One Out Of Three

This week is a shortened week, with only three days of work. Three days is not precisely accurate - more accurate is 2.625 as New Year's Eve the required work time is only five hours, as we finish at 3pm (or 2pm if you start on the earlier shift).

Having completed one, it is an utter waste of time and I managed to get so little actually done today it is shocking. Barely anyone is in, those who are in aren't that motivated or fussed and it is quite clear that the entire purpose of the day is to do rather little.

I did get some things accomplished. I think this put me far ahead of anyone else. Only 1.625 days remaining in the week!

Pre-Christmas Countdown

So it is four days until Christmas, today being both the shortest day of the year and the Winter Solstice - all good facts.

The snow that has been around for a few days is now starting to abate, and walking around seems a little easier. Transport was running better today, although I will miss my far more convenient snow-adjusted timetable as we return to normal tomorrow. However, I am not missing the benefits of the buses, after walking both in and back to the station yesterday and finding the sitting down approach far easier.

Among other events that have happened since my last blog, I've done my Christmas shopping - successful, attended the work Christmas do - entertaining, and also met up with people - enjoyable.

The Christmas party was fairly standard for work Christmas events - we had a private area of a club/bar in Clapham. It wasn't bad, although the food was overhyped and the music was pretty mediocre - even by club standards. I stayed late with a couple of others as I was sleeping on a generously lent sofa nearby. This meant I returned in the midst of the snow on Saturday, but it wasn't too hard getting home.

Last night - what with Mark and Sophie back down south - I headed to meet them and others who also put in appearance after work, which was an enjoyable evening of talking, entertainment and randomness! It was good to see people again, although some I have naturally seen rather more recently than others. Possibly other social things will take place this week what with people being more around, but as I'm working all week I may not be partaking in them quite so much as I would like!

Unexpected Pub Trip

So having announced that I had absolutely nothing planned for today and that my sole plan - if that - was to return home and do some Christmas shopping online, plans suddenly developed!

I ended up going into London for drinks with work and former work people. It was a good idea and an enjoyable evening and the joy of doing this next to Waterloo is that it's very easy for me to get home from. It took me a little over 45 minutes to get from the pub to my home, which is definitely pleasing.

Besides the return journey, which was admittedly not the highlight, it was an enjoyable evening and good to catch up with people. Person is more accurate than people, considering that there were only three of us total in attendence, illness, laziness and compulsive working claiming the other possible attendees. However, that does not detract from the fact that it was still an enjoyable way to spend an evening.

Not Faking

Today was a pretty busy day at work, although as I look back I can't actually think of anything specific that I either did or accomplished.

However, it was considerably more satisfying than the usual. Someone towards the end of the day noted that I'd been running around a fair bit today and wondered what was going on. I'd said that it was a few things coming together at once - but what a joy it was to actually have things to do and fill the day without having to go through the tedious rigmarole of feigning busy activity for an entire day simply because you don't have much to do!

Raging Dreams

So this morning I was quite tired for little clear reason, but it did mean some hilariously confused dreams as I flitted between sleep and waking. I can ony remember one of these with any clarity.

This involved me standing with someone at the head of a queue in a restaurant or possibly a bar - it's unclear. There were a couple of giggling teenage girls immediately behind us, who were nudging and walking into us and finding this hilarious. After my companion said a couple of times 'excuse me' each time they did it, hinting it might be impolite ... I took the reasoned response of turning around, arms wide, yelling in their faces that they had been told to move back twice, are they that inconsiderate and to show some manners. I thought this was a perfectly reasonable reaction and was utterly unfussed by everyone continuing to stare at me for the remainder of the meal.

Good dream. I have a nagging feeling I may have had some underlying anger issues I wanted to get out there ...

Tired Monday

Today saw a record third or fourth consecutive no-football on Monday - this time both voluntarily and enforced, as I was never going to play after an ill weekend, and then it was cancelled after that anyway.

I've been home for approximately an hour, it's just gone 8:20 and I am ... really quite tired. It's hard to understand why considering that I didn't have an exceptionally tiring day - busy, perhaps, and not deathly quiet, but nothing especially to warrant this level of sleepiness! It's certainly the after-effects of the weekend illnesses. I have a feeling that an early night might be in order tonight!

Homepage

It's not much of a leap of logic to realise that my recent blogging slacking has coincided with me simply leaving my computer on at length. It's probably been on for a couple of weeks now. As I usually blog because it's the first thing I see on my homepage, this is probably why it hasn't been happening when my browser window is left open!

Today I am again approaching the task of tackling the Christmas list. Not much inspiration on my own part, besides the fantastic 'How To Train Your Dragon' film which is now out. Probably some CDs and books to round it off, but not much in addition to that. What I may well do is ask for vouchers at places where Chrissi and I can buy useful home-like things in the future, which is something that may be required!

Any suggestions people make of things that I might like too are appreciated.

Health and General Update

On commenting on Facebook, I realised that I haven't posted for a few days and nor have I provided an appropriate level of update.

The health is a note just because I was off sick on Friday and this seems like the most appropriate point to start. Skip to the red text to avoid the details. I have some nasty throat infection that was resulting in me staying up all Thursday night coughing up some very bloodied mucous. To say I didn't feel good come Friday morning would be accurate! Safe to read again from here without gruesome details! There has been something going around at work, but after a couple of days of rest, being unusually sensible and some cough medicine I feel better at least!

In other events, it is coming up to Christmas, with the various festivities involved in this too. I haven't got a clue what I want in gifts, and nor do I know what others want either. However, as the dedicated reader will have seen this every year for the past six years on this blog, I won't dwell on this point.

One thing I did miss due to my illness was a team bowling event, which having talked to someone it wasn't that exciting so I can cope with that. Noone made severe fools of themselves. Which brings me neatly onto the work Christmas party, which is next Friday. As someone who doesn't drink, these are utterly hilarious events as I am one of the few - if not the only one - with a good memory for what happened.

This Thursday just gone was the poker final for 2010, where I started as chip leader and after a topsy-turvy game when I went up and down and up and then down again, I eventually finished second. A third consecutive year in the top two was good, but it was mitigated by failing to defend my title!

Also this week, one thing that did get done was that the documentation was submitted to the British Consulate in Los Angeles for Chrissi's visa application. This completes the final detail that needed to be submitted, following the actual application and her biometric details. I've no idea how long it will take to wait before we find out - people keep asking me - but rest assured, people will know when we find out whatever the result.

Let's hope it's soon and that it's positive!

Hypocrisy Under Pressure

I am sure that someone has undoubtedly said it with far more elegance than I, but it is far easier to condemn behaviour in another than to take the same approach upon enacting the same.

I am referring with this to the current WikiLeaks scandal, and in particular some of the reaction to it. While there is much about the release of the information that is questionable, on the face of it there is no different in this release compared to others in times past. What has changed is the scope of technology changing the volume of what can be easily revealed, and the method of dispersion.

Without modern technology allowing for hundreds of thousands of files to be readily copied and transported, and the internet allowing a convenient place for the dissemination of this information, we are in the same place as every leak throughout history. Had these leaks been passed through folios of paper and published entirely through the printed press, would the reaction have been the same? Would the urge to deny finance and lodging to printing companies be deemed appropriate to punish them for their revelations?

The predominant issue to me is that of hypocrisy. Let noone doubt that the United States of America is passionately against abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. However, government figures have brought significant pressure to bear to impugn this very freedom. Following the arrest of WikiLeaks' Julian Assange, he seems likely to be transported beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses.

Had this leak been of sensative Chinese materials, and the story published in Xinhua and hosted on Baidu, and had the Chinese authorities acted to ensure this material was removed from these sites - again, let noone doubt that the United States' stance would have been passionately opposed to this outrageous 'censorship' of our mirror scenario.

The hypocrisy is unsurprising, but it is nevertheless still disquieting.

Already?

While admittedly it is by now the seventh of December, I had not realised that it was sneaking ever close to Christmas.

The impending holiday season was pointed out to me this evening when I arrived home to my first Christmas card of the year, from Carisa (many thanks). I need to do several things this means, I suppose - send my own cards to people, get presents, get a list of things I want for myself (always a tricky task).

That's about all I can think of right now ...

Launch Day

So this evening was the launch of the latest World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm. This does look moderately exciting and I'm looking forwards to getting grips to new content within a short while of it actually being live, as opposed to catching up several months later (like I have with all the previous versions).

The amusing factor is that predictably, under the weight of players desparate to get on and start their levelling (waiting until tomorrow just WON'T do!) - the login servers have collapsed. I am not particularly fussed at this, but the thought of millions of players around Europe angrily raging at their computer does make me giggle.

Highlights of the Week

So as I commented earlier in the week, it's been snowing. This got worse towards the tail end of the week, with some heavier snowfall on the Wednesday night (about 6" or so) which settled. I was working from home on Thursday, and made it into work on the Friday.

As opposed to recapping the week on a day-by-day basis, I thought I'd instead change tacks and do some nominal awards for acts of comedy and blatant stupidity that I've seen the past couple of days:

... Worst Travel Updates
In hindsight it is quite clear that the website of the buses I use is not very well updated. On Thursday, they were allegedly running. Not a single bus went past. Prepared for this, on the Friday, it said they were not running - which sounded more believeable. Except that in both directions a bus went past me. So much for not running!

