Alone In The Spotlight

2007-04-30T08:48:00.000+01:00

Sorry
And I mean it guys!

I haven't posted here in over a month as my life has been so hectic, so much so I am not finding time for my friends and girlfriend. And yes I am getting it in the neck over this.

The biggest change in the last month is I am an operational Special. My regular shift is every Friday night but I also do the odd weekend if there is a special event on.

My first shift I was really scared but now I am loving every minute of it, so much so that I am seriously considering giving up IT to go into policing full time, only one slight problem - money!

I have big financial commitments and a lifestyle that matches. I would have to enter on the rank of Met Inspector to maintain the same salary. This is not going to happen...

I also wanted to thank everyone for their support last month, it helped and myself and my girlfriend are moving on...

2007-03-23T18:27:00.001Z

Thank you everyone for your support...

2007-03-22T11:11:00.000Z

Sorry...

I could either ingnore what happened over the past week and not post about it or I could get it out in the open and hope I feel better...

{EDITED:- TOO PERSONAL}

Please give me some time, I will be posting regulary again...

2007-03-13T08:31:00.001Z

Survey

Borrowed from Celeste:-

*TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey*
Name:	Mark
Birthday:	31st August 1981
Birthplace:	UK
Current Location:	UK
Eye Color:	Blue
Hair Color:	Light Brown
Height:	5'11
Right Handed or Left Handed:	60% Right & 40% left
Your Heritage:	British
The Shoes You Wore Today:	Black Tom Wolfe Loafers
Your Weakness:	flossing
Your Fears:	flossing and spiral stair cases
Your Perfect Pizza:	Hawaiian
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	Survive policing and be happy!
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	indeed
Thoughts First Waking Up:	i want to go back to bed
Your Best Physical Feature:	eyes
Your Bedtime:	2330hours on a school night
Your Most Missed Memory:	don't know, i've forgotton
Pepsi or Coke:	diet coke
MacDonalds or Burger King:	neither - ok BK at a last resort if I was dying!
Single or Group Dates:	Single and group
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	neither, ever!
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Frappacino
Do you Smoke:	NO
Do you Swear:	Yes
Do you Sing:	I try to...
Do you Shower Daily:	Yes
Have you Been in Love:	Yes
Do you want to go to College:	Been
Do you want to get Married:	Yea
Do you believe in yourself:	Yes
Do you get Motion Sickness:	No
Do you think you are Attractive:	Yes
Are you a Health Freak:	No
Do you get along with your Parents:	Yes
Do you like Thunderstorms:	Yes
Do you play an Instrument:	Yes - Drums
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	NO
In the past month have you Smoked:	NO
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	NO
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	Yes
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	Yes
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	No
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	Yes
In the past month have you been on Stage:	No
In the past month have you been Dumped:	No
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	No
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	No
Ever been Drunk:	No
Ever been called a Tease:	No
Ever been Beaten up:	Yes
Ever Shoplifted:	No
How do you want to Die:	Helping someone in need
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	I thought I was grown up
What country would you most like to Visit:	Oz
*In a Boy/Girl..*
Favourite Eye Color:	Blue
Favourite Hair Color:	Blonde
Short or Long Hair:	Long
Height:	5'2 - 5'8
Weight:	Slim - Curvy
Best Clothing Style:	Dresses
Number of Drugs I have taken:	I take 8 tablets aday for my Ulcerative Colitis
Number of CDs I own:	300+ & 80GB of MP3's
Number of Piercings:	0
Number of Tattoos:	0
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	Falling in love when I lost my virginity then being trampled on!
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

2007-03-08T08:28:00.000Z

Are you a child?

So I was in my local chinese the other night and a saw the following poster:

Sunday Buffet

Adult = £12.95

Child = £5.95 (under 1.3m tall)

So the Chinese think you are a child if you are under 1.3 meters or 4.26 Ft tall? Does that mean they won't be serving beers to Verne Troyer or Jason Acuna?

2007-03-04T01:36:00.000Z

Petition Time

Over on BW we are discussing prescription charges due to the fact Wales is scraping them.

Please sign the petition below to scrap them for long term illnesses in England too...

Thank you!

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/NoScriptCharge/

2007-03-03T16:01:00.000Z

What a day yesterday!

I was having a reasonable day until my meeting overan, which meant i left work 2hours late. By this point it had started raining and I was faced with a long ride home in the pooring cold rain.

As I was going out that night I stopped for fish and chips - what is it with the local chavs hanging out in fish and chip shops playing on fruit machines?

Anyway I got home to be confronted by one of my neighbours who was pissed off bigtime. Why? Well I keep my bike in my flat as we are not allowed to store bikes on the communal area's including the gardens. I have to man handle my bik downstairs everydayi ride to work. We have just had the communal areas of the flats decorated and unfortunatly on my way out in the morning my back wheel touched the freshly painted walls. Talk about a lecture!!! My fish & chips got cold and I felt like a naughty school boy!

I apologised and explained it might be a good idea for us to get a bike shed so i didn't have to store my bike upstairs and run the risk of ruining the paintwork. My brother-in-law owns a gardening business and is coming over Sunday to provide a quote :)

C has had a look at the other schemes. And funny enough has managed to get 2 points of view because the school she is doing work experience at this week and last week have a PGCE trainee and GTP (correct acronym?) trainee. For C's circumstances everyone agrees the PGCE is the best route.

Specials are entitled to expenses - I have just submitted a claim for £160 traveling expenses for the last 2 monthes. Is this morally wrong?

2007-02-27T07:48:00.000Z

Wet

I awoke this morning to wet and misserable weather, it was one of those days you just wanted to crawl back under the duvet, but not me I had work to do...

The disappointing thing about this morning was that I couldn't ride my bike into work as it was just too wet. I have started riding to get healthy and also save money. So far this month I have cycled twice to work - Friday and Yesterday.

C really enjoyed her first day work experience yesterday, and she was so excited about going back today. Teaching really is for her and she knows it!

The only problem is she is worried about the financial side of things. Her car is almost dead and it is costing her £15 a day in fuel to get to work experience. The work experience is unpaid so she has no money coming in. She is also in the process of buying a house, so she needs a job that will give her a min of £700 a month net to survive and pay her mortgage, but obviously this job needs to be part time during her PGCE.

Hopefully today I will find her a cheap 1 year car. You know the type, 1 yrs tax, 1yrs MOT cheap as chips and you run it into the ground...

2007-02-26T15:05:00.000Z

Long time, no post...

Yes guys it's been a while and I'm sorry. Things were taking over a bit and I have had to sit down and time manage myself, and I now appear to be back on track with my life.

Things are good and I can't wait for the new challenges ahead of me. The biggest of which will be when I hit the streets as a Special. I have been sworn in so now have my warrant card and badge. I am a Police Officer with full powers of arrest. It is a great responsibility and I promise to uphold the law.

I am still very much in love with C, she is also facing great challeneges in life after resigning from her job. The company owners appear to be breaking every employment law ever made including such shockers as forcing female staff to sign contracts stating they would not get pregnant while employed by the company. After obtaining the 2 months wages she was owed she resigned, and is going back to Uni to become a teacher. This week she is doing some work experience in a school. I am there to support her through these challenges.

Hopefully I am now back to regular postings, and yes comment verfication is now ON!

2007-01-19T07:52:00.000Z

I'm Scared!

Really I am... So much to know and so little training. I have almost finished my training, all I have left is first aid, CS gas, conflict, Radio and computer training. After all that I will be on the beat. What if it all goes wrong. What if I arrest the wrong person? What if I don't search them properly? What if they are armed? All what if's, but big what if's... I have my CS Gas & Asp (26" extendable steel baton) and I must not be afraid to use them if the need arrises! Yes there will be paperwork, but a lot less than if I get injured or worse...

I was reading drD's comment about me being "Armed and Dangerous" - it's quite funny really as I did have a firearms awareness training session a week ago and my colleagues in the Tactical Firearms Unit are seriously armed.
Standard issue now consists of a self loading 9mm pistol, semi automatic rifle, baton gun, taser gun, Stun grenades, CS Gas & ASP (26" extendable steel baton).

There is no way I ever want to be on the wrong side of them!

2007-01-18T22:44:00.000Z

Post From The Past

Back in March 2004 I went to Miami. Now i needed a "BlogSitter" and they were BW & Elsie. While looking through the archives of BMW I found the following "Draft" post that was never published. So here it is:-

Name that tune quiz

Witchy here, keeping Mark's blog warm, while he's off keeping himself and his shirt warm in Miami Somewhere the other day, while looking for something on a search, I stumbled upon a complete page of single lines of lyrics from 80s songs. There were some wonderful lines.

There didn't seem to be any reason for this page, and no titles or artists were shown. I grabbed the text, but seem not to have grabbed the URL. My PC had its faulty new motherboard changed yesterday afternoon, so I cleared all the caches and so now can't credit the original author. So, apologies to whoever. Running my eye down the list, I could easily get perhaps 60% of them. Another 30% I could hear in my mind, but not get one of the title or the artist. The remaining 10% were a mystery, although if I heard them I could probably identify them.

So, today's challenge, can you identify the artist's name and the song title of these?

Maximum of 10 guesses each only, please, in each place, until 2pm GMT, then another 10 each will be permitted. And let's see if we can do it without Googling the answers, eh? :) I'm dashing in and out today, so Elsie's help has been enlisted to assist in adding in the answers to those guessed.

