Steve from England

I think it is important all year but especially this time of year to recall those who have either died or otherwise stepped out of our lives over the years. Any list I give is by no means comprehensive but more a sample of the special people I have known who are simply not around me any longer. This does not devalue those still close to me, I would hope they already know how deeply I care for them. Those which have died: I will have had 22 Christmas days without my mum 20 of them without my Nan Just a few now without Tony Those who have influenced or enriched my life or just gave me laughs: Simon, I often wonder what would have happened had 'things' not happened. Neil, my first real love and always with a space in my heart Martyn, he knows his reasons Paul, my friend from school who prefers the drink to his life Brian Crutchley who somehow could get me laughing with just a look Seb, my friend from France, I miss those Trek chats You know what, that list is in no particular orde...

I think it is important all year but especially this time of year to recall those who have either died or otherwise stepped out of our lives over the years. Any list I give is by no means comprehensive but more a sample of the special people I have known who are simply not around me any longer. This does not devalue those still close to me, I would hope they already know how deeply I care for them. Those which have died: I will have had 22 Christmas days without my mum 20 of them without my Nan Just a few now without Tony Those who have influenced or enriched my life or just gave me laughs: Simon, I often wonder what would have happened had 'things' not happened. Neil, my first real love and always with a space in my heart Martyn, he knows his reasons Paul, my friend from school who prefers the drink to his life Brian Crutchley who somehow could get me laughing with just a look Seb, my friend from France, I miss those Trek chats You know what, that list is in no particular orde...

An update. I know, it's been an age since I wrote anything but that's just the way I have been feeling the past few weeks, not really in a sharing mood with my life. On the negative side, social services are still arse holes and seem to be going out of their way to be awkward. I cannot say for certain what their motivation for this is, I suspect one of two things or possibly both. Saving money could well be the primary reason for their attitude but I also cannot rule out homophobia and sexism. The social worker, Rachel, has gone out of her way to support James mum in this regardless of evidence to the contrary with total disregard for the welfare of James, all women together and all that. Enough of the negatives ... on the plus side, Disney was really most excellent. There was some arguments and heated disagreements but they were as nothing compared to the fun we had there. The 'Tower of Terror' is awesome. It's different to the one in Florida but just as good. Crus...

An update. I know, it's been an age since I wrote anything but that's just the way I have been feeling the past few weeks, not really in a sharing mood with my life. On the negative side, social services are still arse holes and seem to be going out of their way to be awkward. I cannot say for certain what their motivation for this is, I suspect one of two things or possibly both. Saving money could well be the primary reason for their attitude but I also cannot rule out homophobia and sexism. The social worker, Rachel, has gone out of her way to support James mum in this regardless of evidence to the contrary with total disregard for the welfare of James, all women together and all that. Enough of the negatives ... on the plus side, Disney was really most excellent. There was some arguments and heated disagreements but they were as nothing compared to the fun we had there. The 'Tower of Terror' is awesome. It's different to the one in Florida but just as good. Crus...

Going to mention all the wonderful things happening in my life at the moment but, not now. Yesterday I was told that someone, a lovely guy, died the other day. He was the partner of someone very dear to me. All of us here were shocked and saddened by the news

Going to mention all the wonderful things happening in my life at the moment but, not now. Yesterday I was told that someone, a lovely guy, died the other day. He was the partner of someone very dear to me. All of us here were shocked and saddened by the news

At the moment that is. What I would really like is for this to be my last blog entry for November

At the moment that is. What I would really like is for this to be my last blog entry for November

OK, the 'blimey' comes later ... Today has been mostly spent with Robin finally getting around to fitting shelves up in his cupboard. I chose the design last week but today has been the first time to actually put it up. Matt & James worked brilliantly together and done a brilliant job, I have been very proud of the two of them. I am also dead pleased at how well they get on. It's hard to believe James has not been part of this family for years and it is a credit to both of them that they have adapted to the change. Now, to the main event ... Deej was about to make a cup of tea for himself. I was in the office, James was upstairs and the girls in bed. We heard an almighty scream with crashes and bangs. The kitchen cabinet had come off the wall hitting Deej on the head and was hanging by one screw only. Bits and pieces were all over the place. Thankfully the cut on his head was just minor and was soon treated by the in house nurse (that'll be me). The wall is a right ...

