Another Weekend Comes to a Close...

They pass too quickly. It is like someone winds up the clock and it ticks at twice the rate at the weekend than it does during the week. Especially between 9-5.

A bottle of wine and some music and a DVD (die Falscher - The Counterfeiters) last night.

An early start today to see if tennis history could be made and Britain's 75 year wait for a men's grand slam win could be ended.

The wait goes on.

Murray beaten by Djokovic in straight sets. The best man won. Congratulations to the Serb.

The rest of the day has been fairly lazy (it is Sunday!). The afternoon spent watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. What a great film, fabulous storyline and so sad.

Beef enchiladas for dinner and now debating tonight's options:

1. Music and wine.
2. TV and wine.
3. Movie and wine.

Have a good Sunday and see you the other side.

It's a Beautiful Day

There's something good about a clear sky and sunshine, even though it was cold. We get too many dull, wet, cloudy, foggy days here so it's nice to see some winter sunshine.

Arose at a reasonable hour (no wine last night...yes I know it was Friday!). Shower, breakfast and a few chores and then a stroll into Tynemouth for the paper. A nice 3.5 mile walk returning along the coast.

Tynemouth Longsands this morning - http://yfrog.com/h83ncvbj

Lunch was huevos rancheros. I love the way the coriander (cilantro), jalapenos, salsa, sour cream etc combine to make such a wonderful taste.

A lazy afternoon spent surfing the net, watching Blackadder III and keeping up to date with the sport.

Jambalaya for dinner and the plans for this evening - a movie - The Counterfeiters (Der Fleischer in German - a true story about counterfeiters in Nazi Germany), some music and some wine.

Not too much wine though. Early start in the morning. Men's Aussie Open final...Murray v Djokovic. Hopefully next time I blog Britain's 75 year wait for a grand slam tennis winner will be over!

Good luck Andy!

Untitled!

Well it was good enough for Led Zeppelin who didn't title their fourth album. Mind, since their first three were called Led Zeppelin I, II & III it quickly became known as Led Zeppelin IV!

I couldn't think of a suitable title. Maybe next time I'm stuck it will be the The Blog Formally Known As...!

No update last night. I fully intended to but then time caught up and I had a meeting in the pub with a friend planned so had to quickly iron some clothes and jump in the shower.

A couple of routine days at work, nothing to write home (or blog about).

The big news is Andy Murray is in the Australian Open final. It is 75 years since a Brit won a men's grand slam event. (Yes... a case of another sport we invented and are crap at...cricket...blah...soccer...blah...rugby etc).) If he can beat Djokovic in the final then...well...WOW! I will be up at 8 on Sunday am to watch.

I had my haircut today. That's the best I can come up with today I'm afraid! A quiet night in front of the TV. The wine remains unopened. It can wait until tomorrow.

Other weekend plans. Well there are no plans. A couple of movies and some chilling. Sounds good to me.

I hope your weekend is a good one.

A Quick Update...

I can literally think of nothing to say today. So I will be brief.

Work...grocery shopping...chicken tacos for dinner...chores...laundry...relaxation...and soon to bed.

11 Shopping Months Left Until Christmas!

My post yesterday about the Moscow bomb blast was chilling when I heard the news today. There was a British victim. Tragic in any circumstance but he had a 6 month old baby and was due to get married this year. So so sad.

Another day another dollar as they say. Cooked spaghetti bolognese for dinner. Yummy. One of my favourite dishes. I love Italian cuisine. It's right up there with Mexican and Indian.

Not sure what to do tonight. Tuesday is normally pub night but it's cold out, I feel tired so I think it is a night in. TV? I have had a quick scan and not much on. A movie? Maybe. Not sure what I'm in the mood for. Music?

Decisions decisions!

The blog title was just a joke but it sure shows how quickly time passes. It is hard to believe it is a month since Christmas.

The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

I'm not sure what is worse. Strapping explosives to yourself to commit suicide or randomly killing other people when you detonate.

Ordinary people massacred. People on business trips. Holidaymakers exploring new exciting horizons. Loved ones being reunited. People going about their day to day business at work in a bustling airport. Lives changed forever in a split second.

My sympathies go to everyone involved in the senseless atrocity in Moscow. As someone who likes to travel, it is sad to see. It could happen any place, any time. And to anyone.

Well another working week. So far as Monday's go it wasn't a bad one at all. Homemade soup and fruit for lunch. A good start to the week. I think a third consecutive walk is a no go tonight. It is cold and wet out there. Not ideal conditions.