... Best Reduced Service
I was delighted by the news that the trains were suffering a reduce service and running a special snow timetable. This may sound confusing, but my typical route, the Hampton Court line, was down. Instead, they decided to take the slow train from Woking and give that additional stops. As I get this train normally and have to change at Surbiton, I got to work in the same time without having to bother changing trains. On the way home, the exact same was also the case. It was phenomenally lazy.

... Most Appropriate Emergency Call
This is a story you may have seen previously, but it deserves reposting. A woman from Chatham (where else?) phoned 999 to inform police that her snowman had been stolen from her garden. In her defense, it did have pound coins for the eyes, and £2 is a lot of money ... if you're from Chatham. For the full story, do check out this link, it's entirely worth it.

... Best Weather-Related Decisions
Two contenders for this award:

#1 is the cyclist I saw going down my road on Friday morning, a road not gritted and not fully clear, not covered in snow but very icy. When you consider that my road is a hill - and the part I saw him on was moderately steep at least - it's probably not the brightest move.

#2 and the clear winner is a woman I saw at Raynes Park after leaving work on Friday evening. As I wandered towards the station, I notice that she was wearing a dress with bare legs as she queued for the ATM - a smart move in the cold, but not stupid on its own. Until I then saw she was wearing high heels too, for added grip. I walked past the queue for the cashpoint and got to the traffic lights, and idly glanced back mentally calling her an idiot already, when I saw that the dress was one that had a deep cut down the back so she was mostly bare-backed as well. Not the most well considered garment choice!

... Surprising Common Sense
Shockingly I'm going to take this one myself for my intelligent choice when walking home on Friday evening. I was starting to take the route down the canal until I realised that it was horrendously icy, and as soon as I got out of the main street lights I realised visibility was very poor. Icy path and poor visibility right next to the canal? This was a terrible idea. I took a different route home. Sometimes I can defeat stubbornness.

That's it from me for now, more next week.

Snow

Today I have mostly avoided being childish and have generally lacked the urge to go and play in the snow. Because it's been snowing today - and last night. We woke up with a light covering, not enough to inconvenience us here.

The unusual thing was that, in addition to snow in November - which is something I have never seen - it was the first time I can ever remember having seen it snow an entire day. It wasn't necessarily consistently heavy snow, often a light flurry. But it did snow the entire day, having snowed most of the night. Impressive stuff!

It's forecast to continue most of the night and we'll see how it looks tomorrow morning! It's meant to be colder tonight so it might settle a bit more ...

Postponed Due To Lack Of Players

So this evening was supposed to be football, but as you can tell by the fact that I'm blogging a little before 8pm, there was no football.

The reason for this was actually not the biting cold - at least, I don't think so. The day started with ten of us, which soon dropped to nine when Matt was stuck on the other side of London due to a tube strike, and Steve had a bad back over the weekend. Tom was also wavering due to wanting to avoid any potential snow on the way home as he has a longer journey.

So at 7 and one wavering, we checked that everyone else attending could make it. 4-a-side is just about manageable, and in the cold noone minds the extra running involved! However, two further people were selfishly off ill. A third had hurt his foot over the weekend so counted himself as barely a half. Discounting the wavering Tom, we were down to 4 and a half people.

Of the remaining, I was not fancying the cold, and at least one is notoriously unreliable. We decided that postponing the game may be the most sensible option. We'll see next week if these were genuine excuses or if it was just a fear of the cold and that all these injuries and illnesses have magically healed themselves in the meantime!

Personal Manifesto

So after my comments the other day, it seems only appropriate for me to follow up with a simple 'what I would do' by way of response. It's not so much exact counterpoints but instead a couple of my own philosophies.

Choice should not be trumpeted as an alternative to a high quality, adequate service being provided. Choice between two unpalatable options does not represent an improvement.

Benefits were designed as a safety net for those in need. While any system is vulnerable to abuses, condemning anyone attempting to claim benefits as workshy scroungers is inaccurate and unproductive. Exploiting those who are struggling and attacking the vast majority who genuinely need support is craven politics of the very worst kind.

Sometimes foreigners are decent people. Opposition to immigration has become a form of acceptable xenophobia. Bowing to this opinion and encouraging it is political cowardice.

It's not much to start with. But it'd be a nice start. Politics should be about rising to the ideal, setting a higher goal, about championing the best as opposed to spreading fears of the other. It should be about the boldness to defend what is right, not the temptation to hide what is wrong. It should inspire.

We're still waiting.

Tough On Headlines, Tough On The Causes Of Headlines

This evening I was reading the Evening Standard on the train on the way home, which despite my reluctance I usually end up doing. This featured more depressing stories to cheer me up.

As my American wife prepares to submit her visa application to be able to join me in the UK, I read that the government will soon be introducing new restrictions and checks on spouse visas, requiring that the UK-based spouse has a certain amount of money or income. As someone who is currently going through what is honestly a nerve-wracking and terrifying process dominated by uncertainty, new introductions here in a bid to cut 'bogus marriages' are honestly soul-destroying.

The saddest thing is, this won't stop bogus marriages. It won't reduce them. People who want to get them will still get them. In this urge to sound tough on immigration, all this government is doing is stopping people who love each other being able to be together.

Honestly, if that's what my country now is, it's not a country I want to be in.

Monday Report

As usual on Monday, I am in to the blogging routine. I haven't actually posted anything since Thursday - most remiss of me I know. Since then it has been Rachel's birthday - having now reached the age of 24. Carisa, you'll be delighted to know that I did pass on your birthday wishes. We went out for a pleasant meal on Saturday lunchtime at a pub-restaurant on the other side of Woking.

This weekened I have spent most of my time trying my best to contribute what little I could to help my wife who was having a trying time this weekend with illness in the family. I never really add in very much I think, but I do try to help where I can and add my support! Hopefully things will get easier for her this week.

As Usual

Today I was back on the 'getting up early' routine, i.e. my normal time of day after a couple of fortuitously later starts. I have to be honest, it was considerably more enjoyable getting up an hour later and having the option of multiple trains minutes apart, as opposed to the one train per half hour. I did just make my one train today, but it involved running.

I arrived home slightly later this evening after a detour into town to pick up something for Rachel's birthday, what with that being tomorrow and all. Exciting stuff.

Shorter Commute

So this morning - and in fact tomorrow too - I was in London for a meeting at the start of the day. Bizarrely, despite it being further away, I was able to get up later. The fact that the meeting didn't start until 10am was helpful here, though, but I was there before 9:30am despite not leaving home until 8:15am.

The latter was surprisingly entertaining too - it was nice to get up a little later! It gave me an insight into what it would be like to live closer to work and be able to have a shorter trip. I have a feeling I'd quite enjoy not having to be up until 7:30 every morning, instead of having to be leaving the house at the same time!

Weekend Report

This weekend marked a slight variation from my usual routine. On Friday a few of us from work went for one of our now occasional gaming nights - essentially a group of guys from IT playing lots of games and suscribing to stereotype.

As this time it was Tom's turn to host - this duty operates on a semi-random basis - we headed to the sunny location of Gillingham. As this is a not insubstantial trek from our glorious workplace in Raynes Park, we were also staying over the night and returning to civilisation on the Saturday morning.

The majority of the time we were playing the new blockbuster that is Call of Duty - Black Ops. I'd not played this before, but it is quite impressive. I was not so impressive however, but it was a good game! We also played Halo: Reach and the amusing Kinect - the competitiveness in this one was terrifying. Mainly from myself!

For those of you who are not familiar, Kinect is one of those motion-sensor games. I was competing in what was probably a pentathlon, and after a strong performance in the 100m, abysmal failure in the javelin, I came back strongly with world record performances in the long jump, discus (which I dominated) and the 110m hurdles to just finish second due to my javelin collapse. I think the fact that I was the only one not drinking and had a slight coordination advantage may have had something to do with it though!

Old Haunts

So on the way home this evening after poker, I was tapped on the shoulder on the bus. While my first instinct was to think 'this is not going to be good', it turned out to be someone I once knew from school. This surprised me entirely - firstly, he remembered my name. I also remembered him, which impressed me. We chatted briefly in a non-specific way about people I didn't really remember and how things change in many years.

Odd to see someone you haven't seen for probably 10-15 years.

Eventual Meet

So I have many times pointed out how difficult - despite the fact that we are busy, but not abnormally so - how difficult it is to organise meeting up with friends at home. So having returned nearly three weeks ago, the Friday just gone was finally a mutually convenient time for a few of us to meet up.

There was a spanner thrown in the works by that most traditional of enemies, the cement mixer. This spanner - to continue the metaphor - fell off a bridge onto a train in Oxshott. Despite making light of this dangerous and serious event, it also meant that my journey home was delayed by about half an hour due to the knock-on effect on all of the Waterloo lines.

On eventually making my way home, we ended up heading out for a meal. This was good, as I had managed to organise a date only, not actually any plans. We ended up having an extremely long meal (Chinese, since you ask) which was very good, and some enjoyable conversation, commentary and discussions. All in all, a good evening!

Play Suspended

So this is going to be a revolutionary early blog from me on a Monday - for one main reason. There was no football. Inspired by my Monday night commitment that I always seem to have, I am still blogging nevertheless.

The reason for this was due to insufficient players. Nine players became eight, and was then seven when we realised one of the planned attendees was off ill. Nine and eight are just about okay to play as a five-a-side game, but seven is a farce. Instead of humouring this farce, we instead opted to move the booking to next week and hope for better luck with the numbers then.

This weekend I had a mostly relaxing time and a very enjoyable time on Friday night as well with home folks. I will comment on this further at another point to spin out my limited blogging material a bit more.

