I'm

I'm Tired - I don't mean just at the moment over the last week or so I've been feling really knackered, its to do with lack of sleep. Yeh I've had a few late nights but to be honest I've also not been sleeping that well always seems something on my mind and my brain won't shutdown.


I'm Fed up - Mainly I think to do with all the uncertainty at work.


I'm undecided - With reference to the work situation I did have a chat with the new owners the other day and will be speaking to them again. I'm very undecided whether I want to work here if I'm offered a job, I suppose I'll look at what they offer.


I'm Hungry - I'm trying to get back on the weight loss routine, I've had so many leaving do's to go to recently I've lost my way a little. The good news is I jumped on the scale at work yesterday and I've maintained at 107kg in full working gear.

I'm stuck - For ideas of what to get my Mother for her Birthday next week.

I'm Struggling - My TT form has been horrendous in the last week, I've lost to two players I never lose to and been taken very close with four others I would normally hammer.

I'm Blank - Well I reckon there is a lot more I could write but can't think of the words.

Take Care everyone

Music Monday - The "X's"

I must say its now getting difficult, I can't really think of too many major acts beginning with the letter "X". Don't criticise the quality of the following if you can't come up with better, X isn't easy.

I've come up with these three.

1. XTC "Making Plans for Nigel" - made No17 in the chart back in 1979.


2. X Ray-Spex " Oh Bondage up Yours" - A bit of Punk from 1977 from the group fronted by that lady called Poly Styrene (classic !).


3. Xscape "Who can I run to" - American Girl Group from Atlanta with a song that charted in the UK in 1996.

Not Happy

Well I'm not happy the Mighty Whites went down 1-0 at Cheltenham, our 2nd defeat in the league. This is not against a good team so I am not happy.
We dominated the match for long periods and had a goal disallowed. If we had have won like we should we would have moved to third in the table but we'll have to settle with 5th.
Saying that we would have been happy to be 5th at this stage at the start of the season due to our 15point penalty. We are still well on target for the title cos there is a long way to go until May, bound to be some setbacks on route.

Boring Saturday

Today I'm slightly delicate as it was the works leaving do last night. Drink was free all night and I think I must have had a bad one cos I'm suffering.

Anyway I'm p****d off cos Leeds haven't got a match today, they play tomorrow at Cheltenham 2pm kick off. Don't ask me why its probably televised somewhere. In fact one thing that irritates me is nowadays matches are played at all times over the weekend because of telly. Well I preffered it when the all kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday thats traditional to me.

Anyway thats my winge but I'll post this to cheer me up :-


On another note poor Luton town have been docked ten points for going into administration so we are not the only ones been docked points. Taking the points off has put them bottom of the league and in danger of relegation, I really should laugh at them cos they were one of the Clubs that voted against us.
However my principle is that Sport of any description shouldn't be a handicap event, points should not be taken off for financial irregularities. The punishments should be based on trading restrictions and the people causing the problems (Chairmen & Directors) should be banned from been involved with Soccer Clubs. In these situations its always the Fans who live and breath their Clubs that suffer.
Good Luck Luton stick through this, follow our example and create a siege mentality and you can survive, put two fingers up to the Football league.

Another Football debate is who is going to be the next England Manager following Steve "usless git"McClaren sacking. Another gripe is this idiot has had his contract paid up apparently worth £2.5million, this is a joke, he f****g failed. Surely when a coach is selected his contract should state certain targets like qualifying for competitions.
Anyway moving on a lot of names are been touted in the press including a few foreign coaches. Its my belief that it should be a Englishman and the argument I'll put is that no country has won the World Cup with a Foriegn Coach.
I know there isn't too many candidates other than the obvious King Dennis but we are keeping him. I'll go along with Harry Rednap or Sam Alladyce as my choices. Both are good motivators and I think thats the key to International football as they don't work with the players alll the time.