Tacos tonight for dinner.The best I have ever made. So tasty. Some wonderful flavours. Made some guacamole and refried beans to have with nachos and sour cream and salsa. That will certainly see me through to bedtime.

This evening's plans are yet to be determined. Perhaps an episode or two of Blackadder III. Possibly a movie. I need to find a new book to read. Will peruse the bookcase and see what remains unread.

Adios.

1,200 Tweets in One Day? I don't think so!

That's what the stats said. My tweets doubled literally in a second to 2,400. So annoying. I hope this is a bug they can fix asap.

Shrimp tacos last night (c\o Allrecipes.com) were absolutely delicious. The evening was spent enjoying a nice glass of Italian red wine. OK a bottle to be precise.

I watched a movie, listened to some tunes and watched Match of the Day (I always do when Sunderland win!).

The movie was Der Lieben der Anderen (the Lives of Others). It's the second time I have seen it and I enjoyed it more the second time round. I can say it is in my top three movies of all time. It is set in 1980s East Germany and is about a Stasi officer secretly monitoring the work of a writer. As time passes the Stasi officer softens and, unbeknown to the writer he helps him from a Stasi raid on his house. His girlfriend commits suicide thinking her betrayal will lead to his arrest. The Stasi officer is demoted for incompetence. When the Berlin Wall falls the writer reads the secret Stasi files on him and realises the officer saved him. Known only by his code name, in his next book he dedicates the book to the unknown officer who becomes aware of this when he picks up the book in a store. Brilliant. Quite brilliant. Don't let watching a film with subtitles put you off.

This morning I lazed on the couch watching the 3rd one day match against Australia. Three games three defeats. I'm not too bothered. The Ashes were the main prize and secured in such wonderful style.

I made some home made veg soup today for lunch at work this week. Lunch today was 2 eggs, toast and a tangerine. Dinner was pork and veg.

I watched The Social Network this afternoon. It was better than I expected and quite a story. I can see how it has won so many Golden Globes (I nearly typed Golden GLOVES!) and is Oscar nominated.

I managed 2 walks in a row. A 2 mile evening walk to Cullercoats and back.

This evening will  be a glass of wine with the new series of Top Gear.

Back to work in the morning. I trust your weekend was enjoyable and next time you see me I will have my miserable working week face on :(

Is it Really the 22nd January?

Where is the year going? How come it is passing by with such speed? Has it gone supersonic?

It doesn't seem like 3 weeks since I posted my first blog (maybe you, dear reader, beg to differ). It is true what they say. The older you get the quicker time passes. Octogenarians must see life as a blur. Easter and Christmas must almost merge into the same day!

Up at 7.30 this morning. Earlier than usual for a weekend but I felt raring to go. Off to Starbucks this morning with Mum. I was good and my latte wasn't accompanied by a muffin, a cookie, a slice of cake or anything with a calorie count to make me cry (but to make my taste buds smile).

Home again and I made some delicious home made mushroom soup. I managed to get motivated to go for a walk this afternoon -2.49 miles according to Adidas miCoach. I browsed the second hand books at Tynemouth Station market. Plenty of choice if crappy romantic fiction floats your boat. Frankly that sort of read sinks my particular boat.

The afternoon has been spent perusing eBay, Twitter and Facebook with Sky Soccer Saturday providing the background noise. As I write Sunderland are 2-0 up away at Blackpool so look like consolidating 6th in the EPL. Good news indeed.

The plan is to cook shrimp burritos for dinner. I have found a great website - www.allrecipes.com - you can chose how many people you are cooking for (in my case invariably 1) and it adjusts the ingredients amount accordingly.

Tonight I will watch a DVD - most likely Der Lieben der Anderen. If I sound educated, I hasten to say that I do need English subtitles. Some music will no doubt follow and the red wine will certainly flow. Italian red if I am not mistaken.

I hope your weekend is good and I will no doubt find time tomorrow to bore you with the trivialities of my life.

Perking Up A Bit

It was an early night last night. I finished Stasiland bang on 9.30 and it was a case of lights out and BBC Radio 5 Live on. I didn't get past the 10 o clock news bulletin.

ZzZzZzZz.

Awoke around 2ish. Dry mouth and feeling dehydrated. I decided the best course of action was to head to the fridge for a diet coke. It did the required job. Rehydrated and happy I resumed my slumber.

I still felt tired this morning. Maybe it is the dark mornings. Thankfully they are ebbing away and daylight is taking over.

Friday's are never too bad at work. Lunch today was French onion soup. Not bad.

Early evening saw housework and laundry and a sandwich. Tonight will be some TV and a bottle of wine. I have perked up and seemed to have found the energy.

