Time to Go

First to the moron who keeps making sarcastic anonymous comments on my blog over the last few months "YOU ARE PATHETIC". I've deleted 6 or 7 in recent times and assume its the same person, in fact I suspect its somebody that knows me and gets their kick out of cowardly comments. Hopfully one day I'll find out who if they are grown up enough to admit it.

To the rest of my blog friends this sort of behaviour has really cheesed me off so I'm saying goodbye to this blog for now, may come back one day but may not, just don't know. I will add I still intend to comment on your blogs.

I will still be on MySpace if anyone is on that site and wants to join my friends list and keep in touch, my profile is set to private so you've got to apply for the friends list to see it. You can link to my site from the side bar on this blog. I know two of you are already on it (Rachel & Rebecca).

I know some of you have my email address also so maybe we could stay friends, if you haven't
got it and would like it just say on the comment section for this post and I will give it to you via your blog.

I would like to say its been a great two years on blogger, I've made some fantastic friends and been lucky enough to meet three of you. Hopfully I'll meet more in the future on my travels, who knows.

I'm leaving all the posts up for now, may decide to delete them at a later date.

Thanks for all your friendships.

WRB xxx

So what will 2008 offer

Like most people I believe I always see the start of a new year as a reason to make plans, develop expectations, and plan my life. Ok quite often we can be doomed to failure but that never stops me making plans.

This year is a first for me cos I will be starting it without a job, in fact I'll be signing on at the Job Centre on wednesday this week I already have an appointment. I wont be entitled to many benefits but can claim Job Seekers allowance (its not a lot) for a few months while I've no income and am looking for a new job.

I've decided to draw my Works pension in April (Job seekers allowance would stop then) following my 50th Birthday, I'll get around 55% of what it would have been if I left it 10 years until I'm 60 but I've put a large part of my redundancy payments into it to boost it back up. It is inflation protected so goes up each year and I've calculated it'll cover my running costs Gas, Electric, Car, Telephone, Internet, Food, Council Tax, insurance etc. there should be a bit left over for emergencys.

So that leaves me using the rest of my redundancy & other investments I've made in recent years for pleasure activities (Holidays, Nights Out, Sport, etc). Ok I'm hoping to find bits of work eventually maybe only part time but to be honest I'm in no rush I've been given an opportunity to live how I want.

Anyway 2008 plans :-

Weight Loss - As always I do plan to lose weight but I wont be weighing as a routine each week, I've come up with a different approach - "Clothing". Yes I've bought some shirts that don't quite fit they are too tight so I post a photo now and I will post a photo every few weeks for you to comment on my progress. I'll also post occasionally on what I'm doing to help. Fitness - As a sportsman I want to get Fitter, yeh sure I'm getting older but I reckon I've never really been as fit as I could be and to maintain my standard when competing against younger players I need to get fitter. Thats my plan to counteract slowing down with age.

Not working will be benefit I'm sure because my job was too much office based in recent years and sat on your backside never helps.

To be honest I've started over Christmas (but the Food & Drink aint helping) by starting an exercise program each morning, ok I'm not doing much each day but my plan is to keep increasing repetitions each week.

I've also started doing long walks (hell I'll be jogging next) on days I've nothing on, I've done three 6 mile walks in the last week (the rain did stop me today though).

Sport - I'll still be playing Table Tennis and hoping to train when I can, I'm joining a new club in York where I can train during the day instead of an evening. I want to keep playing at my current level but its hard with a lot of younger players coming through.

Another sport I want to spend more time doing is Golf, I've always enjoyed it but haven't had enough time to play in recent years (work got in the way). I've got a couple of contacts to play with and I plan to join a Club. I'd like to get my handicap to single figures although thats a big ask.

Travel - Love it and I'm planning at least five trips this year, the first is booked for a long weekend to Chicago. I'm looking for another trip around April/May time and others June/July, September & December.

Nothing cast in stone yet but it'll be great if I get to meet some online friends on my travels, I'd like that. Anyway I'm sure I'll meet some interesting people I usually do.

