MONDAY 31st December 2007 - This is my last Diary entry of 2007, and here is celebrating a New Year 2008 - Happy New Year everyone... Maligayang Bagong Taon!   I experienced celebrations in both UK and Philippines - hearing the excitement of the New Year at 4pm GMT in Philippines... Happy New Year Vhic and all the family!  Yeahay!!  I did manage to hear the fire crackers and the sounds of enjoyment... well Vhic... wishing you a very prosperous New Year and incidentally to all my friends and family, there are too many to mention here, but you know who you are....it may be a time for making resolutions or starting a new leaf, a new beginning perhaps, well in my personal circumstance my beginning has already begun and I know 2008 will be a very exciting Year...forging ahead and cementing new relationships and experiencing new challenges and with much optimism I must add!!Well enjoy!  Good luck everyone..thank you all for visiting....

SATURDAY 29th - SUNDAY 30th December 2007- Well its almost give or take a day the end of 2007!  So what could I summarize 2007 as being for me...in fact the end of the 5th Year of me keeping a diary, can you believe!!?

Well I guess I could split the year into quarters... the first quarter was generally normal for me, nothing special, although work did give me the opportunity to expand my mind, give me more freedom perhaps especially with the business acquisition within the company and my visit down to Kent in January 2007, I certainly can recall taking a photo of Canterbury Cathedral.... Well, Valentine day in February passed without as much as a heart in sight...Hmmm, but then I do remember having some ideas of utilising my attic space more to store my wine!!  In the second quarter of 2007 I was pleased to be appointed to the County FA senior Cup Final, the highest referee appointment in the County, unfortunately it inspired to also be one of the most disappointing performances of my 15 year referee career, as in the second leg, I was injured in the opening minutes, and if it wasn't for adrenaline and the euphoria of my appointment, I really should have come off the game, but hey, that’s history!!  I later found out with badly bruised ribs, cut and bruised lips and nose I missed a few days off work for the first time in so many years... in fact I think I recorded around 10 days sickness in 15 years, 4 days in 2007!! 

I sailed through my fitness test in the third quarter of the year, in fact I think it was one of the best distances I ever achieved, and I also made new friends too, in fact some very special friendships which would make me very happy indeed, although at the same time, I lost some credibility in the process, and it was also a hard time for me.  Work was getting very busy and not always helpful, equally it was a frustrating time in the process, having to juggle many things and taking responsibility for many jobs with some very demanding deadlines, though I'm happy to say they were all achieved thanks to lots of team work within the company.  The fourth quarter of 2007 were arguably so inspiring I think in many ways I have changed, my outlook in particular and some renewed vigor...I enjoyed the longest holiday in my life, and whilst I made some bad choices and had some indifferent experiences in the beginning I enjoyed the whole experience a  holiday can bring, in fact I think in some ways I am still in cloud nine now, but I'm happy, contented and know the future is bright, having made new friendships, explored lots of new experiences, and opened my mind in many more ways that I ever could have imagined....

As with every new experience there is a story, mine is no different, and I wrote about these in November and December, and I still have a few more to share in the coming months of 2008, and I will be able to share even more in 2008 that is for sure....

FRIDAY 28th December 2007 - OMG!  Where did Friday go... Its 10.30pm, I'm just about ready to turn into bed and I realise already that its another day gone, another day spent, well, how the days go quickly is all I can say, especially when having fun I guess, I got up quite early, after breakfast managed to get many jobs done around the house and then that gave me time to relax in the afternoon and evening...

Its interesting what kind of conversations I had today, tagalog, (/11 theory about the CIA setting up the whole 9/11 thingy!, James Bond, White Chocolate Cheesecake, Protein, Soya Milk, Chinese New Year, Hangman... well.. what a wide range of subjects I can tell you, maybe over time I will expand on these conversations!  Certainly keeps my mind active I can tell you!!!    I know for sure my relationships will grow sweeter and happier each second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year, decade, century... well that’s if I last that long!!