The exercise count this week doesn't warrant a mention. I need to get on top of it.

Plans for the weekend? Hmmm. Not sure. Possibly a trip to browse the second hand books at Tynemouth Station Market. If I do this alone it will go well. If I go with a friend it will turn in to the usual "quick look round then off to the pub". A movie or two. Hopefully Der Lieben der Anderen will arrive tomorrow (The Lives of Others). a great flick about life in East Germany. It won best foreign language film at the Oscars 2 or 3 years ago.

It will soon be Monday. Such is the ironic thing about Friday evenings. What a bright way to end a Friday blog!

Technical issues

Can't log onto to site via laptop for some reason. Email update via Blackberry.

Still tired. Not sure why. Mornings are such a struggle. Went to bed at 8.30 last night, read for a bit and was asleep before 10.

Much colder again. Almost as cold as I've felt all winter. On a better note I have noticed the nights are getting lighter.

Pizza for dinner (Dominos). Very naughty. It is either a glass of wine or another early night.

Weekend tomorrow...at last.
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I Must Be Getting Old

Three working days done this week and three nights running I've been tired. Monday night was bed at 9pm, a few chapters of Stasiland and lights out at 10.

Last night was a struggle to get to the pub. Mind once I was there it was a decent night. A few Guinness and such.

SAFC £18 million richer after the sale of Bent to Villa today. There is no loyalty in football anymore. Apparently £2 million isn't enough for a footballer to live on. Disgraceful. Even more so in these current difficult times.

Can someone please explain to me why people like shopping? To me it is hell on earth. Thankfully the store was less busy than normal...I assume people are still waiting for their first post Xmas wage.

The diet is struggling. One or two snacks. I'm finding it hard this time. Very hard. How I motivate myself I just don't know.

Another early night is calling. I think I will finish Stasiland tonight.

Until next time...adieu.

2 Minutes to 8 and Falling Asleep

It's only Monday but I feel like I have done a working week. Have just read another three chapters of Stasiland and now, with the clock approaching 8pm, I am almost falling asleep.

It was a routine day for a Monday. Nothing spectacular. Chicken and cous cous for lunch, chicken and pasta for dinner. I was naughty and had some muesli afterwards as I was still hungry. No motivation to walk tonight. Tiredness does that.

It also makes blog's brief. Mind, the brevity of this entry is also down to not having much to report.

An early night beckons.

Finally...a Walk

Evening walk: 2 miles in a fraction under 30 minutes along coast. Clear and mild night.
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It's Not Over til the Fat Lady Sings...Or Asamoah Gyan Scores!

There's nothing worse than losing a football match at home to your deadliest rivals. And when the enemy scored midway through the second half that is what it looked like. Tick tock. Tick Tock.

90 minutes up and there were 4 added minutes. Tick tock. Tick tock.

The 4 minutes up. Bang...GOAL! Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1. Asamoah Gyan- thank you for making me dance round the living room!

 Match report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9358512.stm

An enjoyable evening last night in the company of a rather cheeky little Spanish red and a Springsteen concert on BBC4 I'd never seen before from Houston in 1978. The Boss knows how to put on a show.

So far so good on the calorie count. Breakfast - 1 (solitary) slice of toast. Lunch - home made veg soup, yoghurt and satsuma (or maybe it was a clementine...a tangerine perhaps?).

I watched 127 Hours this afternoon. I wanted to see it as I was in that part of Utah last year where the true story was set. A well thought out and moving film. Very enjoyable. Out of 5 stars I think I'd give it 4. I did have to avert my gaze at one point though.

127 Hours @ IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1542344/

Dinner soon and maybe watch a DVD tonight.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Stasiland

Stop press...forgot to mention I have started a new book today. Stasiland is an award winning non-fiction book about life in Germany before the Berlin Wall fell. First two chapters are promising.

Auf Widersehen
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The Diet Starts Here...And Now

There were two notable differences to my morning routine today. Firstly my cursory glance at the bathroom scales turned into something more practical. I actually stood on them. Part of me wishes I hadn't (and there are parts of me I wish I hadn't!).

Over 60 pounds lost in 2009 and a lot of that hard work undone. I want to lose 26 pounds. That is my target. I have done it before. I can do it again. For some reason, I feel it will be harder. The target date is my 40th birthday - April 6th. Ambitious? Yes. Achievable? With hard work...yes.

The other notable difference was the fact that one slice of bread was put in the toaster. It looked lonely, almost apologetic. It would normally have a companion. But not now and not for the immediate future.

