MONDAY 30th June 2003 - So, the end of another month. And with each new month a new experience, a new challenge, a problem, a solution, a puzzle another turn in human life. I've been so blind over the last month, so unfazed, so preoccupied I've let myself down and my loved ones down, it's hard to explain, but it I believe is a learning curve, something one must travel through to acheive things.
I've realised that though the saying goes 'good things come to those who wait' isn't always true, it's your own drive, your own determination, your initiative and willing to do something you feel so strong about will bring about good - you can't stand around and let things happen around you, you have no control, the sense of direction passes you by. You achieve your own destiny in life and as I've said before and something I beleive in 'it's what you DO in your life that matters, not how long you live'.
I woke up the other day and looked at my circumstances, it then stared me in the face, thinking - what are my priorities, what are my goals and what am I doing about them? Well to be frank I wasn't committed enough I just thought everything would be okay, fine and dandy, dandy and fine - how I was wrong. I learned a lesson this week, it was experience, but I'm trying so hard not to let it happen again.....
SUNDAY 29th June 2003 - Passed the fitness test this morning by 450 metres - so was pleased I covered more in the 'real' thing than in training over the last 6 weeks or so - even helped other guys through the test, so a sense of acheivement. You'll notice I've no motivation lately, very unhappy and even reluctant to write this so far...
SATURDAY 28th June 2003 - Caught up on sleep today, having just had a few hours the night before. Managed to beat Matt, Daryll and Mick at Ten Pin Bowling in the evening - no surprise there I suppose.
FRIDAY 27th June 2003 -One of those days which I have to admit was stressful, when everything possible which could go wrong went wrong...
THURSDAY 26th June 2003 - It's amazing how much work you can get done when your in the right environment, I made some really good progress this afternoon - a project I'd been working on for months, it felt really good once I'd got going on this project - and seeing it work, while almost like a dream, I was really chuffed... It's 2 a piece in squash after Simon defeated me 3 games to 2 tonight....
WEDNESDAY 25th June 2003 - Another day, another dollar, or should I say another pound.. good progress at work, actually work better when Rich is away, taking to a 4 week holiday in New Zealand - I shouldn't say that really should I! Anyway for some stupid reason I'm worrying about something that I should really be worrying about - that's typical me, I'm now gonna try and not think about it now, until I do something about it - that'll happen next month.
Think I about ready for my fitness test on Sunday morning, after training tonight I made just about 3000m in 12 minutes, with the pass 2700m I was well in, but I want to get to 3100 on Sunday, so an extra push required...
TUESDAY 24th June 2003 - To say it was a hectic day was an understatement, then again for me to organise 3 meetings in one day, perhaps wasn't the best thing to do, nevertheless I did manage to grab a sandwich for lunch before staying over a few hours to 'catch-up'. A late evening meal before chilling out in the night, made a pleasant change.
MONDAY 23rd June 2003 - Pleased with my blood pressure test result in the morning (a requirement for my FA fitness test this coming Sunday) when my reading was 124/62 - apparantly perfect so Christine told me, but normal, which is a relief!! Anyway a busy day in the office, which of course is the norm. Managed to get along to 5-a-side tonight which was good fun, hadn't been for ages, it was nice to catch up with the group and return to form with a few 'class' goals!! Almost forgot to get some petrol in the evening, so after a shower I went to the petrol station in my flip flops, a first for me at 10:30 at night!!
SUNDAY 22nd June 2003 - The second leg of the Weekend away was the shopping part! Cheshire Oaks - was good, plenty of outlets and opportunities to spend money! So what did I do? Yes.... spend some! A new suit, shirts and ties, plus some casual clothes.... oh dear... and I'm buying a house.. plus to get house stuff yet!! oooopps! It was fun, I enjoyed the Weekend, took a while to get all the packaging unwrapped and tossed away, nevermind..... worry about the money later.....
SATURDAY 21st June 2003 - I wanted to get away for the Weekend and this was a good opportunity - the weather was good so I was off!! Managed to get upto Colwyn Bay in the afternoon which was the first part of the journey - never been, and it was good, the beach was nice for a two hour stroll, even though we did encounter some rain. The evening was great neat Ellesmere Port with really good food -Thai Crab Fishcakes, were really nice and Rhubarb cheesecake! - can you beleive it! Anyway it was really good.
