Mini Adventures

2007-01-16T03:34:00.000-08:00

Thats how long it has been since my last post.

Obviously if I were to fill you in on everything that had happened since then this would be very very lengthy.

The reason for the lack of attention to the blog was a number of reasons, mainly being moving into the new flat. We are coming up to the 1yr anniversary of living on Shawcross St and things are going very nicely. The bedroom is 99% finished, now a nice shade of blue and ivory. Exciting things like picking out carpet and accessorising the room with a chair and cushions have taken place. Next up is the bathroom and the potential for some plumbing nightmares!

Went skiing again before Xmas to Italy (Passo Tonale) and whilst the snow fall was not great, still had a really good time. Did some off-piste routes and also went up onto a glacier which was quite spectacular.

This years main holiday is going to be a Scotland trip (whisky and haggis!). Not only do we want to explore some of the sights a little closer to home, but it will also help to save some money up for the house and also to put towards the 2008 holiday. We are hoping to go to the USA next year.

We will of course be sprinkling in some long weekends away (cheap flights) and B&B breaks. Tentative plans for a rip upto Scotland to watch Albion Rovers play football near Glasgow are taking shape for the start of April.

I'm still at Ofsted and it os going OK. Its not exactly a dream job, and doesnt really tes me so I am alway on the look out for new opportunities. I am contemplating doing an Open University course maybe this year but will have to see how it would fit in time and expense wise.

Thats about it. I will try to update on a more regular basis.

TTFN.

Umbongo! Umbongo!

2006-05-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

Howdy.

A few bits and pieces have occured since my last post, the Rangers awards being the thing that we look forward to every now and then.

It was my turn to arrange a meal and do the awards this year, so rather than go for the usual Indian, Chinese or steak (which is nice but a tad predictable) I thought Tapa's would be a good idea.

It is more designed for a party/large group meal as you get alot of different things to try and dig in to, kinda like a buffet. There were a few dishes that were not as popular (calimari, houmous) but strangely everything got eaten! How about that! It was nice to eat in a relaxed atmosphere and not being rushed. We were a big party of people so food was on the slow side coming out, but they were catering for 12, and in is Tapas, which being Spanish by nature was laid back and in no rush.

The awards were at The Cheadle Hulme, and were distributed as follows:

Player of the Season - Me
Most Improved Player - Mark
Coco the Clown - Pete
Sicknote - Belly
One Hit Wonder - Anton

It was nice for me to be voted winner of the POTS, and for people to acknowledge my goals. In 6 seasons at Powerleague the POTS has now gone to attackers and defenders in a 50/50 ratio which is good to see. Rewarding both elements of the team. The MIP has gone to defence minded players every season though so comments like "the awards went to mainly strikers again, which is about standard. Its hard for a defender to win unless they shiz it up and score goals!" doesnt quite ring true now does it?

Another comment which boggles the mind is "if we could've just tucked away 2 more goals in 50 mins, we'd have been laughing! ". One of the frustrating things is that the 2 main goalscorers we have are pretty much the only goal scorers we have wheres we have 5 that would call themselves defence minded. Why not take some responsibility rather than blame the two guys who have scored 75% of the goals for the last 3 seasons!

Still, its easier to pass the buck, and never let the facts get in the way of a good negative rant!

Up the Rangers, up them in the ear!

Run for your life¬

2006-05-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

Doesn't the year pass quickly?

It seems like only yesterday that I was embarking on my first mass running event, and now we have come full circle!

This Sunday sees us take to the streets of Manchester and running. Only the good thing is it isn't in fear, from hooded youths with broken bottles and guns!

Personally I am expecting a similar sort of time to last year, which was in and around 50-55 minutes. Training this time round hasn't been too dedicated but I feel comfortbale. I did my first and only full 10km run last weekend and given the ocassional hill and time of day it was good, coming in around 53 minutes.

The big reason for doing it this year was to support Charlotte in her first run. She has come on leaps and bounds considering she only started running (ever!) at Christmas and deserves a pat on the back.

The Rangers are participating in force this year with me, J, Russ, Piggy, Shiz, Mark and Justin all having a go. No doubt there will be a competitive element to it, but personally I just want to enjoy the day!