THURSDAY 27th December 2007 - It is always nice to have the opportunity to have some time off work for a few days,, today I managed to complete quite a few little jobs and also to clear out the Conservatory which was getting rather cluttered, its now complete and can be used like it should be!!  Although my attic space is starting to become restricted, that’s another story!!!  I have quite a few ideas of what to do in my attic, well, I hope over time I can pursue that too.. Already we a just a few days away from the end of the Year, and for me it has been a frustrating, sometimes sad 2007, although weaved throughout the year has also been much happiness, excitement and enjoyment, and I shall write more about my Year in the coming days.  Later in the day I cooked for the first time a white chocolate cheesecake... I must admit when making the mixture it smelt and tasted very very nice, just like a cheesecake in fact!!  However, I think it was slightly overbaked in the oven, but nevertheless for my first effort I was reasonably happy with the results... I guess it will be quite some time before I back another cheesecake again, I don't normally indulge in such luxury, so maybe Summer 2008 you'll hear me talk about it again!!  I have to watch my weight this time of year, so I'm being extra careful that I don't indulge in high fat and sugar foods... and if I do have the odd biscuit I will make sure I exercise enough to ensure I keep myself in good health and fitness.... Ooo  how I wish I had a treadmill ... although I would need the room for it, I don't think my conservatory would be a good idea.. hmmm, perhaps I'll build some decking outside in the garden ...hehe Its very tempting particularly now there are a lot of sale items, treadmills being no exception!!  No I shall just save my money....Hmmm.

WEDNESDAY 26th December 2007 - Had an early start today, I was rather tired to be honest, maybe that was one of the reasons why I didn't perform to my optimum in the afternoons early kick off football match - I was a little rusty, though the football match wasn't exactly pretty - no major disasters from my point of view but when my standards dip below my usual standards I am disappointed, however it wasn't to disappoint me too much, I just reflect, take on board the weaknesses, learn and move on... just like life really...  When things don't go quite to well, or you make mistakes, learn from them and vow to try and avoid them in the future, like moving on...it's important not to stand still, make the efforts to change if you have to, to make your life better and to improve yourself. 

I must tell you all about the latest CD I have... can you guess who the artist is?  hehe  - well those who know me and my interests will already know!  It's Seal and his latest album 'System' - I heard it the first time on Christmas Eve when driving, you know this is arguably his best album yet - the music just breezes by, and I urge anyone to listen to it - I will try and get some tracks on here so you can hear the clips, but if you enjoy mellow and relaxing music then you can't go far wrong with this album.  OK so I may be biased... but it is very good!!   i will quote his message to his listeners...from his album it reads -

If you can't find your place in this World, Your life's important to me. Feels like every Sunday's just a day in the week.  If you're lonely and you feel like reaching up might break you down, don't go under.... Our time is now.

SUNDAY 23rd - TUESDAY 25th December 2007 - Happy Christmas Everyone!!!  Thank you everyone for their messages of good wishes, Christmas Cards and Presents.. I can't say thank you enough times... Well I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas with friends and families and shared the warmth of the occasion...enjoying the time and be merry!

SATURDAY 22nd December 2007 - I was interested to read yesterday about Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton who were both explorers, and who both drew pictures of Penguins on blackboard, probably for public lectures in 1904 and 1909... Interesting don't you think (well I do like penguins!!, picture courtesy of the BBC website)

Had a reasonably good day today, after breakfast, tidy up I set off down to Stroud for my game (Gloucester City), it went well, very little development points and the Assessors words of Excellent and Great game went down well, I also felt good afterwards, having worked hard throughout... When home I enjoyed a glass of white wine and some cheese biscuits which went down very nicely...  I also managed to finish wrapping all my Christmas presents, which was cool... all wrapped in gold with ribbons and bows... hehe

Well, what else do I know right now?