My job is very boring I'm an office clerk
First they'll take your pride; turn it on its side.
Some way after midnight in my wildest fantasies
Don't say you're easy on me.
My head is in a spin. My feet don't touch the ground.
I never did good things. I never did bad things
We are the ones that make a brighter day, so let's not give in.
So he told it all and, in return, he got a credit card and a Thunderbird
And if you say run, I'll run to you.
Ronnie Kray, do you know my face?
What do you think? Can't think at all.
You won't settle down, you've got both feet off the ground
All we wanted to do is have a good time, then they went and took our house away.
Imagination never lets us take the blame.
Don't need no credit card to ride this train
I've been to paradise.
All the world is football shaped, its just for me to kick its face
He’s his family's pride and joy, his mother's little golden boy
Where do we go from here? Is it down to the lake I fear?
Across the Serengeti
Hand in hand is the only way to land, always the right way round
I've got this feeling I'm in motion, a sudden sense of liberty
And all I wanted was a word
We’re not going to live in silence, we're not going to live in fear
So what do you want of me, got no words of sympathy
I could sail a mile down the Nile
A pseudonym to fool him, she couldn't have made a worse move
The head of the herd was calling far far away
We could dance and party all night and drink some cherry wine (ah-ha)
If there's music we can use it
Nothing to do all day but stay in bed
Summer in the city when the air is chill
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
Look these eyes are just holograms look your love has drawn red from my hands
Been on the bottom line sure ain't no fun
You know the rules and so do I
Politician granny with your high ideals, have you no idea how the majority feels?
They asked me how I got her I said, "I saved my money"
You could've turned around and hit me and I wouldn't have cared
The room is lit red danger
there's danger in emotional ties
Because the law don't change in people's minds
Swatted him just like a fly
More than an ocean keeps us apart
are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
damn hypocrite smokes two packs a day
it brings out the animal in me
Tonight is the night for feeling alright
Lenny Bruce is not afraid
when we made love you used to cry
just one smack and I was out of whack
And many fantasies were learned on that day
Wows are few, frustration more common
and the judge and the jury, they all put the blame on me
Le rum et mumba, embouteillages
Chez les Blacks chez les Sikhs chez les Jaunes
If so how often? Which do you choose the hard or soft option?
Money’s all that you can score
Words in pictures, words in books
I’m looking for someone, someone I know I can count on
Tongue's tired, too short of breath to even try. Ooh, try a little harder.
You're such a hot temptation
Let's head for home now. Everything I have is yours.
You can have a big dipper; going up and down, around the bends.
And you go home and you cry and you want to die
Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind. I always give it up for the touch of a younger kind.
One hundred million castaways looking for a home
New York, London, Paris, Munich
Talk about it talk about it talk about it talk about it
You've got the power to know
And I've never been close in all of these years
I get up but nothing gets me down
Run from the sun little one
You know you're missing out on something and that something depends on you
I'll lay down my coat so you can walk over a puddle
Don’t drink, don't smoke, what do you do?
Yesterday I felt so old it made me want to cry
I love you more than you love me
She unscrews the top from an old whisky bottle
These are the days when you wish your bed was already made
I don't feel too steady on my feet
I want to be with you be with you night and day
Got to find a way, find a way to get a way
Those two wet gits with their girly curly hair
Rolling like thunder under the covers
Working in a factory eight days a week
We're gonna drink a barrel and much much more
Some of them want to be abused
How can we dance while our world is turning
It was 4am in the morning
How long, how low, how high can you go?
Take or leave us only please believe us
I've got something to tell you, I've got something to say
She knows I'm there, I'm always there but heaven knows
Blessed is the millionaire who shares your wedding day
It’s the house on the hill
Nobody knows where my Johnny has gone and Judy left the same time.
You took a whole lot of something from a handful of nothing
As you walk on by, will you call my name?
And love means nothing in some strange quarters
Throw off your mental chains
I want a doctor to take a picture so I can look at you from inside as well
I could get a train, I don't want no hamburgers, no take-aways.
I wonder who's watching me now - the IRS?
Don't you rush to get old
Nobody going to hold me down, I've got to keep on moving
You give me one good reason to leave me
Zippy Bungle Jeffrey Archer
Reared on a diet of prejudice and misinformation
Electricity flows like the very first kiss
Let me hear your body talk
You took a mystery and made me want it, you took a pedestal and put me on it
I was a superstar, I was tres populaire
While the sun shines, stick around laugh a while
Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to
She fell asleep, I stayed awake and watched the passing cars
Are you laughing at me now? Can I please laugh along with you?
Your life's a mystery, mine is an open book
They've got glass tables you can watch yourself while you are eating
A thousand lonely housewives clutching milk bottles to their hearts
I liked the idea but now I'm not so Keyne keen
I'd like to see you baby, I'd like to keynoveh
If you hear something late at night, some kind of trouble some kind of fight
The wind blows right through you it's no place for the old
Keep a little here just to keep you in beer
And his mind is a beacon in the vale of the night
We'll always be together, however far it seems
Is there life in Peckham?
A penny for your thoughts my dear
But he just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
Got to have a J.O.B. if you want to be with me
If you don't dance then you're no friend of mine
Side by side on my piano keyboard
Before you know it you'll be on your knees
Now he's doing horse, it's June
All I know is that to me you look like you're having fun
Will our braces lock?
Is this really love or just a game?
Well I know 'cos I think about it all the time
When I called you last night from Glasgow
I know nothing stays the same but if you're willing to play the game
Don't tell me that you think it's green, me I know it's red
We were cool on craze
I lost mine too on that very first night with you
Every time you call my name I heat up like a burning flame
You raise me up then you let me fall
Look out boy she'll chew you up
Learn to fly again, fly again so free
He broke a million hearts in mono
Flying in the face of fashion
Bless my cotton socks I'm in the news
Better read between the lines in case I need it when I'm older
In time you'll see, fate holds the key
Coast to coast LA to Chicago
He's got to have big blue eyes, be able to satisfy
Waving to the girls, feeling out of sight
Children smiling in the street are gone without a trace
Played it till my fingers bled
Blue jeans and chinos, Pepsi and Oreos
Roll me in designer sheets I'll never get enough
When I was I boy, Mama used to say, don't stay out too late.
You-oo-oo, You've been gone for so long
Just walk away, I don't want you seeing me crying
I'd like to take her home, you know it's understood
He used to give me roses, I wish he could again
It's me again now how did you guess, 'cos last time you were really impressed
I'm flying high like a rocket in the sky
Look at me standing here on my own again
Where’s my wife and family?
You like to think that you're immune to the stuff
Cut me a heart on a tree and see
Strangled by the wishes of pater
I will surely miss your tender kiss
When I die and they lay me to rest I'm going to go to the place that's the best
Too many people take second best but I won't take anything less
and the butterflies in me arise slowly we make love
I am an ocean wave my love
You called me Clive...Alex is the name that I go by
I will decide when I go or I don't go
Statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care
The truth is harder than the pain inside
You're looking good today, looking good in every way
Hey Baby what you trying to say
You don't have to say you love me, you don't have to say you care
Daddy daddy if you could only see just how good he's been treating me
In my imagination there is no complication
Reminds me of childhood memories
You've got a beautiful chin you've got beautiful skin
Hey there you with the sad face
I'm going crazy just to let you know - you'll be amazed how much I love you so
With my mind she runs, throughout the night
There's an old piano and it's playing hop
Too much fighting on the dance floor
Or in the streets of Brazil
None of them received a hero's welcome
A place where nobody dared to go the love that we came to know
I don't know why sometimes I get frightened
It's like a jungle out there, sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under
Woke up in the morning and my love was gone
Anger is an energy

2007-01-11T17:14:00.000Z

Do you Volunteer?

I first started volunteering back when I was 18. I had been an active member of the Scout movement since the age of 8 when I joined the cubs. I had progressed through to Scouts and then onto Venture Scouts. At the age of 18 I could go no further but still wanted to be involved in Scouts so joined the Service Crew. A unit that provides support to the group by running activities. My area is Archery which I find very rewarding. I also assist with their IT requirements.

Back in January 2006 I decided to apply for the Specials. I started training in September 2006 and passed my exam in December. I will be sworn into the office of Constable on February 6th 2007 and will be walking the beat from the end of March 2007. I want to uphold the law and give something back to the community I grew up in and also learn new skills.

Then today I have taken on my third volunteering role. My dad when he retired decided to volunteer at our local motor museum. He is now the team leader for the vehicles section and today became part of his team. I am very lucky at work that i get 35days annual leave plus time off in lieu for working overtime. I can't afford to go on multiple holidays a year so what better way to occupy my time than volunteering.

A may sound "cheesy" but I feel all warm inside from helping people...

What do you do?

2007-01-08T23:37:00.000Z

Sorry i'm late, but better late than never.

Towards the end of last year blogging tailed off for me, mainly due to lack of time. I was busy revising for my police exam, which i passed! Thats the end of the classroom law training and now onto the fun stuff!

At the weekend we had roleplay scenarios where serving officers played the bad guys in real life situations. Me and my colleagues had to deal with the situations. I made plenty of arrests, gassed one person (well made pretened to while shouting gas! gas! gas!), and no it wasn't that kind of gas you dirty minded readers, you know who you are!

On wednesday we have our firearms awareness session, and I believe we get to have a go with the police issue handguns...

Yes as many of you may have noticed i am also very much in love with C. Things are going very well. She got me the best xmas present ever - A Hugo Boss suit. But then she went off to USA for NYE with her family or at least thats what I thought, but on NYE she turned up at the pub to surprise me!

She had flown back a day early - I was in total shock, it's the loviest thing anyone has ever done...

2006-12-24T14:43:00.000Z

Tis was the night before Christmas...

And I am panicing a little bit. I have just finished my shopping but still have wrapping to do! Plus clean the flat as my parents are coming for Christmas lunch with a twist. I am cooking Chicken Madras.

I am sorry I haven't blogged in over a month. A lot has been happening!

A number of people at work have resigned which has increased my workload. I have also been very busy training for the Specials - but the good news is I had my final exam and passed! I will be sworn in during February so I will be on the streets for March - So if you are a criminal watch out as there will be a new cop in town. I think I will model myself on "PC Nicholas Angel".

Also I met C through FaceParty. She is 22 and works as a producer for a video production company. We have been together about 4 months and it's wonderful... we are very much in love - something I haven't said in over 4 years!

I will be taking an Xmas break now, but rest assured I will be back in January.

For now I wish all my readers and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2006-11-08T15:08:00.000Z

Where has all my free time gone?

2006-10-16T19:54:00.000+01:00

WARNING - MAJOR POST AHEAD

Ok before I go into rant overdrive let me apologise for not posting in a long while, things will become clear in the post below.

It all started about 5 weeks ago when I found a large sore lump on my chest, it was about the size of half a golf ball. Of course I went straight to the (locum) doctor who told me it was an infected abscess and put me on a week’s course of antibiotics.

A week passed and it hadn't gone down so I went back to the doctor (my regular GP) and was told I was on the wrong antibiotics so was given a new batch. This was on a Thursday, by the following Wednesday I was feeling quite unwell and didn't make it to work or training that night. I had an appointment on the Thursday with my GP by with point I had developed a rash and temperature of 39.5C

I was sent straight up to A&E and was admitted. They were going to operate that night to remove the abscess. It didn't happen and my temperature rose during the night to 40C

I was put down as an emergency case for 8:30am operating slot, which came and went. All this time I was nil by mouth but on intravenous fluids, paracetamal & antibiotics. The rash had got alot worse by this point and was radiating heat.

By lunch time I had been seen by a Consultant who decided I didn't need an operation and it could be drained on the ward??? He also said I had the rash as I am hyper sensitive to Penicillin, even though I have had Penicillin loads of times, well I won't be touching it again!

It got to 5pm still no sign of a Dr to use the procedure tray that had been made ready since lunchtime. I was just about to ask for discharge papers so I could seek help from a private hospital when I was offered dinner, which for hospital food wasn't half bad. Then at 8:30pm I finally got 2 Dr's to drain the abscess.

Once drained I was discharged that night, but then it was a long recovery period! Dressing changes every day. But fast forward to now and I have been told by my GP they are not happy with the way it's healing, 3 weeks after the procedure was carried out - resulting I may have to go to hospital :( I found out tomorrow what will happen...

Now last week I finally decided to put my car up for sale, nice pics, detailed advert, full valet, new tyres and got the air con fixed. Got a number of interested parties then the drivers door handle goes and breaks!!! Meaning you can't get in, ARGHHHHH!!!

I have ordered the bits, £55!!!! And my Honda mechanic will fit it for me...

Also the Subaru I found has now been sold, but I found another good example and it's cheaper.

Other updates

Work
Going well, and luckily we are now into trade show season, so lots of time out of the office. The only bad thing is I am still trying to catch up with the work that piled up while I was off sick for 2 weeks.

Social
Busy as every, with a trip to Jamie Oliver’s 15 for this Thursday which should be fun!

Specials
Week 6 is coming up, only 11 weeks training left! Got fitted for uniform the other day and I found it a little weird seeing my self as a police officer!

Love Life
I am in love with wonderful lady. We have been together for about 7 weeks now and it just feels so right! We are both deeply in love with each other... She was there for me all through out my health issues...

I am sure I have left loads out but if you think something needs answering just ask...

2006-09-23T19:27:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of updating but it really has been a busy week. Those who know what I do for a living will realise this is the busiest time of year for me. I am been working lots of overtime which is good from a finacial point of view.

I have decided that I will be selling my car but beofre I do that I need to fix the air con which Honda quoted me £1059 to do! Luckily my silver surfer father loves eBay and found me the parts all brand new boxed for £324!!! And the bonus is I know a Honda mechanic who will install it for a pint...

So I guess you are wondering what I will be buying. Well as I'm 25 now insurance premiums are reduced all round so it means I can pretty much buy any car and not be taken to the cleaners by insurance companies - the car of choice = Subaru Impreza WRX

I took one for a test drive today and fell in love. It goes like brown stuff off a shiny shoval...

Oh and in other news my lovelife couldn't be better. I am the happiest man alive and can't stop smiling, C makes me soooooooooooooooooo happy!!!!!

