Ad-hocrasy

What a to do!

2007-01-24T22:02:00.000Z

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...I must confess to something, I don't know what got in to me |(or do I?)...yesterday I had an argument with a six year old girl and had a go at a four year old boy! Good grief. I'll explain all....

I took Tom and Ben to a local indoor play centre called Monkey Business - its pretty good there, lots of slides, climbing equipment, ball pits etc - perfect for tiring Tom out and he loves it. I go there quite regularly with a couple of friends from my NCT group. There were three of us there with our children and I offered to take the three toddlers on to the equipment while Vicky, who's pregnant, stayed with Ben and Tasha stayed with her baby, Bea. There were quite a few older kids playing when we got there and our three look quite small in comparison so I was making sure that they stayed safe. I might sound ancient saying this but some children nowadays really do have absolutley no manners. They were barging past us, knocking the littlest one, Saffie, flying - colliding with me - no 'excuse me's' or 'please' and 'thank you's'. I pulled all three of them to one side as a girl of about six came charging along, said 'Careful you three, let the little girl go past' (me being totally polite), when all of a sudden she spun round and started to back chat me by shouting...'I am not a little girl'. I then stood there and began arguing with her about exactly how little she actually was, crikey, as if it mattered. She was saying, as she ran off, how she can't be little as she went to a big school now, and I found myself leaning over the barrier and shouting down to her as she sped off down the slide...'you're still little though, regardless!' What possessed me I do not know, thank goodness her mother was nowhere in sight!

To be honest I know what sparks it - I can't stand rude children. When I was her age I wouldn't have said boo to a goose. It seems to be the case though now that a lot of children do not have manners. It astonishes me just how badly behaved they can be - and it will only get worse as they get older. I try so hard to drum it in to Thomas to always say please and thank you, to take his shoes off the settee, not to run and shout in shops etc etc....I wonder simetimes whether I am too strict with him but I am just determined that my children aren't looked upon as I look upon some others....esp a certain six year old LITTLE girl I could mention....and that leads me on nicely to the four year old boy...eek...

There's a smaller fenced off area in Monkey business esp for all the tiny tots. Tasha had popped to the toilet to change Bea and Vicky and I were keeping an eye on Tom, Emily and Saffie. I saw this boy pushing Saffie over really hard and she landed with a firm thud on the floor, and consequently began crying. I stormed in there and had a real pop at him, and again, such a small boy, he just couldn't care less. He turned his back on me and walked off. Was I right to have a go? I think so. As well as rude children, I can't stand bullies either. They pick on those smaller and weaker than themselves and I abhore any kind of behaviour that puts fear and self doubt in to children's hearts. The trouble is, if their behaviour doesn't get corrected at an early age they will continue in to adulthood like it and surely if that's the case, it can only get worse?

2 days to go...

2007-01-17T22:11:00.000Z

Or call that 1 work day and 1 day spent in the office in body, but not in spirit. I have the obligatory leaving drinks after work tomorrow - and it will be nothing short of carnage. Part of me expects nothing less. I've worked there for 6 1/2 years and I feel a good send off is a must; a chance to drink with friends, reminisce and get emotional about the fact that I won't see these people day in day out any more.

But another part of me is dreading it. I'm a notoriously weak person. Always have been. "Easily led" was a phrase written in school reports on more than one occassion. And it's a personality trait I haven't seemed to be able to shift. Unable to ignore the call of a colleague when any one of them asks "fancy a pint?", all too often I've made a sheepish phone call to Katy, telling her that I'll be late home due to the call of the pub. Not something to be proud of, granted. But something's definitely changing. I truly yearn for my kids. More so every day as Tom's development continues to astound me, and the rapport builds between him and his brother. And in them I see the influence of my beautiful wife, such a wonderful mother, and the woman who has my heart forever.

When I think about all that I have at home, a social life that involves binge drinking and swapping meaningless stories, sounds pretty insignificant by comparison. To this end, I vow to change as I turn 30 in a couple of weeks. After all the obligatory 30th celebrations of course (doh, there I go again...). One step at a time!

4 days to go...