OK, the 'blimey' comes later ... Today has been mostly spent with Robin finally getting around to fitting shelves up in his cupboard. I chose the design last week but today has been the first time to actually put it up. Matt & James worked brilliantly together and done a brilliant job, I have been very proud of the two of them. I am also dead pleased at how well they get on. It's hard to believe James has not been part of this family for years and it is a credit to both of them that they have adapted to the change. Now, to the main event ... Deej was about to make a cup of tea for himself. I was in the office, James was upstairs and the girls in bed. We heard an almighty scream with crashes and bangs. The kitchen cabinet had come off the wall hitting Deej on the head and was hanging by one screw only. Bits and pieces were all over the place. Thankfully the cut on his head was just minor and was soon treated by the in house nurse (that'll be me). The wall is a right ...

That's right, social services don't have to pay me anything to look after James because it was all my fault that I collected and brought him here, nothing to do with them. So, until such time as we become 'OK' when the CRB checks are back, they won't pay more than £15 each week. When the CRB checks come back, they will look at the options we have suggested to them but not until then. We should not need anything to take James to France as far as I can gather. Because he is 16 he doesn't need permission to leave the UK and travel. The nominated person from social services also lied to me. I asked clearly how much for the furniture and she eventually, after a long time, said her boss said £200. Now she is claiming she never said that. This despite that her boss also told me himself he said £200 last week. She is saying that she told James and I that they would be paying £200 for the furniture and the TV. To make matters worse and where I so think they are incorrect...

That's right, social services don't have to pay me anything to look after James because it was all my fault that I collected and brought him here, nothing to do with them. So, until such time as we become 'OK' when the CRB checks are back, they won't pay more than £15 each week. When the CRB checks come back, they will look at the options we have suggested to them but not until then. We should not need anything to take James to France as far as I can gather. Because he is 16 he doesn't need permission to leave the UK and travel. The nominated person from social services also lied to me. I asked clearly how much for the furniture and she eventually, after a long time, said her boss said £200. Now she is claiming she never said that. This despite that her boss also told me himself he said £200 last week. She is saying that she told James and I that they would be paying £200 for the furniture and the TV. To make matters worse and where I so think they are incorrect...

... a little better Many of the problems have not gone away but I am now in a 'what the hell' mood. For the first time in several years I am debt free. I have this car of course but, that aside, I don't have any huge great debts. Just as long as things remain as they are I am actually better off each week than I was a month ago. We are really looking forward to Disney, it promises to be really great if the weather doesn't let us down (and it might). Just fingers cross, no rain. Of course, I used to know someone who would reasonably reliably be able to tell me what we are likely to expect but hey ho. Work tomorrow. Not sure if they got the hint to make sure I am employed. I hope so because when I am working I enjoy it but just sitting around looking for work has never ever appealed to me my entire life. I need to be kept active else it defeats the object. Posted a letter direct to Atari in France earlier ... just wondering if they would be so 'bull in a china shop...

... a little better Many of the problems have not gone away but I am now in a 'what the hell' mood. For the first time in several years I am debt free. I have this car of course but, that aside, I don't have any huge great debts. Just as long as things remain as they are I am actually better off each week than I was a month ago. We are really looking forward to Disney, it promises to be really great if the weather doesn't let us down (and it might). Just fingers cross, no rain. Of course, I used to know someone who would reasonably reliably be able to tell me what we are likely to expect but hey ho. Work tomorrow. Not sure if they got the hint to make sure I am employed. I hope so because when I am working I enjoy it but just sitting around looking for work has never ever appealed to me my entire life. I need to be kept active else it defeats the object. Posted a letter direct to Atari in France earlier ... just wondering if they would be so 'bull in a china shop...

I was wondering earlier how best to describe things and this is the analogy I came up with: ... it's a little like the family car. It's vital, it is appreciated and quite possibly admired. The merits of it will be shared and spoken about but, bottom line is, when not required it is in the driveway, alone. No one feels the need to boost the ego or moral of the car because there is no need, it functions. Only when it splutters does someone think it may need some attention and then, quite possibly, it is discarded for a model creating fewer demands upon them.