2006-09-13T10:14:00.000+01:00

It’s lovely when you get a txt in the morning from you significant other:-

“I didn’t sleep at all last night! I was too busy thinking of you! Xxxx”

In other news I start training tonight, I am really excited and can’t wait but I know its going to be a long hard slog! 17 weeks of classroom training, 1 evening a week 19:30 – 22:30 But it will all be worth it in the end…

2006-09-01T08:58:00.000+01:00

Last night I celebrated my 25th birthday with all my friends. It was a really good night and everyone was there. As is tradition I had to do a dirty shot, but as I don't drink they had to come up with an alternative - a virgin bloody mary that was 50% tobasco. God that had a kick to it!

I also invited C along. She was very nervous at meeting all myfriends but they made her feel right at home and she got on really well with them.

The celebrations continue as C is taking me out to dinner tonight :)

Thanks guys for your birthday wishes! Celeste I am sorry but I didn't get your mail!

2006-08-31T00:07:00.000+01:00

It's my birthday...

25years I have been on this planet and so far things are going good!

Roll on the next 25years, just a little slower please...

Oh maybe I won't wrap up AIS just yet, I have so much more to say :)

2006-08-27T15:08:00.000+01:00

The start of the end!

Thats a ominous title for a post isn't it? Well I have to be honest I am thinking of wrapping this blog up. When I first started blogging back in 2003 as "Bastard Mark" I tried to live by the first rule of blogging - A blog is yours, it is yours and yours only - readers are a side effect of blogging that only make you stronger with their views.

Over the years I have seen 3 very different species of bloggers that in my opinion maybe bend the rules of blogging, but am i breaking the first rule of blogging by stating that?

Blhinger – A blogger who moans about everything, including the weather, the price of beans and of course money!

Blogment Whore – A blogger who thrives on comments. If they don’t get at least 2 comments on their post they will log in anonymously and post even more comments to boost their profile.

Bloporter – A blogger who is always on the pulse with topical content reporting on just about anything newsworthy.

I have to admit I have sometimes been known to act as at least one of the above types. But for me I started blogging to help myself. I had issues, ok maybe i still have some but blogging has helped me overcome them and as i move into a new era in my life maybe this blog should move on too...

2006-08-21T00:29:00.001+01:00

Happiness

It’s been a while since I last blogged, well 7days but whose counting? Well I am, but not the number of days since I last blogged, it’s the number of days since I was last truly happy.

Don’t get me wrong I am happy, but I mean the feeling of “happy” when nothing else matters. When no person or thing can bring down, when you can smile even though all around you the world is falling apart, when you just don’t care that is cold & wet outside. When was I last that happy?

Saturday 28th January 2006

A whole 7months and 1 week ago! Now I can’t see into the future but I believe that in 10days time that feeling of happiness will once be with me again.

For those who don’t know me it’s my 25th year on this planet in 10 days time. All my friends are invited to join me at a drinking venue in Kingston for a few celebration drinks.

Some of you I can hear asking why will I have that special happy feeling on that day, I mean I am getting old, 5yrs of 30! Well if I am happy you will read a very pleasant blog entry on 1st September that will explain everything!

Oh and if anyone is feeling down – take a leaf out of mine and Celeste’s book – get nekkid!!!!

2006-08-12T19:25:00.000+01:00

It's the bigest weekend of the year for the Uni; A-Level results download! This involves me doing lots of overtime starting at 4am Sunday, following on all next week with systems cover for Confirmation & Clearing. Good luck to all those students awaiting their results!
Other news is that I have a date on Sunday, which I am really looking forward to. In terms of personality she is the female version of me, which is good! Looks wise, blonde, blue eyes, slim, tall and sexy ;)

Last night I hit McClusky's with some mates; little did I know that I would become part of the entertainment. Imagine the scene a packed nightclub and the bouncers have cleared the stage for the ABBA tribute dancers - basically 4 very attractive ladies dressed in hardly any clothes at all that dance to ABBA tracks.

They were very sexy, and tripped the light fantastic with some super moves. I had an excellent view from my vantage point right at the front - but then to my surprise one of the dancers pulled me up on stage and I became part of the act. Egged on by my mates and the crowd I layed down my moves and had a great little dance with the girls.

2006-08-08T18:31:00.000+01:00

Sorry for being soooooo lax in my posting.

I am currently doing the work of 3 people, plus it's our busiest time of the year with A-Level results coming up.

I am also "being there" for a number of friends, some who read here and some who don't. You all know who you are, and remember I am always here for you all.

I have also discovered MySpace - bonus points if you can find my profile ;)

2006-08-02T15:04:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the lack of posting but that is what happens when 2 become 1!

Back to normal soon...

2006-07-28T09:07:00.000+01:00

Internet Dating

As most of you know I have been using FaceParty for a spot of internet dating. There have been failures and successes but more failures than successes. One thing I have learned though is always make sure you have seen an up to date full length daylight photo. Call me shallow if you like but there has to be some physical attraction between 2 people if there is going to be any chance of chemistry.

The amount of time I have met people off there that don’t look anything like their photo; I class it as a form of lying! On my profile I have various pics that show me from all different angles and over the last few years.

So I met a girl this week that I had been chatting to for a while who seemed really nice and honest. She had a face pic on her profile and all seemed good. I called her the other night and she invited me to join her and a friend down the pub.

I duly arrived at the pub and I was not impressed when I was confronted by a girl who looked nothing like her pic! She was definitely not my type not only in looks but also in the fact she chained smoked for England and was txting every time I tried to make conversation… Her mate on the other hand was “Stunning” and really friendly & conversational… Shame she has a boyfriend…

RANT OVER!

On to some good news is I discovered by accident last night that I have broadband again at home…yay!

2006-07-26T08:23:00.000+01:00

Had my final appointment with the osteopath last nigh and I feel wonderful, and he was right I feel more flexible than ever before. I recommend anyone goes to an osteopath whether they think they have a problem or not. Some of the problems he found in me had been there for years but were not actually causing me any pain.

I will say though it’s not worth going unless you can fully relax as if you can’t he will find it very hard to manipulate you.

Last night I met up with my closest friends (G & his GF plus J), who also happen to live just round the corner from my place. We went for a drink and a bite to eat at our local weatherspoons (they serve pints at 10am!!!) and we were just discussing about what we had all achieved. Who would have thought when we were leaving school all those years ago that we would be in good jobs, be on the property ladder and have the best friends around who are always there for one another.

2006-07-25T08:22:00.000+01:00

Romantic comedies suck… to be more specific the romantic comedy I’m trying to write sucks! So what do you do when something sucks so much, well if you are me you quit? So I decided to try and resurrect my original novel – only problem is after I read through the chapters I realised that novel sucked as well.

It reads like a Jackie Collins novel – not that there is anything wrong with a Jackie Collins novel, it’s just I’m not Jackie and I don’t intend to be! So I am giving up on the novel idea, maybe I could just turn my blog into a novel one day..lol

I did get some good news last night though. One of the 2 bedroom flats in my development is up for sale, now based on previous sales there it is fair to say there is about £40k difference in price between the 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom flats. So I have made circa £15k profit in one year… Not bad if you ask me, it did help that I got my flat £5k below market value at the time…

2006-07-24T07:37:00.000+01:00

I woke up this morning and it appears my sore throat is going - yay! But now my gums hurt due to the fact I have a wisdom tooth that has decided to come through in the wrong direction pushing all my teeth out of alingment.

Normally I would be straight down my dentist but he's only gone and joined the ever increasing list of private dentists. I can see it now, I walk in the door after a 5minute exam I will be leaving the practice £50 lighter.

I had a good nights sleep las night and had a very weird dream about writting a book. I did try and write a novel about 4 years ago. I wrote 6 chapters then got writers block. In this dream last night I finished the whole book in 8 hours, it's funny because I actually wrote the whole book into my brain during the dream. So tonight I have decided I will begin to write it, it will be a romantic comedy. Once complete I will publish it chapter by chapter in a blog.

Still on the subject of writting I was also thinking of making a fictional team blog, i.e. a blog where a number of contributers write a story, adding posts and going of in different directions to create a tale of intrigue, suspense, comedy, romance and tragedy. Is there anyone who would like to be part of the team? Just leave a comment...

2006-07-21T07:57:00.000+01:00

At last the end of the week has arrived. It’s been busy and to be honest with the heat and this damn sore throat I haven’t really felt like doing much but the thought of the weekend approaching has kept me going; for I am meeting the lovely Celeste on Saturday…

I've never been to Southampton, but I have my route planned and Celeste has made reservations at a restaurant so I think we are all set. I'm really looking forward to it...

Now I have a quick bit of info for all you petrol heads out there – if you are thinking of visiting the London Motor Show I have a 2 for 1 ticket code saving you £8:

The show is open to the general public from Thursday 21 July – Sunday 30 July and tickets start at just £8.00 (or £5 after 5pm on weekdays).
You can book 2 tickets for the price of one on any of the general show open days. Simply call the ticket hotline on 0870 060 0245 and quote ‘GUMBALL-3’

2006-07-20T08:11:00.000+01:00

Well I’m almost there according to my Osteopath and to be honest I feel very well & flexible. He has booked me in for my final appointment next Tuesday.

So yes I am no longer in pain dues to my back, it’s now just my throat. If it’s not one thing it’s another. I am doing the usual, gargling with salt water, using antiseptic throat spray, drinking hot blackcurrant & apple, sucking halls soothers. All of these give bouts of numbness but are not a cure.

Maybe I am just run down? By the time I had finished at the osteopath, seen my sister on her birthday and had a something to eat (Curry is also good for sore throats! Sainsbury’s be good to yourself meal for one) it was 9pm. So I went for a lay down with my fan on and fell asleep. Which is odd, because in this heat I have been finding it very hard to sleep…?

Hey up though it’s almost the weekend…

2006-07-19T08:07:00.000+01:00

Well the days just get hotter and hotter, when you have a sore throat it gets very uncomfortable. Managed to get some antiseptic spray but this numbs my entire throat so I am now finding it hard to speak… No win situation really.

But the good news is my back is feeling a lot better. Got my 3rd of 5 appointments with the osteopath tonight. He has worked wonders and I recommend you go to one even if you think there is nothing wrong with you!

Now back to bad news. I rang the specials to see if there was an update as to when I could start training. They are still awaiting paperwork back, I am assuming security checks and as such they hope I will join the September intake. So you will probably see me on the streets around February 2007.

Thanks to Celeste, she brought a smile to my face with a pic of her breasts, they looked very tasty...

2006-07-18T08:26:00.000+01:00

Still no internet at home, work is busy & hot, I'm hot & bothered, no traing date for the specials as yet, no GF and I've got a sore throat.

Yes I'm on a downer today :(

Someone tell me something funny to cheer me up...

2006-07-14T07:51:00.000+01:00

Well normally I would say TFI Friday but today it means very little as I am back in work tomorrow for maintenance at 07:30hours… Plus I have already agreed to go out with my copper mate and his colleagues from work tonight and I know it will be a late one. Oh well no rest for the wicked!

Also got another appointment with the Osteopath tonight.

2006-07-11T08:01:00.000+01:00

Made an appointment to see an osteopath last night as I am still suffering pain in the back as well as not being able to lift anything heavy. During the consultation he examined my entire back and major joints.

He found a number of issues with me including an issue with my lower back that he estimates I’ve had for about 10 years, plus my neck (limited movement to the right), left knee & foot, and yes the fall at football had done some damage, knocking some vertebrae out of alignment, no wonder I am in pain.

He has already done some manipulation and I am feeling a lot better. My neck is cured and I have full movement left to right. He estimates it’s going to take up to 5 sessions to fix all my problems. So I am back to see him Friday evening and then again twice the following week and so on…

2006-07-10T08:22:00.000+01:00

Well it was an interesting weekend and a long one at that! I took Friday off work (before I did my back in) to help my friends move into their new house, we managed to get everything packed up then it was a waiting game until they got the keys which finally happened at 15:30! Due to my back I was put on driving and tea duty, and carrying light items. We didn’t stop until 10pm when we sat down to enjoy a Chinese.