• What am I doing right now? ...Hmmm writing in my diary of course!!! hehe
• What else am I doing right now? I'm watching 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' - probably for the 5th time!!
• What is the last movie I watched at the Cinema?... Stardust, in SM Mall, Cebu, October 2007 - it was excellent!!
• What was the first movie I ever ever watched at a Cinema?... Annie, at Malvern Cinema...too long ago!!!
• What is a Vogon?... its a creature, can't think, can't spell, don't let them read you poetry!!
• What is a Babelfish?... stick it in your ear and you'll understand anyone in your language however they speak!!
• Who would I invite to Diner?...Grandad, Jesus, Vhic, Seal, Emma Thompson, Gary Rhodes, Alicia Silverstone
• Why would I invite these people to diner? ... I never really got to know my Grandad, but I was so fond of him and him of me... Jesus would give us all so much inspiration, Vhic.. my best friend, Seal.. well who could sing us all a great song and melody!!, Emma thompson I know would be able to tell many stories, Gary Rhodes would cook us all a delightful, nutrititious diner for 8, Alicia Silverstone.. .she was great as Batgirl... I just think she would be a great addition to the table..

What else do I wish to say?... well Happy Holidays everyone... enjoy time with your family .. they are so precious

FRIDAY 21st December 2007 - My last day at the office before Christmas went smoothly, although some things bother me, I just try to make things better for the future... Oh well, I don't have to worry for a while... I am now officially on holiday for the Christmas Yeahay!!  I have some presents still to wrap for next week, so I hope to do those over the weekend, although I'm out Saturday and Sunday on football appointments, I should be able to find a little time!!!  You may have guessed I watched a movie last night... A Christmas Carol.. starring George C Scott... its probably the most authentic version of Charles Dickens' story, and its worth a watch if you get the chance, especially this time of year, it puts many things in perspective...It was also nice to day to drive home in less than 15 minutes!!  Recently I've been caught up in traffic, but tonight although I did leave a little later that normal the roads were pretty clear.. I guess though people will be travelling over the weekend, last minute shopping and travelling to families in time for Christmas... well lets hope people are safe and drive responsibly over the holiday season!

THURSDAY 20th December 2007 - Imagine on Christmas Eve this Year being visited by the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future... how would that look for your life?  I imagine it tonight... in the past I enjoyed Christmas and during that time I remember when I was much younger, I would go to bed so excited, with anticipation, having helped put up the decorations, put up the Christmas tree and probably enjoyed watching a movie before bedtime - most likely I would also have a hot water bottle so my feet are nice and warm in bed!!  I would wake up the next morning and find a sack at the bottom of my bed.. full of presents, and I couldn't wait to open then up...taking the sack with me downstairs to the living room, passing the kitchen where the glass of Sherry and mince pie would have been consumed by Father Christmas...enjoy unwrapping presents and playing with my new gifts... watching TV, singing songs with my family and enjoying a roast Turkey and later some Christmas Cake....  Every Christmas has been spent with my family...the present that is true, I still enjoy time with my family and enjoy the holidays, but its more than that now, its not so much about the presents its about the time remembering what Christmas is all about... about the birth of Jesus in our World, about sharing time with the family and being thankful for what we have....

In the future.. who knows what will happen, though I am certain I won't be spending every Christmas with my family...even though they will be in my heart and mind always... and we will give and receive gifts, although I would be more than happy to forfeit all gifts just to spend the holidays with family and friends, giving more than gifts, sharing friendships and happiness..isn't that what Christmas is all about, its not about getting stressed out worrying about buying presents for everyone, about running around worrying about all the preparations for Christmas Day, or about the commercialism associated with Christmas nowadays and the pressure that surrounds it... take time to think about the people who are less fortunate than ourselves and they are probably more happier than us...reflection often is good, I like to give more over Christmas, maybe by demonstrating this through gifts, maybe by helping somebody, or by supporting friends or family over the holidays... doing things for other people makes me happy, perhaps we should all think about what Christmas really is all about...maybe we will be much happier in the future...   I'd like to see the spirit of Christmas future!!

