MONDAY 28th July 2003 Back to work today, though not in the office but a commute into London for a meeting. It was handy leaving from Basingstoke station to London Waterloo then a tube into the centre even if it was a little complicate with several changes from one line to another. It was convenient leaving from the flat, less commuting time and more convenient with trains leaving for London virtually every 10 minutes or so. I didnt realise they still use some of the old stock of trains I can remember travelling on when I was younger 20 years ago they are now good!!
SUNDAY 27th July 2003 Hampered by now a stomach ache the day went smoothly, a cross between relaxation and work today and getting to know the area a little better. I think my cooking skills didnt go down to well with Wei, nevertheless I learned a few lessons in the kitchen today!! Though my ham salad sandwich went down a treat and the fruit salad were my specialities which rarely let me down! Pleased to see the Projector has been put to good use with a 60 screen size along with the dvd, video, amplifier, digital radio, massive speakers (they are heavy!!) and mini disc player we have a very impressive collection thanks to Weis creative and knowledgable mind on sound, hi-fi and home entertainment systems which Im happy to go along with his expertise.
SATURDAY 26th July 2003 I think all this non stop activity (which isnt unusual most of the time) has helped my develop a sore throat and feeling under the weather. I was impressed with the painting I had framed which I picked up today and will take pride of place in the lounge. The afternoon was great, the match at Kidderminster Harriers versus West Bromwich Albion thankfully went without a glitch, the Referee and I managed to sell a decision successfully without any fuss, when we later realised it was incorrect, nevertheless the 5000 crowd was the largest crowd I had had ever been involved in and the whole occasion went very quickly and was thoroughly enjoyable. Drove back down to the flat with more stuff to sort out on Sunday!
FRIDAY 25th July 2003 Another busy day at the flat, and another visit to the local recycling centre with more boxes and the evening virtually consisted of the assembly and construction of our rack in the lounge, which included 108 screws! We both now have plenty of scratches and marks on our hands and arms as if weve been in a fight over the last few days! Drove back to now my parents home tonight in pretty good time ready to prepare for Saturdays events!
THURSDAY 24th July 2003 They say time flies when your having fun, well I suppose I dont necessary go along with the enjoyment factor today, however the tidy-up and organisation around the flat and the required shopping for things inside the flat, plus I found where the recycling and waste disposal place was today and the shopping areas to compliment my familiarisation of Basingstoke. I was glad of the few days off work to get cracking today on making the flat more homely.
WEDNESDAY 23rd July 2003 Finally (and luckily) we moved into the flat today after so much pain, heartache, stress and worry over the last three weeks in particular today was the big day and talk about non-stop. WE HAVE A NEW HOME!!! YES!!!! Up early to collect a large van, which Id never driven in my life before and with which the gear changes took me a while to get used to, plus the high roof was shall we say reflected in the reduction on speed on some stretches of road where an element of win was present. Nevertheless by the end of the day and having driven about 230 miles in this beast I was becoming more comfortable. It certainly was very strange when I got back into my car in the evening, that was weird.
So apart from a quick stop for a burger at lunch Wei and I were on the move literally all day. The sofa was another story which I could write about for ages, try getting it up two flights of stairs and into a flat and youll get my drift! The first meal in the flat
..um beans on toast and frankly it was great!! Oh and of course we celebrated as promised with Highland Park 8 year old whiskey with the whiskey glasses bought at the distillery on Orkney Islands last year. Well all in all it was a mixture of emotions for me, one of great excitement, but also of exhaustion after what seemed a long ride.
TUESDAY 22nd July 2003 Well I suppose Ive got used to hearing bad news so today was no different, Im beginning to wonder whether some things are just meant to be. In fact I was speechless this morning, though after some reflection I had rediscovered my vocal cords.
MONDAY 21st July 2003 - For once I would like some good news... maybe just maybe things will go along smoothly, I have faith but I also worry. I think I might take a holiday from the Diary entries for a few days... after all we all need a break now and again.....