It is not the day for walking. Rain showers and a howling gale. Always made worse by our coastal location. I haven't given up hope of going out for 20-30 minutes after dinner. Dinner looks like being chicken tacos (it will certainly be a chicken - I roasted one this morning). Lunch was homemade chicken and vegetable soup (another two portions await).

This afternoon I backed up all my files onto the portable hard drive. I would hate to lose all my holiday snaps. So many memories.

This evening? Well two options:

1. Bottle of wine and the option of early evening music or the remainder of Blackadder II (episodes 1-3 last night) and a Bruce Springsteen evening on BBC4...featuring a 1978 concert I haven't seen.

2. Tynemouth with friends. To celebrate Louise's 50th. It is not the weather for going out.

I hear you...both options involving alcohol. Yes, I know. I want to lose weight but if I cut down snacking etc, I need something to look forward to and I do enjoy a relaxing drink at the weekend.

Signing off, this is Jono saying over and out.

Sometimes I Feel Lucky

There are upsetting images from around the world on a near daily basis. A bomb blast in Pakistan. A typhoon in the Philippines. A plane crash in South America. But I was moved to tears when I saw the face of the young boy who sacrificed his life so his younger brother may live in the terrible Queensland floods.

Why him? I think I can explain. He was from a stable country, probably middle class and had his future ahead of him. He was a kid who would like the odd prank, didn't want to do his homework and play sports outside till bedtime. I looked at his photo and thought it could have been me 25 years ago. It brought a realisation to me that, despite things I moan about, I have a million reasons to feel lucky.

I hope Australia give this brave young man the recognition he deserves. I hope the Queen can bestow the highest Commonwealth honour on him.

The weekend is here. So is the middle of January and I'm still blogging to my global audience (hello to Lori and Vee!). The remainder of the Indians tonight for dinner and then the diet/exercise starts tomorrow.

I have been invited out tomorrow night but, aware of my determination to do the above, I am in two minds. We will see. Tonight's proceedings will consist a bottle of red wine (Viva Espana!) and some TV.

I hope it is a good weekend wherever you are (I will hazard a guess at Bismark and NYC!).

Not a Lot to Say Really

It's true. I've not much to say. This will be brief.

Woke. Shower. Drove to work. Work. Lunch. Work. Drove home.

Decided to grocery shop. Such joyous fun. Indian take away for dinner. Last one for a while me thinks. The 15th looms D Day (D = Diet).

Watched two episodes of One Foot in the Grave. Victor Meldrew must be in the top 5 comedy characters of all time. Actually here goes...my top 5...not in any order.

1. Edmund Blackadder (Blackadder)
2. Reggie Perrin (The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin)
3. Victor Meldrew (One Foot in the Grave)
4. Dave Brent (The Office)
5. Darren Lamb (Extras)

Speaking of Blackadder...I think the final two episodes of series 1 await me.

It's More WAIT Than WEIGHT Loss!

I'm finding two things hard (no rude comments please). They are both connected. I'm finding it hard to get into a pair of jeans and even harder to reverse the eating binge that is causing it.

New Year's Day was a false alarm so I move onto the next target date. It was January 15th 2009 I started my marathon weight loss programme so I am hoping lightning will strike twice in 3 days time. I eat healthily in meal terms but it's the snacking. The endless snacks. Too many calories. Far too often.

Dinner tonight was jambalaya. Delicious. I have enough to take to work tomorrow for dinner (at least I didn't eat it all tonight I guess). Maybe a glass of wine tonight with the likelihood of more Blackadder.

Another win for England v the Aussies. This time Twenty20 cricket and another record in the process - 8 consecutive T20 wins.

I think in terms of future blogs I won't mention the mundane daily work thing - unless something momentous happens. Yeah right!

So, on to tonight's proceedings. Until tomorrow, ciao for now.

The Perrin-Meldrew Hybrid Theory

I've seen it coming. Not just recent months. But recent years. I am turning into a grumpy old man!

I am less tolerant of people around me. That said, they lack manners and are incredibly rude. I swear at drivers who don't indicate. I mutter things at people who don't say thank you when I hold a door for them and I growl at the morons who impede my grocery shopping by dithering and getting in the way.

Should I be concerned that grumpiness is setting in at 39? No. Not at all. Bring in on!

The prospect of becoming some hybrid of Reggie Perrin (the 70s version of course a la Leonard Rossiter) and Victor Meldrew is almost an aspiration. (Don't know who they are? Google!)

I had to collect three parcels en route to work today and for didn't have to wait. That must be some kind of record. The main parcel I was collecting was my new portable hard drive. I live in (almost) fear of losing all my holiday pics.