Saturday was my nephews 1st birthday. His parents decided to have a BBQ to celebrate and asked me to assist, which I was happy to oblige – Never again! For starter they didn’t have the right charcoal so I had to go back to basics and create a wood fire so enough heat was generated for the charcoal bricketts to catch. Then I had guests constantly bothering me asking when it will be ready. When my sister asked her husband to come and give me a hand he said I was alright and didn’t need any help – luckily my dad assisted. In essence we were treated as slaves for the afternoon and I hardly got to see my nephew. For those regular readers yes this is the brother-in-law who is an arsehole that I don’t like, come to think of it my parents and my other sister don’t like him either.

I left and went to meet friends in Kingston for a bit of relaxation. One of my friends (the copper) wanted to have a quiet word with me. He was speaking on behalf of all my friends, and it turns out they are all worried about me joining the specials. They are concerned that I am going to get hurt. I don’t think they thought I would get this far as occupational health would have blocked my application due to the UC but now I am almost there they realise that I will be on the streets in few months time, we all go out at the weekend and we see the trouble that the police have to deal with. I know the risks but it’s not going to stop me, but for my friends I promise not to try and be the hero and stick myself in unnecessary danger. I will always look out for my partner and the team and protect the innocent.

Sunday was a day of rest rounding off with an evening of Poker and Pizza. One of the guys was new to the game so we had a few dummy games to bring him up to speed. When he was confident he knew the rules we decided it was time to play with money, only £10 each but that’s enough as long as you are not stupid with raises. The newbie won, he took us all to the cleaners!

Plan for the week – Visit a chiropractor, as recommended by my brother-in-law (the non-arsehole one!) who suffers a lot back problems due to his job as a tree surgeon/landscaper.

2006-07-05T10:24:00.000+01:00

Had my Occupational Health Interview yesterday and I passed as being fit enough to join the Specials. Occupational Health will now write to recruitment, so fingers crossed I should get my training date soon.

Interestingly the adviser told me a number of officers have ulcerative colitis, so there is no issue there...

2006-07-03T09:10:00.000+01:00

I want to be one of the small areas on the web that remains football free and as such I will be making no comment on the game.

I am in work today and I think my back is on the mend thanks to the anti-inflammatory gel as well as the bed rest at the weekend I received. I thought I could lay in bed and surf the net while recovering but I discovered on Saturday my ISP E7even went bust… Luckily I signed up for a year using my credit card so am covered under section 75, so once I have official confirmation I will be seeking a refund from my credit card for any outstanding contract time.

2006-06-30T20:17:00.000+01:00

So it was my weekly game of football last night - nothing serious just 10 of us get together for a little 90 minute 5-a-side action down at the local park. I had only been playing for 10 minutes when I went in to tackle one of the bigger players on the pitch - little john - yes for the same reasons as in robin hood.

LJ didn't even move when my foot made contact with the ball - I went flying and crashed to the ground. I took the full impact to my ribs/back on my right hand side. I was in agony and couldn't breath. Everyone rushed over to see if I was ok offering water and trying to regulate my breathing.

After about 5mins I was calmed down but still in pain. The boys wanted to call and ambulance but it's not like I was dying so I refused an ambulance. I just wanted to lay there, but the middle of the pitch was not an ideal place to lay so the boys assisted me off to the side lines where i lay for the rest of the game. They kept checking on me and although i was in pain i was ok.

When the game ended it was obvious i couldn't drive so one of the guys i had given a lift to drove me home and i went to bed after some pain killers.

I awoke this morning i agony and decided i bet and go and see the GP, so I phoned my mum and she picked me up and took me there - Diagnoses - Muscle trauma and bruising but luckily no fractures to the ribs...

Treatment - plenty of rest and anti inflammatory gel. Hope I am well enough for my visit to the Police occupational health officer - I don't want to throw it all away just because of a game of footy!

2006-06-28T07:53:00.000+01:00

Right I’ll put my hand up admit I was wrong. Last night was a really good night! It was just friendly drinks nothing more and we all got on really well, so well in fact we are planning to do it again soon…

Update on the specials my HR department have received a request for a reference. HR emailed me direct and asked who I would like to write it so I nominated my boss, but I haven’t told him I joined up, in fact no one at work knows. So I sent him an email and he was very supportive. He has a number of friends who are specials. He also understood my concerns for not telling anyone. Now I just have to get past the occupational health interview next week and then I should get a training start date.

2006-06-27T08:15:00.000+01:00

I’m not looking forward tonight. For the past couple of months my neighbour, yes the one I pulled, has been trying to arrange drinks with her and a one of her workmates. Now I am treating it as just a friendly drink but something in the back of my mind tells me she is trying to pair us up.

Now I have seen a pic and she is not my type, but also I am not happy about being forced into situations. Luckily for the past couple of months I have avoided the drinks down to a number of things getting in the way from both sides, but I couldn’t avoid tonights meeting…

Lets just hope it is a friendly drink… Either that or I really must learn to say no…

2006-06-26T09:11:00.000+01:00

What a miserable Monday morning it is but then again in this time of a drought we need every little bit of water we can get. I had an excellent time on Friday at Royal Ascot although the baking temperatures weren’t ideal for those of us in suits, did mean we got to see some women in very revealing dresses… At an event with 10’s of thousands people at can you imagine my surprise when I bumped into my Brother-in-Law’s brother (is he also my brother-in-law?). I hadn’t seen him in months and had no idea he was going to be there…

Like most people there I had a few gambles, well let’s be honest I like gambling and I am fortunate enough I do understand form… Had a few wins but it was a bit touch and go on the 5th race as there was a stewards enquiry and although my horse one it was almost disqualified for interference with another horse.

Saturday I spent the day at cub camp running archery for about 120 cubs. It was such a hot day and I managed to get sun burnt on my neck – ouch! Luckily I don’t peal so it should be ok…

Sunday was a day of relaxation and I needed it! Slept in and watched the games… The England game was obviously England’s best performance so far of the world cup but certainly still not on form… Once again we were saved by Beckham special free kick – but he obviously wasn’t himself as he was physically sick… Too be honest from an entertainment point of view Holland – Portugal game was better… 25 fouls, 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards… couple of pushes, a dead leg plus a head butt too….

Update on the Specials, based on my answers on the medical questionnaire I have been invited to an interview with occupational health…

2006-06-21T07:38:00.000+01:00

I had a nice long relaxing weekend as I took Friday and Monday off work. My problem is I now get 35 days annual leave but I don’t have the luxury of pots of money which would enable me to take loads of holidays. New York earlier this year looks like the only holiday I am likely to have this year, but it was a good one…

My ulcerative colitis is now a lot better thanks to a quick dose of Imodium. Strictly speaking it’s very dangerous for me to take Imodium as it slows the bowel, but it works for me and I have used it before with great results. Of course if one dose didn’t work I would not take anymore and be straight down the doctor.

Two and half years ago I started (off my own back!) working on an ICT Security policy for work, as we didn’t have one in place. For those who don’t know a ICT Security policy is basically a document that governs the security of everything to do with ICT, i.e. physical and systems security, SPAM, Hacking etc… basically it’s the law and you can’t do this and that! Now like any organisation a document will have to go through many re-writes and approvals. Well it finally went to the board today for final approval and it passed!

Over the past 2 and half years I have felt like giving up and the document as now changed beyond recognition from my earliest draft but I am relieved to say it has finally made the grade and hope the world of ICT at work will be a lot more secure because of my document. I even got a vote of thanks from the Director of HR…

Oh and I’m off to Ascot on Friday…

2006-06-15T08:57:00.000+01:00

So Tuesday I was a VIP guest at the Intel London GP. And what an event! Champagne reception (no good for me!) canapé’s and all the excitement of F1. Here are some pics I took, oh and a short (7MB) movie.

The Start grid & hospitality

The Track

Jacques Villeneuve Driving

Jacques Villeneuve Coming over to say hello!

Jacques doesn't like having his Pic taken!

Martin Brundell was there to comentate on the events

A movie of Jacques driving... (7MB mpg)

Other good news is that I appear to have found the best remedy for my Hayfever. After trying alot of prescription and over the counter remedies I have found that the best results for me come from Benadryl! Now I just need to resolve the heat effect on my Ulcerative Colitis.

2006-06-12T08:27:00.000+01:00

The heat is very much on at the moment. With such scorching temperatures it really is hard to concentrate, could be the reason behind my lack of blogging. Normally I don’t mind the heat but this year for some reason it is really affecting my Ulcerative Colitis. I am in pain and can’t be far from facilities. When I do go the smell is enough to make you keel over and there is substance to what I pass… And to top it all off my hay fever is quite bad…

Brighter news is though my car has had a full service and my mate sorted me out - £100 cash in hand and my service book is stamped up to date. My car feels so much smoother to drive. Now I really do have to get the air con fixed.

Now for all you F1 fans out there tomorrow BMW Sauber F1 team will be demonstrating an F1 car on a 400m stretch of track in Hyde Park. The car will be driven by Jacques Villeneuve. To get a good view I suggest heading down for about 9:00am. I am privileged enough to be a VIP guest of Intel – the teams main corporate sponsor, hopefully I can get some good pic’s that I will post up…

2006-06-07T10:10:00.000+01:00

Well we are half way through the week and good news my Honda mate will be doing my service on Saturday for a bargain price J, although unfortunately he can’t get a discount on the spark plugs that are required – They are Platinum and cost £20 each!!!

I am off bowling tonight along with 4 mates. We went last week and I have to admit that I was crap! But thinking about it when you haven’t bowled in over 2 months you are going to be a little out of practice… One of my mates R, is a real prettyboy… Some of the lads describe him as a “lookie, Lookie Boyfriend!” i.e. if a girl wants a handsome well toned healthy fit guy, he’s their man but don’t expect too much up top… Now we all love R to bits but he doesn’t do himself any favours when it comes to his sexuality. Now we all know he is straight but he is obviously doing something to attract males… Two separate incidents have occurred where gay men have tried to pull him, thinking he was gay! Then last week his camp bowling style convinced a group of girls in the lane next to us that he was gay…lol

2006-06-05T08:29:00.000+01:00

The weather is so nice outside, and I’m stuck in an office! Roll on lunchtime so I can go for a nice walk down by the river… It was my nephews 3rd birthday and On Saturday I went round to my sisters house to give him his present. He loved it and thank god it was sunny I just hope he doesn’t lose the rockets over the neighbour’s fence as they are a bit “funny”…

I am trying to think of ways to use the 28days holiday I have left… Got until March 2007 to use it by but I want to make use of the lovely weather we have, well I can’t afford to go anywhere else to get nice weather, and why bother when we have it here!

The reason I can't afford a proper holiday is due my shitheap of a car! It's due a service - £300, Air con blew up - £700, new tyres - £120 a corner, Cambelt Auto-Tensioner - £300 Luckily a mate works for Honda so hopefully I won't be paying those prices. My car is great fun and it's Jap so tends to be reliable, it's just when something does go wrong god is it expensive! But hey the weather is nice, and I have a bike, time to cycle to work :)

2006-06-02T08:53:00.000+01:00

Last night I played football, nothing serious just ten 20 something lads kicking a ball round the local green but it’s a really good bit of fun. I was running towards the ball with 2 of my team mates coming from the other direction. None of us could stop in time and we all collided and ended up on the floor in a heap. The ball was free and the opposition picked it up and went to score but luckily our goalie saved the day.