All The Twos

Lacking an interesting title for this blog, as I always tend to, I was amused by noting that as I was starting this the time was 22:22 - that cheered me up! A few things I probably should make note of at least.

Last Friday I managed to catch up with Ollie, which was an exciting event. He was back down in Woking for the day only, and happened to be in a nearby pub in the evening. As the only way to announce your presence now is to make a comment on Facebook, he did such - and I happened to notice this. Being as it was a mere ten minute walk, I actually made the effort to wander up and say hello. This was an achievement that I thought was notable.

This evening I have been out for an enjoyable curry and a relaxing evening with folk from work, which was all very enjoyable again. Good food, comical conversation and generally pleasant time. If only this could be replicated for each entire workday for the rest of the week, it would make things more entertaining!

Finally, I'm concluding on a more sober and poignant note. Yesterday marked nine years since my mother passed away. It seems shocking to me that nine whole years have elapsed, and while it is easier to deal with now, it's still hard. Recent events have obviously shaped this for me. She wasn't there to see me get married. She was never able to meet the woman who is now my wife, and see how happy I am. To see my other triumphs, stumbles or just general daily non-events. It's something I do think of frequently, but on days like yesterday it's much more notable and focused.

Three Days In One

So, I've been a little behind - of sorts, by not actually saying anything these past few days.

Simply put, Wednesday I had a reoccurrence of the overall cold / cough irritation that meant I was off from work being sick. Feeling better on Thursday, I was in work once more, and that evening after work I was at the pub with people from work. I think there was a reason - someone may be leaving at some point soon - but I wasn't really sure.

Today I had a meeting in the morning at a different location, and this afternoon is my time off in lieu from last Friday's release. Hence why I am typing this from the comfort of my home midway through the afternoon instead of being at work!

This weekend I must focus on ensuring all the details Chrissi needs for her visa application by way of supporting documentation, and ensure that this is all duly forwarded to her by way of post so that she can use it. Besides that, I have a backlog of ironing and other typical tasks to procrastinate on!

Illness Paradox

Today the persistent cold that has been dogging me for a few days - and that I thought I had beaten at the end of last week - sprung up once more. I spent a large part of the day blowing my nose and grumbling to myself under my breath.

The paradox refers to whether it's right to go into work in these circumstances. As I'm ill, being far less productive and probably infecting everyone else around me, it makes sense not to go in - recover for a day, and go in well and ready the next day. However, if you do that with the 'excuse' of a cold - then it doesn't sound too convincing.

You have to go in for a day - and then having proved how unproductive you are at work and how liable you are to infect everyone, you're then able to be off ill the next day once you're better once you've infected everyone and it's too late!

Effort

Maybe it's football that's the catalyst. When I come back from football, I end up eating, showering, coming onto the computer relaxed and then feeling the need to blog! Today was the first time I had played in three weeks, due to holiday and returning from holiday jetlagged. Surprisingly, it was not a terrible performance considering this - some enthusiastic running around, a few good tackles, one decent goal and a cleen sheet for my stint in goal, even if I don't think I had a shot to save. A rare high, in fact!

Weekly Tales

Far from the daily or near daily blog that this is advertised as, for the last little while it is a weekly event that is only posted on a Sunday - this being the third consecutive post in this fashion.

What has been happening inbetween, you may ask? Well, many things. I have had a busy week at work, and mostly adapted back to home life without too much interruption from jet lag. I have been awake earlier than usual and to bed a little earlier too, but that is now mostly balanced out - much better than usual too!

It's probably about time to look back and start providing more wedding details, pictures and the like. For those of you who haven't seen them on facebook, we look a little like this:



Official photos have not come back yet, although I have discovered that in America they are not familiar with the term 'photies' which is a shame. Besides photos, the other detail we are expecting to come back to us from the wedding is the actual marriage license!

Once this is in place, Chrissi can start the process of applying for a spouse visa. We have been looking into this already at least to establish just how someone goes about it, and the answer is that it seems convoluted and complex.

See you next week?

Return Summary

Well, I've not blogged for a week after a very impressive run through September and the early part of October - however, as this week I was on honeymoon I hope you can forgive this lapse.

Since the last blog I posted I have gotten married - all of which went down very successfully, without any major issues. There are pictures but not official ones yet, and in some of those I may look acceptably presentable - I'm not really sure yet! The unofficial pictures, those taken by individuals, can also be viewed here - there was this fantastic thing provided of a photo booth for people to take photos of themselves, with accessories also. Some people got a little carried away!

I'm now back on the UK having arrived back this morning and pondering the inevitable chaos this will have on my sleep schedule - as usual I didn't sleep at all on the overnight flight and have a full day to navigate without causing utter confusion to my sleep routines!

Big Morning

As final preparations go on around me, I've got a decent portion of time to myself as it takes less effort to make me quite so beautiful - or it takes so much effort that people have decided to pass on this!

Everything should pretty much be in place, which is convenient considering that we leave for the venue in about an hour. I still need to get properly dressed - having not wanted to sit in something or render myself unable to do things by being properly dressed too early. However, that is all that I can think of on my to-do list.

So we should be all good to go, I would think!

Countdown

At the moment I am reminded that it is a little under 22 hours until Chrissi and I are married. There doesn't seem to be much left to organise in this time, although I do still need to iron my shirt. That is about the sum total of everything that needs to be done for my part - to my knowledge!

Last night Carisa, who is officiating the ceremony tomorrow, kindly sent us a preview of what she will be saying. In an effort not to steal her thunder, I will keep quiet as to what is going to be said, but it suffices to say that it is awesome and very much suited to us!

Now I have to go off and coordinate family again.

Evening Blogging

This is actually the first blog I have written since being in the US that has been written so late that I've actually had to fix the time - the 8 hour time difference means that it's hard to get them in the right day quite so easily otherwise!

Today more of my family arrived - my cousin and his girlfriend, and also my aunt and uncle. This is now my entire half of the wedding guest list sorted - besides a couple who we both know who I am try to claim as mutual guests! We went down to San Diego with most of my family, and had a nice walk around on the waterfront, Seaport Village and Balboa Park. Similar to my blog on the subject four years ago, I did not meet Ron Burgundy either.

Besides the overwhelming feeling of confusion (see yesterday's "what are my family doing here with me" bemusement), the weirdest moment was on the return trip. Rachel, Chrissi and I came back to hers briefly so she could pick up some of Chrissi's older books. Rachel in Chrissi's room made absolutely no sense!

This will be ramped up tenfold when all my family are here!

Inverted Tourism

So as mentioned in yesterday's blog, my family began their arrival yesterday - Dad, Gill and Rachel flew in. This vanguard will be bolstered by reinforcements arriving tomorrow.

Overall it was a very weird experience - I was waiting with Chrissi at the airport for them to arrive, and couldn't shake the nagging feeling that it was the wrong way round. Waiting with Chrissi for others is not something we've done before! Waiting for Chrissi, or going to an airport to take a flight back home - all of this is something that I am familiar with or have been expecting.

The same was true when in the evening, after having collected them and delivered them to their hotel, we had a wander around Downtown Disney and grabbed a meal too. Having been there several times before myself, it was unusual to have my family there. I felt very much like I was the host as much as Chrissi, and not the visitor. In addition to this, I had the overall feeling that this was wrong and that I shouldn't have my family here, it didn't make any sense!

I'm sure this will continue when other family arrive tomorrow, but as that is not immediate family that should be not quite so bizarre, I would think!

Early Start

This morning I was - quite surprisingly - up at 5:15am. I was among those puzzled and a little impressed at this fact!

The reason for my early rising was that Chrissi and I went to the gym for an early morning swim. By getting there at 5:30am, we would be back by 6:30am and then able to shower, be ready for the day before the showers become claimed by everyone else in the family!

Today my family start to arrive, so in six-seven hours we'll be headed to the airport to pick up Dad, Gill and Rachel. Their arrival is going to fit nicely into the middle of the rush hour by the time they are out, so that should also neatly tidy up any necessary plans for this evening too!

Organisation and Coordination

Besides spending most of yesterday laughing with much amusement at the confused reaction that Californians have to rain, I've been doing a lot of coordination. But first the rain thing - it was barely spitting, if that, and wet enough for the ground to be a little wet too. Later in the day there was some proper rain. The amount that people went on, you'd think it had been a week-long torrential deluge. I think this says more about the California weather than anything else!

So the organising part - yesterday Chrissi and I had to go down and officially get our marriage license, which was done with a minimum of fuss. This was the only real uncertainty in the whole process, so to have it done without any issues - just a confirmation of IDs and affirmation that the details were correct - was pleasing!

Besides this I have been mostly trying to help coordinate my family, who start to arrive tomorrow but others also arrive later in the week. This involves who is landing where and when, who will be meeting them and other such details. So far it all seems rather straightforward, which is hopeful!

Quintuple Century

I'm going to detour away from my pre-marriage account to instead share the surprising and borderline impressive fact that this blog marks my 500th post!

This is both utterly surprising and a little bit impressive. I would have been very surprised that my idle hobby started at the tail end of 2005 would still be being posted nearly five years later, let alone that I would have accumulated half a millenium of posts. The odd one has even been worth reading.

A Day Late

Well, I am about a day late in posting this as I have now been in America for approximately 24 hours as I post this. I would have said something yesterday but for the fact that I spent most of the day either doing nothing or sleeping! In case anyone only checks my status from my blogs, I thought it only fair to post that I am indeed alive and well and landed safely.