SUNDAY 20th July 2003 - I found out today that Michael Jackson is going to rejoin the Jackson 5 and start touring again along with a new album.... must admit I really did like their music years ago, my introduction to Motown.... really cool to listen too. I think MK has gone weird, but I do like his music. Enjoyed a Thai lunch today...my treat for Gwen and Wei, the soup I had was very hot and spicey!! How Wei can eat it without hardly flinching I'll never know and in twice the speed as I, he always seems to manage to drink hot drinks much earlier than I - I can never drink anything to hot, other than burning the inside of my mouth and that is not a nice feeling!
SATURDAY 19th July 2003 - Enjoyed the day, though I was unusually tired in the evening. Invited to lunch which was very nice and then enjoyed playing scrabble in the afternoon along with relaxation most of the day. Hence why I couldn't believe I was tired in the evening, perhaps because I was up at 7.30 in the morning!! Managed to confirm my shopping list for this week ready for the move!..... so exciting I'm not even going to say too much until it actually happens!
FRIDAY 18th July 2003 - Had some good news again today - what is going on! After the last few weeks it been all not good...so perhaps a change in fortunes? A lazy evening not doing much.
THURSDAY 17th July 2003 - This WAS a busy day at the office, some training in the morning, also some good news came my way today, so it's fingers crossed and some faith that is required now. No tempting fate though. Finished reading Mike Atherton's autobiography on Tuesday night - I think that was one of the quickest reads ever for me. Anyway I haven't a book to read at the moment, it seems like I'm missing something!!! Won 4-2 on squash tonight, was in a good mood so I played some classic shots tonight!! I really did ride my luck though as well I must say.
WEDNESDAY 16th July 2003 - I realised today that I've lost half a stone over the last few weeks, I think that's due to a combination of stress, more physical excercise and the humidity. I realise it's not healthy for me but I'm happy with my weight in general, people say I don't eat enough but I just can't eat big meals, in fact I think small regular meals would suit my dietary needs better.
Fitness training tonight was good, pulled it up another level getting ready for the new football season and managed to dodge the showers in the evening which was fortunate, however it might have been better for some rain during the session to cool us down, it was very humid.
TUESDAY 15th July 2003 - Well I expected a less fulfilling day today - it was in my stars!! I seem to take one step forward then hit a brick wall, and go back another....ARGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH.
The heatwave continues, it did seem hotter today and I listen on the radio tonight that many people are throwing 'sickies' so they can get time off work, the stupid thing was that they confirmed their name and where they were from, plus the 'reason' why they were 'absent' whilst they were down the beach.... now what if their boss was listening to the radio...ummmmm
I forgot to tell you yesterday, I was very fortunate indeed, almost landing myself in trouble... this milk man was driving his van out of the car park and was just about to avoid the low level barier at the exit, when he looked at me - I said "you'll get under that fine", so of course he trusted my judgement (fool!!!) anyway, it was fine for the first part, until the road of course was dipped, so I stared worringly as the back end of the van just got under by about an inch.... phew!!! now that was close.... though I did tell him it was fine, "you've got a foot leeway" yeh right!! The woman driving the other direction almost crashed into me as I stood in the middle of the road worringly!!!
MONDAY 14th July 2003 - I'm now on page 221 of my latest book read. This could be the quickest read in a very long time!! Anyway, today was progressive, progress because I achieved quite a bit, feeling a lot more at ease with myself at the start of the day helped. The last few weeks, last week in particular realy stressed me out, so much so that it did effect me in a way which emotionally drained me to the point where I got so caught up. The weekend did me good to reflect, ponder and conclude many things. There were many reasons for my low point but now I think I'm on the right road and purpose to move forward..