Another afternoon walk at work, this time on the north side of the river. North or south of the River Tyne it's still bloody freezing!

Home to roast pork and vegetables. A magnificent feast. Am now backing up all the said holiday pics and watching the news. I can't comprehend the amount of water that has fallen in Australia. When they say "biblical" they are not wrong at all. My sympathies to all affected.

A quick nap to follow and the obligatory Tuesday night Guinness in the Quarry pub.

Ciao.

I Have a Cunning Plan...

It is the finest comedy ever written. I almost know all of the scripts off by heart. But, I have never owned the DVD box set. Not until today that is. Today is a landmark day. Today the good people of HMV delivered my Blackadder box set. Now I have all Baldrick's cunning plans! Blackadder series 1-4 and the specials, including Blackadder's Christmas Carol. TV heaven. Comedy at it's finest.

So it was another Monday. Hooray I thought as the inevitable time arrived of hauling myself from slumber (a poor sleep let it be noted). An average morning followed by a luncheon of home made veg soup. The afternoon saw a trip to South Shields to look more closely at the route of a walk I am writing. It was freezing. Biting. The wind was coming right down the bend of the river.

Home again I set about making some tacos and homemade guacamole for dinner. This week I really need to exercise. Motivation. That is the key. I need to unlock the secret to motivation. I feel right now I lack it in all forms. I should have exercised this evening but chose to class my afternoon mosey as today's exercise. Probably fair enough on reflection.

Watched the first two episodes of Blackadder. The first series lacked something that was clearly present in series 2-4. Ben Elton co-writing was a factor. As was the probable "post mortem" from series one. Nevertheless very witty.

iPod on random shuffle and the haunting opening bars of John Lennon's Imagine are playing as I type this...

Sunday Bloody Sunday

If there is anyone out there who has nothing else to do but read about my life (or lack of it) on a daily basis, I apologise about yesterday's hiatus. Normal service has been resumed. The intention was to do a Saturday evening blog however the Guinness intervened.

Went to Silverlink Retail Park with Mum on Sat am. It was the first time I had seen her in 2011. I met a friend for a few beers in the Quarry. I ended up staying longer than planned (as you do...or as I do) and a band came on around 9. They were pretty good for a pub band.

This morning was a waste. In fact I didn't get up till the sun was over the yard arm (one day I will bother to check the origin of that phrase). My head was sore. Shareholders at Guinness PLC will be delighted when they see the returns on their next dividend.

A lazy afternoon in front of the TV (Man U v Liverpool FA Cup 3rd round) and sporadic housework. The lazy theme continued as the only dexterity required in the preparation of dinner was dialing the phone. Any pizza any size £9.99. Would you refuse?

I feel guilty about this weekend. Guinness (aplenty). Pizza (large). Exercise (non-existent).

So tomorrow the diet/exercise programme starts for real. Maybe I should set a target?

I hope your weekend has been more productive.

That Friday Feeling...

The end of the first week of 2011 and TGIF.

At 12.57am UK time this morning Beer (Michael) was canned and the champagne (a vintage of at least a generation) was uncorked. England had beaten Australia by an innings again to win the Ashes series 3-1. I was listening to the radio commentary in bed but decided, such is the rarity of the event, I should at least witness the coup de grace on television. I think the Ashes win deserves a separate blog (a task for the weekend).

If yesterday was cold today was bitter, a harsher bite in the air. Work, again came and went. Apologies if I rarely mention my working day. There really is nothing to report. Well, almost nothing. Mandy in the office drove a van in the underground car park and it didn't quite have the clearance and she got...well...stuck. Cue laughter all round. She took it well. A good sport.

Bacon sandwiches for tea and then the usual Friday night chores...two loads of washing. The weekend starts with a bang in my household I can tell you!

Right now I'm blogging uncertain of the course of the rest of the evening. Glass of wine? I'm tempted to say no. A new series of Hustle starts on BBC1 at 9. One of the few shows worth watching these days amongst the plethora of crap. Soaps, reality TV, celebrity nonsense, people wanting to be celebrities... The list goes on.

I bid thee farewell with the hope that you have a good weekend.

Life

I would like to start by saying I am sorry to hear of the passing of someone I never knew. My friend Christina's Gran passed away today. My thoughts are with her and and her family. Christina spoke fondly of her Gran who she saw as a role mode who shaped the person she is today.

A cold day. Never pleasant to leave for work in the cold. Apparently there was a snow flurry around lunchtime.