Romance - Well all us singles are looking for their ideal partner and I'm no different, maybe I'll find somebody on my travels you just never know. I've never really considered online dating, maybe I should but I'm a bit old fasioned and would rather meet people as friends first and if something develops great, if not we can still be friends (hope that makes sense).

2007 - Finally I'd like to look back on the highs and lows of 2007.

Blogging - "Low" Lost a few online friends that are no longer blogging - "High" Made some fantastic new online friends.

Another "High" Met one of my online friends Rebecca - "Low" Should have met two online friends but circumstance meant Rachel couldn't make it, maybe this year, I really do hope so.

Soccer - "Low" Leeds United got relegated then docked 15 points - "High" Fought back from brink of extinction and are up to third in the league aiming for automatic promotion in May 2008.

Weight Loss - "Low" Not sure how I finished the year as my home scales arn't working properley but my guess judging by how my clothes feel is I'm maybe a couple of pounds heavier than I started the year. - "High" I'm determined to give it another go.

Travel - "High" Managed three trips to the States taking in four new cities for me (Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia & Atlanta) - "Low" Was planning four trips but work situation resulted me not travelling in December.

Work - "Low" Redundancy for the first time in my life I'm out of work - "High" At least they gave me a decent pay off, this is a opportunity right ?

Table Tennis - Suffered numerous injuries in the first part of the year forcing me to miss loads of important matches - "High" so far this season I've been ok and have played quite well, had a few decent results.

Hope you all have a Great 2008. xx

First 24 hours of not having a job.

Yesterday I finished work and in a way it was sad but to be honest its dragged on that long I wasn't overly upset. In fact I'm sort of looking forward to a bit of a break, I've a few things I wanna do and I can do things in my own time.

I finished just before Lunch yesterday took my car home and one of my workmates Barry got his daughter to give us to a Pub/hotel. Its a new place in the area so we went to try the meals. Eight of us turned up so we had a lunch (I had Lamb), it was ok but I've had better. As a gesture the Plant Manager paid out of his own pocket which was good of him.

Following the meal and a few beers we made our way into town where we met up with a few other workmates for a farewell drink. A few were knocked back and I eventually made my way home early evening and crashed in front of the telly slightly intoxicated.

This morning I got up at 7.30am, although its weekend and I'd be off work anyway, I just seemed more relaxed about life, I suppose knowing the phone ain't gonna ring telling me "I'm wanted they have problems" is a big help.

I had some toast for breakfast and decided to have a steady walk into town as there was a couple of things I wanted. Now nipping up town and back, looking in a couple of shops usually takes me just over one hour.

This morning was different, don't know it was because I felt had all the time in the world but I just stopped talked to numerous people on my route, I was out nearly 3 hours.

First up I'd just left the house and I bumped into a neighbour John and we chatted for about 15 to 20 minutes before I moved on. Half way into town I crossed paths with Dave who was a Mechanic that left our works back in April with the first redundancies.

Got into town and in the first shop I met Lenny a bloke I used to play against at Tanble Tennis a few years back. Hes a good bloke and we chatted for awhile before going in different directions.
Next shop it was Mark our pool team captain who I had a short chat with before moving on.

Eventually I set off home only to come across Alan one of my Electricians who left to go to a new job about a month ago, so he was telling me about that and I told him what had been happening on site. Funnily while we were talking a Lady that I used to play Pool with (got to Mixed Doubles Final once) passed and said hello, ain't seen her for ages but she didn't hang about cos I was talking to Alan.

Finally I got on my way again to meet Dianne who was our HR Manager at work, she stayed to the end like me technically but wasn't there last week cos she was away on vacation. I asked her about how the holiday went and told her a few new updates from work. She's got a new job despite been offered work with the new owners. Eventually we gave each other a Christmas Hug and moved our seperate ways with me finally getting home.

