Its been a long time since I last blogged!!! I have been very busy, working all hours, not very healthy really. But then I notice Lorraines blog is also untouched. Perhaps its just that time of year, oh well... not long (5 days) until the Christmas break starts for me, cool!
Our social lives have pretty much disappeared, we have hardly seen our friends in Newbury, they all seem to be equally busy, and I suppose the fact that the credit crunch is still biting means we are less likely to hit the pubs in town these days.
What to do to sort out the work / life balance then ? Well it seems that whether you are rewarded for your efforts or not, you are probably never rewarded enough, so its probably not worth sacrificing so much of your own time, when a minimum of 37.5 hours a week are spent in the office anyway. Also you need to ensure if you are putting in so much effort that the values of your workplace align with your own.
In particular I strive for technical excellence, probably to a somewhat autistic degree, and I am finding an unhealthy amount of focus on 'shiny' things at all levels above me, whether or not what is under the hood is rotting. I am not sure this is going to change despite any of my efforts. This is not a criticism, there are many things that require focus in the workplace, and an academic approach to everything would never make any money, it is merely an observation.
So we will see how things go, perhaps there is change in the air, I will keep you posted.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Egypt August 2008
We had the holiday of a lifetime just a few weeks ago. We decided that despite the cost, and the credit crunch in general we wanted to go to Egypt.
We both had a great time, pics are up... flickr.
The first part of our holiday was a three day stay in Cairo. Our hotel was the closest one in Cairo to the pyramids, probably only about 150 metres away. We could see the pyrmids from our window.
I was the first to succumb to the obligatory bout of 'Pharoah's Revenge' just 48 hours into the holiday, but it did not spoil any sight-seeing trips.
From Cairo we flew to Luxor, and then spent 7 days on a Nile cruise. We did just about every temple and site of note that was within stirking range, (even a flight to Abu Simbel to see Ramses II's amazing temple).
As it was the hottest part of the ear over there we saw temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celcius, some days it was over 40 degress by 9 am. We made the most of the sun, not expecting to get any back in the UK.
I highly recommend Egypt, we always felt safe, and the tour guides are very professional.
We both had a great time, pics are up... flickr.
The first part of our holiday was a three day stay in Cairo. Our hotel was the closest one in Cairo to the pyramids, probably only about 150 metres away. We could see the pyrmids from our window.
I was the first to succumb to the obligatory bout of 'Pharoah's Revenge' just 48 hours into the holiday, but it did not spoil any sight-seeing trips.
From Cairo we flew to Luxor, and then spent 7 days on a Nile cruise. We did just about every temple and site of note that was within stirking range, (even a flight to Abu Simbel to see Ramses II's amazing temple).
As it was the hottest part of the ear over there we saw temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celcius, some days it was over 40 degress by 9 am. We made the most of the sun, not expecting to get any back in the UK.
I highly recommend Egypt, we always felt safe, and the tour guides are very professional.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Ben and Charis came to see us
We had a great time with Ben and Charis, we went out to play in Newbury, and then took them to our favourite restaurant the 'Pot Kiln' in Frilsham, where the food and wine were excellent as always. The usual problem though, Ben and I get carried away choosing fine wines and then reap the consequences when the bill follows!
It rained all weekend, really, so Ben and I played loads of Grand Theft Auto 4, which can be a really fun game. We tend to have more fun when not playing it properly though. It seems that you can walk like a monkey, and jump on people's cars in amusing ways. The way the game world is so open, like Assassins Creed is what I love, and the graphics are not bad at all!
It rained all weekend, really, so Ben and I played loads of Grand Theft Auto 4, which can be a really fun game. We tend to have more fun when not playing it properly though. It seems that you can walk like a monkey, and jump on people's cars in amusing ways. The way the game world is so open, like Assassins Creed is what I love, and the graphics are not bad at all!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wow, love the TV!
It arrived on Tuesday, and I have already got it mostly set up and configured. I have watched a DVD or two upscaled on the PS3, plenty of SD material (the quality is certainly good enough even on that), and played Assassins Creed and GTA4 on the PS3.
Finally I have the home cinema experience. I have not seen Blue Ray yet, or cranked the sound up much. We seem to have lost our arial, so I can not tinker with the integrated freeview functionality, or do the software updates yet, I will have to buy another arial.
So far I am totally impressed with both SD and higher, love the colours, and black levels, and just the look of the TV. Tosh ZF is definitely the way to go if you want LCD.
Finally completed Assassins Creed this morning too, what a great game.