I was naughty tonight. Very naughty. Tired when I got home I fed the cats then slobbed in front of the TV. As every passing moment was consigned to history, so too was my intent, desire and motivation to cook.  One phone call later and the Chinese was ordered. I'm not a big one on Chinese cuisine. I always find I take a chance and often don't enjoy it. I was lucky. The sweet and sour prawns got the thumbs up.

I can feel an early night coming on. A combination of getting back into the work routine and interrupted sleep (cricket on radio) has made me tired. I will soon be back in the routine and, after tonight, will not have the radio on through the night.

England are almost there. Yet another flawless day at the office, more records and Aussie wickets tumbling and England enter the final day needing 3 more wickets for another thumping win and a thoroughly deserved 3-1 Ashes series win.

Paul Collingwood announced his retirement today. Neither flash nor flamboyant he was steady and workmanlike. The architect behind some very important innings in both attack and rearguard. His statistics are impressive enough and he goes with a good career behind him. A popular member of the dressing room, he will be a big miss.  If time permits, I may blog a special entry on Colly.

So at 8.18 I fee my day is done and I will head to bed. When the light goes out I will remember Christina's Gran and think of those who are grieving.

Back in the swing again!

Day two back at work. The same reluctance to get up. The morning routine now feeling oh so familiar.

Last night was spent in the Quarry pub with friends. A decent night. It was good Guinness. We nearly won the quiz jackpot but my knowledge of World War I poets just wasn't quite good enough. My friends were impressed that I even knew the name of one WWI poet so I didn't feel too ashamed.

Returned home to watch The Ashes before retiring to bed. Awoke to the news that England lead by 208 runs with 4 wickets remaining. Another 100 hundred for Cook (and yet more records aplenty broken in the process) and a first Ashes ton for Bell. Only 2 days to go. I think England are a safe bet for a win or, at worst a draw. Either way it's a series win.

Chicken Madras for dinner and some scrabble fun with Christina on the iPod. Isn't technology amazing? I got my arse kicked though. She is a better wordsmith than I.

Weekly shopping done and now watching the football scores. Latest news Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0. I will take a point away from home.

Goodnight and God bless. See you the other side of midnight.

Back in the Swing

Back. Perhaps not so much in the swing. I rose out of bed this morning with the same reluctance of a rose in a drought. The dark, cold mornings don't help. Neither, I guess, does the radio being on all night so I could drift in and out of consciousness with the latest from down under.

Yes, you guessed. First day back at work after Christmas and New Year. The shower didn't seem quite as refreshing and the breakfast not as tasty. The cats wondered where I was going at such an ungodly hour. They had got used to my presence round the house.

It was cloudy as I left the house, the final turn of the key the realisation that it was back to nine to five. I know it was cloudy. I made a cursory glance to the skies looking for the partial solar eclipse that was due to be at it's peak. No sign. Eclipsed was, ironically how I felt.

Drive to work. Through security gate. Park car. Into office. Sit down. Computer on.

It didn't feel like almost two weeks away. Not by a long way. The best I can say is the working day came and went.

Home around 4.45pm. Beef tacos for dinner avec (as they say in France) home made guacamole. Tasty.Very tasty indeed.

A catch up with the BBC News. VAT up to 20% today. Doom and gloom.

And so on to tonight. Tuesday is normal pub night. But, after Christmas is it really needed? I will take a nap and see. I'm tempted to go I must admit.

Overnight Ashes latest: Match nicely poised. Day 3 could potentially prove crucial.

Maybe the swing will gain momentum tomorrow.

Is Back to Work Good or Bad?

I know that I have had the occasional moan about returning to work tomorrow. Sometimes a lie in is nice and a lazy day is beneficial. But I can't help thinking that lethargy has set in. Perhaps another few days away from the office and lethargy could become like a lifestyle choice. Despite not really looking forward to tomorrow morning, getting back into a routine is, perhaps, for the best.

It always seems like you have never been away from the desk. All being well and the majority of people taking extended Christmas leave, the inbox shouldn't be bulging like a strongman's biceps. Here's hoping.

Lethargy has been the key word today. I did manage a short walk (1.84 miles) along the coast into Cullercoats village and back. After lunch (homemade veg soup & ham sandwich) I lounged in front of the TV...one of those instances when there is nothing you really want to see. I eventually fell asleep during the SA v India test in Cape Town. I will miss my afternoon 40 winks. Memo to self: don't try it at work.

Watched the Ashes highlights and then made some delicious chili con carne for dinner. Again I feel a not-sure-what-to-watch evening coming on. How exciting. PDC Worlds Darts Final on Sky (possibly) or on BBC2 a live stargazing programme.

I'm tempted to round of the festivities with a glass (or more) of claret and begin purging the body tomorrow.

