legs - well thats hard - but he needs a father that cares and can provide - yes, I DO care, I care alot, but I won't be able to provide for him.   This is the strange thing - as I sit here banging away on the keyboard - this is the very first moment I have wanted to cry - as soon as I mentioned Little Legs.

Like I say - he needs someone to love, and care for him and at the same time be able to provide, and without my job, we're liable to loose our home, and I won't be able ot provide for him., or the missus.

So roll on Friday, one thing is certain, Friday afternoon, what ever the outcome, I'm off to get totally and utterly wankered.

As they say tomorrow is another day... whoopdi-fucking-do.  

OK, so I'm sorry.

I've forgotten to publish some more stuff. Basically theres not alot to say.

Little Legs has made a full recovery, infact he was better a fewdays later, but he did give me a nasty shock.

The only other thing of any value is I had to attend court the otherday, to give evidence. In the end I wasn't needed as the person pleaded guilty.

As for the missus - well she started a new job the other week and seems to be settling in nicely, she's already told her boss that he's doing thing wrong and it would make more sense to do it her way.   I should know this - we've been married 8 years... can you believe it - no me neither 8 years blimey.

As for me, well I'm still at a loose end, my management are trying to sack me, I have my hearing this Monday coming, so who knows - maybe a change in career is on the card's, although I really do hope not. Believe it or not I do actually enjoy my job (most of the time.)

We're of to Hopton today, for one of those dodgey Sun holidays at £9.50 per person, we're only away the weekend, but the wife has packed everything we could need for a fortnight!!!

Anyway - there you have it.  

I'll post again in a fewdays let you know how my hearing went and wether I'm job hunting.

I'm not sure what to write here.

You see, Little Legs has been admitted to the local Hospital.

Last night he started being sick at about 0115, and continued to be sick every 2 to 3 hours until 1pm.   we took him to see the out of hours GP service, where the GP said he had a throat infection, and gave him some antibiotics.

Little Legs came home, and continued to go down hill very fast. He continued to puke and was also refusing water, or food.   This gave me concern.

I took him back to the GP who in turn referred us to the Children's ward, where the Dr was concerned that he ( little legs) had become seriously dehydrated and wasn't drinking or peeing anything, because of the sicking up.

I know he's in the best place, but it's still hard.

Tonight I feel empty.   My boy is in hospital, while I'm at home.  

I'm still "stood down" from work.

But I can't really say whats occurring at the moment. So please bear with me on that score, once it's all sorted I'll explain whats been going on... and on... and on!

I haven't been idle either, the missus has had me out welding the paintbrushes, so far I've done 2 roooms,Little Legs rooms is almost finished and then I'm starting on our room.

Talking of Little Legs, he starts school next Tuesday, and he is so excited.   Bless... another 11 years and he'll be begging to leave school for ever.

I've been out on a few Ghost Hunts recently which have been really interesting, and have some 'intersting pictures,' I'll stick some up on here sometime.

And on a positive note, I've had some success at Slimming World.   So far in 5 weeks I've lost 12lbs, only another half million to go.

This blog is suspended for the

foreseeable future.

For those of you who have become regular readers...thanks for popping past.  

I hope to entertain you again soon.

Finally after just over 3 weeks my back is starting to feel right again, only every now and again do I do something that reminds me that I have a back problem.

My Company have been really good too, they arranged for me to see a physio which as been brilliant and has helped loads. I have a number of exercised I have to do daily, in fact several times a day, but they're getting easier to do. Fingers crossed, I shall be returning to work on Thursday morning.

The other bit of gossip, I've joined   these people, in an effort to loose some of my flab.   I gave up   ciggies nearly 3 years ago (and piled on loads), so I know I CAN do these things, and I am   going to loose weight.   Like I said before I intend to keep you updated with the looses and gains, as the time goes   by.   I have set myself a target weight, and hope to reach that within 12 months...    

My Father is continuing to make good progress with his recovery too, so all in all the family is on the road to full health.

It's with much relief that I am able to inform you, dear reader... that my Father has been discharged from Hopsital,and is now at home, and is continuing to drive my Mother potty (so he is feeling allot better).

As for me, I've trapped by Siatic nerve in my back, so apart form being in considerable pain and discomfort all the time, even with the tablets my GP has given me, it is still very difficult to move around, sit, stand or lay down.   Even trying to go to the toilet is painful, how basic is that need. The Tablets the GP gave me are OK, but I could do with stronger pain killers.