TUESDAY 18th - WEDNESDAY 19th December 2007 - Well, after Monday wasn't too clever in the office, Tuesday was a little better, though outstanding problems still remain and they followed on Wednesday, however things I believe are starting to progress and I'm hopeful they will be resolved in good time... we shall just have to see!!  Tuesday night was another game for me this time in Worcester for a local derby, it went okay, certainly some positives but also some development areas to work on, that’s what good about many things, after reflection I'll always be looking to improve and that’s important.  So the last two nights have seen be finally grab some sleep around 1am, so a couple of late nights, and I've been tired not surprisingly... so on Wednesday night with fitness training taking a seasonal break for a few weeks I managed to be home for around 6pm and it gave me a chance to do jobs around the house, like cleaning and tidy, though I also managed to bake some mince pies, whilst I cooked my fish and vegetable diner, plus a banana pastry for desert with my leftover pastry!! Mmmm lovely if I say so myself!!

The time at home also gave me the opportunity to wrap some Christmas presents with just 6 days to go until the 25th December, and only 2 more working days before I have a break from the office....Yeahay... I think most people are winding down now anyway... so its getting less productive!!!

SUNDAY 16th - MONDAY 17th December 2007 - It was a good Sunday - I enjoyed it, with a nice lie in till 8.30am especially after a busy few days; that was very welcome!! After breakfast, tidy up around the house and showered I made my way to Church... just made it for 10.30am! It was a nice service, in fact a family service which included the children acting out a nativity play with Mary, Joseph, Jesus and of course the shepherds and Three Wise Men... not to mention the Angel of course... it was a nicely told story... of course probably the best story ever which will never grow old... always very special of course... It was enjoyable... and singing joyous songs... like “Away in a Manger”. I always have liked Christmas Carols, they are all mostly lively and in fact it brings back many memories from my younger days especially at church back home, but also at home with the family over Christmas... my Gran and Nana always used to sing with us during the holidays, and I would sing... I think my Nana always wanted me to sing “Onward Christian Soldiers” because she thought I had a good singing voice... ahhh he he...

Well I did like to sing, in fact I sing a little more over the last few months, I really enjoy it and I’m not afraid to sing in front of people... maybe Karaoke I could try!! He he... Anyway I used to play the organ too and I would play lots of Christmas carols like “Hark the Herald angels sing”, that was my favourite, “Away in a Manager” and “Silent Night” were always popular too! It does bring back the memories that’s for sure... I miss that to be honest...singing with the family and enjoying Christmas together... I have a feeling next Christmas will very special...I know it will be!!

Well after the service the Minister very kindly gave me a Christmas Card and wished me a nice Christmas, that was nice of her.... I intend to go to church as often as I can, maybe over Christmas again if I can spare the time...Well, the afternoon was spent catching up with Vhic...we enjoyed chatting for over 5 hours, amazing to know that the internet can help people communicate across the world quite simply and relatively cheaply nowadays, imagine a 6 hour telephone call.. it would cost a lot of money!!! Anyway, I enjoyed a rice and vegetable lunch, tea in the afternoon and then a ride down to Malvern, for our referees social evening, ten pin bowling and buffet – the company was good, an enjoyable night, even if the bowling lane I was on failed so many times during the evening, in the end rather than playing 2 games of bowling, my lane only ended up playing 1 game and 2 legs.. and I was doing so well!!! He he ... I think it was Oliver’s fault. He bowled to slowly and casually the lanes couldn’t cope with the speed... ha ha (only joking Olly!!!)...the lasagne was good though!! Plus me and George lost to Dave and Ian at pool, but hey ho it’s the taking part that counts!