Next time I blog I will undoubtedly have returned from a day at the office longing for lethargy, lie-ins and laziness.

Happy Monday

I'm trying to be upbeat and positive so I guess the blog entry title reflects this. The reality, harsh one at that, is that after 13 days of indulgence it is time to go back to work tomorrow. I imagine on weekdays my blog entries will be no more than daily. Unless I have something dramatic to tell the world. Ok. Once a day it is.

Sad to hear of the death of the great British actor Pete Postlethwaite at the age of 64. Oscar nominated and described by Spielberg as the best actor in the world, he was one of those who popped up in many films without necessarily starring but playing a good role.

Watched the first session of the final test at Sydney (I wish I was watching in Sydney but you know what I mean). On a rain interrupted day Australia closed on 134-4. England in the box seat. At lunch (weird referring to lunch at 1.30am Jono time!) Aggers interviewed Glenn McGrath the legendary Aussie bowler. The third day of the match is Jane McGrath Day. Jane, his wife passed away in her 30s a couple of years ago of breast cancer and he now has a foundation in her name to raise awareness. Pink seems to be the colour at the SCG this week. A menace to England batsmen and never without a word to say on the pitch, he is a gentleman and a lovely guy off it. Terrific interview.

And so on to today. I need to go for a walk. It feels mild here today so no excuses. No excuses at all.

The Realisation of Reality

So tomorrow is the last day of the festive holidays. Back to work, back to reality on Tuesday. A depressing thought indeed.

Enjoyed a magnificent roast beef dinner today, a delicious cut of meat. There is enough left to make a chili for tomorrow (note to self: need to purchase rice).

I had a brief period of internet downtime earlier. A phone call to the call centre (in India surprise surprise) appeared to be leading nowhere when all of a sudden the connection returned. A dramatic fluke I believe.

The evening has been somewhat lethargic. BBC Radio 5 Live. iPod on shuffle. As I type, watching a good documentary (part 1 of  5) about life in the Arctic with Bruce Parry.

This evening's wine (of which there will be considerably less come back-to-work time) is courteousy of Espana.

It is now no more than an hour and a half away from play at the SCG. Apparently conditions are favourable to bowl first. One of those "a good toss to lose scenarios". I imagine it will be ideal conditions for Jimmy Anderson if it is the Aussies strapping their pads on. I will watch the morning session on TV before retiring to bed with Test Match Special on through the night on the radio. Drifing in and out of sleep to the dulcet tones of Aggers, CMJ, Jim Maxwell et all is sheer bliss.

An experiment in the world of technology...

This an attempt to blog from my Blackberry. If you can see this entry it has worked. If not...well who cares!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Australia v England, 5th Test Match at the Sydney Cricket Ground

There were fireworks and a party that went long into the night in Sydney to mark the new year. If England can produce some fireworks on the pitch (KP a 150+ and Jimmy Anderson 6-50) then England can party long into the night to celebrate a series win.

Turn the clock back 24 years and you arrive at the last time England won the Ashes in Australia. Thatcher was still destroying Britain and I was still in school. The Internet not even heard of.

The Ashes have already been retained by England (a fine achievement) but an outright series win is what they crave. Before the first test in Brisbane in November I predicted the series would end 2-2. If Australia win that prediction will have been spot on. As it stands I think England will win at the SCG.

Australia's decline from the greatest cricket team ever seen of the last 10-15 years to the rabble they are now has been incredible to witness. However, this is not to take anything away from England. They have been methodical in their approach to everything and (apart from a blip in Perth) have executed their game plans with stunning precision.

The toss could prove crucial. Both sides will want to bat first. Australia will not want to face Swann on the 4th/5th days on a turning wicket. Australia give a debut to Michael Beer. Nothing surely for England to fear from a spinner with only 7 first class matches?

Michael Clarke skippers the home side in Ponting's absence. Permanent or temporary? Only time will tell. The decline of Ricky Ponting from the world's greatest batsman to a number three that almost can't get a run is sad. If he retires let him be remembered for the highs (many) compared to the lows.

England will surely field the same eleven. A last hurrah for Paul Collingwood? Probably. So it is a simple message to Andrew Strauss. Win the toss and bat. In five days time I expect England to be celebrating. If they can sink Michael Beer over the next few days on the pitch they can sink a few celebratory ones too after.

So as Bumble would say "start the car" and make sure there is room in the glove compartment for the chrished little urn.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

As predicted my typing skills were impaired on my return from New Year's Day imbibing so decided to leave blog entry until the morning after. Well, afternoon after. It was an incredibly lazy morning. Some would say that is what Sunday's are for (those who would argue against are more commonly known as church goers).