I was wondering earlier how best to describe things and this is the analogy I came up with: ... it's a little like the family car. It's vital, it is appreciated and quite possibly admired. The merits of it will be shared and spoken about but, bottom line is, when not required it is in the driveway, alone. No one feels the need to boost the ego or moral of the car because there is no need, it functions. Only when it splutters does someone think it may need some attention and then, quite possibly, it is discarded for a model creating fewer demands upon them.

If I was as good as I sometimes think I am at psychology then I would understand why it is that for many weeks I have felt the way that I do but I am not as good as I'd like to be so I just don't understand this. The facts, as I know them are this: Clearly I am loved and admired by many Many depend on me for their happiness, their well-being and financial security I work really hard I push my self to my limits and go out of my way to do the right thing Knowing those things doesn't change the fact that I feel so incredibly lonely. I don't ever feel as though anyone thinks more than in momentary passing what it is that Steve needs in life. Anyone who seems to make the effort generally seem to have their own motivation & satisfaction at heart. This makes me feel like a non person. Like 'that' I exist is important but 'who I am' simply isn't. When it comes to being looked after and nurtured I am bottom of the list, at the back of the queue. Those aro...

If I was as good as I sometimes think I am at psychology then I would understand why it is that for many weeks I have felt the way that I do but I am not as good as I'd like to be so I just don't understand this. The facts, as I know them are this: Clearly I am loved and admired by many Many depend on me for their happiness, their well-being and financial security I work really hard I push my self to my limits and go out of my way to do the right thing Knowing those things doesn't change the fact that I feel so incredibly lonely. I don't ever feel as though anyone thinks more than in momentary passing what it is that Steve needs in life. Anyone who seems to make the effort generally seem to have their own motivation & satisfaction at heart. This makes me feel like a non person. Like 'that' I exist is important but 'who I am' simply isn't. When it comes to being looked after and nurtured I am bottom of the list, at the back of the queue. Those aro...

It would be really cool if I could get rid of this headache. I didn't have one when I got up this morning, I actually felt quite good. My plan for the day was that Social Services were to come here at 11, return James things to him and sort out the CRB checks. By midday there was no sign of them. After a few phone calls it seems that the CRB forms are still not available, no one has thought to chase these things up after two weeks! James stuff was also delayed. I had thought that, after getting the social services things sorted we could go out for the day to MK or similar but, circumstances took over and that now isn't happening. Had a good moan at social services for the inefficiency but also because they were witholding money which I needed to give james a viable bedroom. I am hoping they will get their act together by tomorrow. There are also several other complications which p*** me off more so that I am not mentioning here about the situation and getting it workable. After...

It would be really cool if I could get rid of this headache. I didn't have one when I got up this morning, I actually felt quite good. My plan for the day was that Social Services were to come here at 11, return James things to him and sort out the CRB checks. By midday there was no sign of them. After a few phone calls it seems that the CRB forms are still not available, no one has thought to chase these things up after two weeks! James stuff was also delayed. I had thought that, after getting the social services things sorted we could go out for the day to MK or similar but, circumstances took over and that now isn't happening. Had a good moan at social services for the inefficiency but also because they were witholding money which I needed to give james a viable bedroom. I am hoping they will get their act together by tomorrow. There are also several other complications which p*** me off more so that I am not mentioning here about the situation and getting it workable. After...

Managed to get the new car earlier ... yesterday I got a call from a prospective buyer of the Megane in Solihull but he cancelled on me this morning. I was dead nervous at the dealership in case they discovered there may be something wrong with the Megane and the sale fell through ... all went well though. This is not an ordinary car though, for a start, the darned thing started talking to me! The nifty little bluetooth feature is voice activated. It works reasonably well but boy does it make some mistakes. It has not helped that others in the car deem fit to join in with the instructions confusing the system totally. Yesterday the salesman at Mazda was a total arse! He called me first thing saying how there was this form which needed completing straight away so he required that I drove there, collected it, took it into town, got it stamped, drove back and then I could be on my way. My choice was, do as he asked or delay the new car by a week. When I got back from the run-a-round I was...