I'm sure there will be numerous updates on blogs after the run so keep posted.

Bye for now.

Guess who's back...back again!

2006-04-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

I thought an update was just about due so here goes.

I have had a bit of time off work, with the long bank holiday weekend over Easter, and it was a welcome break. Looking back on it now I should have done more with it than I did, as all in all I had 5 and a half days off from Maundy Thursday to the Tuesday after Easter Monday which I took as annual leave! I could have had a nice holiday in that time. By the by, I did manage to spend a bit of time in the flat on my own (Charlotte was at her mums), which was good.

It’s quite strange coming home to an empty house for a few days on the run, but also quite pleasant. Both Charlotte and I love the time we spend together but equally appreciate that everyone needs the odd few days doing our own thing. I will be going with her up to Lancaster this coming BH weekend, and if the weather stays good may have the first BBQ of the year!

In other news, I think I may have solved one of my biggest problems with my running. When I push on past 4 miles (which I have been doing more regularly in recent weeks) I suffer from numbness/pins and needles and tingling in my ankles and feet to the extent that it gets very uncomfortable. In the past I have thought this was due to my trainers being to tight so had continued to loosen them. However, I was still getting the sensation even with trainers as loose as I dare to have them. In a brain wave I concluded that maybe it was due to tight socks.

So, this weekend was my experiment of running with no socks. It worked a charm!!! Not a single uncomfortable sensation, and feet felt as light as a feather rather than as heavy as a brick! Looking for some advice I found this on Runners World which does seem to support my theory. Combining it with the excercises it suggests will hopefully help too! It was one of my most comfortable runs to date and gives me great confidence for the run. I’m doing 5 miles (including a big hill) a few times a week now and should be looking to beat last years Manchester Run time! Fingers crossed! The only down side was that my feet have a few blisters and sore spots on them which will stop me running for a few days now. I will found a happy medium in some ankle socks and hopefully problem solved! What a lovely story!

In entertainment news this week, as you may have read on Russ’s blog, we have bought tickets to see the Goo Goo Dolls at the Academy. Should be a good concert though need to swat up on some of the newer stuff.

Expanding my music base, found a cool shop in Manchester called Fopp where you can get some good cheap CDs. On recommendation I bought an album by Icelandic band Sigur Ros (yet to form an opinion on it yet, but sounds like modern classical – they are the band that performed the music for the trailer for Planet Earth on BBC1). We also got the new(ish) Jack Johnson album, In Between Dreams, and also a Santana album, Supernatural, and they are both chilled out, and quite summery! Very easy to listen too.

I spent this weekend watching a few more child friendly films. Saw Ice Age 2 which was quite good, The Pacifier (on DVD) with Vin Diesel which was amusing and passed the time. And, with nothing on TV on Sunday early evening went to see Eight Below, which was visually stunning and had a feel good story line and was not a bad film. Cute huskies too!

In sports news, a good week for all concerned. Rangers won, as did County who are only a few points of securing safety and league football for next season! Good look to Arsenal in the Champions League too, as for me they are the most amazing team to watch when they are all going 100%.

Take care of yourselves, and each other.

Zdravo!

2006-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Thats hello in Croatian!

News since my last post is plentiful, but to cover it all would consume most of the blog.

Charlotte and I are now moved in and the house has been "warmed" with a really great gathering a few weeks ago. There were a fair few drunken moments and people, especially belly who seemed to suffer from mild amnesia.

Other interesting things have been continuing to do badly at football, and really getting frustrated. Still, we plough on!

Me, J and Charlotte will be heading out to Belfast this weekend for a short stay. I don't know what there is there, but it’s another country and capital to tick off the list. Should be good, and with flights that are cheaper than a night out in Manchester I really love these budget airlines.

Talking of cheap flights, I have sorted mine and Charlottes summer holiday. We will be heading out to Split in Croatia and then the plan is to hire a car and drive down the Adriatic coast to Dubrovnik and back again. Should be good fun, dodging the land mines!

Hopefully there will be other trips away too. Long weekends to European cities are so cheap these days, the opportunities to experience places and cultures are so accessible. I fancy Poland, Germany, and France...in fact there isn’t anywhere I would rule out! Well, maybe Iraq!