My wish for a quiet pub soon vanished as soon as I opened the doors at the Cumberland Arms. I've not seen it so busy in a while. It was claustrophobic to start with but after a while the crowds moved on to the next pub. Needless to say we didn't. Having diligently waited for some personal space we were not about to relinquish it and follow the masses.

A good few Guinnesses flowed and there was the usual chat about music, film, sports etc (I'm always happy to talk sport on the days that Sunderland win and when England stand on the verge in Australia!). The conversation also reflected back on 2010, mainly the USA trip, and looking forward to 2011.

Returned home to the curry made earlier and enjoyed with a JD & coke. Match of the Day was on but the Guinness clouded much of the action. SAFC 3 Blackburn 0.

So a lazy morning has evolved into a lazy Sunday afternoon. Xmas money put to good use and a 320GB hard drive has been ordered online. Now contemplating what to do with the rest of the day.

The fifth and final and potentially historic test match gets underway in Sydney at 23.00 UK time. I understand there is rain in the area. I'd rather see five full days but if the rain plays a part and the game is drawn I will take a 2-1 series win. I will try to post a preview blog but my prediction? England to win.

New Year's Day 2011...so far

And so on to my first update It is now 14.28 So I actually have things to update on.

A productive morning was spent making a chicken madras. One batch in the freezer, the other awaiting my ravenous return from New Year's Day socialising. This is the best ever curry I have made. The recipe is from http://www.curryhouse.co.uk/ and the dishes are authentic. Have prepared some mushroom pilau rice as an accompaniment to the madras.

Bargain of the year (admittedly my first purchase!) was the box set of the complete Blackadder series and specials. £17.99 inc delivery. Amazing. For my overseas friends that's around $30 US.

A morning walk along the seafront followed. At first it seemed very mild, coat almost surplus to requirements but the return leg was into the breeze. A breeze flapping with some intent off the North Sea inducing waves of a decent size. I downloaded a BlackBerry app called adidas micoach which tracks the route, works out heart rate, calories burned etc. It was a 2.4 mile walk resulting in the dismissal of over 400 calories (seems a lot but I have no reason to doubt the calculating skills of a gadget that possesses better brain power than humble me).

Read the sports section of the Guardian. An excellent preview of the fifth test match between Australia and England in Sydney, due to start in around 32 hours. All signs point to an England win which would result in a marvellous 3-1 series triumph. Only time will tell...

Off to Tynemouth soon for some celebratory New Year's Guinness. I am hoping the pubs have emptied somewhat. There is a tendency on this day of the afternoons being somewhat busy. As I head to my 40th (downhill it seems!), I prefer my pint to be over some convivial chat rather than having to shout to be heard over the racous noise of revellers or (worse still) crappy pop music!

I shall bid you adieu and I may well provide a final chapter to January 1st 2011 on my return...depending on how much control I have of my manual dexterity.

The author, October 2010, NYC

1-1-11: A New Day, A New Year, A New Blog

A new day. A new year. A new blog. Happy New Year. I'm new to this so please be patient.

I am not sure why I have decided to start a blog. I do not yet know how it will all work out. My guess is it will provide a snapshot of my life (wow exciting eh?). I could be bored by 4th January and you may never hear from me again. I could find an addiction and record almost every single passing moment of my existence. I hope that if anyone reads this it provides them with some laughs, maybe some inspiration.

So what are my goals for 2011? Who knows. Do I need any? They are unlikely to be realistic and therefore likely to remain unfulfilled. I want to win the lotto and move somewhere hot. Don't we all? Right now all I know is my life is dull. Predictable. Mundane. I need something new. The only person that can do anything about it is me.

When the clock struck midnight I had an horrific thought. I am 40 THIS year. They say life begins. Well I guess on 6th April this year I will find out. I won't hold my breath.

As I write this the day is breaking and the world (or the UK at least) is waking up to 2011. Many with sore heads I assume. I was up at 7.30am. It is a typical day in the north east of England. Grey and damp. That could almost be a snapshot of the weather at any time of the year.

One thing I need to do is diet. In 2009 I lost over 60 pounds and felt great. The pounds have slowly made their way back. Christmas excesses certainly don't help. A balanced diet and excercise should do the trick. I did it two years ago. I know I can do it again.

So, what of today. Well, like the rest of the year I'm not sure what to expect. Some friends are heading out for some celebratory New Year's Day beers. The pubs tend to be crowded. They lack appeal when they are like that.

I will sign off my first blog entry with the hope it won't be the last and wish you all the very best in 2011.