Just had a bowl of soup for Lunch, didn't fancy anything else, had a check on my computor before putting the Radio on the listen to the Leeds Match. It sounded a good match Bristol had a go but the boys eventually got the all important goal to win 1-0 and move to third in the table. I did consider going to the match but my cough wouldn't cope with all the shouting.

After the match I did myself some Baccon, waffles, Tomatoes & Beans for my evening meal and now I'm blogging with a full stomach.

So this is what retirement is like ?

A quick update

I've tried to get around everyones blogs tonight but to be honest I'm struggling, I've had a head cold I can't shake off and had an irritating Cough. I'm taking medicine and Brandy for it but its slow improvement. I'm coughing that bad my ribs really hurt but I think its starting to improve.

Didn't help that I had to work outside this morning and I just got so cold, went home just after lunch and its took all day to feel warm, I'm sat at my computor with a woolly hat on. Well only two days to go and I finish work, I've already got my redundancy check, I put some towards my pension (it saves tax) and I've invested the rest.

On another subject I've been a bit pissed off with a few people lately (not blog friends) so I decided to wipe their numbers out of my phone, actually about half the people in there. If they want me they can contact me but to be honest I couldn't care less.

Hello

Just another quickie (post that is).

I've not had much time this week to blog, Pool match Monday, Table Tennis match Tuesday (and tonight).
Last night I went out to York for a meal with 11 others from work, it was paid for so everthing tasted nice. I had "Wild Mushroom Medlay" for a starter followed by Fillet Steak for my main course. It was all cooked to perfection, it was a good restaurant. Of course we downed a few bottles of wine just to wash it down.
After the meal we moved on to a Wine Bar and eventually got home around 1am, it wasn't easy getting out of bed for work this morning I can tell you.

Talking of work I finish next Friday so we are just sorting out a few loose ends there is only a handfull of us left on site. I've been tidying up my office and putting a few confidential notes through the Shredder.

Well time for another Coffee take care xx

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

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.

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.

More about me and my thoughts

Today I was optimistic that I would find out at work whether we would be taken over, but alas still no confirmation either way. However if the rumours are correct the takeover will happen, but as I've said before I wont hold my breath. This has gone on far too long and like many others I'm fed up about it.

If the takeover happens I'll expect to be made redundant at the end of November so I've been working out my finances. I'll probably put a lot of my pay off money into my Pension, this way I can avoid paying a lot of tax. It will also allow me to take my pension early but more about that later when I know more.

Anyway if I am made redundant I wouldn't mind having a vacation before considering another job so I've been checking out a few deals. Where would I go, probably the States again cos I've got quite a few dollars left over from my last trip (Atlanta was cheaper than I expected) so wouldn't need much spending money.
While I'm on about dollars, have you seen the exchange rate over $2 to the £1 its a cheap trip for me once I get there.

If I do make the trip it would be good if I met up with another one of my online friends but I suppose that would depend where I went. I've actually now been lucky enough to meet four online friends and there are plenty more I really would like to meet in the future, we'll see maybe they wouldn't want to meet me.

I played Yorkshire League Table Tennis away at Halifax on Sunday, we drew the match 5-5 but I managed to win all three of my singles (lost in doubles). But hell it was tough I really had to push myself so hard to win I was knackered after, everthing hurt, gee I need to be fitter.
I've a hard match in the local York league on Thursday, its against one of the better teams who have the local Mens Champion playing for them, I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

Did I mention the "Coach of the Year" award took another twist when the Photographer from the local paper turned up at work to take my photo.

Take Care Everyone

I want to Rant

I read something in the newspaper this week that really made me angry - A former inmate at Armley Prison is putting in a claim for £2million against the prison authorities. Why ? because he was Muslim and they gave him a ham sandwich for a meal. Sorry mate this isn't about religion its about you doing your time for commiting a crime in our country, your choice eat or starve. I'm sure if I broke the law in a muslim country I'd get Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding for Sunday lunch.

I'm Embarrased

I don't believe what I've just read in the Local York Newspaper and feel embarrased by it.