Finally I have the home cinema experience. I have not seen Blue Ray yet, or cranked the sound up much. We seem to have lost our arial, so I can not tinker with the integrated freeview functionality, or do the software updates yet, I will have to buy another arial.
So far I am totally impressed with both SD and higher, love the colours, and black levels, and just the look of the TV. Tosh ZF is definitely the way to go if you want LCD.
Finally completed Assassins Creed this morning too, what a great game.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Whoops, there is no excuse
I have not blogged for a long, long time. We are only as busy as we ever are, no busier. I suppose it is partially because I got me a nice PS3 round about my birthday time, end of April, and am still definitely addicted to Assassins Creed.
The house is all finished, just some tidying (boarding) to go up in garage, and we are going to have the garden done, landscaped etc. Everything inside the house is peachy though, got our sofa, and dining table.
A couple of weeks ago I finally used my BBQ (incarnation two, the first was ruined in the flood). Great fun, and I love how easy gas BBQ's make it.
We just got back last Saturday from our family holiday in Tuscany (a delayed 60th for my dad). We stayed in the most amazing villa, isolated up in the hills, with incredible views, and a nice pool. I had to buy some excellent wine, this time Nicky knows how much I spent on my special bottle! Pictures of Tuscany are up on Flickr thanks to Nicky.
Friday night we caught up with our Newbury/Thatcham friends, and had a good night out at the pub. Then yesterday Nicky and I had a delayed celebrate our anniversary day out. We went to Cliveden in Maidenhead, amazing house, walked round the grounds. Then I forced her to allow me to buy my new TV in Reading. Ended up getting the Toshiba ZF 40 inch from John Lewis. Got to wait a week now for it to be delivered... booooooo!
Will post impressions once I get hold of it. Meantime, loving the PS3, not sure if Nicky is so keen about the amount of time I spend on it though :-)
The house is all finished, just some tidying (boarding) to go up in garage, and we are going to have the garden done, landscaped etc. Everything inside the house is peachy though, got our sofa, and dining table.
A couple of weeks ago I finally used my BBQ (incarnation two, the first was ruined in the flood). Great fun, and I love how easy gas BBQ's make it.
We just got back last Saturday from our family holiday in Tuscany (a delayed 60th for my dad). We stayed in the most amazing villa, isolated up in the hills, with incredible views, and a nice pool. I had to buy some excellent wine, this time Nicky knows how much I spent on my special bottle! Pictures of Tuscany are up on Flickr thanks to Nicky.
Friday night we caught up with our Newbury/Thatcham friends, and had a good night out at the pub. Then yesterday Nicky and I had a delayed celebrate our anniversary day out. We went to Cliveden in Maidenhead, amazing house, walked round the grounds. Then I forced her to allow me to buy my new TV in Reading. Ended up getting the Toshiba ZF 40 inch from John Lewis. Got to wait a week now for it to be delivered... booooooo!
Will post impressions once I get hold of it. Meantime, loving the PS3, not sure if Nicky is so keen about the amount of time I spend on it though :-)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Visiting Ben and Charis in Kent
Last weekend we popped down to see Ben and Charis in Canterbury. I can't believe it had been well over a year since we visited them. As per usual we had a great time, thanks guys. Some fabulous food and wine, and what a lovely house to stay in.
We only gibbered a couple of times though, must be growing up a bit! Never did go for that run though Ben, we will have to do it next time. Next time you will have to come up here, we will have sofa's and a dining table by then. We introduced them to Achmed the Dead Terrorist which is always fun.
We only gibbered a couple of times though, must be growing up a bit! Never did go for that run though Ben, we will have to do it next time. Next time you will have to come up here, we will have sofa's and a dining table by then. We introduced them to Achmed the Dead Terrorist which is always fun.
Urm I bought an iPhone
I got in trouble with Nicky, but it is great I love it. Now I just need the case to arrive so I can stop carrying round the box. As per usual Apple really know how to make their technology. Everything just seems to work. The interface is incredible, and as camera's and 3G are not important to me it is a great fit.
Of course the tie in for 18 months hurts, as does the monthly bill, but having a phone I don't want to dropkick down the stairs is nice for a change.
Of course the tie in for 18 months hurts, as does the monthly bill, but having a phone I don't want to dropkick down the stairs is nice for a change.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Wow, dishwasher, wow
Hurray, the dishwasher turned up today, wow, been waiting for that for years, the only thing more exciting would be a new computer or a new TV!!
Wonder if Nicky will let me use it first this time? The house is really starting to take shape, we got our washing machine during the week, and ordered a new table today. It can't be more than a couple of weeks until the sofa turns up.