Eventually I went to sleep at 7pm, woke up at 1am and went back to sleep again not long after for another 6 hours or so. It's not too surprising that I was in need of sleep as I had been up since 6am UK time - or 10pm the night before California time! Add to that only about two hours of sleep (drinking diet cokes takes its toll once more) and I was a little tired by the end of the day!

Since then I've been trying to coordinate anything necessary for this week, which is very little so instead I've been trying to just find out exactly when each part of my family flies in, and work out what happens then.

In an amusing aside, I was listening to the radio on the plane on the way over, and in classic film-style cliche, the song playing as we came into land was Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA. This is so tragically set up it feels like it came straight out of a film. I only hope that the rock station has its playlist organised so that when I land back in the UK in a fortnight's time, it's then playing The Clash's London Calling to keep the cliche balance.

Night Before

So while it is technically the early morning of October 2nd, it is still in my mind the late evening of October 1st, which means that it is tomorrow and not today that I fly out to America. I suppose this makes this the last night in the UK as an unmarried man, but I hadn't really thought of that until later in the blog and then came back up to the top to add this in.

My flight is in a little over nine and a half hours time, which means that it is a mere six hours before I need to be up again - it's currently just after half midnight. I completed all my packing yesterday, and in the morning I will just need to collect my toiletries, standard pocket items, get showered and dressed and head to the airport.

While it is possible that I may randomly find the time to post in the morning, perhaps from the airport, it's likely my next blog will be from the United States. I'll talk to you all then.

Plan of Action

Rare for being a day ahead, but tonight I am fairly confident that I will be doing some packing. This is for two reasons.

The first is that my flight is at 10:05am (i.e. leaving the house a little after 7am to get there on time) and so I feel that the morning will give me limited time. Tomorrow evening I will be going to the pub after work so that will again give me less time to actually do the packing in.

Second reason is that more than most trips, this one actually requires some thought and consideration over what is put in the suitcase - I actually need to remember the important things, for example. I have already started making a list. We'll see how it goes.

Weather Turning

So as we're now only a couple of days away from October, it's appropriate that I came home tonight in torrential rain and increasing dark. It's what you start to expect for autumnal weather, and I actually took a coat today in addition to my jacket for the first time in ages. It was needed, too.

One of my thoughts as I left the station was that I'm glad in a matter of days I'm off to the warmth of California. I'm still wondering how Chrissi is going to adapt to this weather when she comes here!

This evening was marked by the annoyance of trains - typically, when one is late, and the connecting train is on time, meaning that the connecting train leaves as my first train arrives in a delicious mocking fashion. The following train then was also late, but I did make the last 'regular' bus and get back only about 20-25 minutes late in the end!

Dedication Irony

So this afternoon at work I was at a meeting in central London which finished at 4pm, and by the time I was back to Waterloo it was a little after 4:30pm. Had I been on my own, I would have been sorely tempted to go home, however I was with my line manager / team leader type person. While he suggested I go straight home, I was in my 'I am dedicated' guise, knowing full well that he would be going back to the office, so I claimed I had some things to tidy up too.

Then on the train back, he called our manager just to check on something else, and was told that he shouldn't go back to the office and should go straight home. We were at this point already on a train that took us back to Raynes Park but also on to Surbiton. At this point, I could have gotten home at about 5:15 had I gone directly from Waterloo, but I didn't.

Of course, having already committed to going back to the office to do something, I couldn't very well change my mind now and talk myself out of it. Annoying! So I did get back to the office at 5pm (although I was sorely tempted to get off the train, walk down a couple of carriages and sneak back onto it). I got home a couple of hours later.

Day 1 Achievements

So my day one achievements on my grand list are pretty minimal. I do have a replacement bag though, wich means I don't need to go and purchase one this week. I have also obviously been reminded of something else I need to do this week!

Today was football in the evening and a good game it was, as I put in one of my better performances with some well-timed tackles and a couple of well struck goals, a not-too-shabby performance. As there are people on after us now, we seem to be vacating the pitch earlier - meaning that today I actually got back home around 8:05 and thus have an additional half hour of the evening to enjoy!

Challenge is now to do something with it ...

List for the Week

As I realise time is increasingly counting down, I suppose that I should make a list of things that need to be sorted this week, so that I remember to do so. So this is what I need to get sorted before the end of the week:

1. Money. This one should be relatively self-explanatory, I think. It's about getting the correct currency to spend when I am in the USA, as they do so tend to be intolerant of people paying in pounds.
2. Visa Waiver. I am never sure if this is required or not, but there is something on the ESTA website that needs to be filled out before travel if you are going to the USA, except that it never seems to be required once you go there. I'll look into this.
3. Packing. Most trips I will typically throw the majority of the necessary clothes into my suitcase the day before, or morning before my flight. As I have a little more that probably needs to be packed this time, it might make sense to plan a little further ahead for this trip.
4. Suitcase. This is a surprising one as I actually have a very nice suitcase, which is both easy to move, lightweight and solid. Unfortunately, it has been kidnapped by Rachel on her trip to Turkey, and she doesn't return until after I depart to America. I may need to find a replacement bag - well, obviously I will, but I may need to purchase one too.
5. Any Pre-Wedding Organisation. I have a nagging feeling there should be at least something that I will need to do on this, but I can't for the life of me think what it is. I'll put it down here as a reminder though.

That should be enough to be getting on with for the week at least. I'll let you know as we go through the week how I actually succeed at these tasks.

Beating the Counter

So unlike my typical Saturday or late night posts, this one is utterly genuine and is in fact being posted a fraction before midnight. In fact, it is being posted at 23:58 as opposed to the official "oops, I forgot until after midnight" time of 23:59.

I nearly didn't make it though as for the third consecutive week I was dozing off during Match of the Day. Today I didn't fall fully asleep though, just dozed a little and found myself closing my eyes at times. I think it was during the highlights of the Blackpool-Blackburn match, and it was a case of I'd close my eyes and something would happen then, so I'd have to open them to see what it was.

My increasing tendency to doze during this does somewhat suggest though that the football this season is struggling to hold my attention!

For Better, For Worse

So if I'm honest today was a much worse day than yesterday. Although there may be some light at the end of the tunnel, but we will see on that one.

I did manage to get WoW downloaded and installed though. Not a great amount of consolation really, but there it is - that much at least is done. It does look pretty with full graphics and on widescreen, that much I can say.

One of Those Days

This evening I was meant to be going out after work - I was going into London with a couple of work people and would meet other former work people for a drink and general convivial conversation and so on. However, this plan did not transpire.

Mainly because I had a not-so-good day, which meant I was not in the mood and recognised this fairly well, which was unusually smart of me. Several irritating things happened today at work which I am trying to put down to a day of bad coincidences and not an overwhelming landslide of annoyance.

Also, it was raining torrentially at lunch and I got absolutely soaked through. I didn't have my umbrella with me either, although I don't think it'd have done to much good anyway - it was that torrential. This was the only time throughout the day that it would do that too.

Then when I got home, I found the answer to my WoW patching issue, about five minutes after I'd uninstalled WoW and deleted all the libraries in an attempt to start all over again. So we start the whole process from scratch!

As I said - one of those days!

Positive Prognosis

Well, it has now been over 24 hours since I set up the new computer and fired it up, and as it is still running and has yet to have an issue, I am happy and declare that the problems are probably fixed.

This means any small level of productivity I may have attained over the past month or so will now utterly disappear. Especially as I downloaded World of Warcraft again last night and it is currently patching ...

Potential Success!

So today at work I received delivery of a graphics card, and exchanged the existing graphics card for this new gift. Upon returning home I then installed the new graphics card.

As opposed to the frequent crashes on booting, in odd moments, it has been working okay. It's now been on for about two and a half hours, and nothing in terms of a single issue. Hopefully this is the death knell of the computer issue, but I will resort to cliche and not count my chickens before they are fully hatched!

Football Report

So after a week off last week due to insufficient people (5 people makes one 5-a-side team but not much of a 5-a-side game), this week football was on again, with actually enough players to have a proper game too - ten turned up. I had one of my not terrible games, which is rare enough, and also put a lot more into it than my previous game - i.e. it actually counted as exercise rather than me strolling about and occasionally kicking a ball!

My journey home was interrupted by annoying train issues, meaning it took half an hour longer than necessary. Frustrating but tolerable I suppose, in the grand scheme of things! Since being home I have completed my one compulsory task for the evening, that being the packing of my graphics card to take to work tomorrow to - hopefully - complete the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle and have a working computer tomorrow night.

Could it be? We will see!

Speedier Sunday Update

Today's update comes at the relatively early time of 11:43pm and based on the past couple of days, is a pretty impressive achievement.

Less impressive is the list of things I've done today. I did manage to do a fair amount of ironing, but that never feels particularly impressive. I also watched some West Wing, which is most entertaining but never actually a real achievement.

I am aware that over the next few days and weeks I will need to do a little more. I've only got another fortnight in the UK before I fly out, and then I have two weeks in America. I have many things to get sorted out before then, none of which I am working on with any amount of speed! Perhaps I should make a list, so that I know what I need to procrastinate on.

Potential Solution

So for the second day running I am blissfully late with my blog posting - this is brought to you a little after 3am, after I fell asleep for the second week running while watching Match of the Day!