I reckon I'm Busy

Yesterday at work we had a visit from a large group of people representing the new owners. I took a few of them around part of the site, I think they are just getting a feel for what they have bought.
When we had finished a tour one of the senior ones told me he is coming back to site to talk with me next week.

On a different subject England Football team failed to qualify for the European Championships last night when they were beaten 3-2 by Croatia. To be honest they were garbage but manager Steve McClarens selections & tactics were a complete disgrace. This morning he has just been sacked, not before time in my opinion.
To drop your goalkeeper and play a young lad in his first competitive international match was stupidity, the lad bottled it and his career is probably destroyed.
Why was Wayne Bridge playing and Ashley Cole on the bench, there is no comparison. Why play with only one striker ? I could go on but the result says it all.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom last night, I had a good night at Pool. It was the Local Pubs annual competition Semi & Finals night. I’d qualified for the Semi and was drawn to play my mate Lofty. It started badly when he won the first two frames of a best of five match, he then was on top in the third and got down to relatively easy Black. Of course his mental block against me kicked in (can’t beat me at anything) and he bottled it big style.
As they say “the rest is history” as I turned up the heat to win the remaining frames in style.
The 2nd semi also went to five and was won by my League team mate Phil. Two long matches and we started the (best of seven) Final at about 10.40pm, it was going to be a late one. Once again the match went to the wire although I was never behind 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3 to set up a grand finale. Again my nerve under pressure held firm into the early hours as I took the frame to be crowned Champion.

Tonight I’m out again playing Table Tennis for Lofty’s team in the local league so of course I’m sure I’ll mention the Pool, hell you’ve got to when you have the Bragging rights.
Hope I play better than I did in the York League on Tuesday, I was abysmal losing three straight to a Player I always normally beat. Our team got a bit of a drubbing 8-2 although I was involved in both our points, one singles and a doubles.

On another note I've not been doing too well on the weight loss I reckon, I've been eating and drinking too much lately. I've not weighed in so you never know. I've another leaving do on Friday night, its paid for by the company and about 60 people are going. A night of free drink and food is always fun.

Ah well that’s my update, take care everyone.

The Last Month

Today is 21st November so I make that one month to go to my last day at work. The date I have been served with for redundancy is 21st December.

I still haven't been contacted by the new owners so don't know if I'll be offered a job. If the rumours are correct they are supposed to be coming to site this week to talk with key personnel.
I'm still very undecided about what I want, I'll see what they have to say.

Music Monday - The "W's"

Today I've decided to use the letter "W" to have a ladies day, so here are four I've picked out :-

1. Tammy Wynette "Stand By Your Man" - Made No1 spot in 1975 for this American Country singer with her UK debut single.

2. Dionne Warwick "Walk on By" - This 1964 classic made No9 for this superb American singer.

3. Kim Wilde "Kids in America" - Marti's daughters debut single made No2 in 1981. I reckon Kim looks hot in this video.

4. Weather Girls "Its Raining Men" - Couldn't leave out these ladies, got to No2 with their only UK hit in the mid eighties.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

No this is not a reference to Snow, its all about the Mighty Whites topping the division one table at Christmas. As xmas is only about the half way stage achieving this would be nothing short of miraculous considering we gave every other team a massive 15 points start.


Is it possible, well yes it is, we are now up to 4th in the Table following todays win 2-1 over Swindon Town thanks to 2 goals from Jermaine Beckford. In fact we are only two points behind the leaders although a couple of teams do have a game in hand. Without the riddiculous penalty we would be an amazing 13 points clear, its even sweeter cos at start of the season people were backing us to get relegated.

A lot of people pointed out we have no depth in the squad, but despite a few injuries they counted without our superb crop of fast developing youngsters, today it was the turn of home grown teenager Jonny Howson who had a blinder in the midfield to earn Player of the Match.

This week our manager told England Under 21 manager to get his backside to ER and check out a few of our young uns.


Anyway the message is still the same F**K OFF to the Football League.