Work have been ok, espially as I had to take some compassionate leave last week and then went sick.   Understanderbly so, they're at little suspicious and have stooped my pay until I see my Manager (on Thursday morning) mind you... I wonder what would have happened if I had been in a accident on my way home from my Parents house and ended up in hospital...?

On a totally different note, you will recall I bought one of  these a while ago. I've had some good fun using it, and have gradually gain confidence and trust in using one, so much so, when the missus and me went on holiday, I loaded all the places that Little Legs might need in to my one and lent it to my Parents. They in turn found it so easy to use that my Mum bought on for my Dad for his Birthday.

Anyway, I digress (again) my TomTom has stopped working properly, so I took it back to the store were I bought it, together with everything that came with it and the receipt. "Oh no Sir, sorry... it   has failed but we can't change it for you... we need to send it away for repair and it'll take about 6 weeks"   * so, no more 12months guaranteed then?... No.... company policey.

In order not to bore you, I went home, some what a tad pissed off, and phoned the TomTom customer service helpline number, and spoke to a every nice lady in Holland, who in turn was able to email me step by step instruction's, and help me to resolve the problem. It appears that the disc that was in the Tom Tom box was the problem, the whole box should have been sent back to TomTom before it was sold to me... Curry's! Their slogan " always cutting prices!" yeah right... more like "always conning punters!"

So, if your having problems with your TomTom and need to speak to their very good Customer Service team, (although you do have to wait in the que - but it's an 0845 number) email me, and I'll send you the number.

Anyhow, after folowing the "instructions for idiots" I was able to get my TomTOm working again... more relief.

All I need now is for my back to sort it's self out... or some more stroner pain killers for total refief, and happiness.

..* if I had paid an extra £40 I could have had extra cover, and then after 28 days from going for repair...they'll either fix it or give me a replacement.  

I've been down to my Parent's house, and over to see my Dad in Southampton General.

I wasn't to sure what to expect, and even though my Mum had warned me about all the pipe's, tubes and scar's, I was still quite shocked at seeing him, lying there with all he tubes and pipes sticking out.

Then I noticed the 18 inch scar running the length of his chest.   However he did "look" quiet well apart from that. But like I said, I wasn't to sure what to expect. He's out of the ICU and back on a normal cardiac ward now, which is good

The other thing that I found was I really didn't know what to say to him either.   I'm not often stuck for words, as those who know me will vouch, only this time I was totally lost for something to say.   I think I spouted out the usual crap " Little Legs and the missus send their love" and "your looking wel" (yeah right!!)

The other thing that struck me was the other people in the ward, was just how young looking some of these people are. The guy in the bed next to my Dad was a little older than me...maybe 8 years or so. He to was a diabetic and over weight... and having heart surgery... shit... fuck!

Because of my weight, and because of the diabetes, and being an ex smoker I'm at high risk of following Dad in to hopsital. This hit HARD, I had a chat with the Dr today... and the smoker bit isn't a problem now, as I've been stopped over 2 years.    

I walked out of the the hospital, in a state of shock... not only because of seeming my Dad - some one who is always there, strong and wise, lying there. Not because I was told by his consultant that he was only 6 months away from a major Heart attack - a killer, but because how would the missus and Little Legs cope if that was me...?

So, from today I'm totally determined to loose as much fat and flap as I can, if for anyone, then for Little Legs. And yes... I'm even going to try weight watchers - my sister joined before Christmas, and managed to reach her target weight, and my Mother as now joined and in the first month lost a whole stone, so I'm going to try it

It is my intention to keep you regularly updated with my loses or gains. So expect some grumpy rants.

On a different note, I've fucked up my back... I'm in such pain, I can't lie down, sit up or stand... and as for walking forget it. In fact I'm having real problems with even the basic parts of daily life... even going to the bathroom is a pain.

I went to see my GP today, and they've given me more tablets and told me to rest my back for a few days... and to go back tomorrow. So who know whats going to happen.

Todays Mood - Painful

So, it's not going as smoothly as we first thought.

My Father now has to have a triple heart by-pass operation next week.  

While my Mother is trying to keep a brave face on things, and keeping her self far to busy, I fear that the strain is starting to show. Last night talking to her, I could hear the tiredness and stress in her voice. I tried to explain to her that I will be down to her on monday or tuesday, depending on when Dad has his op, but she was coming out with all sorts of silly reasons why not, like you live to far away, it's a 2 hour drive, what about work? and so on.