The potential solution outlined in the topic is a reference to my computer. Having phoned up and spent some time chatting describing the problems, the error messages I was getting and so forth, they think the problem is the graphics card. This could well be correct, based on the fact that it's the display drivers that keep falling over.

I'm getting a new graphics card sent to me at work on Tuesday - I need to remember to take in the old graphics card so the person delivering can do a swap with me!

Technicalities

So this one is technically not today, what with it being 1:50 as I write this - but I'm post-dating it to just before midnight as in my mind, it's still Friday.

I write this after returning from a rather geeky evening with people from work - playing computer games for most of the evening. Quite enjoyable - featuring Mario Kart (which I was as usual pitiful on, besides for on average 1/3 laps when I would somehow do okay, then lose it on the rest) and also the epic Halo 3.

This was exceedingly fun, and after taking probably a couple of hours to familiarise myself again with how it works, I was getting better once more. Not as good as the two people who own it, however. But still not terrible. Although it's hard to tell - as the evening progressed, were my skills being honed, or were others just degrading as they consumed more alcohol?

Either way, it was a hilariously enjoyable night and became far too comically competitive at times too. Yelling at the screen, each other, far too much excitement. Most entertaining though!

Irony Strikes

So today I took the afternoon off work to have a go at fixing my computer. The reason for the half-day off was so that I could access the support as well while I do it - all very sensible, I'm sure you agree.

I got home at 2:30ish and did little for a while besides grabbing lunch. Then I went upstairs to have a go at fixing it. I thought I'd try a couple of things myself just to confirm it wouldn't behave - which sure enough, I was correct with. However, via an option hidden in startup repair I managed to get back in and load a system restore point.

I reinstalled programs, experiencing no issues. However, a short while ago an issue befell me. It was the same that had affected me before - the light blue screen over the top of everything. This time I had a warning just before and it recovered, which helpfully points that there's something not quite working. Sadly, I didn't realise what it was and so didn't note the error message that told me it had recovered from an error.

So this is the scenario now. My computer is back where it was - i.e. nowhere. The error appeared again, but with at least a little more of a clue as to where it comes from - and after 5pm, so I can't even call for support.

I will have to pick this up on Saturday most likely, fortunately they have a support open on the weekends.

Day Behind

So after yesterday's blog I have a feeling that this week I may be an entire day behind with each of my blogs. On the plus side, if this does happen and I don't have anything to talk about for the previous day, I can talk about the current day instead.

This time, however, I'll instead talk about the next day and the rest of the week, utterly reversing the trend. Tomorrow I have the afternoon off, and I am intending to spend it on the phone with the computer people to try and either get my PC working or - alternatively - get a collection organised for it to be fixed. Friday evening I will be going to a workmate's, along with other workmates, to have silly electronic-based fun and games. Very IT geeky, I know!

Another Miss

So yet again I was remiss yesterday with posting, odd considering I had again intended to and even had a few things to talk about. The first was that I had a very long Monday evening courtesy of not playing football - it's hard to get a 5-a-side game going when there are only 5 players available. It doesn't really work with just one side.

In the evening I had the obvious and very belated idea to move the nice powerful RAM from my stricken old computer into the old struggling downstairs computer. Like the shock to the system you would expect, it suddenly performs a lot better when you quintuple the RAM from 256MB by throwing in a 1GB stick.

Shame I didn't think of it a few weeks ago! Today, though, I have nothing to share from. Sorry!

Good and Bad

So I missed out on my blog yesterday which was a disappointment after a solid run. I had intended to do it, as well, but it just never happened. I put it off, forgot, then watched Match of the Day, had still not remembered and by then it was well past midnight and I went to bed.

So, a recap on yesterday in a Good/Bad format follows.

Good: My new computer arrived, and after much unpacking it was shiny.
Bad: After a quick call to identify the problem, it became apparent they'd failed to include a VGA/DVI adapter in the pack - i.e. I couldn't actually connect the monitor correctly to the graphics card, only into the motherboard (and it had to go via the graphics card).
Good: I managed to wander up the village and get a DVI lead within about ten minutes of this problem.
Bad: Had issues with the drivers for my wireless card. I needed to be online to get the correct ones to work with Windows 7, and couldn't connect to this without having the drivers for my wireless card.
Good: Managed to get them from my reserve computer, burn them onto a CD and then transfer onto my new computer. Worked a charm.
Bad: After returning to my computer after an interval of 10-20 minutes, there was no screen input.
Bad: On attempting to fix this and eventually having to just restart the machine, it wouldn't load Windows.
Bad: Further attempts to load Windows met with the same problem.
Bad: System Repair found no problems. There was clearly still a problem as nothing would start - not even the boot menu.

This does not bode well. To have this much collapsing within about three hours of using it suggests there may be a little problem here. Have a feeling I will be computerless for a good while again until this is sorted.

Plus Seven, Minus Thirty

So in another interesting date note, today marks two things, hence the pseudo-cryptic title today.

Firstly, seven up. In other words, today marks seven years that I've been with Chrissi. Quite a respectable achievement, I have to say. Not sure what the seventh anniversary theme is - anyone else aware of it?

The thirty down refers to the (allegedly very girly) countdown to our wedding. I didn't realise the groom wasn't allowed to look forward to it too! Anyway, 30 days to go - or if you prefer, one month as today is also the tenth! Astounding!

Home Again

Well, as promised yesterday Rachel is now home once more. It seems to be a case of settling straight back into the same old routine! Tomorrow evening we are going out for a meal, where we will also hear many stories of the last year I'm sure! She flew back on the shiny double-decker A380 from Singapore - although only on the lower deck! More on her experiences this time tomorrow.

Tonight was also poker, where I finished a respectable third place. In other notorious number news, this is the 136th blog this year - equalling my best ever annual tally. And it's only September too!

Enlarged Family

Tomorrow is potentially exciting as not only is it poker night - always a cause for excitement, as you can imagine - but also Rachel returns home. It's been a couple of weeks shy of two years that she has been away and by this point it'll be a shock for her to return, I'm sure!

While she is playing up how hard it will be and how little she wants to return, she's not really coming back for long. After a couple of weeks, she's going out to Turkey for her best friend's wedding - and then she arrives back from that the day before she flies out to the US for mine! It won't be until mid-October when she gets back properly, so there's at least another month of her travelling lark to come.

To bring this blog back to me, where it belongs, today was another rather long and somewhat boring day. I went for a run in the evening when I came home, which was a sign of success. I also received confirmation my computer is ready for dispatch, so that should be winging its way to me this weekend. All going according to plan, then!

Spurred On

Today at work was dominated by a very health-themed agenda, and I am not sure precisely why. Three of my colleagues at lunch encouraged each other into going to the local-ish gym and signing up for three months. A steep membership cost (£95 per month!?) but allegedly worth it, with nice facilities and so on.

I myself was not part of this dedicated gym fad. I know myself too well that it would be an utter waste of money, as I simply wouldn't get the gain out of it I should.

However, I do think it pushed me back into my own fitness regime as I went for a run again this evening. Successfully too, no aching knees to report, although I'm sure there's time for that before tomorrow's entry. The goal is to make it two days in a row, but we'll see how that goes as usual.

Blow By Blow Updates

So while I commented last week - although perhaps not here - about the somewhat amusing nature of receiving an automated status update at 3am about how my new computer was progressing, I am now going to switch to a more favourable viewpoint.

Both today and yesterday I have received updates as to the progress. First I got an update that it was being built. Today I got an update that it had finished being built and was now undergoing testing. On the order tracking on the site, not only can you see how it is progressing, but who is actually undertaking the various tasks. This is a nice touch.

At the current rate, it's likely that I'll have my computer for the coming weekend. This pretty much books out the weekend in getting it up and running, installing software, setting things up and basically then having done that, going back to full-time online procrastination.

Should be fun!

Wedding Jukebox Selection

So a rather arbitrary blog today, based on the discussion Chrissi and I are having about music and songs to pick for our wedding. We have about a week to make our minds up, having procrastinated on this for a little while. This gives me the fun of picking songs I like!

I already went through this concept once, when picking fantastic songs with deliberately silly names for the theme - for example, The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again, AC/DC's Highway to Hell and Meatloaf's I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That).

However, now I have to put on my more serious hat and pick a combination of songs that I like and are fantastic, because after all this is all about me - but also songs that are generally liked too and that other people will enjoy. Gives me something to think about and list this week! Although theoretically I've been doing that the last couple of weeks anyway ...

Improving Mundane Tasks

I admittedly spend most of the time trying to avoid mundane tasks and procrastinate around them instead. However, sometimes I need to actually make the effort - and try my best at the same time to make them fun where I can.

How do I do this, you may ask? Well, let us take cooking as an example. When cooking, I will typically have music on. Because I am a strange person I will therefore spend most of my cooking time actually dancing around the kitchen as well as cooking - before you know it, the meal is ready.

Tonight I took this to an altogether new level of awesomeness. Instead of having your typical music playing, I was instead cooking to the action theme from the latest series of Doctor Who. This gave it a worrying level of fun and comedy. I seriously suggest you try it.

That Friday Feeling

Today was once more a successfully completed Friday, which in turns marks another successfully completed week. Today, in fact, also marks exactly three years since I began my working life. Strange, doesn't feel anywhere near that long! Yet at the same time, it also feels like I've been working forever!

In another bizarre demonstration of how time flies, this weekend is also the last weekend before Rachel arrives back in the UK, having been on her travels for nearly a year! That'll be both really weird and really fantastic. In other weekend news, this weekend will not be when I get my new computer, as it's not been built yet. I anticipate next weekend now, and will be very disappointed it if it isn't considering the estimated 8-10 days and this coming weekend allowing for a total of 14 working days.