Managed to get the new car earlier ... yesterday I got a call from a prospective buyer of the Megane in Solihull but he cancelled on me this morning. I was dead nervous at the dealership in case they discovered there may be something wrong with the Megane and the sale fell through ... all went well though. This is not an ordinary car though, for a start, the darned thing started talking to me! The nifty little bluetooth feature is voice activated. It works reasonably well but boy does it make some mistakes. It has not helped that others in the car deem fit to join in with the instructions confusing the system totally. Yesterday the salesman at Mazda was a total arse! He called me first thing saying how there was this form which needed completing straight away so he required that I drove there, collected it, took it into town, got it stamped, drove back and then I could be on my way. My choice was, do as he asked or delay the new car by a week. When I got back from the run-a-round I was...

Damn blasted tiredness induced depression is hitting me again and I hate it. If I sleep now I'll be awake early hours so that's not an option so I shall just have to work through it. Come morning I'll be great again New car should be Wednesday. I did have a guy call saying he'd give me £5,100 for the car but, to be honest, I'd feel guilty selling it to him for that amount seeing as something could go wrong with it and he kind of convinced me he didn't have any more than £5,100 to spend. If the car does go wrong after the dealer pays for it then I don't care to be honest ... they almost certainly fleece enough people so I don't feel the need to worry about it.

Damn blasted tiredness induced depression is hitting me again and I hate it. If I sleep now I'll be awake early hours so that's not an option so I shall just have to work through it. Come morning I'll be great again New car should be Wednesday. I did have a guy call saying he'd give me £5,100 for the car but, to be honest, I'd feel guilty selling it to him for that amount seeing as something could go wrong with it and he kind of convinced me he didn't have any more than £5,100 to spend. If the car does go wrong after the dealer pays for it then I don't care to be honest ... they almost certainly fleece enough people so I don't feel the need to worry about it.

I have not felt so tired as I do this week in ever such a long time. This morning I so didn't want to go into Birmingham for work. I was dozing off on the coach and actually did drop off for a while on the way back. Still no takers for the Megane, I think I need to reconcile myself to getting the trade in price and feeling lucky to have it seeing as it has to be better than sod all! It means things will be a little tight for a few months but I can live with that. This week has been real busy sorting things out for James. I don't begrudge a moment of it as he's actually a really great kid who really needs some looking after but with work as well it has proven a little much. In light of that and with it being half term next week, I've decided not to go into work. Tomorrow is mega busy ... gotta get Zoey to orthodontist then over to see Sally Keeble MP abou Jermaine then getting Zoey to her mums then Daisy & James to Matt's during which time Martyn will be here and...

I have not felt so tired as I do this week in ever such a long time. This morning I so didn't want to go into Birmingham for work. I was dozing off on the coach and actually did drop off for a while on the way back. Still no takers for the Megane, I think I need to reconcile myself to getting the trade in price and feeling lucky to have it seeing as it has to be better than sod all! It means things will be a little tight for a few months but I can live with that. This week has been real busy sorting things out for James. I don't begrudge a moment of it as he's actually a really great kid who really needs some looking after but with work as well it has proven a little much. In light of that and with it being half term next week, I've decided not to go into work. Tomorrow is mega busy ... gotta get Zoey to orthodontist then over to see Sally Keeble MP abou Jermaine then getting Zoey to her mums then Daisy & James to Matt's during which time Martyn will be here and...

James has decided he likes it here and wants to stay and that's fine by all of us lot. On Monday though is when we know if this is going to be possible. On Monday we need to speak to Social Services and get their 'OK' to the arrangement and also, hopefully, get some money off them to cover him for new clothes, a phone and some initial expenses. I was never planning on getting a lodger, well, not so soon anyway but I guess these things just some time happen. The key is, will this cost me or make me money?

James has decided he likes it here and wants to stay and that's fine by all of us lot. On Monday though is when we know if this is going to be possible. On Monday we need to speak to Social Services and get their 'OK' to the arrangement and also, hopefully, get some money off them to cover him for new clothes, a phone and some initial expenses. I was never planning on getting a lodger, well, not so soon anyway but I guess these things just some time happen. The key is, will this cost me or make me money?