I keep trying to put the security check out of my mind as this can take up to 6weeks, but I can’t stop thinking about it. I really want to be a special but what if I can’t get in? I suppose it won’t be my fault as I can’t do anything about my medical condition, least I can say I gave it a shot, and I did pass the assessment centre and the fitness test…

No news on the lady front at the moment, but hey it’s the weekend which always brings opportunities…

2006-06-01T07:52:00.000+01:00

Last night the forms went in the post, they consisted of the following:-

Home Office Security Questionnaire
Stage 2 Application Form for Special Constable
Medical History Form
Eyesight Requirement Form

I also had to include a passport photo and also the receipt from my eye test as they would be re-imbursing me. I spoke to my mate R who is a copper with 5 years service and he said that’s it I’m in. But I said to him they haven’t done any of the checks yet but he said as long as no one in my family has a criminal record and that fact I have never been involved in terrorism then I am in. The thing I am worried about is my medical history. They way I look it is that I passed the fitness test and my Ulcerative Colitis’s is under control so why should "They" decline this opportunity for me to serve my community?

Maybe I am worrying over nothing? Well there is nothing I can do now it’s just a waiting game… Let’s concentrate on the present…

2006-05-31T12:06:00.000+01:00

The Microsoft Vs Google Battle Continues

Now I thought Google Earth/Maps were good, very good in fact, that is until I saw Microsofts offering... It is so quick and in my opinion offers sharper images (Switch to Aerial view!).

2006-05-31T09:02:00.000+01:00

Now part of the application process for the specials is a medical history questionnaire. Now it my case you can imagine I had to tick a number of “yes” boxes which in turn leads to me having to supply further information. This is ok in most instances but when you come to a question “Have you ever undergone any surgical operation or been an in-patient at hospital?” it’s a case of I need some help. I have been in and out of hospital so many times I can’t remember exactly when, where, duration and why?

So I thought I would ring up my GP and ask to see my notes. She said not a problem but someone needs to sit with me… but I can only go after work and the Surgery is down 3 members of staff L The problem is I have 3 volumes of notes (quite a lot for someone who is 24 and 9months). I have come to the conclusion that I should request the Force Medical Officer write to my GP to request the information. That leads me on to my second issue.

As far as my GP is concerned I still live at my parents, the Police have my new address which is out of the boundary, this means if my GP finds out they will ask me to leave the practice, which is not what I want to do as the level of care they have given me is excellent. They have managed my Ulcerative Colitis form day 1….

2006-05-30T14:10:00.000+01:00

Ever the one to be at the forefront of topics that affect the community I am going to answer BW’s comment as a post rather than another comment. Indeed the Police Community Support Officers are in abundance throughout many towns and cities doing exactly what Tony Blair envisaged them to be doing; A visible uniformed presence on the streets, and in reality that is all they are, contray to what some members of the public believe them to be.

Powers available to PCSOs are set out in Section 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002:-

Issue fixed penalty tickets for minor anti-social behaviour
Confiscate alcohol being consumed in designated public places
Confiscate tobacco from young people
Enter and search premises to save life and limb or prevent serious damage
Seize vehicles used to cause harm to other persons
Remove abandoned vehicles
Carry out road checks in the company of a constable
Enforce cordoned areas in the event of a suspected terrorist incident
Search bags and stop and search motor vehicles with a constable under the terrorism Act 2000
Require the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner
Detain a person for up to 30 minutes pending the arrival of a constable
Use reasonable force to detain a person under certain circumstances

PCSOs are not Police officers, but they support Police officers on a daily basis.

Now a Special Constable is a Police officer, Specials have the exact same powers as a regular Officer. Specials are very important as they carry out frontline Police work along side their regular full time colleagues. Specials are made up or people from all walks of life, Taxi Driver, Office Workers, Teachers etc… They have a commitment to provide a minimum of 16hours per month to their role as a special.

To sum up PCSOs and Specials are very different roles that work with & support the Police. PCSOs get paid, Specials generally don't. PCSO's have some powers, Specials have the full powers of a Police Officer.

Hope this helps BW!

p.s. Why am I in Stasis?

2006-05-30T09:41:00.000+01:00

Sorry it’s been a while since my last update. I have been a busy bee with lots going on. As you know from my last post I passed the assessments and fitness for the specials so over the past week I have been filling in some of the most complex forms known to man with such difficult questions as:-

“Are or have you ever been involved in Terrorism?”

Now as if a real terrorist is actually going to answer yes to that question?

I also had to get a full eye test, now I was worried about this due to giving my eyes years of abuse with constant VDU usage. Now I have to say I was very surprised when the Optician told me that no one had perfect eyesight but I was as close to perfect as you could be? She did say if I stopped using computers my eyesight would improve. I work in IT so I think that may be a bit of a problem…

Any way my results were as follows:-

Unaided Right Eye 6/6 Left Eye 6/5 Binocular 6/6
Aided Right Eye 6/5 Left Eye 6/5 Binocular 6/5

Now I just have to get a few pieces of information from my doctor then it’s a waiting exercise as they carry out all sorts of background checks on me. Some may say I have given far too much information in these forms but I would rather be wide open from the start than for them to find something I have omitted and have them accuse me of being dishonest.

Now I also started chatting on MSN to a girl off Faceparty, but its all gon a bit weird... How weird? well she keeps sending me provocative pics and txting me things such as:

mmmm yeh baby. I'm in bed naked thinking about riding your cock... xx

I've only been chatting to her for 2days! And she wants to meet me for a drink and then back to mine... Her words not mine! Short description is that she is "Fit", tanned, sexy eyes, slim and 20 years old!

2006-05-22T08:53:00.000+01:00

So I was out Fleet on Friday for the first time since the assault last year on my friend. We were happy to go now as we know the accused is inside for 4months. It was inevitable that we ended up in the local flea pit of a club, although surprisingly it wasn’t too bad. I spent most of the night with a friend of a friend. She was Irish and as mad and loud as a feisty Irish girl can be.

Anyway the night came to an end and we were being told to leave by the bouncers. My new friend turned round to the bouncer and apologised for not going and said it was because she was Irish! The bouncer replied “oh shit we better get out of here she has probably left a bomb behind…” Then came the most uncomfortable silence, all my friend could say was that the bouncer should be careful what he says as he doesn’t know who she knows… to which he responded, “ yeah you’re right you might know Gerry Adams, but do I care? No coz I’m ex-British army!)

Luckily at this point the rest of the guys arrived and we left before things got really out of hand, I was gob smacked at the bouncers attitude!

Saturday night I stayed in as It was the final part of my assessment on Sunday. Sunday arrive and I was off to Police HQ, I was bicking it! Two 20min group exercises then a fitness test consisting of bleep test, and push/pull strength. I am pleased to report I did pass. I now have a load of forms to fill in, and have to get my eyes tested… then if all goes well I start training in 4-6weeks, so I estimate I should be on the streets by Xmas…

2006-05-19T12:00:00.000+01:00

Well I suppose it had to happen sooner or later you see someone on reality TV that you know! Well that’s right I know someone from reality TV, not just any old reality TV, Big Brother! And who do I know, well it’s the sexy young welsh lass by the name of Imogen.

I don’t know her that well, it’s through a friend who went to University with her, and certainly don’t want to sell any gossip to papers so that is where I will leave it, oh apart from 2 pics, one of me and her and one I took of her after I asked her to show off her moves to me on the dance floor!

2006-05-18T15:08:00.000+01:00

My blood pressure is 125 over 77. Is that normal? yes it is... it fits pretty much with the average of the country. My BMI is 23, which is also good :) Due a blood test soon and hopefully that will show good results too. So things seem to point to me being healthy!

Except for one thing - Urin colour! It's so bright it's almost florescent... I am not drinking enough, water that is...

Two 20min group exercises to go plus fitness test... All on Sunday, that means no heavy Saturday night for me...

2006-05-16T10:28:00.000+01:00

Well tonight is my first assessment with the Specials. I have a number of tests to complete, which include a 3minute talk on myself, a 2minute talk on a random subject plus a 20min written test. I also have to supply evidence of my identity.

If all goes well tonight then I will have my 2nd assessment on Sunday, which includes a group exercise and of course the fitness test!

I have been thinking about the weekends events and I have decided not to go to the Doc. Now some of you will disagree with this decision but I feel that as long as I take precautions I should be ok. Such as not driving alone or after nights out.

2006-05-15T13:59:00.000+01:00

The weekend has been and gone but it was a cracking one. Saw the main house man, the Judge know as Jules, mr Judge Jules himself! His set was excellent, and I couldn’t stop dancing J

Saturday was spent teaching archery to my local cubs and scouts, it’s really rewarding to see how happy they are when getting arrows on target, shame for the cubs that they find it so difficult… Then Saturday evening we headed off to Windsor for another cracking night!

All was well until it was time to go home, we had to stop off as R felt ill, he got out the car in lay-by on the dual carriageway. We stayed in the car and watched as he wandered beside the embankment, then in a flash he was gone. We all rushed over to find him laying at the bottom of a 6ft ditch, dazed and confused. We got him out dusted him off and proceeded on our way.

We were reaching my mates house via the A3 and I was in the inside lane doing about 50mph, then I don’t quite remember what happened next; I heard J shout “watch out mate!” and next thing I knew we were scraping the central reservation and the car was out of control. I managed to get control back and slow the car down to a crawl. We couldn’t stop as there was no where to stop so we proceeded to my mates house.

Upon getting out the car I couldn’t believe my eyes when discovering only a few light scratches and a small 3inch dent in the rear wheel arch. It could have been sooooo much worse. We were so lucky!

It’s the first (and I hope the last) time anything like this has happened to me. I don’t think I fell asleep, as I felt 100% and no tiredness, I believe I passed out!

Anyway I sat down on the sofa with a nice sweet cup of tea, and next thing I know its morning. Passing out twice in one night is not good…

2006-05-12T07:31:00.000+01:00

Well It's the end of the week thank god!

I didn't make it to Birmingham for the security conference, as ironically we had a security incident that I had to deal with...doh!

Today I would like to officially "welcome back!" Acronym crazy Hannbella! Go over and say hello...

Another site I urge you to visit is MyHeritage. They are currently demoing a face recognition tool that allows you to upload a photo, it then tells you which celebrity you look like. Apparently I look like Mike Myers or Tim Robbins. Who do you look like?

2006-05-11T07:41:00.000+01:00

Good news my car is fixed! £30 for an alternator belt though!!!! What a rip off!!!! Bad news is now I have a car I have to go Birmingham on business, well they could hardly expect me to go on my push bike...

2006-05-10T08:33:00.000+01:00

My ass hurts! No my ass really does hurt! I suppose it’s because it’s only the second time I have cycled in 4 years. But I must continue as it will save me money plus keep me fit and healthy… I am also pretty knackered. Had the introduction evening to the specials last night. It was really good and gave me an insight into what to expect from the assessment days, training and being on the beat! Some of things I heard I did not like to hear but the officers were honest and blunt as they didn’t want anyone going in with rose tinted specs on!

My mate picked me up last night but he was over an hour late as he managed to loose his car keys, by the time we got back to my neck of the woods (20miles from police HQ) it was fast approaching 11pm but neither of us had eaten. Nandos to the rescue, it was much needed but probably not wise eating at that time of the night because today I am feeling a bit worse for wear.

Tonight I should hopefully fix my car, and I need to as I have to drive to Birmingham! Yes I know I should cycle it, but I am not quite to that standard yet…

2006-05-09T08:21:00.000+01:00

First of all a big apology for not posting for ages. I also want to say a big thank you to those people who knew what was going on in my life and sent me messages of kind words, you know who you are!

It all started a week and a bit ago. I was out the office at a conference, obviously I was still picking up email through my blackberry but to be honest I wasn’t really paying attention. In the morning I got an email from my boss with a report attached but I didn’t bother to read it. Anyway later that day when I got home I decided to read the email and the report. It was quite obvious I wasn’t supposed to have received the email as the report was the plan for our section over the next year. It was pretty standard stuff until I reached the section about resource.

I almost choked along with another member of staff I had been identified as underperforming and failing to deliver for the last 3years, my boss also wanted me out of his team! Immediately I picked up my phone to try and ring my boss but he wasn’t answering so I rang another senior manager. I explained what had happened and he was shocked! Anyway I decided to go into work and see Director plus the senior manager to discuss what my boss had done. I was fuming!