I have also expressed my interest in joining the Wild East Tour with Mark, Anton and Shiz when they go on another long weekend break. Would be a bit more rustic than my normal holiday!

I will try to be more regular with my posts, and the next should be after Belfast!

Have a good one!

Mini and Charlotte's House Warming

2006-03-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Just to make sure people are aware if they have missed the email.

**Saturday March 18th 2006 has been confirmed as the date**.

This is based on replies received. If you haven't replied and want to you know the drill. We would love it if as many people can come, so keep that night free and we will make it a night to remember.

Cheers.

(PS. Ring of Fire will be occuring!)

Home Sweet Home!

2006-02-27T02:03:00.000-08:00

After starting looking about 4 months ago, Charlotte and I have finally moved into out new flat. In the great scheme of things and in comparison to some horror stories you hear our move was relatively painless though it did drag out towards the end.

We officially moved in on Sunday, and the place looks like a cross between a squatters den and a retirement home! Still its home.

Although I am just 5 minutes down the road from home home it is a really daunting thing to be doing...very nerve racking. Only when I have a moment to stop and think do I come up with things that need to be done and also things that I will miss...of which there will be lots. But I am safe in the knowledge that it is only 5 minutes away, which is very comforting.

There will be an official house warming party one weekend in the next month or so, and I will try to give people plenty of notice so we can get a good turn out. Please feel free to pop around whenever you feel like.

I also want to say thanks to Mum, Dad, J and Uncle Alan and Sue for giving us a hand shifting things in and out. Shiz also lent a helping hand as all good neighbours should! Howdy ho neighbour!

Keep an eye out for information about an "official" house warming in the near future!

Cork Re-visited!

2006-01-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

As promised (slightly belated) I have filtered through the photos of Cork and put up a few of the best ones. There were alot taken and I have them printed so if anyone wants to see, you know where to find me. Enjoy!

Cork main street - Capital Culture 2005.

The gang at Blarney Castle.

Queen of the castle and "Queen" of the castle?

Atop Blarney Castle.

The boys are back in town!

New Year at Cork's premier nightspot!

Rowdy bunch of fools!

Pete, Mark, Jaya and Amy livin' it up!

Charlotte and I taking 5...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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Hope you like the photos, and keep coming back for more. Upcoming features could be house moving photos and Rangers awards.

Don't touch that dial!

The future, and on....

2006-01-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well.

Not a great deal of alot has happedned in recent weeks. Settled back in to the job, still slow but picking up slighty.

I use any free time I have at work to check out possible holidays and things for the house.

In fact, too much free time can be a burden. On a whim I booked flights for Charlotte and I to Belfast for a weekend in April. They were something like £3 return (+taxes) and if nothing else it is another country and capital city to tick off the list. So far we are being joined by Belly, Amy and J, but anyone else is more than welcome. Have a look on FlyBe for cheap flights.

I have also booked a week off over the half term school holidays, to go to Scotland with Charlotte and her family. We had planned to go skiing but if that doesn't happen then it will be walking, activities, drinking and food I imagine! Should be a good weekend, with about 10 of us staying in a big house in the country.

As for a summer holiday, with the house purchase hopefully going through before the end of the month I reckon it will be a cheap little jaunt for a week (maybe more relaxing than previous excursions!). I have been tentatively looking at Egypt and a Nile cruise. Other than that, somewhere I really would like to go to would be Croatia but it would be a bit of an effort.

In other news, County AND Rangers won a game, so it doesn't really get much better football wise.

This weekend is the Manchester Beer Festival, and then to Belch's on Saturday for a gaming evening! Should be a good weekend! A 6 pointer for County v Rushden and Diamonds too!!

Hope you are all doing well,

Adios!

What a corker!!

2006-01-03T01:46:00.000-08:00

Mahummeny hummeny!!

Well, back from Cork, Ireland and can safely say New Year was one of, if not the best night out I have had in many many years...and I think the majority of those present would agree with that!

We found some really nice bars and also some great little, cosy Irish pubs during the day on Saturday. The smoke free air was an absolute godsend!