That's me ... but in a good way Yesterday evening Daisy got a plea from help from a 16 year old friend. She couldn't deal with it. Basically and without too many details ... he has had a troubled home life and his health has also not been too good. Indeed, he only came out of hospital after surgery for a ruptured appendix on Wednesday. Last evening (Thurs) his mother thought it'd be a good idea to kick him out and he really didn't have anywhere to go. I spoke with him for some time and it certainly appeared his need was quite high. So, I decided to do the right thing and he's now asleep in bed upstairs. I am totally bonkers because he wasn't living in Northampton but in Folkestone! He moved there with his family a month or so ago from Northampton. He's obviously in a lot of pain emotionally and physically. Of course, after having just driven around 300 miles, I am knackered. I reckon I did the right thing ... his mother is aware he is in Northampton, she see...

That's me ... but in a good way Yesterday evening Daisy got a plea from help from a 16 year old friend. She couldn't deal with it. Basically and without too many details ... he has had a troubled home life and his health has also not been too good. Indeed, he only came out of hospital after surgery for a ruptured appendix on Wednesday. Last evening (Thurs) his mother thought it'd be a good idea to kick him out and he really didn't have anywhere to go. I spoke with him for some time and it certainly appeared his need was quite high. So, I decided to do the right thing and he's now asleep in bed upstairs. I am totally bonkers because he wasn't living in Northampton but in Folkestone! He moved there with his family a month or so ago from Northampton. He's obviously in a lot of pain emotionally and physically. Of course, after having just driven around 300 miles, I am knackered. I reckon I did the right thing ... his mother is aware he is in Northampton, she see...

That is what being a Volunteer is all about A totally empty office with all the staff having a meeting, discussing, laughing and being a team upstairs with me downstairs not even authorised to answer the phones. Those that appear downstairs do so with hushed voices lest I discover something confidential because I don't have the right to know anything. I was asked to sort out some tech issues. The task would have taken seconds but, I can't do it at all, I am not staff so I don't have access rights. Have a meeting later (probably) in which I will discuss loads of useful things but will have to mention, I may not be able to do them because I don't have access rights! This is just so frustrating! I know and understand it isn't personal but being part of a team whilst being excluded from much of what it does, well, that doesn't feel like being part of anything. I feel as useful as the fax machine! It's a good job this looks good on my CV else I really think I...

That is what being a Volunteer is all about A totally empty office with all the staff having a meeting, discussing, laughing and being a team upstairs with me downstairs not even authorised to answer the phones. Those that appear downstairs do so with hushed voices lest I discover something confidential because I don't have the right to know anything. I was asked to sort out some tech issues. The task would have taken seconds but, I can't do it at all, I am not staff so I don't have access rights. Have a meeting later (probably) in which I will discuss loads of useful things but will have to mention, I may not be able to do them because I don't have access rights! This is just so frustrating! I know and understand it isn't personal but being part of a team whilst being excluded from much of what it does, well, that doesn't feel like being part of anything. I feel as useful as the fax machine! It's a good job this looks good on my CV else I really think I...

It's always amazing to me how much more relaxed I am once I have cleared my desk of paperwork that needs doing. All my accounts are balanced, some of them are even in the black! I have managed to get an appointment to see the MP about the stupid law causing so many problems with Jermaine's benefits. I have got a date for the new appeal hearing I have got us Annual Holiday Insurance at half the normal price I pay We have set a date of 'Boxing Day' for our next house party, everyone who matters should receive some form of invite over the next few days. If you don't get one, contact me, I am not perfect and probably just failed to click you on an email selection screen! Not heard anything from 'The Abbey' regarding my complaint ... it doesn't help that their website is currently down as well. Indeed, were I like to think it, I may presume there are some serious issues with 'The Abbey' right now. A little sad for Martyn that he is on his last day of ...

It's always amazing to me how much more relaxed I am once I have cleared my desk of paperwork that needs doing. All my accounts are balanced, some of them are even in the black! I have managed to get an appointment to see the MP about the stupid law causing so many problems with Jermaine's benefits. I have got a date for the new appeal hearing I have got us Annual Holiday Insurance at half the normal price I pay We have set a date of 'Boxing Day' for our next house party, everyone who matters should receive some form of invite over the next few days. If you don't get one, contact me, I am not perfect and probably just failed to click you on an email selection screen! Not heard anything from 'The Abbey' regarding my complaint ... it doesn't help that their website is currently down as well. Indeed, were I like to think it, I may presume there are some serious issues with 'The Abbey' right now. A little sad for Martyn that he is on his last day of ...