Anyway to cut a long story short, I was told to work from home till it could be resolved. I am now back working in a different team under a new manager. All I have seen of my ex boss was a brief meeting for him to apologise to me, but we are keeping apart from now on.

Other news is my car blew up last night, as in the air con unit burnt itself out but it appears this has taken a number of other components with it, so I had to cycle to work today, but it felt good :)

Tonight got my introduction evening for the specials before the assessments start next week and the fitness test on the following Sunday.

2006-05-02T16:14:00.000+01:00

Well things are slowly being sorted out so normal service will be resumed shortly.... new horizons await!

2006-04-28T08:02:00.000+01:00

Something has happened at work which I don't want to discuss publicly that has left me shocked and distressed. Sorry but I can't face blogging today...

2006-04-26T07:30:00.000+01:00

I reading over at BW about National Downshiffting week and I began to think about this statement:

"work is a trade of your time and skills for someone else's money"

The reason it got me thinking is what else could I do for money. Although though not completely broke I wouldn't say no to earning a few extra pounds.

Ok my main skill is in IT but I other skills too which currently I am not paid to utilise. So the question is what would could I do for you in exchange for your money?

Suggestions in the comments box please including wage... And yes I may take you up on some of the offers...

2006-04-25T07:32:00.000+01:00

It's all about the shoe alternation - New shoes, old shoes, new shoes, old shoes and not forgetting to put the metal shape holders in place. My blisters will soon heal and my new shoes will be worn in!

I saw my neighbour last night and she has arrange for me to join her and a workmate for a drink next week. I know she is trying to set me up with her workmate and too be honest I have seen a pic and I am not interested by I have a real issue saying no as I don't what upset her!

2006-04-24T07:45:00.000+01:00

I am sitting at my desk struggling to keep my eyes open. I am so tired is crazy for me to be in work. Do you ever have one of those weekends where you tire yourself out completely but don’t actually achieve much?

Friday night was a late one but well deserved after last week. The usual suspects joined me as we continued our exploration of the Fulham nightlife. And as such a lay in was required on Saturday, although I did wake up in time to go clothes shopping with a mate. He hasn’t shopped for new clothes in about a year and he decided as we were going to a stag do Saturday night it was time to update the wardrobe. I found him the perfect outfit and he loved it!

When I got in there was a knock at the door and it was my neighbour, she wanted to go to the communal gardens and enjoy the sun, so we broke open some bottles of J2O and proceeded to spend the rest of the afternoon together enjoying the sun. I think I have come to my senses and will just be a good friend to her. That’s what she wanted plus I think it would be madness to start a relationship with a neighbour!

Saturday night came and 40 of us went up to London for a stag do. I don’t think London knew what had hit it! We attended 2 venues; Strawberry Moons and Motion, and good fun was had by all. 40 noisy blokes wandering around central London was certainly an unusual scene but luckily we did not attract any unwanted attention from the local constabulary.

Wearing my new shoes again after a few days rest – The shoes have had those metal shape preserve thing in them and it appears the leather is now a bit softer… I think they are finally breaking in :)

2006-04-21T14:06:00.000+01:00

Sorry guys it has been a while since last proper post, been a little bit manic in work and personal life.

I am going to start with a little dilemma first. I went round to my neighbours last night, yes we have pulled each other in the past but that was before we were neighbours and yes I do fancy her but last week she text me telling me she wasn’t in the right place for anything and was happy being single, which at the time was cool with me, I was happy to be friends with her. Now after spending more and more time with her I can’t stop fancying her... It would be too difficult to have a relationship with my neighbour but part of me doesn’t see those difficulties.

We spent quite a while last night talking about dating etc… She was telling about a barman she might see on a date. She was also telling me about and showing photos of a workmate she says would like to meet me. Too be honest I’m not that interested and think she pick up that vibe from me…

Now next week is the christening of my nephew (he is my godson too). Now my eldest sister (J) and her husband (N) I do get on with but not that well, too be honest I think he is a tosser for a number of reasons which I will go into at a later date. Anyway as I hardly see them they don’t know much about my relationships, too be honest I tend to keep those things private anyway. Now I believe upon talking to my other sister (E) and her husband (A) (E is like my best friend and we talk about everything together!), that J and more likely N are convinced I am gay. Which is ok and doesn’t really bother me but through friends of friends it sounds like they are telling other people, which I am sorry is just not on!

Now at the time I was still with A, and E said A should come with me to the christening, it would certainly surprise N & J, but of course I am not with A anymore. So I was relaying this to B (my neighbour) last night and B suggested that if I was stuck she would come along.

Now I know we would be going as friends but she would act like my GF, but is this a good idea considering I still fancy her? Am I being childish trying to get at N & J?

2006-04-19T09:10:00.000+01:00

Sorry people, I have been very slack and not posted properly in a while. Normal service will be resumed later today...

2006-04-18T07:35:00.000+01:00

Podium dancing 2 nights in a row wearing brand new leather shoes = sore blistered feet!

Just don't do it!

2006-04-13T14:40:00.000+01:00

So here I am on holiday sitting on my bed feeling knackered. I'm only knackered because I haven't done anything and part of that was due to a wasted day yesterday.

The boiler has failed in my sister’s rental property and obviously her tenants aren't happy. Luckily when the boiler was installed last year by British Gas by sister took out the Home Care thingy that covers you for all repairs etc... So after a quick call to them they said they would be round yesterday between 12 and 6pm.

I offered to sit round there as the house is freezing and I didn't want my sister to sit round there with her 3month old son.

Anyway the hours past and no engineer turned up. I was livid and rang my sister who got onto British Gas. They claim their engineer turned up and no one was in, bollocks!!!! I was there from 11:30 - 6:30 and no one turned up at all, not even one of those "we called while you were out!" cards was posted.

My sister spoke to customer service assistants and managers who all said it was our fault for not being there. Well fuck you British Gas, it's your boiler, installed and serviced by your engineers and if it hadn't of broken we wouldn't be calling you! Would they resend the engineer out that day, No!

The best they would do is re-arrange the appointment for today, 12-6pm but they will ring my sister when they are almost there so she can travel to the property to let them in. This is so she doesn't have to wait in a cold house all day...

Rant over and letters are being written with and invoice for my time...

Other news is I have my assessment dates, 9th, 16th & 21st of May. The 21st is the fitness test so I need to get back down the gym...

2006-04-11T11:08:00.000+01:00

I got to lunchtime yesterday and i was knackered and had no inclination to do any work so out came the annual leave form and that was it I am now off until next Tuesday :)

I was supposed to meet T tonight but due to a personal tragedy that won't be going ahead. I have told T I am there for her if she needs anything, and she appreciates it...

Now I have been asked for more details on my website, well obviously I can't give too much away, but the domain I own is a sure fire winner. Think of a global brand that will encompass everything the modern male needs to know. This site is kind of an information resource and it could be as huge as "Ask Jeeves". I just need to get off my lazy asrse and do it!

2006-04-10T07:37:00.000+01:00

I am in pain this morning, real physical aching pain. It was totally self inflicted, I went Karting on Saturday and bouncing around on a fibre glass seat at speeds up to 70mph ain't very healthy for my body. I have bruise and aches where I have never had them before and I need a really good massage. Apparently though T, who I should be seeing tomorrow night has done a course in massage :)

I have also decided I am going to keep my Accord Type R as I think I will miss the fun and enjoyment of driving a performance sports saloon, just have to grin and bear it when it comes to filling up a tank at £50 a go and only getting 240-280miles from it!

Of course I am going to take the rest of the week off and hopefully start on my website, only 3years after I purchased the domain name...lol This site should make me a few pennies that I can put towards my fuel bills...

2006-04-07T07:37:00.000+01:00

I am so lathargic today, I really couldn't be bothered to get out of bed. But I did and here I am sitting in my office.

I think it's because of the curry I ate last night. A mate had a freehouse as his GF was away so he invite a few of us round for a curry, which I ended up cooking. It was very nice, If I do say so myself, but there was just so much! And you know how you just want to sleep after a big meal well thats exactly how I feel this morning.

I got a call yesterday from the lady who's car I reversed into a few weeks ago. She had got a quote for £130 - what a result! I was expecting £400+!

2006-04-06T07:34:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had a day off and spent most of it looking for a new car. First stop was BMW.

Now the whole reason I went to BMW was the fact I know their diesel engine is quite good and also their showroom/service centre is near my place of work. When I walked in the showroom it took 15mins beofore I was approached by a salesman. Some may say this good but too be honest I got the distinct impression that a 24yr old un shaven male is not their usual potential customer and as such does not deserve the attention of sales executive.

Luckily the salesman I ended up with had no pre-judgements about me and he proceeded to show their list of used 320d's. We found a nice"03" plate 320d SE in silver @ £13,200 and I have arranged to test drive it on Saturday morning.

Next stop was Honda, chosen as I am currently a Honda driver plus once again very close to work. It was a different scenario this time as I walked through the doors. Instantly I was greeted by a lovely receptionist who took my name and details of what I wanted to enquire about and within 30seconds a salesman was available to assist me.

I wanted an Accord Diesel but the salesman thought it was worth looking at the new civic diesel (same 2.2 CTDI engine as the Accord). I was very impressed! I was ready to ignore the Civic because I though the inside would be too small for my needs. Anyway the salesman ended up given me the keys and told me to take out for as long as I needed. I was out for 45mins, I would have been longer but I got hungry...lol

What a great car! the spec is high, it handles well and the power from the 2.2 is imense, plus you get circa 50mpg :)

The only problem is as much as I like the civic I would have to buy new or nearly new as it came out in Janurary so we are talking way out of my budget :(

I will be test driving the Accord a week on Sunday.

Also yesterday I heard from T as well as my neighbour! Haven't replied to either of them yet...

2006-04-05T10:25:00.000+01:00

Well I'm still in bed at the moment. I'm glad I took the day off nice to just sit and relax although next time I must remember to turn the alarm off! Last night was good, we got on so well and have so much in common. I also think alot of what i heard about her is malicious bitchiness.

But I did make a decision last night and that is our relationship is one of friendship and nothing more. Living next door to each other would make it difficult plus the spark we once had has now gone. I've found a good friend :)

Once again T was battering me on the txt. She sent me one last night saying how she was in a pub with her mate, her mates BF and his friend who was not her type and she said how uncomfortable it was. It was 11pm and the txt I sent back was "hmmm awkward... So what is your type? xx" now probably a bit blunt, and I got no reply which is unusal as she has been battering me with multiple txts daily. This is why I hate txting!

Today I need to look at my finances as I need a new car. My Type R is just costing me too much to run. I know what I want - Honda Accord Diesel There is special used car event on at my local dealer this weekend and I think the best option is to use some of my mortgage reserve...

2006-04-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

I don't feel good this morning. I wanted to go to the Gym last night but I was coughing and sneezing sooooo much! I awoke this morning and I felt so bad I fired up the laptop ready to send and email to my boss telling him I wouldn't be making it in, but here I am!

Yesterday I got trained as a fire marshal, I am now responsible for clearing my area during a fire alarm and making sure people go to assembly points and don't re-enter building till it's safe to do so. The highlight for me was receiving my florescent waistcoat :) But I have also learned we get paid as well!

So tonight I will be meeting B, my next door neighbour. Now I am treating it as a friendly drink and nothing else unless of course I get signs pointing to something else ;) T is still txting me and she is sounding hot!

I noticed how cute she was when I pulled her but it turns out she is a part time model & TV/Film extra. She also kick boxes!

Now I just need to get over this cold, I've booked tomorrow off anyway... wink, wink !

2006-04-03T07:51:00.000+01:00

First of all let me thank everyone for your kind words of support over the last few days. It was very much appreciated!