Gee isn't hot and so humid lately, just proves the point that shirt and ties are out at the office and should be replaced with a more practical dress.... perhaps I'll raise the subject ohhh and talking of work, I think I should have a new laptop, to replace the desktop, laptops are far more flexible and would give me the opportunity to work away from the office when needed.... have to think of my tactics here! he he
SUNDAY 13th July 2003 - Breakfast served in the morning was complimentary!! A little bit of shopping the morning was cool even though the weather was a hot one. Took to the train back home before relaxing in the afternoon and on the new swing hammock in the garden that Mum had bought on Saturday.... I knew it was something she wanted (I did too). Been reading Mike Athertons Autobiography "Opening Up", I'm already on page 150 of 298 in just a week (that's good for me), on the train was a good opportunity to read and on the hammock.
I watched one of my favourite movies this afternoon... The Never Ending Story, now stop those fits of laughter please!!! I remember watching it twice in a day at the movies when it first came out, I liked it soooo much, anyway it still does bring a little lump to my throat, even when I watched it again today!! It made me go off into a little dream world... just what I needed......
Ohhh by the way, jeans rolled up at the bottom - wasn't that an 80's trend... I didn't realise they were back in fashion... or have I just seen a few odd people out lately....?
And... I've updated "Life in the Stars" tonight.... read my future horoscope for the period ahead.... eventually it goes into 2004!
SATURDAY 12th July 2003 - I wanted a chance to recharge, go out and enjoy myself having been down and out recently, as if you've noticed. So I was off doing things I enjoy, a trip to the gym, a trip to the cinema to see Bruce Almighty (it was fun if nothing else!), and a few drinks in the evening before the land of nod.
FRIDAY 11th July 2003 - Well another one drops out - that's not entirely true, the day belonged to Helena - she leaft the office after five years entertaining us all with her stories, experiences and sometimes over personal problems. Nevertheless, privately she was and is a great friend to talk to and I enjoyed our time together. In fact I'm glad I took her to lunch yesterday and I think I surprised her with the chocolates and candles that were delivered to the office today on her final day, I hope she enjoys them - she offered one to me and I must say they were delicious!! White chocolate as well (my favourite) - Good luck Helena.....
Thanks for the Salmon George and Andrene! I was well looked after whilst spending a few hours performing major surgery on their computer.. and another success I'm pleased to report...
THURSDAY 10th July 2002 - Tough one, skipped.
WEDNESDAY 9th July 2003 - Now all I want to happen is for the time to move forward, say about 2 weeks - I want to be in the future, I want this period to pass me by. Then again, I suppose the experience is going to be a good one - you learn during bad times, you should gain valuable experience. Anyway I'm glad I wrote another story yesterday it did make me feel better, though my current state remains stressful and I'm at a low point mentally. I think I'm gonna try and do something that I enjoy this weekend - try and perk me up!!
TUESDAY 8th July 2003 - Oh dear, a little embarrasing morning! I shan't say any more... but....It was time today for me to make a stand, make a commitment. Its frustrating and annoying to me when the level of service you expect isnt fulfilled, just think how it feels if things arent accomplished if youve been let down, it can trigger many events
. I feel awful if Ive let people down - you can end up hurting your pride, your reputation and of course your self-confidence. Ive written another story tonight Achieving thy self, you can read it under the Stories header
.
MONDAY 7th July 2003 - Well its that time again when the lists come out, the instructions, the lectures
. But ugghh, what happened this time around
I was so surprised this evening (after another late one at the office) there was no list, no instructions
I mean my folks are away on holiday for the week and no ingredients for the cats deluxe menu, no washing machine numbers to remember, no water the green plant 30cm to the left of TV no.3 with 30ml of not cold but room temperature filtered water, no remember to close the curtains at night, no dont forget to make a fuss of Sparky. Anyway perhaps you are sensing a sense of Sarcasm from yours truly, perhaps the thought of do I need instructions to survive?