FRIDAY 20th June 2003 - It was a good Friday, lots of work done, productive, just seeing the 'to-do' pile grow larger and larger as the Weekend approaches. Managed to relax in the evening with a few games on the computer - which is a rarety for me most of the time. I've also been reading a new book over the last week and it's really interesting - no it's not Harry Potter it's John McEnroe's autobiography - it's really good and enjoyable.
THURSDAY 19th June 2003 - I was back to form on Squash this evening - yes.... I lost 3 games to 2, Simon played well and deserved to win. It was fun - though I think I was scared cause he threatened that he would beat me before we started!! he he he. Perhaps I ought to adopt that approach next week! Do you know that I'm actually looking forward to work in the morning - I've a project I've been meaning to get my teeth into for ages, now I'm ready for it! It's not that I never get enthusiastic about work, I just get on with it, cause I do enjoy it though.
Managed to stay over at work later tonight which got me in the mood for the morning session... am I sad? Or am I just one of the lucky ones who actually enjoys work? Anway, that aside, do you think you should work to live or live to work? mmmmm
WEDNESDAY 18th June 2003 - I don't really like gossiping and talking about other people - wherever possible I'll try and draw the line somewhere -some people are just full of it, it's not nice and can often lead to many dramas and unnecessary misunderstanding. Perhaps people should spend more time looking at themselves and the way they portray themselves rather than of other people - maybe they are jealous, maybe they are unfulfilled in some aspect of their life, maybe they feel threatened - in summary it's rude and I don't like rude and disrespectful people, some things are private and it should stay that way....
Really enjoyed the fitness training tonight - had a really good workout and took the session tonight of a group of us, that was fun... I think I should be sponsored...mmm any offers? Anybody?
TUESDAY 17th June 2003 - My perception of somebody slightly changed today - it wasn't until I'd found out about something that I knew a little more than before....perhaps we all have something to hide or a hidden agenda somewhere. They say everyone has skeletons in the closet - maybe that is the case somewhere along the line with people. Then again, why should that be the case, if everything and everyone were equal, when we all live in a world of peace, a magical place that surely isn't too much to ask is it? Well unfortunately it is, we live in a place of war, greed, poverty and unhappiness for some people - but we have to make the most of what and who we are - it's not how long you live in your life that matters - it what you do in your life that is important. It is surely immorral to spend £24million on the "transfer" of a footballer - that is one reason why I don't and have never bought a lottery ticket - where is the money going - to line pockets of shareholders and the organisers - if only the money was used to help our health service, to help worthwhile charities, to clean up the streets, to make the world a better place - is that too much to ask, rather than greed..... here endith the lesson for today.....
MONDAY 16th June 2003 - It took me a while to get going today, a little bit like an old car sometimes, a little sluggish at first until later when run in it runs a lot more smoothly. I felt like that today. Gee I'm sweating like anything at the moment while I'm writing my diary entry for today, I've been for a run, had a shower, now refuelling with lots of water.... I think I've lost a few pounds over the last few days, just purely down to excercise...the heat of course doesn't help, it certainly has been warm of late, not excessively though I don't think but nevertheless warm! Right! I've drank 1 litre of water - I'm off for another!!
Ohhh did I tell you about the whiskey and glasses I got whilst in Scotland last year... anyway I can't remember - I was just thinking about it, I promised myself they will be used and the whiskey drank on the first night of living in my new property.... won't be long (hopefully)!
Ohhh before I go... I'm just listening to the Jackson Five, while Michael Jackson really, now I could write for ages on my thoughts about him, but hey the song.... "I want you back" - absolute classic... love it!!! be well, bye!!
Ohhh just one other thing...nahh only joking bye!!
SUNDAY 15th June 2003 - I had feelings this was going to be a difficult day!! It was predicted, anyway, besides that I'm now ready to tell you that I've acheived one of my New Years resolution and bought a property - it was my main objective to be honest, though the Mandarin learning resolution will have to take a back seat for a while. Now I've already sorted out the sofa, the toaster, kettle, hi-fi, speakers, and today was the bed linen, pillows etc... the essentials, though the rest will have to be brought in when a date is fixed for the move. It should be within the next two weeks (hopefully).....It's a very expensensive time... now I've got the car insurance to pay, the car tax, household insurance.... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
SATURDAY 14th June 2003 - Been playing around with my money this morning, donned the head chef gear for the barbeque at lunch, whilst taking in some of the cricket on the tele. I know I was watching TV!! and I'm admitting it!!! Anyway, it didn't last long, I was off to play tennis in the afternoon - that was good fun, played for two hours, hitting the ball over the net for the first time in just under a year. I was surprised how quickly I got into a rhythme, though I do need to work on the backhand! We didn't play a game, thankfully, I think Wei would beat me hands down all the time!! My serve need practice!!