2007-01-15T19:40:00.000Z

So my final week with my current employer has arrived. They're making sure they get their money's worth out of me too. I hope it's a sign that I don't want the rest of the guys in the studio picking up my slack, the fact that I am getting my head down and not "slowing down" in my last week, and not a sign of me being a bit of a mug!

It's been an interesting month, since I handed in my resignation. Firstly the timing of it, 21st December, the day before we finished before the festive break, didn't go down too well. Apparently they would lose 10 days of my notice period whilst everyone shut down for Christmas. Hardly my problem, but they still asked me to stay until the end of January. Part of me did want to help out, they've been good to me over the last 6 and a half years, and if I could've helped, I would've. But my new contract was signed, sealed and delivered, and the new company, Capital Consulting, wanted me on board ASAP.

Since then, I've been astounded by who's got involved in trying to make me stay. Firstly some of the senior staff in the marketing department sounded off. It was apparently common knowledge that the reason I was leaving was due to my line manager. In fairness, she was the catalyst - but the truth is, I was referred for my new role, so the opportunity literally fell into my lap, and it was simply too good to pass up. But they seemed to focus on the catalyst, and decided to see what could be done. Next I'm meeting with the MD who is looking after the department since our marketing director left two months ago. He's not sure why I would leave a multinational company for a smaller (yet still international) one; he's trying to plant seeds of doubt in my mind about the new company. Then the CEO calls me in for a chat! Why is the CEO so concerned about me leaving? I'm a little fish in a big pond, right? But I have the utmost respect for this man, and it was an experience to hear him ask me not to throw away a relationship with this company that he feels so passionately for, and he almost had me! But, when the situation was summed up in one more meeting with the MD, they could offer me security and Capital can offer me opportunity. And that was the bottom line. I need to do this, to prove to myself that I can run a studio, and lead a team.

So I'm off to be a Head of Studio! And only 4 days to go. Can't wait.

a further continuation of the chain of weirdness

2007-01-09T21:26:00.000Z

I have never blogged before, but seeing as both my brother and my husband do regularly, I thought I might give it a go. Stu, has said that we can share his blog together and has, as such, already given me my first 'strict guideline' - I am not to use any other font than this and it has to stay in this size too - apparently, its important from a design point of view that all is the same.
As I love him to bits,I'll oblige!!

Anyway, maybe I should write a bit about myself before I get started on the purpose of this post, which is to state my six weirdest things, as Stu and James have both done.

I am 28 years old, married obviously, with two wonderful little boys who are the light of my life. I grew up in Thorpe Bay which is in Southend and have never moved far away. I would like to one day I think, just for a little while, but who knows when that may be. Stu and I have always said that when our children grow up we will go travelling far and wide so that would do me - a chance to spread my wings is all I need. I grew up wanting to be an Art teacher but never followed through with completing my Uni course, for various reasons, and ended up at the other end of the spectrum, doing office work. I did become quite successful at this and became a manager of a finance team - I enjoyed it in a funny kind of way but since leaving that line of work and focussing on bringing up Tom and Ben I have decided that my career future lies in Midwifery - childbirth and all that comes with it is a subject that I find totally fascinating. I can only hope that I am able to find a way at some point that allows me to train and take on this role, along with being a successful mother. This latter role is what is most important to me though and it is that that I will pour my heart and soul in to.

i have much else to say as one paragraph does not exactly sum me up but I must progress on to the subject of just how weird am I?! Let's see.........

I nibble all food - all finger food mainly. I can't seem to eat anything like chocolate, sandwiches, biscuits and the like in a normal way. I'll give you an example - if I was to embark on the task of devouring a sandwich I would do so by taking the first half and eating all the crusts, this half would then be put back on the plate. The second half would be started in the same way and would also be put back on the plate. I would then eat the middle of the first half and then finish the middle of the second. I don't know why, habit I guess and I do try not to do this in public but I get all twitchy with the effort this entails! You should see me trying to eat a Twix - quite a sight to behold!