There was a double page spread on the Area Sports Awards and I was reading with interest wondering if anyone I knew was up for an award. A selected Committee had selected a short list of three people in every catogary covering a range of Sports.

Well I got down to the award for "Coach of the Year" and couldn't believe my eyes I've been nominated. There was a write up how I was one of the areas top qualified Coaches and how I've developed numerous players to National & County level at Table Tennis.

Apparently I'm up against a Coaches from Athletics and Roller Hockey and everyone nominated is invited to a special Sports Dinner (black tie job) in November where the winners will be announced.

Sure I'm highly qualified and in the past developed many players to good standard but thats where the embarrasment begins, I packed in coaching over one year ago so how on earth can I be " Coach of the Year". I can just imagine going up for the award and been asked to talk about the coaching I do.

I'm going to have to turn this down its unfair and a insult to the people that do the work, I don't anymore.

Soon be the Weekend

Well life is boring at present tonight I was supposed to be playing Table Tennis in my home town local league. The standard is not great and I don't play too often in this league nowadays but I was looking forward to it as it was against one of the better sides. Work is also boring at present so any nightime activities are good.

While on Work we should find out before next Wednesday whether the takeover bid is succesfull, I don't know what will be best to be honest. A couple of the blokes in my department have found jobs and will be leaving next month. You can't blame them and I hope it works out for them they are good lads.

We'll sure have a leaving do to say goodbye but I'm sure everyone will keep in touch. I'm actually at another leaving do tomoz for one of the Fitters called Chris who starts a new job next week. Its straight after work just a few beers with workmates.

Saturday the mighty whites are at home to Millwall but I can't go as I've a TT training session. A lot of tickets have been sold and it will be a big crowd and great atmosphere. Its not a bad one to miss cos Millwall Supporters have a big reputation for violence, their Mob the "Bushwackers" make Hitler Youth look like Liberals. Ok Leeds also have a bit of a reputation and I've a bad feeling about this fixture we'll probably end up getting docked some more points.

Sunday I've actually got a TT match its in the Yorkshire League I'm representing York against Halifax, it could be a tough game but thats how I like it.

I've been Thinking

Yes I know the fact I've been thinking is maybe a bit scary cos I'm likely to come up with something stupid.
So what have I been thinking, well its really what to do with the rest of my life especially when I finish work.
I've been thinking what should I do workwise and to be honest I just don't know, I feel like a total change in career direction would be quite motivating. The trouble is I don't know which direction to turn. I'm also thinking about the possibility of only doing part time work not necessarily less hours per week but only sort of working 6 months or so per year. But as I say I'm struggling to make decisions, I really need to know when I actually will finish (its still unclear).
I have seen what redundancy payments will be and also seen my works pension details. These were based on finishing at the end of November but I will possibly be there after that date so they can only be better, plus I'll earn more money in the meantime which could be Useful.
My Pension is based on claiming it at 60 but it can be taken earlier with penalties (-6% compound interest per year). Obviously I've a few sums to do to see what would best suit me, depends on how much work I do.

Another thing I've been considering is a December Vacation but I've not booked anything, again Work is dominating my decision. If I'm going to finish in the next few months I'd be better saving my holidays and cashing them in. However if I'm going to be working longer then I want a vacation, I just need a decision.

The other day I did a short "Interview Techniques" course and one of the things they asked us to do was name our own strengths and weaknesses. Obviously that was with respect to our jobs but it led me to think what are my strengths & weaknesses as a person. Its not easy but I came up with the following :-
Strengths -
Honesty (I pride myself on this)
Loyalty (If your a friend I'll do anything for you but don't be a enemy).
Reliability (what I say I do)

Weakness -
Emotions (My emotions can get the better and I take things to heart)
Temper (I have a short fuse sometimes but bark is louder than my bite, I just say things I regret if someone winds me up)
Sulking (I like getting my own way)

There is other subjects I've been giving a lot of thought to in fact I feel my life is at a crossroads and I'm making a few decisions about which direction I should go. Hell its not a rehearsal its just one chance a life you just gotta do what you think is right at the time.