On Monday the morning was pretty much bad, with a project not progressing at all, in fact coming to a standstill, but these things happen!! It will affect the schedule in the near future, so it’s a challenge to overcome that is for sure. In the late afternoon I headed off to Coventry for an evening game at the Ricoh arena – a really nice stadia, holding a capacity of 34000, well tonight (Monday) there wasn’t even 340 in the crowd... anyway it was a good evening, I enjoyed the game and it was enough to keep me active all night so I didn’t get too cold, just as well it wasn’t -5 degrees like Sunday night... it managed to stay above freezing so that was a bonus!! That’s it for another day, another local derby Tuesday night and fitness training Wednesday night... nothing like keeping myself fit.. or maybe killing myself off with all this exercise and work! Ah well... be well everyone!!

THURSDAY 13th - SATURDAY 15th December 2007 - Its been a busy busy time...lots to do, I'm still a little short of a few Christmas present, but over the coming week I should be sorted and ready for another festive period.  Had a nice lunch with Helena on Thursday, the tuna sandwich and salad was fresh if a little filling, and later in the evening I had more salad, which seems the order of the day at the moment, I do like my salads they are easy to make, healthy and ensures keep my fat intake down!!   I got a new book recently from Mum, Its 'Around the World in 80 Days', I hope over the holiday period I can start to read, I like the movie so it will be interesting to see how the book fairs.  In the last 12 months I'd been reading Chocolat, only after watching the movie and it always appears different in the book, in fact that gives you a good insight and imagination..... 

I started to watch a new DVD Thursday night also, before I fell asleep so I didn't manage to watch it all (I watched the final part of the movie Saturday night!), the movie was recommended by Vhic... Music and Lyrics - starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant, its a good movie, romantic but also fun to watch, Drew Barrymore is excellent in her role, I guess I never really seen a lot of her movies but in this she excels I believe.  Friday evening was the office Christmas Party, this year at the Wharton Park Golf Club, it was nice but for the first time in a few years I wasn't able to stay to the end, I was appointed to a game at late notice for Saturday, but that didn't stop me from enjoyed a Christmas turkey diner, the casino ( I kept winning!! on the roulette wheel I choose my favourite number 5... and it came in straight away... at 35-1 I was well up on chips!!! he he) then I had a dance for a little while, I was being pestered by Vicky and Amanda to dance, so I did and I enjoyed that too...and one of my most recent favourite songs... with the chorus..."you to me are everything, the sweetest song that I could sing, oh baby, oh baby"  that was playing too...I left just before midnight, and that gave me the chance to get some sleep before Saturday morning!

I returned to refereeing action in the League, over 2 months since my last official appointment, and I was welcomed into a local derby, only being appointed on Thursday afternoon, I later found out that 2 previous referees had come off this game... and I think I know why... it was all action and certainly an eventful game, the first foul came within the first 10 seconds, and with 3 cautions in the opening half and with the players trying to wind each other up and with eyes needed in the back of my head, the second half was just as eventful, and I ended up with one straight red card and another 3 more cautions, with the last caution resulting in another red to follow for a second caution...well at the end the overall opinion was that I did well, and most were happy, that’s the thing with local derbies, their is a friendly rivalry before and after the game but during it, it gets intense and potentially firey.. but that’s something I have to get used to over the years.. in fact another one coming up with Tuesday night in Worcester.... so another one to look forward to!!!  nothing like getting back into the deep end!!! 

Here is another photo of me, this time onboard the overnight ferry from Cagayan De Oro to Cebu, and limping around in flip flops..!! oh dear!

WEDNESDAY 12th December 2007 - OK, I'm going to provide the answers to last Wednesdays little teaser to find out where I shall be travelling to next year...