My issue is, I suspect there is still something wrong with the car. I suspect what it may be but have absolutely no evidence to support that. Indeed, I have had diagnostic tests done which say there is nothing wrong with the car. I am currently selling it, I actually do need the money and as much as I can get. Someone called earlier and she seems like a really nice person, we even had a little giggle on the phone. Do I mention what I think could be wrong with the car or honestly tell her that as far as I know, nothing is wrong? It does occasionally make a knocking noise on start up, she may notice it, what do I say? Do I just leave out everything except the facts? I am just hoping that if she looks at the car over the weekend she brings some bloke with her who pretends to be an expert on car who pisses me off, I won't feel so bad about myself then.

My issue is, I suspect there is still something wrong with the car. I suspect what it may be but have absolutely no evidence to support that. Indeed, I have had diagnostic tests done which say there is nothing wrong with the car. I am currently selling it, I actually do need the money and as much as I can get. Someone called earlier and she seems like a really nice person, we even had a little giggle on the phone. Do I mention what I think could be wrong with the car or honestly tell her that as far as I know, nothing is wrong? It does occasionally make a knocking noise on start up, she may notice it, what do I say? Do I just leave out everything except the facts? I am just hoping that if she looks at the car over the weekend she brings some bloke with her who pretends to be an expert on car who pisses me off, I won't feel so bad about myself then.

Imagination is ruined by the reality of getting older. Was chatting earlier about the ability to imagine castles, and flying boats, huge dragons and a lake in the back garden when I was a kid. It was a shared imagining with several others joining in the game a little like the movie 'Bridge to Terabithia'. As we get older our ability or, perhaps 'need' to imagine such things leaves us. Now we imagine what it would be like to win the lottery, what would we buy, where would we live? I don't remember ever thinking materialistically like that as a kid to make me happy, I went to 'places' in my mind, live a better life with my thoughts. What a shame we have to 'grow up'. I promised myself I never would, thought I hadn't but, the reality is, we all do eventually. We lose some of the silliness, the liking of the trivial, the lack of restraint ... I think this is one of the reasons I love Deej so much, he drives me mad but also reminds me that there are b...

Imagination is ruined by the reality of getting older. Was chatting earlier about the ability to imagine castles, and flying boats, huge dragons and a lake in the back garden when I was a kid. It was a shared imagining with several others joining in the game a little like the movie 'Bridge to Terabithia'. As we get older our ability or, perhaps 'need' to imagine such things leaves us. Now we imagine what it would be like to win the lottery, what would we buy, where would we live? I don't remember ever thinking materialistically like that as a kid to make me happy, I went to 'places' in my mind, live a better life with my thoughts. What a shame we have to 'grow up'. I promised myself I never would, thought I hadn't but, the reality is, we all do eventually. We lose some of the silliness, the liking of the trivial, the lack of restraint ... I think this is one of the reasons I love Deej so much, he drives me mad but also reminds me that there ar...

Won't someone buy my car? At the price it is up for there must be someone who wants a bargain! Hell, I'd buy it for that and, once again, can't believe just how easy it is to lose money on a car! I stand to lose £3400 on this one which is just on purchase price. Since I spent £8400 on it in June it has cost me around £700 in repairs, probably more than that but I choose to not remember. That is a total outlay or loss on this car since June of £4100! Motoring is a poor man's game. OK, it may start off a rich man's game but it doesn't stay that way! 7 photos ...

Won't someone buy my car? At the price it is up for there must be someone who wants a bargain! Hell, I'd buy it for that and, once again, can't believe just how easy it is to lose money on a car! I stand to lose £3400 on this one which is just on purchase price. Since I spent £8400 on it in June it has cost me around £700 in repairs, probably more than that but I choose to not remember. That is a total outlay or loss on this car since June of £4100! Motoring is a poor man's game. OK, it may start off a rich man's game but it doesn't stay that way! 7 photos ...

For years my way of thinking with regards to cars is to get a loan and then renew it every couple of years with a slightly higher figure and get another car (or whatever). After having experienced the Abbey and Toyota I decided that my options were not so clean cut this time around, I had to think of something different. In view of that I am selling the Megane for whatever I can get for it. I am using the proceeds to repay my outstanding loan which will enable me to quite soon quit the Abbey for good if I want to. Needing a car I decided that leasing is the better option and, in consideration of that I have ordered a new Mazda 6 TS2. It has all the things I want, just about the same colour as the Megane, more economical and, well, it'll do. This does mean that I get 3 years of worry free motoring with no bills to pay except on fuel so that has to be a bonus. Have been sorting out computers the past few days. Deej got himself a pain of a virus so it was quicker to rebuild his machin...