Well, work are fine, I've explained it to them and they're OK if I need to take a few days off to sort things, I live in Essex, it's not the other side of the world ( and if it was I would now be booking an airline ticket!)and yes it is 2 hours,but I enjoy the drive. Sofinally she agreed that she would like my support.

On a brighter note, today Little Legs, the missus and me went to see his new school.   He went off and met his teacher, and the other kids in his class, while we had a gathering in the school hall and met some of the staff.   He was majorly unsure about this at first, but when we went to get him after 90 minutes , it was like he had been there all along.   "Daddy, I really love my new school, can I go there for ever?"

Suppose to a 4 year old the next 7 years must seem like ever.

It's been a bit stressful a work over the last few days, and home hasn't been much better.

Most things are ticking along ok 'ish'.   The misses is still job hunting - give her credit her... nothing to do with me, and no I haven't threatened to get   the Sky TV turned off, or the 'net cancelled.   Don't say anything... but I think she's getting board sat at home, and lets face it.... there's only some much day time TV you can watch, along with Jeremy Kyle, Tisha, and repeats of all those US chat shows.

I had some good new and some not so good news yesterday, the good news... I've been discharged from the Sleep Apneoa Clinic, the bad news, I've put on   2KG - this is not good at all, so it's back to the swimming pool for me..

The other news from the family, my Sister and Brother -in Law have been accepted at adopters ... which means that they soon will have their family, and Little Legs will have a cousin or 2, we're all really pleased, if ever there was such a deserving couple then it's got to be them. Now as far as they are concerned - it's a waiting game. Of course we send them our love and best wishes, and hope for a speedy outcome.

Not so good, my Father was rushed in to hospital on Sunday, with the first stages of a heart attack he seems ok now, and is getting real good care, so I'm sure he'll be home in a week. We're off to see him next weekend,so fingers crossed he'll be home then.   I've tried to explain to Little Legs about Grandad, but I'm not sure he understands, he just wants to climb up and give Grandad a great big cuddle..."'cos cuddles make you feel better, Daddy, don't they?"   What can I say...

Enough of my spouting on ... I've added some new links and updated others pop along a see for yourselves.

Ah...yes... well... there is no excuse for not updating your blog... not one that I haven't used already.

I've been really busy at work and at home, coupled with the fact that life has been ... shall we say uninsteresting recently, so I haven't felt that there has been much to blog about

Since we last crossed keyboard's I've completed another set o night shift and am at present half way through a set of late turns, so theres not a lot to talk about there either, the trains keep running, which is a good thing!

As for home life, not alot either.   My Grandmother is going to be 90 years young in a few weeks so we're all getting together for a   celebration ( gets me out of another weekend of night shifts) down at my parents house, so   as a bonus, Little Legs will get to see his Gandparents and Great Gandmother too.

Last weekend I had a rather interesting day in the company of     Gordon_Smith   at a workshop for Mediums. I had a wonderful day, and I must thank the misses for buying me the ticket for Christmas, Thanks Darling.

Speaking of the wife, she is actively looking for a new job, and is as I type chasing up a couple of leads, so you never know... I might be able to retire.

That's about it really, nothing else much to say, so see you next time.

At 0135 on the 27th May 2003, Little Legs arrived in this world.  He changed our lives totally. Today Little Legs is 4.

So now he's 4 going on 15, complete with teen attitued... so may be he'll get an ASBO soon!

Oh, and yes we had a house full of 3 & 4 year olds yesterday for a Pirate's Party.

Anyway... Happy Birthday LittleLegs, have a smashing birthday.

Had a bit of think about my blog... and I think it needs a clear out!

I'm going to take of for the time being the pages about my ghost hunting, and the juke box. I'm goingto try and add some pics for my recent holiday.

Not much else to say, apart from the new car is still scaring the shit out of me when I put the boot down, and all my joints hurt from Wii-ing, don't know why I didn't get one sooner -  love the bowling, baseball and tennis.

LIfe at work seems to havew stood still, it's like I've never been away...

That said my mate in zone 1 had a rough day today, what with hte  FA cup final at Wembly, the Cricket at Lords and the usual weekend travelers and tourists...some time's I think I'm lucky to be in zone 5, and then I think about the extra money and what new Wii games I could buy.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

So, that was one amazing holiday.