In a Rush

Not a lot of time tonight as I walked to work I was a bit late home and am going out early. I've a TT match in York but have to go early than norm and take a detour to pick a new player up.
I'm only in the house just over one hour to get my meal, showered & changed so this is it for tonight catch up with all your blogs tomoz.

Take Care.

Update

Well again I walked to work but today I had a weigh in, although not a lot I've lost 0.5kg (1.1lb)since my last weigh in. I'm now 107kg in my full working gear.

Today at work we had a course on job interviews and what to put on your CV, our company has hired a firm in to this sort of thing with everyone getting made redundant. Its quite good for such as me cos although I've interviewed others I've not had one myself for years.

I've sort of been working out what my financial situation will be if I finish in November, obviously if I get chance to stay longer I'll be better off. If I base my plans around this date I can only be better off, I'll get by.

As I've said previously although I'll hang in here once I finish I'll take some time out (and I'll be travelling) I'm thinking what trips I'll do and have a few ideas (yes Australia is a serious option). One definate I'm hoping to do is Orleans for the Jazz Fest April/May, I'll do Chicago again in June/July for the Taste of Chicago .
Another place I want to visit is Austin (Music Capitol of the World) wanted to go their for a while now. Of course there is my birthday trip mentioned in last nights post don't know where yet. I'm sure other trips will happen hopfully meet up with a few blog friends would be nice, you're all welcome when in your area to join me, I'd like that.
Yep I'm gonna travel believe me.
Saying all that I'm still mulling over my December trip, I may put that off due to the work situation but don't count on it.

Finally we're all hoping England has two World Champions this weekend, England play South Africa in the Rugby Union Final, 50,000 England fans are expected in Paris for the final.

Our other hope is Lewis Hamilton who will be attempting to become the youngest ever winner of the Formula One championship in is rookie season. He leads the standings going into Sundays Brazillian Grand Prix the last of the season.

So Far So Good

The heading means I've started trying to get myself more motivated to exercise and back on the weight loss bandwagon. I've started walking to work and done it for the last three days it takes about 40 minutes each way. I try to keep a decent pace.
I've also been careful with what I eat so hopfully when I weigh I'll see the improvement, maybe not this week but as the weeks pass by.

Still no wiser what will happen at work or when I'll finish, hopfully next week I should get some figures of what payout I'll get assuming finishing end of November. Obviously it it isn't taken over by then as said previously I'll probably be staying a few months which can only enhance my pay off. Its so frustrating just not knowing whether we should prepare for closing or reopening.

Its so quiet at work until we are pointed in a direction, it doesn't help motivation and its amazing how too much thinking time makes your mind run off at tangents. Its also difficult to concentrate on anything. I played a Table Tennis match last night and was poor lost two games ok to decent players, both in 5 sets but I was dissapointed cos I wasn't up for it and I'd play a few good points then give some sloppy one's away just no concentration.

As most of you know I'm old and next March will be my birthday a big one its my 5oth. I was discussing what to do was just gonna have a party but now thinking maybe a long weekend in the US with a few of the lads. A couple of friends have already indicated they are up for it (have you mentioned it yet to the missus yet Lofty). Not sure where we would go probably to where we can get the best price cos money may be tight for some people.
Today at work some others were showing a bit of interest but obviously a lot of folk say that until it comes to finding the cash. Don't worry that will be collected prior to booking.
Now checking the dates my Birthday clashes with Easter which is early next year (Good Friday to be accurate), now my questions to my American Friends :-
1. How busy is Easter in the US ?
2. Do Bars & Clubs close early at easter ?

Boredom & Motivation

At work we have about finished production and to be honest its getting really boring. You may think its great to go to work sit on your backside with very little to do is good but hell the day just takes forever.
Quite a lot of people have now gone so there is even less to talk to. We are in limbo at present not knowing whether we will be taken over as a production plant or we will be closed. At least once we know the answer to that question we can start preparing the plant and should be reasonably busy. Its going to be a long two weeks before we find out.