I can only sleep on the side of the bed that is nearest to the door. Right or left, it matters not, as long as its near a door. I thought about why this may be and the only answer I can come up with is that when I was younger I used to lay in my bed, a single bed at the time, and work out fire escape routes from every single room in our house. I had a slight obsession with death when I was a child, as I guess lots of little ones do when they realise they and the ones they love will not last forever. Our house was quite big and I had escape routes meticulously planned no matter where you might be if you were in danger - and obviously doors, as well as windows, featured highly in this. I'm not still obsessed in this by the way, but remnants of it still live on!

I only finish half of my drink, regardless of what it is. This seems to be understandable with tea as it makes sense that it would get cold quickly and there's nothing more yucky than cold tea; but I do it with juice, water, wine - anything. My brother Matthew and his wife refuse to make me a full cup of tea anymore, thinking that I will finish a half a cup. What they don't realise though is that I will still leave half of that too!

The metal hooks on my hangers in my wardrobe all have to face the same way. All trousers hang together, all jumpers, all tops - also all facing the same way. A bit 'Sleeping with the Enemy'? Hmmm.....( I'm a lot nicer I promise - hopefully Stu can vouch for that!)

I am obsessed with the tidiness of Tom and Ben's toys. It bothers me greatly when any of them are out of order, if puzzles are messed up, or they are all scattered over the sitting room. Stu says that I tidy them away before Tom has a chance to even play with them but I just like to keep them nice thats all. Mind you, when our house is full of his little friends I am guilty of hiding all his nice stuff and tend to find myself on my hands and knees half way through their visit manically clearing up after them all...only to be followed round by the tribe of two year olds tipping stickle bricks out of their boxes, plastic food out of the basket, cars out of the garage....I sit back and survey the damage with a cold sweat prickly on my forehead. Don't even get me started at the boxes of chalk and crayons getting mixed in together under his easel in the kitchen....and paint on the white board of all places....don't these children understand..???

Last but not least - I can do a cracking impression of a mouse asleep. Don't ask me why?!

Have you met the wife?

2007-01-08T00:17:00.000Z

Katy has decided she wants to get in on this blogging thing, so Ad-hocrasy is now our blog! It also means I can tag her for her 6 weirdest things thus adding to the abundance of weird facts in the blogosphere! Plus the Fitzgeralds are much better writers than I, so hopefully she'll bring a touch of class, and a few readers with her! : )

continuing the Unbroken Chain of Weirdness...

2007-01-06T22:55:00.000Z

I've been tagged by my brother-in-law to list 6 weird things about myself. So I asked Katy "what's weird about me?" Witty as ever, my darling wife replied "everything honey." Thanks a lot!! So with no help I wracked my brains and came up with the following:

1. I love gravy. Meals literally have to swim in it! As a kid I used to drink it out of a mug, until my mum felt enough was enough and started buying me bovril. The best thing about gravy, and something I am no longer allowed to do (because Katy thinks it's disgusting!) is taking a bit of bread and mopping up what's left on the plate at the end of a meal.

2. It often feels that I am the only person in the world who doesn't like Tomato Ketchup. Or any cold sauce for that matter. No mayo, salad cream, mustard, horseradish, salsa. I have been told that this is weird on numerous occasions!

3. I have a wonky little finger on my right hand. I fractured it playing in goal. I'd just made a great save (he says), but as I did my hand went to ground under me and there was a loud crack. As I got up I just asked my friend Si to pull my glove off and as he did he winced at the sight of the top half of my little finger pointing at right angles to the rest of my hand! Never did heal properly.

4. I also have dodgy thumbs, apparently! Most thumbs that I've examined (a greater number than one could imagine) tend to curve backwards at varying degrees. Mine are poker straight. I have passed this genetic oddity on to my second son, so I will at least have him by my side next time Katy points out my strange digits to somebody!

5. I can't stand bodily hair! That counts for my own. Leg and arm hair I've always lived with cos I play football and you do not want to be in a communal changing room when somebody points out your lack thereof. But in my early twenties I tried all methods of removal of chest and back hair. Sad to say now I just try to ignore it all. If money was no object laser hair removal would be surprisingly high on my wish list!! I won't tell you how I react if the missus' legs get spiky....