Well I have to say that was the weekend I needed! Friday night I was still pretty cut up about the previous evenings events, too be honest I had spent most of Friday moping around at work and I needed a good night out!

The venue was chosen as Wimbledon, or to be more specific Edwards which after the advice of many I needed a dance floor to “work it all out” on… The only problem is Wimbledon these days seems overrun with sleazy foreign men and this has resulted in the majority of women moving their nights out just down the road to Wimbledon village.

But anyway Friday was too early to worry about members of the opposite sex, it was all about me instead having a good night, and I did with some of the most outrageous dancing to ever grace the dance floors of SW London.

Then came the night of Saturday and I felt it was time to move on so off we headed down to the Guildford or more specifically “The Drink” famous for its celebrity brawls (yes I was there that night too, and she was so pissed she fell down the stairs in front of me…)

The music is always hot and so is the female clientele! It wasn’t long until my podium moves were noticed by a number of females. I was loving it! One particular lady caught my attention and we began to dance until we were rudely interrupted by a sleazy foreign guy (they are every where?). He thrust himself upon her and I was knocked out the way. Now being a non violent person I backed off until she looked at me with a look of fear on her face. I asked her if he was bothering her, she confirmed he was so I moved in to do something about it!

I wrapped my arms around her and moved her way from his sleazy advances and we continued to dance. It was long before we were locked in a passionate embrace… The night ended with her giving me her number. There is only one problem, I don’t know here name although she did tell me, and I thought it was “Jenny” but she signs all her txts with a “T”, one signed “Till”…

So far this is what I have planed:-

Tuesday – Seeing my next door neighbour for a drink!
Next Tuesday – Seeing T

2006-03-31T01:35:00.000+01:00

The last few days have been good. Lots of flirting over txt. Anyway I asked if I could see A, and she said how about I pick her up from work as she was finishing early and we can grab something to eat.

So I picked up from work and we begin the drive to Nando’s about 20mins away. We were talking and A tell’s me tomorrow (Friday) is her last day off as next week she starts 3 months of 7day weeks working till 9pm. This is because she is training for a promotion. So obviously I am concerned and I asked when would I get to see her. And she tells me she will make time for her family & friends, and she sees me as one of her best friends – rewind! This is the same girl that is sleeping with me, introduced me to her family & friends as her boyfriend sends me naughty txt’s???? And now I am apparently just a friend??? I didn’t see that one coming!

So of course I ask her what’s going on? Apparently she is too busy at work for a boyfriend and thus does not want a relationship but she still wants me as a friend. Of course I am now in shock. She also broke it to me she was leaving the country in a year and didn’t want to get attached to anyone.. She said what’s up? Was I in love with her? No I wasn’t in love but it was no secret that I was emotionally attached to her? And this is so “about turn”! I couldn’t speak to her and the car fell silent.

We proceeded to have dinner which I have to admit was uncomfortable, to say the least. She then says she will help me find a girlfriend and starts advising me to go clothes shopping with her and change my hair style… I just wanted to tell her to “Fuck right off!” but I couldn’t…

I’m annoyed with myself for becoming too emotionally attached, but can you blame me, A was in control and progressing the relationship.

Now I just want a rebound shag, yes I know that is a bad idea but it’s how I feel to be honest. A says she will txt me or call me. I have deleted her txts but not her number. I am not going to txt or call her.

My friends have been great tonight and given the time to listen to me… I’m going have a good weekend and forget about this if I can.

2006-03-30T08:58:00.000+01:00

I sent a txt to A last night and she took for ever to reply. My brain is telling me that’s fine, she is still at work she will reply when she has the time. But my body was in pain waiting for the reply, I mean real sick pain. I ended up going for a drive and that calmed me down, but the real pain did not go until she txt me back. When I got the txt it was like I had taken some pain killers, I felt soooo good!

I didn’t want to fall for A this early in the relationship as the last girl I felt this way about destroyed me only after 2 weeks of seeing her… I don't want that pain again... Maybe if I knew exactly how A felt about me it might help…

2006-03-29T10:20:00.000+01:00

Maybe I should explain yesterdays post. It's been a couple of weeks since I started seeing A, yes it is a very short time but we have grown very close in that time, both physically and mentally.

Monday we were very flirty over txt and she wanted to see me as soon as possible. I went round straight after work and she seemed so please to see me. We “hung out” for about an hour but I knew something wasn’t right, I asked her if everything was ok and she just said she was in a bad mood. Mainly to do with work. Anyway I decided to leave as I had some things to do, she was ok with that and we cuddled and kiss goodbye.

Within 15mins of me leaving she txt me saying how good it was to see me and she was sorry she was in a bad mood, anyway I txt back saying I was always there if she ever needed to talk and hopes she feels better. She responded telling me she just needed to think some things over…

Anyway yesterday evening I txt her to see how she was and she seemed a different person all flirty and happy again, which in turn makes me feel good…

I think I am falling for her…

2006-03-28T07:32:00.000+01:00

Love or Lust, but baby please don't hurt me.
I will give you the time you need, I just don't want to lose you!

2006-03-27T07:46:00.000+01:00

It was the weekend where everyone met. First on Friday I met A's parents for the first time - it was a very brief hello as A as we were running late.

I think A's mum liked me and her dad didn't really say much. Anyway onwards we went to meet my friends and this is when we had our first issue. We arrived at the pub where my firends were but they wanted let us in because A was not 21. Luckily one of my friends hada word with the doorman and we got in.

A really liked my firends and my friends really liked her too. So all was good and we were off for the 3rd meeting of the evening. This time for me to meet A's friends.

We arranged to meet them in the local nightclub. I was very nervous but was soon put at ease as A's friends are so nice. We got along really well and A's best friend said we really look good together!

It was nice ending to a quality evening!

Then the next day I went to A's shop to meet her work colleagues. They were really cool including her boss, although I did have to say something about the amount of hours A is working! He's given her the day off today :)

Yesterday was the most interesting though. A had a lot of her family over and invited me to come round to. I was really nervous. Within 5mins of walking in the door though I was made to feel very welcome. A took me to meet her dad who proceeded to pull up a chair for me and sit me down in front of the male members of the family. It was time for the "chat". He doesn't speak much english but I got the jist of what he was saying. I scored brownie points when I told him I don't drink or smoke. I promised to take care of his daughter and respect her. I think he was happy as he welomed me to his family!

All in all a good weekend. Now it's A's turn to meet my family!

2006-03-24T07:51:00.000Z

Last night I played Badminton and had a really good time. Worked up a good sweat and feel a lot better for it, so I think I can safely say this will be a regular occurance.

Tonight is the night I introduce A to my friends. Too be honest that's not the scary bit; it's the meeting of her parents tonight when I pick her up tonight. But I will be myself and honest. They can't ask for more than that!

I am depressed about my car at the moment due to the dent it has in the rear boot from me reversing into parked cars. I have a rule of thumb that if my car gets 3 dents I sell it and buy something else. This dent number 2! I have had a quote to get it sorted for £150, still decideing if it's worth it as due to where the dent is the finish won't be perfect.

2006-03-23T07:30:00.000Z

Saw A last night. She was sooo tired after having done a manic 36hours, I told her she shouldn't be working so hard, but she justs says if she doesn't do it then it won't get done. At least it's only while the 12day sale is on at her shop.

She still wants me to meet her parents which is going to happen on Friday whether I like it or not. this is the first time I have met the parents of a girl I have been seeing. In the past it has never got to this stage or the parents are too far away. Her mum sounds nice but in all honesty I shitting it when it comes to meeting her dad, especially as I think he knows I am sleeping with his daughter.

Tonight I am hopefully going to start playing Badminton. I used to play a lot when I was younger but drifted away from it. But a mate has suggested we start playing, and what better time than now as I need to improve my fitness.

Today I have the following stuck in my head, very appropiate for last night:-

Don't stop me now I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time just give me a call
Don't stop me now ('cause I'm havin' a good time)
Don't stop me now (yes I'm havin' a good time)
I don't want to stop at all

2006-03-22T07:43:00.000Z

I went to see my sister and her husband last night. I have always got on well E and can tell her anything, unlike my other sister J. Both E & J are older than me but J is the eldest. Maybe that’s why I get on better with E.

Anyway I was speaking to E about A and how E can not tell my mum about it. I have never told my parents about any relationship as my mum just asks too many questions, and this is where I think I went wrong.

J and her husband have come to the conclusion I am gay and seem to have convinced my parents of the fact. Of course as neither my parents of J and her husband have seen me with or hear talk of any girls in my life I guess it was inevitable they came to that conclusion. But considering you could say the same about me and boys how could they come to that conclusion?

I mean granted I never had a girlfriend at school because I was too self conscious due to my ulcerative colitis and the side effects from the steroids made me look like a spotty Michelin man. I didn't snog a girl until I was 16. I had a few brief "just seeing someone" type relationships. I was late loosing my virginity, 21, to a girl who then told me she had a boyfriend but still want to see me. And that hurt, really hurt me... So for a year or so I couldn't be bothered.

Of course all of this is another life to that of what my parents see. Just think if I had been more open this could have been avoided.

E is going to tell my parents about A, at my request. E has a good way of explaining things, plus I am scared of the million questions my mum will ask... Mothers day may be fun this sunday with all the family there...

2006-03-21T07:49:00.000Z

So I haven't even met A's parents and already I think I am in trouble. Her mum saw the love bites on A's neck that I gave her (Should just add that I didn't intend to give her love bites, got carried away in the passion of the moment...), and was not particularly impressed. She was even less impressed when A's boss let slip that A had slept with me Sunday night. A has a good relationship with her boss and they tell each other everything.

A tells me not worry about her mum as she has calmed down, but she did say It may be a good idea to avoid her dad... Oh dear :(

I'm seeing A again on Wednesday but picking her up from work so I can avoid seeing her parents.

Apologies to those who were a bit shocked by yesterdays post - I did try at keep it clean, actually that was my second version - the first one would not even got an 18certificate!

2006-03-20T07:50:00.000Z

It's Monday and although it's cold I feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I have only one person to thank for that; The wonderful A!

I had the best 6 hours with her last night, it was amazing and the best I have ever had.

Too be honest when I picked her up I was having the worse day ever which included such highlights as reversing my car into another car in a car park. Luckily when the owner rang me he was really nice about it and agreed to to my offer of paying for it to be sorted direct at the garage of his choice. As soon as I saw A I just forgot about the crap day I was having and concentrated on her.

We watched American Pie 2, but as soon as the credits started rolling that was it we couldn't control our passion. She led me into my bedroom and pulled me onto my bed. We kissed, caressed and massaged each other bodies. Our hearts were racing. Our breathing was deep and fast. Feelings were intensified as our bodies rubbed together...

We didn't want the night to end but alas we both had work today, if not I guess we would still be in bed now...

Will I see her again, YES!

2006-03-16T07:31:00.000Z

Yesterday I searched DG's blog for references to my old "Bastard Mark" blog (thought I had deleted it!) and I began to reminisce about the good ol' days of blogging, when there was no politics, people could say what they liked with out fear reprisal etc....

I also began to wonder what happened to all the bloggers I grew up with - my original BlogRoll is below and if you are still out there please leave a comment and enlighten us to what you are up to. If you have a new blog let me know the addy and I will link to you...

I also began to think about my first blogmeet, it was the infamous London Blogmeet. I was only there for a short time but a very enjoyable time. I met some really nice people, Tilesey :) and began to understand blogging a bit more. It's not just internet diary keeping its a whole way of life! How would people feel about another Blogmeet? Are people free first week of May? say Saturday 6th May? Location a Pub in central London near a Tube station?

Elsie in pictures...

Elsie's new blog...

H's Blog, She left a nice comment

Blue Witch, Don't upset her!

BillyWorld, the place to be!

Acronym crazy Hannbella!

drD's Big'n'Juicy Blog

Cacoa's Blog

Only just discovered MinnowTown, but am enjoying very much!