As I'm sure you were all concerned, my knee feels a lot better today but still mollycoddling it - so we'll see how it does tomorrow and may give it a bit of a run out then.

Pitiful Run

This post title is both accurate and a terrible pun. I started my plan yesterday with high hopes; however, I have done something quite painful to my knee to the extent that walking with any speed was quite inconvenient. With this in mind, I decided that a run today only to try and prove a point would be a needless exacerbation of whatever is troubling my knee and cause more issues in the long run.

So after a grand total of ONE DAY, my September Challenge fails - not due to my own motivation, surprisingly, but instead due to my knee. I wouldn't have actually bet on either of those endings!

To return to an frustratingly frequent yet irritating theme, I have to have a bit of a rant at the expense of the Evening Standard. This morning, there was an impressive serialisation of Steven Hawkings' newest book on the front of the Times. I read a snippet while waiting for my train - it seemed impressive. An outline of how laws such as gravity would on their own be sufficient for matter to coalesce, for spacial, solar and planetary bodies to be formed.

If this is the case - and being the world-leading expert on this, I suspect Hawkings would be the best placed to say so - it's a pretty momentous thing, laying down the foundations of the universe. Sadly, the only mention of this in the aforesaid paper this evening was the headline 'Vicar rejects Hawking's God theory'. Not only is this a truly bizarre way of reporting this story, but you do wonder on the credentials of said vicar to have such a knowledge of theoretical physics to be able to discredit the theory. Especially only based on a section of the book!

I suspect this one will be cropping up a lot more in the near future. For myself, I may get a copy of the book and try and understand the theories and think on it a bit before forming an opinion.

Not that I really need another book to read when I already have a queue, mind you, but I'm always interested in something new!

September Challenge

This is a random decision to make, however, I have decided that I will issue myself a September challenge. Mainly because today is the first of the month, and I need some motivation to push myself on things.

This challenge is twofold as follows:

1. I will, without fail and without excuses, go for a run every day. A proper run around my official 2-and-a-half-mile circuit. Stopping to wheeze is permitted.
2. I will, without fail and with excuses making up the bulk of the topics, post a blog post every day. This is nowhere near as challenging as the first, but at least some of them have to be interesting.

Besides that, there's nothing more to it. I will try my usual things of being social and/or being better with eating, but these are two definitive and measurable goals that I can - hopefully - achieve.

This post marks the first day successfully completed. On to the second!

Irregularities

Today my weekly world was shattered as I played football on a Tuesday after work. This is most unusual and has never happened before. For my American readers I should clarify that yesterday was a bank holiday, so no work and no football.

In another departure from our regular reality, I didn't play terribly, most notably in goal. With surprising enthusiasm I threw myself about, making several moderately decent saves. Strange things happen on Tuesdays.

Finally, I said I wouldn't keep a count or update on every detail, but today means only 40 days to go.

False Optimism

So the optimistic assumption that tonight would be the night I burst into action was lamentably false. It wasn't in the slightest, I watched football and idly read and wrote stuff on the computer. Fun, but not what I was going for!

Today I have achieved little although did make a fair bit of progress at work. I also spent a significant amount of time writing responses to Mark's throwaway comment on Facebook which turned into a full-blown discussion about religion, athiesm and evolution. You all know how good I am at steering away from putting my tuppence worth into those discussions!

May inspire me to actually write something a little longer on here about it again at some point.

Myth of Achievements

As I said at the beginning of the week, I was expecting that I might get a little more done in the evenings. Mainly due to my broken computer not being a distraction. This has so far not transpired. I remain relentlessly optimistic that this will be the case tomorrow, however!

Most wedding details are now finalised with the hiring of a DJ at the weekend. It seems odd though that we got the booking at this venue due to a couple splitting up and cancelling - and by bizarre coincidence, have now re-hired the same DJ they were going to use. Almost feels like we are stealing another couple's wedding!

Next thing really is waiting for people to reply to invitations - assuming they get them at least! I expected some to have got them by now considering they were posted beginning of last week, but have heard nothing, nor got the ones sent to me to distribute at work - so who knows!

Quite Distracting

This evening I have so far spent most of my time enjoying the youtube app on my phone and obsessively watching QI. It's a fantastic way to spend any time, and I have managed to spend the majority of the evening on it.

I have also checked on my computer-to-be's status (current progress: pre-production), and exchanged further stupid song suggestions with Chrissi in our continual battle to find the most inappropriate possible song - or at least utterly out of synch with tradition.

Tomorrow I may do something more productive of the evening. Unlikely though!

Sub-Fifty

Today is Monday and the first weekday as I come back from work without knowing quite what to do with myself due to there being no computer to instantly waste my evening on. In a way, this is a good thing.

However, as tonight was football, this didn't actually bother me that much! It was a good hour and a half once more running around with some occasional moments of slightly better play - playing on a weekly basis is starting to pay off, and I did score three goals as well (miraculously). This sounds not so good when I point out that due to a missing player it was 5v4, and the final score was something absurd like 24-17. However, I was happy with my small triumph.

The health benefits of playing were immediately undone when in a silly act of hunger on reaching the station, I then bought something to snack on which undid and more any small strides I may have taken towards greater fitness.

To change tack, I promised I wouldn't over-countdown, but this weekend marks both seven weeks and under 50 days until our wedding. Exciting!

Productive Weekend?

So my prophetic post on Friday was indeed accurate, and the video card (which I am now fairly confident it is) has collapsed so it's not only an issue on booting, but an issue once booted if I try to do something radical like switch windows.

This weekend, therefore, I have been working on purchasing a new computer and after looking around a few generic sites and a few specialist ones, found one recommended that looked rather good - essentially they build it on-spec as you like it. The fantastic thing about this is that it's usually cheaper than the same spec from a normal supplier, and also it's not filled with masses of trial software and other bloatware that you don't want.

After playing a bit with some different options I did go with this and made the purchase earlier this evening. A very nice PC, and while it was a little more than I planned on paying, I have a really good machine that will last me a good while. Should arrive next weekend or weekend after, I'll see.

Besides that, the lack of a computer has forced me to have a more productive weekend. I've sorted out my room a little, done some overdue tidying and ironing, and generally felt more productive - even if this 'productivity' has mostly taken the shape of watching football on TV, etc. I'll see how this goes throughout the week too, may be a theme of me actually tidying away odd chores and going to bed on time! Time will tell.

Offline Course

Looks quite likely that I may be forced offline for the near future as it feels like my computer is grinding to a halt. The screen flickers and seems to have memory issues, mainly on booting. I'm getting the feeling that after six years of near-constant use it is finally on its last legs.

Once it's booted it seems to be okay, at least it's running. I may start to peer around at possible replacements this weekend, start to get an idea. Even if I can force it to work after two-three boots, it's still an inconvenience. I'm going to grab all data and similar off it tonight while it's still alive and responsive.

Two Out Of Four

So this week, half of my post-work evenings have ended in the pub, with football taking up Monday evening and probably another trip to the pub due tomorrow, what with it being both Friday and payday.

As I don't drink it doesn't bother me, but I probably should be a little concerned that this is becoming a regular evening event. Mainly because going to the pub after work typically is representative of a bit of a frustrating day and blowing off steam afterwards (unless there is football on or similar). So twice or thrice in one week, and regularly for a few weeks now? Probably not a good sign.

In other news, thanks to Russell for his pro tips on how to avoid the family trip dilemma as posted on Tuesday. We may be taking your route. I say we, but I'm not going - either way, could be a sensible plan.

Most Complicated Plans

So as you may be aware my wedding is in California, and some of my family are kindly making the trip over to see me get married - very nice, I have to say.

However, what amuses me considerably is that without doubt the most complicated thing to organise of the entire event is precisely what my Dad is doing. Dad, Gill and Rachel are sensibly taking the opportunity, once in the US, to actually do something before heading back straight away. Perfectly good idea because it's a long way to go only to turn around and come straight back.

The plans have been creative, from the specific train they had to take from somewhere on the San Francisco Bay to Chicago (shelved), a trip back flying to New York (shelved) or Washington (shelved), or possibly hiring a car and driving up the coast to San Fransisco, Oregon and all the way to Seattle, flying back from there (latest plan to be shelved - too much driving!).

The current plan, which I this weekend suggested and am actually surprised this hasn't been previous considered - a more realistic driving trip around California, still seeing the Big Sur coastline and San Francisco, but then looping around through Sacremento, Northern California, possibly Yosemite and finishing with a couple of days in Vegas. Much more manageable, much less driving and probably a good deal more enjoyable too.

We'll see if this plan will also be shelved, but they are running out of time somewhat! I'm grateful my own part of the organisation is considerably more straightforward!

Monday Action

So this evening was football, which had an amusing start as for the umpteenth time the groundsman didn't bother to actually open the gates. There is a gap in the gates, however - enough that you can clamber up and over and in - although coming out could prove more problematic.

As we weren't going to wait or waste our game, we decided to go for it. A little later the groundsman did appear to open the gates. A good thing too, as after nearly ninety minutes of 4v4 (two players didn't make it), I think I'd have struggled to climb over anything! A good game, however - gradually getting better and hopefully somewhat fitter too. We'll see anyway, as a week off usually destroys the small gains I make!