6. Finally, and a moment of shock realisation for me, I have never stayed in a house overnight by myself. Well okay, I have once - but it was after a night out celebrating my brother's birthday. Katy had gone to visit James and co, and my brother and cousin were due to crash at ours. I soon ran out of steam on the night out, and told my brother I'd leave him a key and see him at home later. So to all intents and purposes I never thought I'd be staying alone, until I woke next morning to find he didn't come back to mine after all!! After our first son was born, and Katy stayed in over night, I stayed at my parents, as it was closer to the hospital; whenever I've crashed in London it's been with friends, even when my parents went on holiday when I was 18-24, I'd get someone round to stay! Clearly I have a bit of an issue here, and I never really thought about it until I got tagged for my 6 weirdest things!!

Sadly, the unbroken chain of weirdness will stutter here, as I don't know any other bloggers, other than those already tagged. So short of asking them to list a further 6 things, I may have to hold off tagging for a while.

A valuable lesson

2006-11-11T11:43:00.000Z

Never go into a catholic blog community and stand up for condoms!! ( See 'Natural Condoms' for oxy-morons) My comment on this post was shot down by one of James' commentors, and initially I was seething.

I've read James' blog from the start, and he warned me in person that his posts may get quite full on. He is, after all, the most devout Catholic that I know. But after much deliberation, I decided to comment on this post. James knows I 'm reading, and I would've thought he'd encourage a debate. He always makes a good point, even if people sometimes disagree with his orthodox catholic opinions, but he's taught me a thing or two in the years I've known him. What I hadn't counted on, was getting a response from one of his readers. The sarcastic tone, and down-talking nature of the comment angered me so much, I had to stop myself from replying with "who on earth do you think you are" - not the measured response of someone who stands by his own opinions! After calming down, I wondered if I should have said anything in the first place. I mean the catholic point of view certainly makes sense. How could anyone honestly enjoy using a condom? But then I remember that Kate has been on the pill since we were married, so my disliking of condoms is born of never having had to use them. Only now, since we have decided that Katy won't be going back on the pill after Ben's birth, are we using condoms. But does our use of contraception mean I don't love her more than anything on this earth? No. We would love to use natural family planning methods, but to be perfectly honest, condoms are a darn sight easier!

Anyway, I have decided not to comment on opinions born of religious dogma in future. I lack both the knowledge or understanding. Instead, I'll just stick to rambling away on my own Blog, and posting the odd comment on James' when the issues are more of the "too many free papers" ilk : D

Poor Katy...

2006-11-10T21:00:00.000Z

I'm feeling a little guilty. Katy, my rock, my angel, the unstoppable cleaning machine, mother of my gorgeous boys, has been complaining of tiredness over recent nights. I attributed it to the toll of looking after 2 boys, of which, Tom is cutting his last four teeth, and consequently thoroughly miserable, and Ben is, well, 9 weeks old, and communicates with cries and screams!! She's been so tired, that she's been hitting the sack before me, something in 5 years + of marriage we've never done. If we're home together, we go to bed together. Simple. So anyway, I've been stomping around, because I don't enjoy sitting by myself in the evening (in hindsight, I could have just gone up early with her, but Ben needed feeding, and I'm far too addicted to the TV to feed him upstairs, looking at the walls). I also complained that I am coping with the tiredness, so why can't she...

Well pass me a slice of that humble pie!

A trip to the hospital today has revealed that she has retained some of the placenta from Ben's birth. After 9 weeks, she is still losing blood, and a test has revealed that her blood count is very low. Hence the tiredness! How bad do I feel?

When the scan revealed it this afternoon, there were a few hours when we thought Katy may have to have a D&C. I've heard the term many times, I also know that Katy's mum had one after each of her 3 children were born - but only today did I learn that D&C stands for Dilation and Curettage. It sounds horrific, and probably feels it too, but is usually performed under General Anaesthetic. What scared us both the most, is that it can result in irreparable damage to the uterus. It wasn't until Katy told me this was a possibility, that I fully realised how much I want more children. I'll be honest, I love my children, and would do anything for them. But sometimes the stress of two made me question whether I wanted any more. I didn't cope with either Tom or Ben's early weeks very well. The crying, the sleepless nights, the projectile vomiting. But all the stress evaporates in their first smile, or their first sleep-filled night. I wouldn't want the chance to experience it all again taken away from me. From us.