I got home on Monday, and basically haven't stood still for more than about 30 seconds since.   The misses and I have a brilliant time in Arillas, Corfu. So much so that we have already booked for next year, only next year we're going ot take Little Legs too.

I am going to, at some time in the near future stick some of the photo's I took, up in the gallery but I haven't got time today.  

All to soon the week in Corfu was over, but my misses and I had time to fall in love all over again, not only with each other but with Corfu, and particularly Arillas.

When I retire, I'm upping sticks and moving out there...

As I said, we haven't stood still since we got back, on Tuesday we picked up our new car, so I now have a nice shiney Zafira sitting in my drive as against a rusting old Renault.

Then today, my misses treated me to a Nitendo Wii and some games - which I can't remember the names off, but we have played the sports games - bowling, tennis and baseball. I tried the Golf but really couldn't get on with it. My god... what a laugh... need to go and buy soem new light shades now!

I was back at work last night and my worse fears were realised, I had only been back in the office 10 minutes when I had to deal with a collapsed person ont he station platforms. He was OK just very, very drunk.

Same old, same old.

Must go, I've got some serious wii-ing to do

Well we've made it to Corfu and are half way through our holiday and are having a fantastic time here. 

So far I've been scuba diving, drinking, eating, drinking, sleeping, shopping, eating and more drinking!!!  Hell I'm on holiday, so who cares!! 

As far as we know, the grandparents are managing.... surviving with LittleLegs, who no doubt has wrapped them around his little finger and is getting spoilt rotten.

Back to the UK on Monday and we will be very sad to leave this lovely Island, check out Arillas_website and follow the links to the web cam, see for yourself.... like I said, back to the UK on Monday, and in to the travel agents on Tuesday to book for next year.

Oh, yeah...I haven't even thought about work....

Cold Beer anyone?

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't blogged for a few days...nothing new there I hear you say, true.

I am, as I posted previously now on annual leave from work, and am determined to totally chill out and enjoy the fine weather and relax. At least that was the plan.

LAst Friday saw the misses finally lose her job, after a number of years of being shoved from pillar to post and back again, she finally said farewell to her company after 18 years service, mind you she's getting a nice large cheque to make things a little sweeter.

So, being as I had expected to be at home on my own for a few days this week, doing pretty much what I wanted, I have had to make a hasty change to my plans. Not really a problem, but I just wanted a day or 3 to myself.

Like I said, the misses stand to get a large pay out form her firm, so she has agreed....in fact it was her idea that we look for a new car, as our present one is starting to cost loads of money to keep running. We agreed to have a good look about and see what was on the market. Great thing the internet, with a couple of hours surfing, I was able to find what I had in mind, all I needed to do was get the misses on board to.   We had a chat and agreed to book a test drive. So on Monday we trotted to the local Vauxhall dealer for a test drive of a Zafira 2.0 DTi. Very nice.

I used to drive buses for a living, so my expectations of diesel engines wasn't great, but with the price of Petrol (Gas) going up and up, I took the chance to go for diesel power instead.   Well I was shocked, I found an open stretch of road and put my foot down... shit that was fast, it was like taking a greyhound dog of it's lead I held on for dear life... we got back to the dealer's, and the wife looked at me, and said she knew I liked the car...I had a grin from ear to ear, to be honest I had a bit of a hard-on too!

So we sat down with the salesman, talked numbers and put down a deposit, we've got the car for £9k against to the asking price of £10k, happy bunny me.

We're due to pick it up in a couple of weeks time, and I can't wait...I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas.

So having done that, we've been getting ourselves ready to fly out to Corfu on  Monday, again can't wait.

See you when I get back...  

As I may have mentioned in previous posts on this and my other blogs I kept, I am a Scout Leader in my free time. I have been a member of the Scouts since the age of 8, as a Cub to as I said, a Leader who is going to be 40 this year, so that makes 32 years.

Through my journey in the Scouts from Cubs to being a leader I have often had to question why things happen - looking for answer's, some times I have felt like 'chucking in the towel' and at other times I have grown even stronger in my personal beliefs.

At the age of 19, I chose to go back to the Scout-Troop, to help out as a young adult, mainly so I could complete my Queens-Scout-Award . But I also wanted to put back something into a section of Scouting that I enjoyed the most.   I needed to commit to 6 months work with the Troop inorder complete the awards requirement's, however it seems I stayed a bit longer than 6 months.