Weekend Trilogy

I'm thinking I must be on a slightly more positive view recently, as I seem to be blogging a little more. Usually I stop posting when I have little to add or what I do have to add, I don't really want to complain about it by virtue of adding it!

My thoughts, if not my time, are dominated by wedding plans at the moment. This is perhaps not unexpected, but it does still surprise me a little I suppose! Today marks eight weeks until the wedding, which seems both a long time away and very soon - very soon from the point that I think I still have a lot to get sorted. But equally a long way away in that it is going to be a while before we get there and that is only the start of it!

In other unrelated news, I've tried to start writing a bit more, and this has not been as productive as I hoped - but we'll see how this goes. I've theoretically been 'writing' this one idea for nearly a year, and in practice I have a handful of paragraphs and a few unconnected ideas. I'll see on that one.

It's Back

So the football season kicks off again today, as we approach the final whistle in the majority of games at the moment. It's exciting stuff, possibly, although I am getting less and less interested. While I'll watch the odd game and obviously read about them, I'm not really enthused as I used to be. Too predictable, too money-dominated and too mediocre.

In countdown news, shockingly a mere 57 days to go.

Friday 13th!

Weekend approaches once more, and I have again very little planned for this weekend - always a sign of success. Among exciting tasks rearing their ugly heads are ironing and ... actually, mainly just ironing!

Another random task this weekend is to help Dad get to grips with his new phone. Having multiple buttons, this is obviously confusing. Unwilling to just do what you do to learn something new - i.e. press buttons and see what happens - he is instead expecting me to tell him how to do it. This is so far taking place by me pressing buttons and seeing what happens, then telling him what happened!

I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank my readers for their response to yesterday's blog, delighted that so many of you also experienced unpleasant public urination sightings. Most enthusiastic response I've had in months.

I Love Where I Live ...

This evening on the way back from poker, I was reminded as to why Woking is such a wonderful place to live when I encountered (at 9:45 at night, no later) a drunk guy urinating on a bus stop. With little subtelty about it either.

At least, I presume he was drunk. I didn't stop to check. I really, really hope he was, because if he was just lazy that's just rather tragic and pathetic! Oh, and he got off at my stop too.

Fantastic.

According to Plan

So I surprisingly didn't blog either Monday or Tuesday, despite having ample time. According to my approach, this surely means I had two constructive days?

Well, this is partially true. Among things I have organised is tickets to the US (mostly - I still need to send my travel credit coupons from May), getting a phone for Dad (a long overdue task which is technically a hangover from his birthday, i.e. May) and finalising my address-chasing quests.

In case you're wondering at the odd timing of this blog, I have this afternoon off - completing my time off in lieu allocation from July. Two and a half day week is good, I heartily recommend it!

Extended Weekend

In return for the many hours which I sacrificed in blood, sweat and tears for work over July, I have in return been granted two and a half days of time off in lieu. These are being taken this coming Monday, Tuesday and a half-day of Wednesday afternoon. According to the previously noted laws of blogging, as I am planning to do nothing I will therefore be blogging a lot.

My day yesterday was of moderate success, the main triumphs being a haircut and not much else. Today I have sorted out some more wedding details to help finalise what will be going out with the invitations. The other achievement was filling a charity donation bag with lots of abandoned clothes from the back of my wardrobe, to attempt to clean that out a little.

We're now only nine weeks away from the wedding (in fact, as I write this it is pretty much exactly nine weeks to the time when the reception will be hosted). So far it's difficult. Not in terms of doing what we want, or finding places, or the more traditional wedding worries. Our main issue is continual difficulties in getting what we want, even on simple subjects.

Perhaps I'm being too selfish on our behalf. I don't know. But I feel that when it's a wedding, it should be about the couple and what they want. If not, then what's the point?

Blogging Paradox

I've remarked before of the paradox I typically have when blogging. When I have nothing to say, I have lots of time to say it in. When I'm busier, then I never find the time to talk about all the many things I may be doing!

Tonight was football, which was pleasant. Last week I was busy with work which involved a lot of time and a couple of evenings of dedication. Not much more on that though, because talking about work is rather boring usually.

However, it's that or become one of those insufferable people who, just because I've gotten engaged and therefore happen to be planning a wedding, feel the need to share every detail about it with everyone. Fortunately, at work other people have appointed themselves town criers on my behalf, so I don't actually need to tell everyone as they will do it for me.

Post-Birthday

So today is my second day at the ripe old age of 25 and shockingly, it doesn't feel the slightest bit different. Who'd have predicted that! I did have a productive day at work though, which was a plus point.

To reassure all of you who saw my last post, I did manage to summon up enough inspiration to come up with a brief birthday list, which was impressively organised by both Dad & Gill (it still feels like a very small family right now compared to the official-ish size!).

It shows how much my thoughts are dominated by marriage plans that I started to write 'wedding list' above. Plans are going well - we have a venue picked and booked, we have a solid idea on what we are doing for a ceremony, and currently finalising invites, garment details and guest lists! On the latter, for those of you who haven't responded to me, get to it!

(If you haven't got a message, then I likely already have your address. Let's face it, if you're reading this you're guaranteed an invite pretty much!)

Plotting & Planning

So while the majority of my attention this past couple of weeks has been on weddings, marriage, invitations and similar complex preparations, I also need to plot a birthday list, I realise.

In fact, it is my birthday this very Sunday - a momentous occasion as I turn a quarter-century old. I am suffering the usual lack of inspiration regarding a list of any sort of gifts. I'm being forced to produce one as well. How inconvenient!

Research Day

It seems somewhat amusing after the last couple of weeks investigating wedding details that today both Chrissi and I are attending weddings. This coincidence feels almost like we're out for the day doing research trying to fit everything together.

Of course, that is by no means the only reason we are attending! In my case, I was at the wedding of my good friend Paul and his now-wife Rachel. The latter has always been a source of amusement as Rachel shared a name with my sister (of the same name - surname too, to clarify, just both being called Rachel isn't that remarkable). It was a pleasant occasion and this evening there will be a further event. I am currently in the interlude part of the day.

In round number news, this also marks my 450th blog, a not insubstantial quantity.

Monocle Smile!

I was going to write some boring nonsense about work, effort, my time being used up on this that and the other. However, a last minute adjustment, simply because this made my day. Thanks to Russy for his gratuitous sharing.

New Week

So last week - not that I actually touched on it - was incredibly hectic. I was out of the office every day on-site to assist with the implementation of a new contract. I was there again today, and likely will be tomorrow too. It's interesting but also very tiring.

I'd quite like the opportunity to get back to my desk and sort out everything else has happened in the past couple of weeks though! I feel there's lots of things that are being neglected or overlooked because I just don't have time to pay any attention to them - not to mention the unread e-mails are piling up in my inbox, drowned in masses of back-and-forth implemenation communications.

In The Way

So I'm on the way home now, on the bus. Except my journey is being obstructed! By who, you ask? Well, it's no less than the police (no, not the 80s band).

There is a police car essentially blocking the entire road, which a bus is completely unable to get round. With all other options requiring creativity beyond the capabilities of a bus driver, we're just sitting here. I am keeping my spirits up by listening to the loud phone conversation of the person behind me - highlight so far, she's scared of moths.

Just what I wanted at the end of a long day in the middle of a long week!

It's a Sign!

So to entirely change track, I will comment on a fantastic sign which I see at Woking station every day. It has an utterly bitter irony in light of the government cutbacks, cuts and public service reductions.

This sign proclaims: "Osborne apologises for any inconvenience caused. In case of emergency, contact Osborne!"

The ultimate non-apology of customer services has a lovely irony considering the current "we're so sorry we're taking away all your services and livelihoods" attitude of government!

Where?

Looks like it might be Stateside based on early considerations, but not sure at this point.

I think the more entertaining question is going to be on the scale. While neither of us were ever going to go for something ridiculously lavish, Chrissi probably would want something a little grander than I would be happy with. But these are actually surprisingly fun things to work out. For the moment, at least!

Aftermath

There seems to be a lot of people with nagging questions for both me and Chrissi. I am, however, grateful to the people who just get it. A pleasant surprise!

Questions

The main feature of today was Chrissi and I asking lots of questions and trying to pin down the key questions with regards to visas, marriage regulations and when the two overlap. So far, we have lots of questions more than answers, but at least we are going in the right direction and starting to pin down what the key questions are in the first place!

There were also other questions from other people, such as 'what?', 'what?!?!' and WHAAAAAAAT?' as the more typical reaction, but my personal favourite was my cousin Alyia, whose reaction was 'is this legit?'. I'm not even sure that's a proper question.

Hoewver, the answer is most definitely yes.

Technicalities

So on Thursday night Chrissi and I were discussing, as we tend to do, how things may work out best with regards to her moving over here. There are lots of complications with visas, working, jobsearching and so forth.

With this background, we discussed the option of marriage as a way of getting over here. This has always been a 'reserve' option, but considering the length of time for the six-month wait, the fact you can't work during it and the complications with searching for a job from a different continent, it could make sense to think of a low-key immediate marriage within two-three months, and for Chrissi to be able to come out here in advance of that and help to settle in and get prepared for the search for work.

This seemed a probably sensible option to both of us, so Chrissi went back to work and I continued with my busy evenings (i.e. playing games). When Chrissi calls me later in the evening on her break, she informed me that she had told people at work this, and they had responded with saucer-like eyes that that technically meant we were engaged.

Well, I suppose it technically does! As understated as it could be, so understated in fact that neither of us really noticed at the time. This is perhaps what you might expect of a cliched romantic gesture from me - total refusal to acknowledge it, even by accident!