As it stands the D&C isn't currently required. They've prescribed antibiotics to protect the uterus from infection, along with iron tablets and something to control the blood flow. We are praying that this course will solve the problem, and that the operation won't be needed. James, I know we can always count on your prayers.

Of all this, I suppose my biggest cause for debate is that Katy's notes after Ben's birth stated that the placenta was "incomplete", so why did nobody warn us to the possibility of retention and ask Katy to monitor the bleeding? I'd love to hear if anybody else has experienced similar problems.

Food for thought

2006-11-06T22:15:00.000Z

I'm back with yet another blog name!! I wanted to say ad-hoc, as that is when I post, as and when I've got something to talk about.

I've started to take more of an interest in the state of the environment. I haven't quite made the transformation into a fully fledged tree-hugger, but the fact remains that even the most ignorant (me in this case) can be educated in a few short moments, and suddenly see that our actions now are absolutely unsustainable. I was pointed to this article on the BBC website and my thoughts instantly turned to the boys. They will be the ones faced with the fallout of this. There is an awful lot of doom and gloom about the near future of our world, but it seems justified, as even the governments seem to be paying attention.

I'd like to extend thanks to Todd Wilson, the Creative Director where I work, for opening my eyes to these issues (his particular area of interest is the Peak Oil situation). Feel free to check out the Energy links on the right, I'm absorbing them myself and formulating my own opinions, but it's all very eye opening. I'll leave you with some more food for thought, again courtesy of the BBC:

What if China catches up with the United States in consumption per person?

If the Chinese economy continues to grow at 8% a year, by 2031 income per person will equal that in the United States in 2004.

If we further assume that consumption patterns of China’s affluent population in 2031, by then 1.45 billion, will be roughly similar to those of Americans in 2004, we have a startling answer to our question.

At the current annual U.S. grain consumption of 900 kilograms per person, including industrial use, China’s grain consumption in 2031 would equal roughly two-thirds of the current world grain harvest. If paper use per person in China in 2031 reaches the current U.S. level, this translates into 305 million tons of paper—double existing world production of 161 million tons.

(There go the world’s forests.) And if oil consumption per person reaches the U.S. level by 2031, China will use 99 million barrels of oil a day. The world is currently producing 84 million barrels a day and may never produce much more. This helps explain why China’s fast-expanding use of oil is already helping to create a politics of scarcity and political instability. Or consider cars. If China one day should have three cars for every four people, as the United States now does, its fleet would total 1.1 billion vehicles, well beyond the current world fleet of 800 million. Providing the roads, highways, and parking lots for such a fleet would require paving an area roughly equal to China’s land in rice, its principal food staple.

The inevitable conclusion to be drawn from these projections is that there are not enough resources for China to reach U.S. consumption levels. The Western economic model—the fossil-fuel-based, automobile- centered, throwaway economy— will not work for China’s 1.45 billion people in 2031. If it does not work for China, it will not work for India either, which in 25 years is projected to have even more people than China. Nor will it work for the other 3 billion people in developing countries who are also dreaming the “American dream.” In an increasingly integrated world economy, where countries everywhere are competing for the same resources— the same oil, grain, and iron ore—the existing economic model will not work for industrialized countries like the United States, either.

The great unknown

2006-10-04T20:26:00.000+01:00

So I registered with the agency. My worst fears were confirmed. I've probably stayed put too long. If I'd had made a move after a couple of years, I might've been able to go in somewhere as a Junior and cut my teeth properly. As it is, I've got 6 years internal marketing, pushing one client, and that begs a question about my versitility - apparently! On the positive, I know employer branding, and how to get under the skin of what it is to work for a company. This may be a plus for a recruitment ad agency. Who knows. We'll have to wait and see.

I always thought in-house positions would come my way after registering with agencies, and lo and behold, the agency that placed me where I am today contacted me out of the blue with an opportunity in Essex. I gave them my permission to send off my CV, so that is another idea in the pipeline.