The trouble is when you have a lazy day its hard to motivate yourself to do anything when you get home.

I'm trying though today I started my regime of exercise by walking to and from work, its a thing I did last year and eventually it will help the weight loss I'm sure. I do want to get back on track I've sort of lost a lot of motivation with the weight loss & fitness levels of late but I now feel the time is right to start working at it again.

Back to work and I've decided I'm not yet ready to start applying for jobs, I've decided I'll just stay as long as I'm been paid then have a few months off probably do some more travelling cos a new job may not give me as much time off as I get now. I still need details of how much I'll actually get but I have a rough idea just need confirmation. If someone does takeover my options may be different but I'll try negotiate a job with more time off, I'm determined to live and see the parts of the world I want.
To be honest I feel like a change of direction on the job front, I've worked in industry too long and fancy doing something different just don't know what if that makes sense.

Did I mention I was out in York last Friday night at yet another leaving do for some of the process shift workers. It was a laugh but I didn't stay too late, got the last bus as I had to be up Saturday for a TT training day. Remind me not to get the bus again it takes forever driving through every village and stopping at every farmhouse, I thought my bladder was going to burst.

Last night I went out for a few frames of Pool with Lofty and following a few drinks he confirmed he would like to come with me on one of my US trips next year for my birthday. I asked if he had mentioned it to his wife but he suggested I mentioned it on my blog so she could find out here.

And its good to see one of my origional Blog friends Joel DcNats back in circulation this month I hope he keeps blogging. And as a 2nd bonus I see the lovely Redneckgirl as posted on her blog lets hope she is here to stay.

Finally a question - If there is something in life you feel is really what you want but looks totally impossible, is it worth the effort to try ?
I would appreciate your opinion although the question may not make sense.

Take Care Everyone.


Since writing this post I've just had a bit of a shock, the Yorkshire Table Tennis Association handbook came in this mornings post so I sat down to read it. Turned a page and read a trophy had been donated in memory of a old friend called George. This chap I've known for years as a Coach & Umpire he was a smashing chap one of lifes true characters always said what he thought.
Yes sure he was knocking on a bit (probably mid Eighties) but I didn't even know he had died, I'm gutted I never attended the funeral or even spoke to his widow. I don't even know when it happend but must have been early this year I think.

Fed Up

Today at work I managed to have a little accident where I ended up slashing open the back of my trouser leg and also cutting myself, I won't go into details its a long story but I wasn't laughing but couldn't blame anyone but myself.
The good thing about it was I got a free pair of jeans from the stores, didn't know they stocked them, they seem ok for work. Wouldn't go out in them though.

I still haven't shaken my cold off, just can't seem to get rid of it. I've been feeling really crappy and my chest is a little tight. It keeps giving signs of clearing up then seems to go back to step one. Hopfully it'll soon clear though.

Reading everyones blogs tonight I noticed Rebecca commented on the fact that there seem less comments of late. Its a thing I've noticed that a lot of bloggers are not only doing less comments but are not posting so much on their own blogs. I've been thinking maybe doing a few random blog searches to try attract a few new friends with comments on blogs I like (I did this a bit when I started).

However after giving it a lot of thought and looking down the list of blog friends I decided I was happy with the people on my friends list, there is a good selection of people all with different outlooks. I can blog on different subjects with different people and to me you all seem like people I can trust and could get on with if we lived close by. Saying that its not a closed shop and I'd always be happy for anyone else to join in with comments, I always try to return comments to others blogs.

Finally as you can imagine work is quite depressing at present with people leaving, I think at the end of this week there will be less than forty people on site. We still don't know for sure whether the take over will be succesfull or we are shutting. Not knowing seems worse than either way so much indecision, some people don't know whether to look for other jobs or not. Me I'm just staying put until they stop paying me, I don't think I'm going to look for work straight away may have some time out.