For years my way of thinking with regards to cars is to get a loan and then renew it every couple of years with a slightly higher figure and get another car (or whatever). After having experienced the Abbey and Toyota I decided that my options were not so clean cut this time around, I had to think of something different. In view of that I am selling the Megane for whatever I can get for it. I am using the proceeds to repay my outstanding loan which will enable me to quite soon quit the Abbey for good if I want to. Needing a car I decided that leasing is the better option and, in consideration of that I have ordered a new Mazda 6 TS2. It has all the things I want, just about the same colour as the Megane, more economical and, well, it'll do. This does mean that I get 3 years of worry free motoring with no bills to pay except on fuel so that has to be a bonus. Have been sorting out computers the past few days. Deej got himself a pain of a virus so it was quicker to rebuild his machin...

It was lovely to spend some time with Andy who was smelling great after giving up smoking ... long may that continue. In the evening we drove to Ian & Richard's in Twickenham, I only managed one slight detour and that was because I got distracted by music and roadworks, made a speedy recovery though so no harm done. I was shocked, in a good way, at just how many familiar faces were there whose names I knew. It is easy to forget just how many lives have crossed paths over the years and it was a nice reminder. I was particularly impressed with Jason who looked wonderful. He always has but somehow he seemed more so. He also seemed quite happy to be playing with Andy as well. Am not going into details or who I met there or what we spoke about. Suffice to say it was all good and enjoyable but probably dead boring to anyone else. Who did we see naked? Hmm, Charlie! Saw Adam's bum ... and other things. The journey home was easy though we stopped by Toddington services for a coffee...

It was lovely to spend some time with Andy who was smelling great after giving up smoking ... long may that continue. In the evening we drove to Ian & Richard's in Twickenham, I only managed one slight detour and that was because I got distracted by music and roadworks, made a speedy recovery though so no harm done. I was shocked, in a good way, at just how many familiar faces were there whose names I knew. It is easy to forget just how many lives have crossed paths over the years and it was a nice reminder. I was particularly impressed with Jason who looked wonderful. He always has but somehow he seemed more so. He also seemed quite happy to be playing with Andy as well. Am not going into details or who I met there or what we spoke about. Suffice to say it was all good and enjoyable but probably dead boring to anyone else. Who did we see naked? Hmm, Charlie! Saw Adam's bum ... and other things. The journey home was easy though we stopped by Toddington services for a coffee...

It seems that when ever something fairly shite happens it is on a Friday. Were it a Monday then I could do something about it and probably have it sorted by Tuesday but on a Friday it fucks up the weekend! Firstly, the good stuff was having a great time bowling this morning. I scored 100 first time and then a 91 on the second game. Neither score is awful but I would have liked to have equalled or bettered the first attempt. Ironically, in the second game I had to take someone else's turn and they scored more than me! OK, it was 'me' but that's hardly the point. On returning home there is a large white envelope on the door mat. I was still on quite a high on coming home but a little voice said in my head, I bet that's from the garage I have threatened to sue, from their solicitors telling me to legally go forth and multiply. I was actually remarkably close. It was from solicitors but nothing to do with the car, indeed, most unexpected. It was solicitors acting on beh...

It seems that when ever something fairly shite happens it is on a Friday. Were it a Monday then I could do something about it and probably have it sorted by Tuesday but on a Friday it fucks up the weekend! Firstly, the good stuff was having a great time bowling this morning. I scored 100 first time and then a 91 on the second game. Neither score is awful but I would have liked to have equalled or bettered the first attempt. Ironically, in the second game I had to take someone else's turn and they scored more than me! OK, it was 'me' but that's hardly the point. On returning home there is a large white envelope on the door mat. I was still on quite a high on coming home but a little voice said in my head, I bet that's from the garage I have threatened to sue, from their solicitors telling me to legally go forth and multiply. I was actually remarkably close. It was from solicitors but nothing to do with the car, indeed, most unexpected. It was solicitors acting on beh...