One thing I can't figure out is we have a bigger house now, but still nowhere to put so many things, I don't recall buying more... how does it work?
Roll on getting this place sorted enough so we can have guests round in comfort.
Wonder if Nicky will let me use it first this time? The house is really starting to take shape, we got our washing machine during the week, and ordered a new table today. It can't be more than a couple of weeks until the sofa turns up.
One thing I can't figure out is we have a bigger house now, but still nowhere to put so many things, I don't recall buying more... how does it work?
Roll on getting this place sorted enough so we can have guests round in comfort.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Gadgets on the horizon
Hmmmm, its been long time since I bought a gadget, and I feel a powerful urge to get some :-) There are so many temptations, top of the list are; a new TV, TFT, probably about 40 inch, sounds system, updated computer, iphone.
I even have a license to purchase (small scale) from Nicky, just got to wait a couple of months to see what the finances are like.
Got to get researching.
I even have a license to purchase (small scale) from Nicky, just got to wait a couple of months to see what the finances are like.
Got to get researching.
Woohoo, we are home
We officially got the keys to our house on Friday, and with help from my parents moved in yesterday! It has been a long wait, and we are so excited to be back. The carpet is in, the new fridge freezer has been delivered and is sat in our brand new kitchen.
The dishwasher did not turn up though, so we have to wait until next Saturday, muppets. The washing machine is arriving tomorrow. We have loads of sorting out to do, as per every move, but already this place feels like home. It is redecorated brand new all downstairs, and we are very pleased with it.
Just got to finish sorting stuff a bit more this week, and then hopefully we can have some friends round to celebrate getting back in!
Oh, don't order a dining table from Homebase, we thought we had a good one, but had to take two back, and then when we tested the display model, it was broken too!!! We wasted such a large amount of time when we were supposed to be moving house.
The dishwasher did not turn up though, so we have to wait until next Saturday, muppets. The washing machine is arriving tomorrow. We have loads of sorting out to do, as per every move, but already this place feels like home. It is redecorated brand new all downstairs, and we are very pleased with it.
Just got to finish sorting stuff a bit more this week, and then hopefully we can have some friends round to celebrate getting back in!
Oh, don't order a dining table from Homebase, we thought we had a good one, but had to take two back, and then when we tested the display model, it was broken too!!! We wasted such a large amount of time when we were supposed to be moving house.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A New Year, hopefully a better one, lets get blogging..
Hi, its a New Year, I should know by the hangover I had last Tuesday, wow, we drank a massive amount of Red Wine at the Castle Pub Newbury. See New Year Photos and others.
It was great to spend some time with the Newbury lot getting drunk on my favourite drink, although consuming that much of it is not a good idea.
Meanwhile, Bertie and Kim moved back into the area just before Christmas, so its great to have them back, with the new addition to their family Baby Alex.
Nicky and I did the usual, travelling the country, first back to Essex to spend a couple of days with her lot, then to Bournemouth for Christmas Eve to spend Christmas with my lot this year. I spent plenty of time with the two dogs, Bella and the puppy Bonny.
Today we were at Zoe and Dave's for Isaac's Christening, and while the service was a little lengthy it was a good day out, nice to see how Isaac and parents are doing. Now we intend to settle down here in Newbury for the next few coming weeks in the lead up to moving back into our little house, see some progress pics taken before Christmas. Apparently we should be back in by around the 24th January, whoopee. I popped in today and there is no kitchen, but the lounge has its first coat of paint, and the laminate floor is down in the hall, kitchen and downstairs toilet.
I'll be back soon with more good news hopefully.
It was great to spend some time with the Newbury lot getting drunk on my favourite drink, although consuming that much of it is not a good idea.
Meanwhile, Bertie and Kim moved back into the area just before Christmas, so its great to have them back, with the new addition to their family Baby Alex.
Nicky and I did the usual, travelling the country, first back to Essex to spend a couple of days with her lot, then to Bournemouth for Christmas Eve to spend Christmas with my lot this year. I spent plenty of time with the two dogs, Bella and the puppy Bonny.
Today we were at Zoe and Dave's for Isaac's Christening, and while the service was a little lengthy it was a good day out, nice to see how Isaac and parents are doing. Now we intend to settle down here in Newbury for the next few coming weeks in the lead up to moving back into our little house, see some progress pics taken before Christmas. Apparently we should be back in by around the 24th January, whoopee. I popped in today and there is no kitchen, but the lounge has its first coat of paint, and the laminate floor is down in the hall, kitchen and downstairs toilet.
I'll be back soon with more good news hopefully.
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