I am sure there will be a follow-up to this tomorrow.

Days On, Days Off

So after a couple of days of dedicated blogging I have once more abandoned my virtual quill, dry of virtual ink.

Mainly, I just couldn't be bothered though. Is that simply lazy? Perhaps! But hey.

I have much to report on - Paul's stag do at the weekend, which was enjoyable, a busy day on at least one of the previous days this week, I am not sure which, and certainly conversations and events from work to mention.

However, I will instead dedicate this entire blog to Tim, and his most fantastic question on Saturday: "So, Andrew, how's your .... person?"

The pause above is not for dramatic effect, this was Tim selecting the correct word. Where so many presented themselves, it is almost impressive that he eventually settled on 'person'. And yes, Chrissi is fine.

World Cup Moments

Recently there have been a lot of programs on television with the countdowns of the best World Cup moments, most memorable, most shocking, and so on. It's some entertaining stuff mostly, but it's inspired me to try and make my own list. I limited it to just the top ten, decided by me entirely arbitrarily.

To allow me to include whatever I like, I'm dubbing it the 'Ten Most Iconic World Cup Moments'. Some surprise picks make it into this list. Look out for them.

10. 1970, England 0 - 1 Brazil
We typically hear of the great moments of strikers, the great goals, fabulous moments of skill. This one is dedicated to the goalkeepers, and it again does it justice that everyone knows what you mean by saying 'Banks saves from Pele'. (watch)

9. 1950, Uruguay 2 - 1 Brazil
It was the only World Cup without a final - instead a final group would decide the champions. As it turned out, the final game would decide the tournament. Hosts and favourites Brazil only needed a draw to win the title for the first time. But Uruguay won, and claimed their second title at the Maracana in Brazil, leaving the hosts in shock.

8. 2006, France 1 - 1 Italy (aet)
A moment of madness and shocking disbelief. Zinedine Zidane, one of the best players in the world over the preceding decade, headbutts Marco Materazzi in extra time and is sent off. France lose the penalty shoot-out. Not only is it a shockingly rare incident, but it was Zidane's last professional game. The moment as he walks off the pitch past the trophy is particularly memorable. (watch)

7. 1954, Hungary 8 - 3 West Germany
The birth of cynicism. West Germany play a weakened team against the best team in the world, Hungary. They are happy to lose and contest a play-off to get to the quarter-finals with an easier route to the final. Not only that, but the Hungarian's best player (and arguably one of the best ever), Ferenc Puskas, was deliberately injured, only returned for the final and was a shadow of his majestic self. West Germany beat Hungary in the final to complete the victory of tactical gamesmanship.

6. 1966, England 4 - 2 West Germany (aet)
As much as England do go on about it, the fourth goal itself is a rare moment in finals when it was right on balance, a pivotal moment at the end instead of the game being played out. A minute to go, England ahead by a controversial goal. And then the ball comes to Hurst. The immortal commentary by Kenneth Wolstenholme sums it up better than anything else ever could. (watch)

5. 1998, Holland 2 - 1 Argentina
The last minute of normal time and Frank de Boer plays a long pass forward from defense for Dennis Bergkamp to run onto. Three peerless touches later and the ball is in the net, and Holland have won. An outstanding moment of perfect control under immense pressure at a crucial moment. (watch)

4. 1986, Argentina 2 - 1 England
The Hand of God. It doesn't need more of a description than that. Argentina won the 1986 tournament due to the genius of their inspirational captain Maradona - but also due to his cheating. Sometimes decisions can be debated. This one cannot. (watch)

3. 1978, Algeria 2 - 1 West Germany
A surprising pick, especially this high up. But this result was iconic. An unknown team from Africa beat the great West Germany, the world champions. For the entire game that ranks higher than a moment of brilliance.

2. 1986, Argentina 2 - 1 England
Beauty and the beast it has been described as. We have seen the beast already. This is the beauty. A sublime goal, arguably one of the best scored in a World Cup. But to be done against the backdrop of the first goal makes this an utterly iconic moment. The twisted genius Maradona struck again. (watch)

1. 1970, Brazil 4 - 1 Italy
It had to be. The fourth goal. Carlos Alberto's goal. Brazil's goal. It's a wonderful goal and moment - everything about it is sublime. The icing on the cake to the ultimate final. (watch)

However, I'm sure anyone who cares may disagree. I don't have anyone who cares reading this, but if you have any thoughts, let me know any I missed out that I should definitely have left in!

Morning Interjection

As I suspect I will not be returning early enough tonight to post a blog, I have decided to get up this morning just with the purpose of entertaining my loyal readers.*

This morning I do have some things to do - Dad is returning today from his nearly two-and-a-half week holiday, so I should ensure that the house is tidy enough. I also need to buy bread and milk - all exciting tasks. I have already been up for about an hour and sort of gone for a run, something I am pleased with.

Something I am regretting is that I did, in my organisation of last weekend, book an eye appointment for this weekend. Without thinking it is booked for 10:00 on Sunday - I suspect I may be a little tired. We'll see how that goes!

* This is not actually true.

Evening One Report

So having just got back from Mike's, I could talk about that - how it was a fabulous barbecue with excellent enjoyment. However, I'm not going to and instead going to talk about me instead, then the weather.

Let's start with me - and a note first on my effort, then my epic procrastination. I'm quite pleased how coming back from work early (due to a training day today), and despite my best efforts to stop myself from going for a run, I did eventually manage it. My epic procrastination also deserves a note - having got home early, and hence in plenty of time to get to Mike's on time, I managed to take more time because I had lots of time, and so was impressively late!

Weather in a separate note - it's almost unpleasantly warm right now, very sticky. When I went for a run this evening it was really still and close - not great overall! It needs a good storm to blow it out. Hopefully tomorrow will be better during the day - or at least a bit more of a breeze during our day in London! Decision will await as to whether trousers or shorts is the correct call. The fact that I have few pairs of shorts that are comfy may help tip the scales!

Rude Awakening

As it was hot last night, I left my window - resulting in a great surprise when this morning I was awoken at 4:52am by a bird screeching loudly just outside.

Shocked at how light it was, I did have a two-second panic that it was in fact 4:52pm and that I had slept through the entire day. After another two hours of dozing, I did then get up in a more proper fashion and with a little more decorum.

The next couple of days I have events happening! Tomorrow is a barbecue as it is Mike's birthday, and Saturday will feature Paul's stag evening in London. I'm sure I may report back on either one or the other if not both.

Lazy Saturdays

So usually my Saturdays are marked by getting up early afternoon, not achieving very much and putting off my long list until the Sunday, when the same pattern repeats and everything is put off until next week.

Today I broke the mould entirely. Firstly, I got up just after 9am, and managed to do the not-so-exciting chores - buying milk, bread and fruit juice the main purpose, but also got some much needed tidying, cleaning away and washing sorted.

Spurred on by these early successes, I then ended up going into Woking - as I always plan to do. I managed to tick off all the things on my list, by purchasing a new belt (this time I checked it fitted), new earphones, new trainers and sorting out some overdue banking changes.

A successful days, and it's not even 4:30pm!

Two Off, One On

I mentioned the other day about getting back into routines and ticking things off my list. Well, I'm not necessarily back into the routine, but I am starting to cross things off my list.

Off my list today is a couple of purchases that were overdue! A belt to replace the one that is falling apart, and a new pair of smart shoes. The latter purchase is due to my existing pair having somehow split clean across the sole from the instep. Very bizarre! So a replacement was necessary, and duly purchased.

I also found a bonus in that there was still £15 on a Next giftcard I'd forgotten I had in my wallet - unexpected discount!

World Cup Warm-Up

So with the World Cup now in day four, I was glad to return to the football pitch myself to take this opportunity to showcase my own skills.

However, having not played since late April, I was not only hideously out of form but woefully out of condition too. My best moment was a neat flick which led to a goal. I was starting to get the range of passing more towards the end, but it really showed that I hadn't played for a while!

Hopefully we'll have enough for next week too, and can try and do a bit better then!

Weekend of Warmth

So this weekend has had some lovely weather and has been mostly relaxing. I had a list of things to do, of which I have done some and mostly ignored the rest.

This weekend Chrissi has been away in Vegas, which is very nice but has left me at a bit of a loose end. I spend most of my weekend chatting to her or playing games with her, so it's a bit unusual to not have her around! I have been watching bits of the World Cup, but there's so many games on that I don't have the time to watch them all religiously.

I did watch the England game last night though, and having predicted 1-1 in advance and put a small bet on, I was torn between disappointment and smug self-satisfaction at the end. The latter won easily. It was a very poor game, however, and a terrible spectacle. England didn't impress, the US were too defensive, but looked neat without being threatening. Overall very average.

Hopefully there'll be some better games in the weeks ahead!

Normal Required

I mentioned yesterday that blogging was just one part of my daily routine which had lapsed a little bit since my return from holiday. Other things to have taken a leave of absence include resuming my laughable attempted pursuit of better fitness, proper sleep routines and an all-out assult on my backlog of tasks.

We'll see how this goes, but this weekend is going to be the acid test! I am feeling in a mostly productive mood, but we'll see how far that goes when the weather - utterly gorgeous - distracts!

Today is also Mark's birthday, so I should probably note that by saying something along the lines of 'happy birthday'. I forgot to add in your card a mocking comment about being a quarter-century old now, so this'll have to do!