1. Enzyme, 2. Glasgow, 3. Scorpio, 4. Apple. 5.Orange, 6. Indians, 7. November, 8. Portugal, 9. Rice = EGSAOINPR

So can you unscramble these letters for a famous Country?....Hmmm... Singapore!! (well done Olly!!), and then the second city I will be visiting (again)... 1. E-Bay, 2. Universal Studios, 3. Cinnamon, 4. Bible...= EUCB, thus Cebu!! Yeahay!  Well I can't wait, in fact I wish I could fast forward in time... but I know its not possible, though I'm sure it'll come round quicker than I can imagine, in fact we are just short of 13 days from Christmas Day... and for me 7 working days till I have time of work...Yippee!!!  Before we know it, it will be 2008...into January and we are off again into another Year.. Will I make some New Year resolutions... well maybe I should, but do you ever keep resolutions?  I do, but to be honest I never make very many!!  I think as long as you are happy in your life we just carry on as normal...though of course some people are creatures of habit, in fact I want to pose a question... If you attended an event 12 months prior with the same food menu, and you re-book again now, with the same menu, would you choose the same items from the menu again (irrespective of how satisfying or unsatisfying the choice was previously?)   well... interesting fact out of 20, 19 choose the same menu item... only 1 choose a different option... and do you know who that was... ME!! hehe  see - I am not a creature of habit!!! I like to think I am variable and will try different things... not be robotic!!

Although it was cold again tonight... I did manage to go fitness training even if the running track was a little frosty and the temperature was around 0 degrees... we had a good session, covered the cooper test (2900m) in 12 minutes, plus around another 3km in training, so overall covered around 4 miles alongside some dynamic stretch work.. so all in all a satisfying session...  My foot is feeling okay, it does swell up on occasions and feels a little pain, but generally I am almost 100% recovered, thought it has taken some time to heal otherwise I am in good spirits, and speaking with Vhic earlier his wounds are in a similar situation to mine...so we heal together!! he he... 

Some interesting news I read today the Venezuela have taken the decision to put the clock back half an hour bringing the country out of sync with global standardised time...they are now in what they call 'fractional' time zones... how strange, similar to states including India, Iran, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Burma and parts of Australia and Canada...hmm..  To me this is more of a political statement, considering they don't wish to be dictated perhaps by any other International agreements.  It is an interesting subject and one I could spend some time reading and understanding, but perhaps this is not the time or place to illustrate this...

TUESDAY 11th December 2007 - Well today went very quickly!!  The morning was rather hectic, unplanned as a visitor turned up at the office unexpected which put my schedule out of sync! Ah well, we coped okay and got through the day okay, that was before I spent a few minutes scraping ice of the car this morning, probably the sharpest frost this Winter so far and when getting home in the evening I had to scrape more ice of the car before driving home!  Well, I was planning to get out tonight, I suppose just as well I had the chance to stay in and do some reports, and relax a little after a busy day - in fact I was ready to sleep by 4pm!!!  Well it will be 2 weeks before Christmas Day is upon us... I'm planning to put up my Christmas Tree on Saturday... who knows perhaps I'll take a photo and post it here!!  Plus I have more stories to tell from my holiday, lots to do....!! hehe

SUNDAY 9th - MONDAY 10th December 2007 - Well, what a busy few days..! I'm glad I am at home now resting!!  On Sunday I was out for 10 hours, watching a game in the morning in Worcester, thankfully not to cold or wet, although a little muddle I was well prepared with my long coat, scarf, hat, gloves, umbrella and hiking boots!!  Then it was down to my parents for Mum's 60th Birthday!  Happy Birthday Mum!!  She did tremendously well, with 28 birthday cards, and some nice presents, including a laptop; so I know she enjoyed her laptop bag and vouchers I gave her - and I did sing 'happy Birthday' to Mum and ate some of her birthday cake which was very fruity!! Mmmmm.  Later after Sunday lunch and visiting Verena, Phil and Christopher I met up with George, before heading back home..a little tired but glad of a good rest later.  Monday was spent out of the office and driving to and from Heathrow Airport, and incidentally noticing the new Terminal 5, which looks huge and will be quite an addition to the airport when it opens soon...

SATURDAY 8th December 2007 - Maybe I'm jinxed with Saturday games at Cinderford, it seems that way, I was appointed to referee at there ground 3 Saturdays last season and each time they were postponed because of the weather and today was no exception as the game succumbed to the wet weather overnight and during the morning.  Only two inches of surface water... we could have played in wellington boots!!! So it gave me the opportunity to rest, and later, the chance to update the website... you'll notice the new 'facia' and I've updated many areas of the site.... with some new additions.. Hope you enjoy... here are the new pages and updates...