One good thing about all of this, is that I can see the light at the end of a tunnel. I've taken the first steps to a move, and I'm glad I'm doing it out of choice rather than necessity.

On a lighter note, just switched on to the Celtic v Liverpool legends charity match (in aid of Breast Cancer Care). A 56 year old just took to the field, showing a true love of the game. Mark Lawrenson, of Match of the Day fame, has played 85 mins! Brilliant! Shame some of their modern day counterparts can't show a similar passion without being paid up to £100,000 a game... And not a russian billionaire in sight!

The familiar sight of Katy and Ben asleep on the Settee has prompted me to sign off and get a nap myself. We had a rough night with Ben last night, so big bags and short tempers have been the order of the day. Thankfully, these days come to an end, and make way for a new one, what it brings, who knows?

A design for life

2006-10-03T22:27:00.000+01:00

I've been working for my current firm for over 6 years now. They've been good to me over the years, but the department is falling apart at the seams. So time to move on. Or is it? Day in, day out I'm coming up with ways to try and pursuade people to leave the comfort of their current job, and take a fresh challenge - yet I can't seem to follow my own advice! I know that technically I'm good at what I do, but is what the company churns out considered good in the eyes of the wider industry?

Well, I might find out tomorrow. I'm registering with an agency to take the first steps in that big move. Part of me wishes I'd done it 3 years ago, but I've learnt alot in that time, so I have to believe in myself and my ability and take the plunge. Apparently there's an opportunity with a big agency in the same industry as I'm currently working in - and great news it's a little closer to Fenchurch St which would mean I could get home earlier (Yay!). Flip side, it's agency - there is no 9-5. If work needs doing, it gets done, no matter how late you need to stay. At least that's my perception of it. Which begs my biggest question of my professional career. Is it worth making a change that could keep me away from my gorgeous wife and lovely boys more than I am already? In my heart of hearts I know that I would much rather get home to them all, and my current job allows that to a certain extent. My mind is in one big viscous circle.

Anyway, time to give the missus a nudge (bless her, she keeps nodding off on the settee of an evening - great company!!), and take ourselves and number 2 off up to bed. Perhaps when this job lark sorts itself out one way or another, I can find some clarity of mind that will allow me to get down to blogging some real issues, like regional accents, and free newspapers!!! Keep up the good work James, I'm envious of your readership, will have to get my commenter figures up soon ; P

The daily grind

2006-09-28T22:02:00.000+01:00

There is not enough caffeine in the world to keep me awake at the moment. As billions have experienced before me (although I have to keep reminding myself that) going from 1 kid to 2 is quite challenging. There's none of the trepidation experienced with number 1 (as he is now referred to in conversation about him, so as not to give him a complex...) but all of the sleepless nights x 2 as one feeds number 2 and the other has to see to number 1's "my feets hurt." Katy's my hero at the moment. She's taking it all in her stride, while I on the other hand am struggling to handle anything at the moment.

Back in the world of recruitment marketing this week, I was pleased to see they let me ease back in, with an 8 hour day on the schedule (contracted for 7.5) with no allowances for checking 2 weeks of emails, coming up to speed on the jobs, going to the kitchen every hour on the hour for coffee, going to the gents... Although the boss was kind enough to let me bring my working day back by half an hour every day this week. Meant I could get back that little bit earlier to play with Tom, and see him off to bed.

I was pleased to note that I missed a 2 hour lecture on the new Age Discrimination legislation (or "age discrim" as it is termed in my office where fewest syllables is king) coming in on October 1st. Just a small amount of irony that law firms will no doubt be profitting greatly from future cases of such discrimination, yet when we informed a large legal client that they are no longer allowed to seek out a "young, dynamic, ambitious" candidate in their recruitment ad because of this very legislation, they chose to ignore us, and opted to include it!! Well, I did think it was all a step too far. As if the stockmarket is going to get a sudden influx of 60 year old's knocking on retirement's door, claiming they can do the job as well as the next man. Please? We've gone legislation mad.