FRIDAY 13th June 2003 - Luckily for me today wasn't the unluckly day it could of been, though I'm not that superstitious, thankfully. In fact it was a typical Friday.
THURSDAY 12th June 2003 - Another busy day at the office. Enjoyed the evenings game of squash... geee it was hard work, eventually coming from 2 games down to win 4-2. I'm sure it won't last long!! Mum managed to count my loose change yesterday and in the end the total amount was close on £80.00, consisting of 2p's, 1p's, 5p's and 20p's. I don't fancy going to the bank to cash this lot in - it's heavy!!
WEDNESDAY 11th June 2003 - It was actually okay to be back in the office, the rest did me good and I was in pretty good shape for the day's work. Stayed on a little later to finish off some stuff, managed to go out for a run when I got home before watching some football and sprucing up my infamous fruid salad!!
I can't believe the press most of the time, it's amazing the front page headlines involve some footballer, what about the other problems and events happening in the world - is a potential £30m transfer of a player from one team to another morally right in this day and age? And should it be subjected to so much press? Mmmm I think not.... The press have a lot to answer for in terms of the attitude of people, they can be very influential. On the good side they can be useful, I've used them in the past to advertise and promote organisations I've been directly involved in, so from that point of view it proves they are a powerful tool.....
TUESDAY 10th June 2003 Got my photos developed today, made the most of the day off and enjoyed the day. A spookily relevant astrology reading today also;
Whats weird is that Scorpio has developed a reputation for secrecy. People born under your sign actually find it very difficult to hide the truth. They are notoriously candid and clear. It is almost as if other people, who cannot bear to be confronted with this much honesty, find it impossible to believe. They suspect that there must be a hidden agenda or some complex double-bluff going on. Thus they read much more into your words and deeds than they should. Then, they start to dislike you or, rather, not you but the fictional character they imagine you to be. Soon, you will get to set a warped impression straight.
So, do you want to know more????
MONDAY 9th June 2003 Everything was basically shut in Paris in the morning cant the Parisians work on Mondays anyway, made good progress back to Calais, some shopping around my frequently visited establishments in the town for drink and food, before taking an early crossing on the Sea Cat for the journey home. Brought some fresh baguettes back from France to compliment the evening meal of curly-wurly Pasta (its not really pasta, its something else beginning with F Italian, but Ive forgotten already) expertly cooked by Wei.
Mum and Dad were pleased to see me back I got them some chocolates, some fresh baguettes and some Orange Marmalade, plus some Fathers Day gifts, which obviously I wont advertise here!! I also realised that Id left my jacket in Paris and Wei left a sweater, that aside it was a cool Weekend; okay it was hot, well worth the experience and thoroughly enjoyable. Must work on my French though!!
SUNDAY 8th June 2003 The early morning showers got me a little worried about the afternoons tennis, and with more rain during the walk to Roland Garros it wasnt looking too promising
now I was proved thankfully wrong, the weather for the final at 3pm was exceedingly good it was sunny, warm and stayed dry throughout. We managed to watch a little tennis before the final with access to all areas around the grounds of Roland Garros we watched a little of the Boys singles final (before rain) and then the beginning of the Womens doubles final, which was very good (it eventually went to three sets and it would have been cool if it was played earlier as it was enjoyable to watch) nevertheless the Mens Final atmosphere was good with 16000 spectators and the final although a little one-sided was very enjoyable, the stadium was pretty impressive and will have a lasting effect in my memory. Bought some souvenirs and even won a kit-kat goodie bag in the afternoon at a competition held outside the stadium that was cool. I made an exception and shared the chocolate for late lunch!
(Our vantage point of the French Open Tennis Final - The players and Umpire, pre-match (above))
Pushed the boat out in the evening and bought take-away McDonalds in fact the Chicken Premier meal I ate was great a garlic bap, with a chicken burger and salad
very nice! Wei was totally greedy and had two burgers, McDeluxe cheeseburger and McBacon burger geee think of all that fat and cholesterol ah well I knew McDonalds was a preferred restaurant of Weis so I wasnt surprised!! Its alright when you dont have to worry about your weight and diet!