With all the indecision and not knowing if or when I'll finish I'm undecided whether to have a short vacation in december, I have been checking out a few deals and there is a few good offers about. Four Cities I've never visited that I can get a decent deal at present are San Diego, Austin, Phoenix & New Orleans. Others that Ive been to that I can get a good flight/hotel price include San Francisco & Chicago but believe it or not the best price of the lot is to Atlanta, sods law I've just been there.

Opinions please if I do decide to go somewhere which of the above Cities do you reckon would be best to visit (7 days) in mid December ? Obviosly some of these prices change by the day so that may influence any decision I make.

Another Day in My Life

Well as said in a previous post I went out around town for a few beers with a workmate, actually we met up with three others who used to work with us. Anyway we toured a few local hotspots it was fairly busy but not packed. To be honest I was a bit tired last night and was struggling a bit. About 11pm we went to a dance bar but to be honest I only gave it about half a hour before calling it a day, I just wasn't in the mood.

This morning I had a walk up town and around our Bank Holiday Market, never bought anything didn't see anything that caught my eye. As usual for this time of year the town was packed with "Rubber Neckers". For my troubles I ended up with a sore shin, an old lady lost control of her Electric invalid vehicle and managed to crash straight into me. It hurt like hell but she was upset and very apologetic so I just said I was ok.

This afternoon I stuck some new rubbers on my Table Tennis Bat and also I did a bit of gardening, actually trimmed a big bush but thats about all I've done today.

Tonight I'm off out again this time for a game of Pool, we are going to our local and apparently somebody from the league committee is coming down to explain some new rules to us.

Tomorrow its back to work and I'm involved ina consultation meeting about the redundancy/factory closure, its good to be involved you get a free lunch.

After work I'm hoping to get a round of Golf, two or three of us should be going. Don't know if we'll get the full 18 holes played before it comes dark, we'll see probably depends how many people are on the course.

Hope you are all well.

Questions & Answers about Me

Don't know what to blog keep changing my mind so I thought I'd bore you with more facts about me ?

Do I ?
1. Smoke - No
2. Drink - Yes
3. Take drugs - No and never have
4. Have a tattoo - No but nothing against them, just not had the urge, one or two is ok but you can have too many.

My Opinion on terrorism and war ?
1. Iraq War - A real mess but we should stay until Iraq forces are strong enough to police themselves, pulling out now would just cause even more bloodshed.
2. Afganistan - This is the real war on terror and we need to stay so its fought in their backyard and not ours, we can not let them own a country.
3. Home Grown Terrorists - Death Penalty for treason and their families and friends should be sent back to their country of origon. May be harsh but its got to be stopped and you don't fight these people with kid gloves.
4. Palestine - A problem but not our buisness need to keep out, the UN need to deal with it.
5. Russia - Starting to sabre rattle but if the west stick together economic sanctions should make them tow the line.
6. North Korea - China need to deal with these idiots not us.

Charitable things I've done this week ?
1. Donated old clothes to charity shop
2. Donated £5 to bloke at work who is doing a sponsered walk to raise money for a young lad so he can get treatment for Cerebal Pausey.

Things I've done today ?
1. Gone to work.
2. Weekly Shopping at Tesco.
3. Been on the Internet (Blogger, MySpace & Flickr)
4. Read Newspaper.
5. Repaired Lawnmower (faulty switch)

Things I've eaten today ?
1. Porridge
2. Fruit (Blueberries, Cherries, Apple, Banana & Orange).
3. Jacket Potato
4. Baked Beans
5. Thats it honest (ok 2 jacket potatos but they were small)

CD's I've played today ?
1. The Who "live at the Albert Hall"
2. Marcia Ball "So many rivers"

My thoughts today ?
1. Dominated by upcoming redundancy and what I'll do.

Number of Airmiles I've earned on my new Credit Cards ?
1. 216miles

What I'm doing tonight ?
1. Early night I'm feeling tired.