Why not buy a mug or two... maybe a t-shirt in my new Shop...more products will be arriving soon, or if you have any ideas then why not let me know!  See my Photos page for brand new photos in each of the sub headings!  Plus some other subtle changes in many of the others pages.. so why not have a browse around, listen to my music collection and enjoy!!

FRIDAY 7th December 2007 - Well its almost the Weekend... Yeahay!! Mainly report writing and the odd meeting today, plus getting my hands in a few computer insides today for some minor surgery... always good to keep my hand in hardware support - I miss that sometimes!  Today also, it's been quite dry and mild, although later in the evening the winds started to increase and a little colder, so maybe the rains are coming!  Well that may put paid to many sporting fixtures over the weekend!

WEDNESDAY 5th - THURSDAY 6th December 2007 - Perhaps we shall start with a little quiz... answer the questions correctly to find out my holiday destinations next year!!!  OK, write down the answers, when you have all the answers, then the first letter of each answer will make up the name of a place I will be flying to in April 2008, once you unscramble the letters... good luck and answers to follow soon....

1. A protein that catalyze chemical reactions?
2. A Scottish City with two dominant football teams?
3. What is my star sign?
4. Eat one of these each day and you'll keep the Doctor away?
5. My second favourite colour?
6. They normally use bow and arrows, and fight cowboys in Westerns?
7. I was born in this month?
8. Christiano Ronaldo plays for this National Football Team?
9. A popular staple food popular in East and Southern Asia?

That’s the first area above, for the second destination... answer these questions and unscramble the first letters of each answer to find out the City....

1. A popular site for buying and selling goods on the internet?
2. Florida theme park includes Back to the Future ride?
3. My favourite Spice...or essential oil which can be used for aromatherapy?
4. A famous book, a bestseller in many different languages... I should read more often... ?

So did you work out where I shall visit next Year...well one new place and one City which I have travelled to before and felt very much at home...

I was actually very pleased, perhaps lucky you could say that I made my reservations on Tuesday night, as it was surprised to find that only the next day, and I couldn't believe it at first the same flights I booked were over £100 more expensive...I'm so glad I booked the night before, and it wasn't the airport taxes which were increased it was the actual fares that had been increased... wow... I think sometimes things are meant to happen, like this, I was originally going to hold back on booking my flights until later on in the Year, but dedided on Tuesday night, just to book up, and I'm so glad I did, it was the best deal I could have got after researching flight costs and times for the last few weeks.... Well... I'm very excited about travelling abroad again, its 20 weeks before I travel and you could say I'm counting the weeks till I travel... well who would blame me... !!!  

I managed to go fitness training for the first time since early October Wednesday night, I did feel a little behind the pace, although I've been running the last few weeks, just that little bit of sharpness when sprinting is lacking a little, but not a major problem for me, though I look forward to more exercise soon and getting back to 100% fitness, I'm probably on around 75-80% at the moment, I suppose almost 6 weeks without much exercise does take its toll on ones body!!

This Sunday as my brother described to me his Mother is 40 years short of 100!  So work that one out!!  I will spend the afternoon and evening with Mum on her special day, and I'm scheduled to Assess a football match on Sunday morning, whilst on Saturday I have my first official refereeing appointment for almost 2 months... I return to action.. I just hope the weather ensures a return for me, its seems as though rain is putting paid to a few fixtures at the moment with waterlogged surfaces. I also expect a busy afternoon should the game go ahead with both teams having poor disciplinary records!!! Hmmmm.... well I hope and pray you are all safe.... and have a peaceful weekend...

TUESDAY 4th December 2007 - I've been writing stories again!! He he - so click here for my latest.... more news tomorrow!