I've got so much more to say on this matter, but am really struggling to articulate anything, so am going to concede defeat. It's been quite comfy here though, as Ben's bundled on my shoulder so tightly, I can still type with both hands!!

Adios!

Where does all the time go?

2006-09-24T15:15:00.000+01:00

I started this blog, as I'm sure millions do, with the intention of keeping a daily diary. But hey, it's Sunday, and I last posted Tuesday, so showed excellent discpiline there!!

The last few days have flown, as the return to work day approached. A trip to Tropical Wings was the highlight. To anyone from south east Essex, looking to entertain the little ones, I can highly recommend this. Really well kept, and some great animals on display. The lemurs are priceless!

Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow. Good thing about being off for a new baby though, is that getting up early won't be a problem!! Ben's been unsettled the last two nights, before which he'd been in a really nice pattern. I'm fearing the worst, in that he's going to be more wakeful during the nights, but Katy's more confident he'll settle down. Here's hoping I'm wrong. He's awake at the moment, mesmerised by the ryder cup!!

I've enjoyed being at home with the family. It's the longest time off work I've spent with Tom, since the 2 weeks I had off when he was born, which I'm sure he can't remember!! It's been great. Although not sure how he's going to be for Katy when I'm back at work.

On matters football, Allclaims won 5-2 this morning. Nice to get the win, but the opposition were awful, and the scoreline flatters them a little (for their second goal, their forward was about 10 yards off side). Still, it was good to actually get some exercise, albeit that coming whilst running down and up the hill to retrieve the ball when it wen't out of play behind my goal. And West Ham lost AGAIN. What an impact the world class duo have had since they arrived. They were doing better before anyone started talking about takeovers blah blah blah. Back tomorrow with tales of back to work blues no doubt.

What's in a name?

2006-09-19T22:49:00.000+01:00

Not quite sure what the point of this post is, as only 2 people have visited my blog up till now, but I've decided to lose the "Trouble with football..." title. I initially intended this blog to say there was more to life than football, i.e. my young family etc etc. Only, I'm not actually that obsessed with football. Sure, I love it, and I do wish I could enjoy playing without being away from the wife and kids for 4 hours every Sunday - but it was all a little tenuous. So a new title, much less contrived - and a little more to the point - unlike my posts!! A shorter url too - much more appropriate for those who know me. Enjoy!

The joys of Southend High St...

2006-09-19T17:41:00.000+01:00

Just been on a beautiful trip into our delightful town centre (please note the "About me" section: 'infinitely sarcastic...'). We've been out spending the numerous vouchers given to us by family and friends for Tom's birthday 4 weeks ago, and on the birth of Ben. Vouchers because, who knows what to buy for a second son, when the first one's stuff was barely used? For any of you who might read this, thank you so much, thank you cards will be in the post shortly - if I can get my act together!! Need to find some normality soon, and stop blaming our new arrival for our lack of organisation on certain things!!

Back to the town centre though... rough! This may come across a bit snobby, but where did all the normal folk go? Not a very pleasant experience. And that new university... not exactly an example of timeless architecture. I rarely venture out into Southend, what with working in Central London all week - Katy always laughs at me as I can't hide my suprise at extreme changes that took place months ago, like the demolition of the London Road campus of Southend college - apparently I'm not up with the times.

Anyway, Tom's currently singing Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, into the microphone of his new keyboard, so I'm off to try and teach him the words to some classic Pearl Jam tracks. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures ; D

Ben's due date

2006-09-18T22:38:00.000+01:00

My wife, Katy, and I gave birth to our second son, Benjamin Joseph 9 days ago. It's weird to think he wasn't supposed to come til today, but feeling like we've had a bit of bonus time with him! We've just taken our boys (still can't get used to saying that) to the park - very tranquil. Better make the most of it as it's back to work a week today. Gonna miss the tight little family dynamic we've got going over the last 9 days. Will just have to savour the weekends.

Anyway, this is my first ever post. Sorry it's got nothing to do with football. I named the blog because football is so important to me... trouble is, it's requires too much of my time. I wish there were more hours in a day/days in a week/weeks in a year!!

At least I'll enjoy reading this blog anyway!