No motivation

To be honest I'm feeling a little de-motivated to write a blog post, I think its because I've a lot going on in my head, especially with regards to the work situation.
I've a lot of big decisions to make, a lot of questions to answer, some financial, some to do with shaping the rest of my life. I'm coming up with a few answers but it aint easy without the facts.

Yeh sure I've plenty I could blog about its just the motivation of putting it in words.

In the words of Arnie "I'll be back".

Take Care everyone.

Music Monday - The "V's"

A little harder to come up with great acts starting with the letter V, but here goes :-

1. The Verve "The Drugs Don't Work" - I like this one from Richard Ashcrofts group.

2. Ricky Valance "Tell Laura I love her" - No1 in 1960 for this one hit wonder.

3. The Vibrators "Automatic Lover" - Punk Classic made No35 in 1978.

Geography

The Geography of a Woman:

Between the ages of 18 - 21 a woman is like Africa or Australia. She is half discovered, half wild and naturally beautiful with bushland around the fertile deltas.

Between the ages of 21 - 30 a woman is like America or Japan. Completely discovered, very well developed and open to trade especially with countries with cash or cars.

Between the ages of 30 - 35, she is like India or Spain.
Very hot, relaxed and convinced of its own beauty.

Between the ages of 35 - 40 a woman is like France or Argentina. She may have been half destroyed during the war but can still be a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between the ages of 40 - 50 she is like Yugoslavia or Iraq.
She lost the war and is haunted by past mistakes. Massive reconstruction is now necessary.

Between the ages of 50 - 60 she is like Russia or Canada.
Very wide, quiet and the borders are practically unpatrolled but the frigid climate keeps people away.

Between the ages of 60 - 70 a woman is like England or Mongolia. With a glorious and all conquering past but alas no future.

After 70, they become Albania or Afghanistan.
Everyone knows where it is, but no one wants to go there.

The Geography of a Man:

Between the ages of 15 - 70 a man is like Zimbabwe - ruled by a dick.

Back Home & Knackered

I got home about an hour ago, I've been away all weekend down in Essex. I've been playing Table Tennis for Yorkshire Veterans and we've had a good time.
On Saturday we won one match but lost the other, today we won both matches. Our team Captain said he would have been happy with two wins as we only got promoted to this division last season.
Personally I was a bit iffy yesterday, should have travelled Friday night instead of Saturday morning, I reckon I was tired from the long drive early in the morning. Today though I was really pleased with my performance, much better, felt more confident.

Last night we went to a Pub for a meal, they had a Carvery with different meats and cos we went late on they were very generous with the portions. That was good cos we were starving after a long day.
Of course we also knocked back a few glasses of the local brew, in fact probably a few too many. One thing for sure it helped me get a good nights sleep.
Anyway I'll catch up with everyones blogs tomorrow, off to bed now.

Work to Christmas on 20% salary

I can confirm my finishing date at Work will be 21st December, Officially we close on 30th November but along with a few others I've been asked to stay an extra 3 weeks. This new date is the handover of the site to the new owners.

My final two payments (Nov & Dec) I will be only actually getting 20% cos I've made a decision to put 8o% as voluntary contributions into my works pension. By doing this I can beat the Taxman and significantly boost my pension when I decide to take it.

Don't panic I wont be poor on this rate, ok my Nov pay will be low but my December payment includes on top of my months salary, 3 extra months notice period payed up, my holidays paid up and numerous bonuses. Basically I'll still end up about double what I normally get in my bank and also stop the Taxman getting a huge slice.

On top of this I will also be getting a very good severance payment and a large slice of this is tax free, the 2nd part I pay tax on but have an option of putting in my pension to save the tax. The rate for this isn't as good as for salary "voluntary contributions" so I'm undecided which way I'll go.

Works pension calculations are complicated but its based on aged 60, I have options of taking it early with penalties (6% compound interest per year = 55% pension at 50), I considering taking at 50, 52 or 55, more sums to do.