Actually, perhaps my folks (My Mum 100%) feel as though finally, the instructions have got through to me after all this time, that I wont make a fuss of the cat (cause hes never around anyway), I think I know how to turn on the washing machine, throw water onto plants and draw the curtains at night without the need for a diploma or degree in house living while your parents are away at Cambridge University. Although it did make me wonder what it will be like when I have a place of mine, no reporting, no instructions, just the ability to do what you want. I thought tonight after my run, and then replenishing lost water supplies, that the bird table will resemble a bread and butter pudding in the morning, after the ingredients Ive prepared tonight (why they need sultanas and raisins Ill never know), and the exact measurements of the cats breakfast tomorrow and the role of some people and routines
.. just think if you could wake up each day and do whatever you want, not do this at x time, do this at another time
. You know what I mean
. K, maybe when Im retired and at weekends, I suppose that throws out the routine bit
. But hey ho, live to work or work to live?
SUNDAY 6th July 2003 - Watched even more tennis today and sorted out the shopping list for the flat, geeee It's not going to be cheap! Washing machine, freezer, microwave, tables etc etc... I just wish we had a date for the move, I'm not gonna tempt fate by listing a date, but gee I hope it won't be too long.... it's getting very exciting. I guess it's one of those milestones in life, like a new car, or your fist day at school, first day at work, though this one should be more rewarding and a release of independence.... I can't wait...
SATURDAY 5th July 2003 - I watched quite a bit of tennis today, which was good with the Womens final at Wimbledon. Also did some shopping in the morning help getting Wei some shirts for work. I've been told I have a good eye for colour co-ordination! I had to stop myself from buying any more clothes for work... I've already got rather in excess, however I suppose that's not such a bad thing!!
FRIDAY 4th July 2003 - Didn't get much sleep this morning, so had to work hard to stay awake!! It was a productive day nevertheless, a little revealing and a chance to share some of my feeling with others today - of course there aren't many people you can trust nowadays I find, there are unfortunately some who are only interested in themselves and not the privacy of others - I often wonder why, but I think I had a good eye as to whom I can trust and can share my thoughts, it's so nice to have people around you that you can talk to and to share, I've a lot of friends I have and are thankful for over the years I hope they know who they are, if they don't then I thank them....
THURSDAY 3rd July 2003 - I've learnt a hell of a lot lately, I suppose today was another wake up call for me. Tonights events put things into perspective - somebodies life - and not just anybody, my Dad.... that is far more important than any thing - the life of everyone of us - I was at one stage frightened tonight, something I will not want to experience again - thankfully he is okay now and it's hard for me to explain what happened, because he is a very proud man, in fact, I realise now much prouder than I ever knew... hence, the reason why I won't say much now with respect. It's made me realise just how petty my worrying and unhappiness has been lately and just to provoke another jilt in my ever increasing mind.
WEDNESDAY 2nd July 2003 - I would of liked to of said that things moved along smoothly today, well in fact business wise they did, on a personal level not quite so - still no date on the flat move, so I'm disappointed there, but as many people keep saying to me... it'll be worth the wait, trouble is though I'm really anxious to get things going...
'Sparky' the cat is a devious little devil - in the morning I swear he sleeps on the landing all sweet and innocent -then when I leave for work, heh he's up and lying on my bed.... agghhhhh nooooooo - I hate having all his malted hairs on my bed... it gets on your clothes, on your things - geeeee he is so much of a pain.... anyway -I'm thinking of tricking him one day and puting something sticky stuff on the bed, in case he gets in, cause I'm gonna shut the door when I leave - but in case he does - he's gonna get stuck and I've caught him!!!!!
TUESDAY 1st July 2003 Well Ive actually got quite a bit to say, but can I muster up enough of it now to tell you . Ummmm maybe Ill leave it tell another time. Anyway Ive some new stories to tell, some additions to my website which Ive neglected over the last few months so its finding the time to do all of these. My new outlook, my new vision has given me little time at the moment due to so many things to do I promise myself and my visitors Ill do my best to update very soon!!