One of the reasons I stayed and still am a Scout Leader, is being able to offer some from of adult guidance for the young people of today. Today people are to quick to complain about and blame the young people of the community some time justly and most of the time unjustly.

OK I admit there are elements of the youth that are "off the rails" and then there are some member of the supposedly adults that are off the rails too and then there are the oldies, most of whom do the moaning but most of whom think that because they are oldies they can do what they want, and in my eye are worse than the youth !!!

Some of the kids we deal with in the Scout Troop are from 'broken' families, so Dad isn't always about. Although we are not a substitute parent, some of the kids look to us as a "Parent figure".   Also some times the youth find it easier to talk to us, than their own parents of friends, I have no reason for this, they just do.

It always gives me a great feeling, that these 'youth' feel that they can trust me / us.   It more often that not just a chat about life, and how we might deal with a 'friends' problem... sometimes it can be more light hearted and some times a lot more serious.

One of the other things I try and give the youth's, apart from something fun, and some lessons in life,   is maybe a little insperation. I, as   a member of a Scout   Troop   at about 13 years of age, was inspired by my then Scout Leaders, Stan and Steve, but they were great Men who sadly they're both no longer with us. They inspired me greatly, because of them I went on to run a very successful Troop, for 9 years.And then 18 Troops in my local area. I was able to see the youth grow into sensible young adults, some of whom I still keep in touch with and some of whom have gone on to become close friends in adulthood.

Sadly due to family commitments and pressures from work I am no-longer able to commit as much time as I would like, but I'm still a Scout Leader, with my local Scout Troop and hopefully I am still able to guide and inspire some of the youngster's in the Troop.

I recently was crashing about on the internet, when I found a page about 2 young lads who have been up Everest and other places.  At present they are are on a trip from Pole to Pole, in their own words The-impossible-story.

I have been following their progress over the last few weeks, and it is something that I am finding strangle inspiring.It is also nice to see the support these 2 lads are getting from those who are also watching their progress.

I have told the members of my Scout Troop about these 2 lads and given them the web address, and some of the lads have come back and said....

"Inspiring!"

As promised a little more about whats been happening.... nothing really worthy of blogging about.

Life's been bumping along in it's own little merry way.  

The misses and I are getting ready for our holiday, passports sorted, Euro's got, tickets arrived, Little Legs primed about whats going on, Parents still coming to look after him, car parking at the airport sorted, cases   out the loft and ready to be packed, shorts and swim wear still fits, and so on.

Here's a first...the misses   has admitted that last time we went on holiday she took far to many clothes... blimey, this must be a first... a woman admitting that she packed to many clothes, shoes and handbags! She has promised that she's going to take less this time, and being as I don't smoke can I bring her some ciggies back too?   OK, as long as you bring back some JD for me.

Work wise,   same old.

My only other grumble, it seems for some reason that my local council have forgotten to come an collect our recycling for the 3rd week on the trot, more telephone calls to them.

Maybe some more new by the end of the week, who know.

Sorry, just a short one today.

Got the car back, £300 lighter, I'm mobile again.  To be honest, my motor isn't worth loads, but not having it was like having both my arms cut off.

We family and I have been having a fantastic day out in the garden, planting over £40 of plants, renewing my decking lights and catching the sun. I even broke out my shorts and sandles... and it's only April - must be global warming.

I'm really tired, so I'm going to keep this short today, it's only 3 weeks till I jet off to Corfu, and can't wait.

Promise to blog more late this week.

Finally, my week of nights are over... and I'm soooo pleased.

The first half of the week was mad, leaving me totally shattered by the end of the week.   And of course it's been Easter too, Little Legs got loads of chocolate, in fact I think the European Chocolate mountain has moved location and is now in my kitchen.   He spent the weekend with his Mum over at the outlaws having loads of fun.

As for me, apart from working nights, I've also now got an unexpected repair bill. Over thelast few weeks my car had developed a new rattle in the engine... "I must get it checkedout..."   well, as I drove to work on Sunday night, I saw that i had a bit of a leak from somewhere in the engine, then driving home on Monday morning, I stopped at a set of traffic lights and disappeared in a cloud of steam.   Having got the car home I found that the water had drained out completely, so   I filled it up again, and then watched in horror as it pissed out all over the floor...fuck!