Anyway the new company may offer me a job but I'm unsure what I'll do, my department is in tatters, of the 5 men I have working for me 3 have found jobs and one is retiring, only leaves two of us. The hassle and stress of trying to keep a 24hr/365day process running may not be worth it. I've never had the ambition of been the richest man in the graveyard.

Well back to my Maths.

Flood Warning

Keep you fingers crossed for Britain cos tonight the whole of the east coast is expected to be hit by storms that are developing in the North Sea.
A 3Metre Tidal wave is expected to hit some areas and coincide with high tides and high winds.
The threat of Flooding and danger to lives is serious, people are been evacuated.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7085394.stm

I live 40 miles inland but in a low lying area on a tidal river, at present we are expected to miss the worst but many others arn't looking so good.

My town last suffered major floods about 7 years ago, although I was ok I had friends with homes flooded, Electricity for the whole area was off for quite awhile cos the main sub/station flooded.

Another Quickie

Update :-

1. We won our TT match last night 7-3, I won all my games although it was tough against their No1, I came from two sets down to win 3-2. I felt really strong and even when losing felt confident.

2. The Mighty Whites got back to winning ways with a good 3-1 victory away to Bournemouth. Goalscorers were Tresor Kandol with two and Seb Carole with the other.

3. I met the Pension man and he confirmed I was doing my calculations correct. But hell it is complicated trying to beat the taxman, hate giving money to him.

4. The new owners visited work today, I was involved showing some of them around, looks like I'll be with my current employer while Christmas when things are handed over. I've a lot of decisions to make I reckon.

5. The blokes doing my loft insulation didn't turn up, apparently one had a Car crash. Think he's ok but don't know when they are coming.

6. Still Love You all.

This & That

Just a quickie (post I mean)

1. I'll start with a question - Where are you Sandii your blog as gone awol ? Can't have you missing I'll get withdrawel symptoms.

2. Had medical at work today and passed ok, everyone gets one before we leave. I've got the lungs of a 45 year old which aint bad for a 49 year old. Blood Pressure ok, hearing ok, etc.

3. I'm in a rush cos I've someone coming around tomoz to fit some more loft insulation, I've just cleared tons of junk from the loft.

4. Off out soon, got TT match in York league another tough one but I feel up for the challenge.

5. I've an appointment tomoz with the Pension man to discuss what to do when I terminate my contract. Thinking about drawing it with penalties when I reach 50 (soon).

6. Just thought I'd say "Love You All".

Music Monday - The "U's"

Not quite as much choice with the letter "U" but I reckon I've found a four classics, what do you think ?

1. Ultravox "Vienna" - Classic song that never made No1 for Midge Ure, Joe Dolce's "Shaddup a Ya Face" stole that spot in 1981.


2. Undertones "Teenage Kicks" - The boys from Belfast fronted by Fergal Sharkey made No31 in 1978 with their first Chart song. This was famous Radio One DJ John Peels favorite song.


3. U2 "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" - Can't leave out another Irish group this time this supergroup from Dublin made No6 in the charts in 1987 with this effort.


4. UB40 "Red Red Wine" - These boys named after an employment claims form made top spot in 1983 with this effort.

Sport Sunday - Well done Brits

Well Done to Boxer Joe Calazaghie who was impressive in winning his World Super Middleweight Fight against Mikkel Kessler.

Well done to Golfer Justin Rose who topped the PGA European Order of Merit following his victory in Valderama.

Well done to recent Mum Paula Radcliffe who won the Ladies Race in the New York Marathon.

Well done to the GB Rugby League Team who thrashed New Zealand 44-0 in the 2nd test.

Some Weekends its just great to be a Brit.

Busy Month Ahead

I've a busy month ahead of me, next weekend I'm away in Harlow (Essex) playing for Yorkshire Veterans County 2nd team. We got promoted last season so our matches are likely to be really tough but I'm looking forward to it.

I've three leaving functions from work to attend, Friday 16th a few of us are going for a drink with some of our work colleagues including two from my department who leave on that day.