Having waited 9 months for a decision on Jermaine's appeal we now have something and it's classic ... 'Because of an error or omission on the 'statement of reasons' the appeal has been struck off and will need to be heard by a fresh tribunal panel." In case that isn't clear it means that everything we have already done over the previous 12 months is scrapped and we start again. If I have to look for a positive to this it would be that the appeal does not now have to take 2 years but could be sorted in a few months ... though not if past experience is anything to go by. At least I am currently at work so have been able to discuss with those wot know!

Having waited 9 months for a decision on Jermaine's appeal we now have something and it's classic ... 'Because of an error or omission on the 'statement of reasons' the appeal has been struck off and will need to be heard by a fresh tribunal panel." In case that isn't clear it means that everything we have already done over the previous 12 months is scrapped and we start again. If I have to look for a positive to this it would be that the appeal does not now have to take 2 years but could be sorted in a few months ... though not if past experience is anything to go by. At least I am currently at work so have been able to discuss with those wot know!

I was really sad to learn that Respect Holidays had gone bust. If ever a company deserved support to keep going it is that one. If I win Euro Millions this Friday I am buying the company and keeping it going because it is so rare to find a group of people so dedicated to their customers. Updating the saga of my car ... the final bill was £350 which is a lot less than expected but, I suspect, just keeping the car ticking over until the next time. I still noticed a slight rattle on start up earlier suggesting this dephaser pulley issue has not gone away and, from what I have read, may have caused the failures I have just paid to have repaired. That being the case I could be back here again with an expensive bill in a month or two. Whilst that start up rattle is there I also cannot sell it as any potential buyer is likely to notice it. Will test it over the next few days to see how it goes. Not news because it has not happened and is still in the serious thought stage but I am near certai...

I was really sad to learn that Respect Holidays had gone bust. If ever a company deserved support to keep going it is that one. If I win Euro Millions this Friday I am buying the company and keeping it going because it is so rare to find a group of people so dedicated to their customers. Updating the saga of my car ... the final bill was £350 which is a lot less than expected but, I suspect, just keeping the car ticking over until the next time. I still noticed a slight rattle on start up earlier suggesting this dephaser pulley issue has not gone away and, from what I have read, may have caused the failures I have just paid to have repaired. That being the case I could be back here again with an expensive bill in a month or two. Whilst that start up rattle is there I also cannot sell it as any potential buyer is likely to notice it. Will test it over the next few days to see how it goes. Not news because it has not happened and is still in the serious thought stage but I am near certai...

CAR CHARGE ESTIMATION LESS THAN EXPECTED There was a phone call received by this office earlier on today by someone we shall call 'the man' confirming rumours that the coils have had it and the plugs are not sparking. It is estimated that the company loss will be around £400 though analysts suspect this figure may rise. THEATRE VISIT NEARLY MISSED, SHOCK REVELATION In a shock move today the stage play 'Witches of Eastwick' jumped forward one day resulting in a near miss. It was previously reported that the play would present itself on Friday but a source inside the theatre quoted that the tickets had been miss read by one Rupert Hontong Brewup and were indeed valid for Thursday. It was shear luck the error was discovered by Dame Stephanie Willibums of Northamberton in time for the evenings performance. COMPUTER GLITCH WASTES HOURS Technicians today discovered a glitch in the main frame of the company hyper text mark up language which caused erroneous results when views ...

CAR CHARGE ESTIMATION LESS THAN EXPECTED There was a phone call received by this office earlier on today by someone we shall call 'the man' confirming rumours that the coils have had it and the plugs are not sparking. It is estimated that the company loss will be around £400 though analysts suspect this figure may rise. THEATRE VISIT NEARLY MISSED, SHOCK REVELATION In a shock move today the stage play 'Witches of Eastwick' jumped forward one day resulting in a near miss. It was previously reported that the play would present itself on Friday but a source inside the theatre quoted that the tickets had been miss read by one Rupert Hontong Brewup and were indeed valid for Thursday. It was shear luck the error was discovered by Dame Stephanie Willibums of Northamberton in time for the evenings performance. COMPUTER GLITCH WASTES HOURS Technicians today discovered a glitch in the main frame of the company hyper text mark up language which caused erroneous results when views ...