SATURDAY 7th June 2003 Good crossing in the morning via the Sea Cat, if a little bumpy ride, though made good time and enjoyed the change from travelling via the usual Eurotunnel. The weather in France was very hot and humid, Mum made sure I packed my cap and even bought me some Sun tan lotion to take with me!! Picked up a throw-away camera in the morning to compensate for the non appearance of my digital camera. Arrived at the hotel in a very busy Paris in mid-afternoon and then had a very humid walk towards the Eiffel Tower during late afternoon. This was my third visit to the Tower and the views are always impressive. The evening was spent at a Paris restaurant where I enjoyed a fresh Salmon starter and Sea Bass for main course
. mmmmm not bad with a shared bottle of white wine!!
FRIDAY 6th June 2003 Busy day at the office, made good progress so was able to leave a little earlier for the trip down to Folkestone in the evening. Reasonably good journey down, a little disappointed that I forgot to pack my digital camera, though I knew it wouldnt be the end of the world. Also had some good news today through the post, expensive good news
but exciting good news!!
THURSDAY 5th June 2003 - Good day at the office getting plenty of work done... enjoyed the evening too when I picked up my squash racket for the first time in a while - really enjoyed the game, I even won 4 games to 2 which was cool. Glad I did some excercise this evening and squash certainly gives you that, virtually non stop for 40 minutes. Managed to do a spot check on the car ready for its visit to France, including a jet wash. I even bought some new sweets from the petrol station... Maynards Sour - weird name I know but they were quite nice, made a change actually.. I don't normally eat many sweets, but it's nice to have some in the car for long journeys!
WEDNESDAY 4th June 2003 - Back to the office today, my first job was to re-organise my computer which took up most of the day, then catching up with some paperwork. Also, new chair delivered today - I'm gonna see how long it stays stable since Rich made it up from the flat pack, mmmm...... never the most confident when it comes to DIY!!! he he he....Enjoyed the fitness training tonight, covered some extra distance and felt good about it too! Might be taking on some extra responsibilities with the fitness training, so this could will become a regular thing.... I enjoy it really... it helps me and if I can help others with training then that's a bonus.
TUESDAY 3rd June 2003 - After another early start I was a taxi service for the morning for Mum and Gran, shopping and being paraded by Gran as a 'Toy Boy' - yeh right!! at the Co-Op staff!! Anyway that was my good deed for the day. The afternoon was spent chilling out, watching the rather 'wishy washy' AI and then making my way over to Micks for his most excellent Spaghetti Bolognaise before heading off to Leicester for the England game. It was a good atmosphere the game dull in the first half but worthwhile in the second half when the last 20 minutes provided the entertainment. Got back in just after Midnight for a good day.
MONDAY 2nd June 2003 - Enjoyed the day off today..got up early and got some jobs done this morning, visited the local 'tip' after lunch and into Town where I picked up an addition to my DVD collection "About a Boy" - on special offer , it's the first addition to my collection for some time, in fact I think this year! Anyway, of course I watched that this afternoon before an evening out with friends then retiring for cover at around 11:30. I even volunteered to cook today, which surprised Mother.. although we didn't have the right ingredients for my intended stir fry I cooked Sweet and Sour Pork with noodles.... very nice if I say so myself... the comment from my parents ....Interesting he he he!! I think I booked in for taxi service in the morning then Leicester bound in the afternoon, so come on England!!!
SUNDAY 1st June 2003 My resting period continued today as I pottered around the house after an early wake up, I enjoyed watching The Sixth Day this afternoon after Sunday lunch, a visit to Grans for tea before taking a great walk up the hills for a few hours when I must have covered about 5-6 miles. That was very cool and a good bit of exercise and relaxation which was the order of the day. I passed about 10 rabbits, 3 cats and a squirrel along my journey which took in some new paths which I havent covered before. In fact I felt quite free when on the top of the hills I cant explain it it was just a very pleasant and enlightening experience today
The evening was pretty cool as I played cards with the family, something we havent done together for a few years, alongside a couple of bottles of Yanjing now I dont think Ive told you about these Chinese beer imported from Beijing very nice (been recommended to me!!). Picked up on the tennis today as well really looking forward to seeing the Rolland Garros French Open Tennis Final next Sunday.
Catching up with some great sporting events lately, what with the FA Cup Final a few weeks ago and seeing England play Serbia and Montenegro on Tuesday, then the Tennis on Sunday
its quite an experience!