Mr T. I don't think he wears much gold though... But he makes me laugh...

Diann likes my "Posh" accent!

Em's Quick Story...

A very Juicy read!

Dave the blogless commentator

Nevatoss Blog

Diamond Geezer

I don't understand Smack Tooth, but it makes me laugh...

Loving the singles market!

Eloon's new best friend!

I'm liking NuttyCow's style!

I thought Counting Sheep made you sleepy, it doesn't!

MerialC's landscape pics are amazing...

A woman's bedroom, I haven't been in one in a long time :(

2006-03-15T07:23:00.000Z

It's the middle of the week and already I feel soooo shattered I don't know if I can work the rest of the week. Just checked my calendar and I have a free day on Friday so I might take it off and have a nice long weekend, but then again my boss is off on Friday so it may be difficult.

I will be off to the gym again tonight, hopefully it won't hurt so much this time. I do feel better for going both in mind and in body, lets just hope it all pays off!

I saw A again last night, I picked her up from work and we went back to mine. The DVD of choice was Toy Story 2 as she loves Disney DVD's. We had a fun night and I can't wait to see her again, although she says she's not around till next week :( She is doing lots of hours at work, too many in my opinion. But I suppose absence makes the heart grow fonder...

2006-03-14T07:49:00.000Z

Well I awoke this morning in pain due to the fact I went to the gym last night for the first time in eights months. I am not as unfit as I thought I would be, I mean I can do a 500m sprint (at Max resistance) on the rower in 1:55 which isn't too bad, but I need to get it down to about 1:40-1:45.

I am going to the gym to get back into some for of routine, save money (membership is £55 for 4 months, but stops me going out during the week and spending money!) and most importantly to pass the fitness test for the volunteer job I have applied for. Yes the application was posted this morning, fingers crossed!

I am seeing A again tonight, going out for something to eat then she said she wants to come back to mine and watch a dvd :)

2006-03-13T07:28:00.000Z

Well that was an interesting weekend I had, I'm not going to go into too much detail on all the things that happened but here is a quick summary:-

Our presence in Sutton is no longer welcome
Went out with the lads and got turned away from a number of venues with silly excuses from doorstaff including, "You are too casual!" - We were earing Shoes, jeans & shirts?

G has big hands with super human strength or J has small weak hands
G shook J's hand at the end of the evening and managed to fracture it.

Pubs don’t like it if you come in and have 3 rounds of drinks then take circa £200 from their fruit machines
Supposed to be a quiet drink with a mate and we stuck a couple of pounds in each machine and it just decided to pay us lots of money.

2am on a Sunday morning there are lots of schoolgirls walking around Hammersmith
I went to Hammersmith Palais to pick up my friends from Schooldisco. I got to see lots of semi clad girls in school uniform and my friends gave me £20 for saving them from the trauma of night buses.

Staines only has one reasonable bar – Baroosh
It’s not good getting in at 2am on a Monday morning and being in work at 7am…
These last 2 points I will expand on a bit more. Sunday night was the night I was meeting A for the first time after chatting to her on MSN. Yes she is from FaceParty. Staines was the venue of choice as it was close to her home. We had a good night although I felt bad for not talking that much, she almost lost her voice by talking so much. I do really like her and that is probably the reason a didn't talk much. I find it hard to talk to woman I really like. We both had fun and she is a good kisser so yes I think we will be seeing each other again :)

2006-03-09T07:19:00.000Z

So last night was bowling night; I haven't been bowling in over a month mainly due to the fact that my bowling buddy lost his unborn baby not so long ago so understandably we gave bowling a rest for a while.

I could only really hack two games last night. Game 1 I took seriously and took the win with quite a low score of 137 although I thought that wasn't bad considering it was my first game in over month. The next game the guys decided to put up the bumper bars so we went for trickshots. Cam away in second place score wise but first place for "Style".

In the lane next to us was a guy and 2 girls. One of the girls did keep looking over but I took no notice as she was about 14.

Anyway I was changing my shoes at the end of the night when there was a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see the guy that was bowling next us standing there. He said his daughter wanted my number?

At first I had no idea what to say. I had now worked out that one of girls was his girlfriend and the other one was his daughter. I reckon the guy was about 32-38 so I am guessing his daughter was around 14-18.

The words finally came to my mouth, "Sorry I'm with someone mate!" the guy shrugged soldiers and said "Oh well, at least I asked" and walked off...

That has to be a first for bowling night... Anyway a few hours later and I think I have set myself up for a date on Sunday :)

2006-03-08T07:53:00.000Z

Thanks to drD for pointing me inthe right direction of moneysavingexpert.com, to find info on cutting car insurance premiums. I found a link on there to Insuresupermarket.com It does the same thing as confused.com but this time the quotes were around the price I wanted to pay i.e. £600.

2006-03-07T08:26:00.000Z

Sorry if today's post is lowing the tone of things but it is inspired by this news story. This is a subject close to me due to my ulcerative Colitis.

The news story above does ring true. In my job I do have regular trips to London and I do get anxious about the number of toilets around. I try to stick to using mainline train stations as there is usually a good selection of facilities. I have been out about in London and have needed he toilet but no public loos in sight, all I can say is thank god for understanding shops and restaurants. When I joined the NACC they were pioneering a scheme of the "Can't Wait" card. This card is a small plastic card with the NACC logo on the front and the following words:-

PLEASE HELP
Due to an illness, which is not infectious,

our member needs toilet facilities urgently.

The NACC managed to get a number of large number of shops and restaurants to accept the scheme. This meant through internal communication their staff were notified and told how to deal with members of the public who present the "Can't Wait" card. Usual response I get from members of staff in shops and restaurants who are aware of scheme is a quick no questions asked escort to the nearest facilities. The staff are very understanding too...

Of course in London you are not always near one of these shops or restaurants so you have to take whatever option is available. Small individual shops and restaurants who have no idea of the "Can't Wait" card scheme are a problem I have encountered before. I don't blame them I would be a bit dubious of allowing someone of the street access to my toilets with no explanation but I do plead with these individual shops and restaurants to find out about the "Can't Wait" card scheme and recognise it!

Another issue I have when you find a public toilet is the state you find it in! If had an option about going to the toilet 70% of the time I wouldn't go when a=out and about purely down to the fact you find toilets with no locks, no seats, blocked and worse of all no paper. I will now not leave the house without toilet paper. I am lucky enough to have a RADAR key which gives me access to disabled toilets where they haven't changed the lock!

I have noticed in nightclubs they have changed most disabled toilet locks to Yale locks rather than the RADAR key. I don't want to ask for the key as I will get quizzed as to why I need it. The impression I get from nightclubs is that you have to be in a wheelchair to be disabled. Don't get me wrong I only use the disabled toilet as a last resort if I have no other option, but If I have to I just want to use the RADAR key and get on with it.

Now I don't class myself as disabled but I sit on the "Disability Advisory committee" at work and their definition of disabled is a physical or mental disorder that affects where and how you can work. And due to the fact I always need to be in easy access of toilet facilities they class me as disabled. They used to close the nearest toilets to my office around 10am for 30mins while they cleaned them. This of course was an issue to me and did cause me worry as the next nearest toilets were 6mins brisk walk away.

I had to fight to get them to change the way they clean toilets in to a full clean in the early hours of the morning then hourly checks. But now I always have access to facilities!

Come on London get your act together on Toilets. I could talk all day on this subject...

2006-03-06T09:56:00.000Z

Morning All, Well I had an interesting weekend starting on Saturday. Took drD's advice and looked at Confused.com for car insurance - cheapest was £1326.26!!! I haven't recieved my renewal quote yet but last year I paid £600 this was for 6yrs NCD (protected) fully comp on a Group 16 Honda Accord Type R.

Saturday night went up town to The Zoo Bar and had a cracking night, sure to be going there again! Didn't get in till 7am Sunday morning.

Woke up to day to find I had no boiler, cold shower was not fun. My dad has just called and told me though that it had a emergency cut off, so he reset it and everything was AOK...

Sorry if this is a bit of a rushed post but soo much to do including 3 case studies plus as BW reminded me sign up for the E111 or EHIC as it is now known.

2006-03-03T07:38:00.000Z

Yesterday it was time to renew my travel insurance. I normally go for a years multi trip insurance as I never know how many trips I am going to be taking. Now the past few years I have had difficulties getting a good deal due to my Ulcerative Colitis that is until last year where I paid £75 got a good level of cover plus if I got ill due to my Ulcerative Colitis I was covered as well. Company used was Direct Travel Insurance as recommended by BW.

So yesterday I rang them up to renew and went through all the standard questions and gave pretty much the same details as last time. This year the "computer says No!", not to offering me cover but on covering my UC. So I have paid £75 for what in effect is the same policy but with no cover for UC :(

Oh well such is life!

Car insurance is due end of the month wonder how much fun that will be ...

2006-03-02T07:28:00.000Z

I woke up this morning and didn't want to do a thing. My bed was so soft and snugg I just wanted to lie there and gaze out the window, watching the sun rise above the cold mist of the day.

I have always wondered what I would do if I didn't need to get up and go to work, I would assume I would take up lots of hobbies to fill my time, but what could I do?

One thing I am planning to do whether I am working or not is become a volunteer for a public service. I don't want to say too much in case my application is denied or I don't pass the medical and fitness tests. But I think it will help build confidence and I should meet lots of new people.

2006-03-01T07:28:00.000Z

Dating in the 21st Century has become a complex affair it's no wonder there are more singletons than ever!

My first gripe is text messaging - These days after you exchange numbers with someone begins a textual courting ritual. But like email text can sometimes find it hard to carry the emotion you are trying to put across. I recommend staying well clear of any sarcasm as this certainly doesn't travel well in text message.

You are also limited to the amount of characters you can type in a text, this can get really annoying when you are trying to explain how to get to the nice restaurant where your 2nd date is due to take place.

But my biggest issue with text is not knowing, i.e. when do I send a text, how long before I reply to a text, why didn't she reply to me...

For gods sake lets talk to each other - we have each others number why not call? In this day and age of inclusive minutes it makes sense!

So once one has got over the initial text courting ritual we move onto the dates themselves.

First dates are my next biggest gripe - where the hell do you go? There seems to be so much built upon on first dates, will she like me? what do I wear? how long should it last? etc etc... I am of a firm believer that the first date is nerve racking enough and no more pressure should be added. Dress how you would dress on a Saturday night out in own and take date to a nice bar that has adequate seating and is not so loud that you can't hear each other.

Flirting - it's a art form that I guess takes a long time to master and I certainly haven't reached that level yet. People always tell me they flirt because it's fun! Yes it is fun to begin with but for gods sake for us novices if you like us please just come out and say it!

Why does one end up the loop of fancying someone who obviously doesn't fancy them, or having people fancy them who one obviously doesn't fancy?

I think I am just a bit depressed by the single life at the moment but not soo long ago you could go into a bar start chatting to a girl, have a bit fun lirting exchange numbers go on a date reach the end of the night tell each other you like each other run up huge phone bills, have lots of sex and end up marrying each other and end up living happily ever after... Well thats what used to happen in the 80's and 90's according to my older sisters... where has all gone wrong and why is dating so complicated these days?

Why does one end up the loop of fancying someone who obviously doesn't fancy them, or having people fancy them who one obviously doesn't fancy?

I think I might stick with good old Faceparty for 21st century dating :)

2006-02-28T09:56:00.000Z

I haven't decided yet if I will blog about work. Part of me says why not but then again as I myself like many others have suffered close shaves with work colleagues finding my blog is it really worth the risk?

One thing I will say is that I have recently become disillusioned by internal politics so much so that I am questioning my own motives in the course of daily tasks.

On to a lighter subject have you ever been in a nightclub getting on with someone, groping, kissing, having fun etc but they won't snog you because you are too young? She was nearly 28 I am nearly 25? What is age apart from a number? Well she has my card if she changes her mind...