MONDAY 3rd December 2007 - I often wonder how life would be much better if it wasn't so complicated, if we can do without politics, I often hear stories or listen to people talk about things when to me they are so silly...there are often people worse off than ourselves but they live happy uncomplicated lives, why do those better off never get on with other people or find something to complain about... for me I would be satisfied to live in peace and happiness, to enjoy life with just a fraction of the wealth I have now... As long as I was happy and contented I would sacrfice many things, to not have to worry about things... unfortunately though life isn't that simple, with all happiness there is always some sadness...but we just have to make the most of what we have and try to enjoy it...  In many ways in my situation right now I'd like to fast forward in time and see myself in the future... because just thinking about it right now I know I can be in a better place, in a better position, in a happy situation...I'm just trying now to be patience, to wait, to be strong and to plan for the future ahead...you may think.. what am I talking or rambling about... ... no doubt over time I'll explain more... I find it fascinating sometimes to read my starts....but for now...its time for me to rest.. I have more to tell later...

SUNDAY 2nd December 2007 - After a reasonable sleep I awoke at a good time to watch a little of Match of the Day whilst enjoying my Meusli and dried mango breakfast with a cinamon and raisin Bagel!!  Then a coffee!!  I then went to church this morning, my second visit to the church I went to October, just prior to my holiday, its not to far away from home, a few miles but enough to get into the car and drive, nevertheless it was a good service I was made most welcome, the Minister introduced herself, I met other members of the congregation who made me welcome and I stayed after for a coffee with a few which was nice... During the service, of course if was the first Sunday of Advent, it was also Holy Communion, so I participated in eating bread and a sip of wine...with a chance to worship, pray, reflect and rejoice...I enjoyed it... no doubt I will be making more of a regular visit to church when I get the opportunity.... 

Later I stayed at home cooked some rice and salad for lunch, some time online, rest and some Christmas shopping....with so many birthdays coming up soon I have to prepare those too!!!   Be well everyone... enjoy the week ahead...

SATURDAY 1st December 2007  - Happy Twelfh month everyone... have you opened the first day of you Advent Calendar?  Hmmm... well I don't have one, so no window to open today...ah well...Anyway I am content, I am happy without one... I have a diary!!  I didn't have chance to write up my diary for Friday I was quite tired after the night out with the referee training team, we had a good discussion, good food and it was a good evening all round... I pretty much fell asleep pretty soon after getting home, I just managed to read a chapter of my holiday book which I haven't quite finished yet... Hotel Babylon... Its been a good read so far, I read a fair bit in the airports and when on holiday I managed a few chapters when I was resting... but because my holiday was so exciting and hectic I never really got the chance!!!  I always prefer to read the local newspapers when on holiday and I brought a few back with me - I'll share these when I get a moment!

I show below my photo during my presentation last Friday evening when I received my 15 Year Service Award from the FA for services to Refereeing.....

The quality of the photo isn't too good, so my apologies It's a photo of a photo if you understand what I mean!!

A recent story I read and hear about recently is quite staggering - I guess most of us in the UK know about the story of a UK teacher who was jailed for 15 days in Sudan for insulting Islam by allowing her class to name a teddy bear Muhammad.... Whilst I don't know the full story but I find it amazing that an event like this results in a lady teacher being jailed for this length of time, when I hear of a local man, who assaults another man in a drunken brawl gets away with around 100 hours community service... surely the man who commits physical damage on another man should be the one who is jailed not the teacher who, and I'm sure she didn't mean to offend or insult any religion by her actions...anyway.. the world we live in doesn't surprise me much anymore...

I believe in Sudan there are crowds marching and demonstrating demanding a much stronger sentence!!! Hmmm.. best left alone I think....

All I know that I'm happy I'm not involved in all this... I'm just fortunate and try to live life without any dramas, without any upheavals...

And... congratulations Olly and James who correctly identified the picture I posted a few days ago (see November Diary) ... the primate you see in the picture is a Tarsier...found in Bohol, Philippines!!! Nice one - look out for my story 'The Island of Bohol'... coming very very soon!!