Friday 23rd the company is putting on a function for everyone thats left, yes its a freebie so plenty of Food & Drink will be had. Around 45 people are invited so it should be a fun night. Its actually the same night as the Sportsman dinner I've been invited to but will be declining. Just my luck two free functions in the same night.

Friday 30th will be our official closing date at work (although could drag on I reckon) so everyone is off to the Pub after work.

I've Pool Matches every Monday and on Wednesday 21st its the Pub finals night, I'm still in the Semi-Final where I am drawn to play my mate Lofty, don't know which of the other two I'll get in the final though, lol.

I've a few Local League Table Tennis Matches coming up, did I mention we lost 7-3 last week, I managed two wins but couldn't get near the Area Mens Champion he proved too strong on the night, well there is always next time. We have another tough one this coming Tuesday, but I'm pleased cos its the hard games that test you.

On top of the County & Local Matches I've also a Yorkshire League Match playing for York against Bradford on the 25th.

I'm expecting things should become more clear at work over the next few days, I still am unsure when I'll be working and to be honest I don't know if I want to work for the new company but I need to give my situation a lot of thought.

I've been looking at another vacation and there are a few good deals available, I've resisted booking (so far) until the work situation becomes more clear.

All good things come to an end

Carlisle "3" Leeds United "1"

Yes the mighty whites have been beaten, the unbeaten record as gone so I'm sulking tonight. Despite my dissapointment I will say well done to Carlisle you did well.

Leeds actually led at halftime with a Jermaine Beckford goal and looked in complete control until Carlisle scored a 35 yard wonder goal to equalise. Slack marking at a corner led to the Cumbrians 2nd and a late third due more to the fact Leeds were commiting too many men forward in search of a equaliser flattered the Cumbrians.

Listening to the commentary on Radio Leeds were actually playing well but somedays the ball doesn't run from you. The pulling power of the mighty whites showed again with Carlisle getting their first full house for 31 years.

Anyway I'd have settled for 9th in the table after 14 matches (11wins, 2 draws & 1 defeat), really we would have been happy to be out of the relegation zone at this stage given our 15 point deduction. Infact without that penalty we would be 8 points clear at the top of the league (the real table).

The important thing is we bounce back on Tuesday when we travel to the South Coast to play Bournemouth. The last time we visited there was in the eighties when we won the old 2nd division on a Bank holiday weekend back in 1990. Great idea putting Leeds with their fanatical support in a seaside town on a Bank Holiday. All I'll add is the people of Bournemouth now hate us cos that day was a little wild, over 20,000 travelled a lot never even got in the ground (photo below) and the place ended in a mess following a three day beach party. I reckon I've worked out why its a tuesday night this time !

What the hell lets cheer us up and look back at that title winning day back in 1990 :-

3 in a row

October was a case of three in a row for the lovely Sandii who was again my number one blogger. She not only made most comments she made a amazing 29 comments now thats a record I believe. So the challenge is on for the first person to break the 30 comments in a month barrier.
Anyway I reckon she deserves a big e'hug.

The top five bloggers reached double figures and another two pretty ladies took up the silver and bronze positions Airliebird with 17 comments followed by Rebecca with 14 comments.

The others making double figures were Ironman (formally Spider) and Celtic Girl with 12 & 11 comments respectively.

Thanks to everyone for their imput it makes blogging worthwhile.

Takeover

Well it looks like the takeover at work is going to happen but the good part is of course I'm still getting my contract terminated. This means I'll still get all my redundancy money at the end of this month irrespective of whether I work for the new company or not.

We don't even know what the plans are for the site, what products they will make but we are expecting the owners to come to site and start recruiting an initial team. According to the local newspaper they are hoping to start some production in January/Febuary. I think a lot of money needs spending on site infrastructure cos a lot of maintenance work is required.

I reckon with my job and site knowledge I should be offered a job but I'm making no decision until I see the offer, I'm certainly fancying December off at least. At present I'm very open minded about what I'll do, just need some thinking time.

Tell you more later.