It turns out that the water pump has gone, and it's going to cost me £300 to get it fixed.... all donations by email, please.

It's April so soon... only a little over 7 months to Christmas

I've been on leave from work, as you are aware.   It's been a smashing week but alas like all good things it must come to an end.  

Through out life it has become apparent that for every good thing there is always a negative...this is true today.   Having had almost 10 days away from the office, I return to work tonight for another set of nights. Actually I jest.   Yes I am going back tonight, and yes it is for another week of night shifts, but I have to admit that I'm happy to be going back to the office. This is for a number of reason's as I blogged previously I have done more work at home in the last week than I have for month's, I have spent a shed load of money so need to get back to earn some more, and sytrangley because I miss it!  

During the week off as I said, I have done a load of odd jobs at home, but more importantly I have been able to spend loads of time with the misses and Little Legs.

The boy and I have spent time in the garden, out in the car, and generally having a magic time.   Friday was funny...we went off to the barbers to get my hair cut and I managed to get LIttle Legs to have a hair cut to, now for those of you who are parents or now have grown up kid's, then you'll know where I'm coming from, for those that don't bear in mind that Little Legs is just over 3 and a half, so hair cutting is not his favorite past time, he made such a fuss I honestly though the lady was going to give up and leave me to finish the job... but no, she saw it through and he finally got a "proper" hair cut... once we got home and he calmed down, he then said he liked it and can we go again?   I don't think that barber would be too happy, so we agreed to wait   until it grows some more.

Like I said, back to work tonight, but there again, only 28 days and I'm on leave again, this this time the misses and I are going for a holiday to Greece somewhere...

And Little Legs, well he's going to terrorise his Grand Parents!  

As from last Saturday at 1430 I've been on annual leave and haven't even thought about London or it's Underground system for the whole time...in fact I've only just put the shirt in the wash!

But in my house that doesn't mean a rest... so far this week I've done more DIY or odd jobs in 4 days that I have in the last 6 month's, painting, varnishing, grass cutting, gardening, washing the car,laundry, cooking,   getting the tyres changed, changing the light fittings, putting in new light's, hanging picture's, walking the dog, swimming, medical appointment's,attending meetings... and the list never gets any shorter.

I'm going back to work on Tuesday night for the start if a week of night's, I'm looking forward to the rest.

On a happier note, we got our back pay at work yesterday, and I have just spent, some, to be more exact...most of it on holiday money for my trip to Corfu in 4 weeks... just hope the passports are back in time! Even my wife is going to have trouble getting through £900 of Euros in 6 days.

Nothing much else has happened -basicaly 'cos I've not had time, I've still to clean up my yard, garage, loft, shed, so I really must fly....see you later.

Did I blink?

There goes another week of fun and games at work.

I'm pleased to have got my annual test of rules out the way for another year, what a complete waist of time.   Never mind - it's only once a year.

Remember, in my last post I said I was upgrading my mobile... last Friday I got my new phone, all shiny and new....   only I couldn't get the battery in, so I had to relent and get the missus to read the instruction book, while I cursed and swore at the dam thing.   Typical she found out how to do it before I managed to get it open by force.

So, having got the battery in, and copied over my address book, I then set about fiddling with it for the next 4 day's, this alone nearly caused my wife to demand a divorce.   I must remember that - get a new phone...

So despite having to make a number of trips in to the office, because the Underground wanted me to, I have just about cracked my new mobile...and all the little quirks that go with it, as in if I want to transfer music on to the MP3 player, I must turn on file sharing on the mobile - this IS NOT mentioned in the distructions.

Not only that, but, having bought a nice shiny new Tom To sat nav unit, I then find that my free upgrade new mobile have a sat nav system included...bleed typical.

It also have a neat game, as well and all sorts of other geekie things - I never would consider myself a gadget geek...am I?

Work wise, and I really do not try to mention work here to much...I've been invited to allow some baby Station Supervisors to shadow me, on a regular baises...I don't mind, gives me something to do. I had 2 lots of "Victims" this week, and they all have done very well, I only hope that i have been able to help them get a better understanding of the job.

We've also got a new boss at work, and I met him today for the first time.   Seems like a nice guy, made all the usual noises about changing things, but there again the last 5 bosses have said the same, I feel it's a case of wait and see.

I'm on leave from 2