Spent Saturday morining at the Blarney Stone, kissed it too which was something that had to be done. The Blarney Castle was excellent, hardly touched by modernisation or repairs and a scant regard for health and safety which made it very picturesque. The Blarney Stone was not what I expected and the castle itself and the surrounds were more impressive.

Spent the afternoon, having a scout round Cork and a few bars and pubs. The city itself is beautiful and it seems like they made an effort for their year as Capital of Culture. Some of the architecture was stunning and the buildings very colourful. Similar to old town aspects of Tallinn, Vilnius and Venice but modern enough not to be backward.

Attempted to see the Beamish Brewery but no luck so discovered an excellent pub by the brewery whch later turned out to be a really inviting, friendly pub that put on a great new years night.

We did catch some of the fireworks display too, the organisers must have been disappointed by the rain but they looked impressive as we stood in the shop fronts admiring them.
It rained most of the evening and night which did nothing to dampen the spirits. Sprinting through Cork to get a great seat by the fire and near the friendly owner was a big bonus!

Far too much stout was consumed by Shiz, Piggy and myself but some great great memories and a great time was had by all present! Me, Shiz, Piggy, John , Mark, Charlotte, Jaya, Belly and Amy all joined in some crazy dancing and bonding of which there are many great pictures! A great many randoms joined in the boogying too, very friendly people the Irish, and they know how to have a good time!

Spent NY day looking around Cork again, walking along the river and a few shops. Enjoyed the relaxing day them gathered to chat and laugh about the nights frivolities which were extensive. Eveing meal at Bully's was a good laugh. Some bizzarre conversations involving Will Wheaton (sp?) and Rick Waller ensued. Enjoyed baby back ribs, a nice pasta dish and lovely Banoffee Pie.

Followed up by a nice bar for the last black and white of the weekend in great company.

Discussions about the coming NY were had, and ideas about another European city, or a cottage in Scotland were favourable ideas. Will probably need to get something booked in 3 months or so to avoid disappointment but initial ideas are very promising! Get looking people!

All in all a 100% successful trip!

(May post some piccies soon, but will get them developed so if anyone wants a gander just say the word!)

Turkey and all the trimmings....

2005-12-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is over for another year.

This year has had its ups and downs. The up's being I prepared and cooked my first ever Christmas lunch, the bird and the trimmings. It all when to plan, slightly later than planned due to the hit and miss cooking times, but it was lovely if I do say so myself.

On the downside, on Boxing day we took the mammoth journey to Macclesfield to see County capitualte to a 6-0 defeat...the second I have seen this season. You wait ages for one to come and then you get two in a season. Well, thats football...

So, I thought I would give you an idea of my Xmas day with a few piccies. Hope you enjoy these and I will add a few more after Cork New Year which will be happening in a few days!

Enjoy!

Tending to my meat and veg!

A special guest for dinner...

Me and Pie (faking illness..lying on the floor in an all familiar sight!)

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...mouth watering Christmas dinner!

Celebrating winning a cheese (and the game!) in Trivial Pursuits!

Me and Bobby, enjoying the Christmas cheer!

So thats it for 2005, next stop Cork. GEt ready Ireland...BRFC here we come!!

So, here it is Merry Christmas...

2005-12-22T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ding Dong Merrily on High!!

Not long to go to the most important day of the year. It's only once a year, you spend loads of money on it, eat and drink far too much and end up feeling pretty underwhelmed after it...yep, you guessed it, boxing day football matches. This year Macclesfield v County.

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I am writing this blog from my new place of employment Ofsted, right out of the Royal Exchange Building in Manchester. The civil service has a tendancy to make people think that we sit her and do nothing, and how more right could they be.

I have done a grand total of no work since starting as the work that there is to do will be different after New Year so they don't want to train us on it. Nevertheless we still have to be here which is a bit of a bind!

Recently, saw King Kong, which I have to say did not live up to expectations. Special effects on KK were superb (another great performance by Andy Serkis), but it seems Peter Jackson blew his whole budget on that which meant many of the other effects were sub-standard. Didn't grip me like it should and turned out to be a poor follow up to LOTR. Better luck next time.

Looking forward to Cork at New Year and I think we are gearing up for a biggun. Also the secret santa on Xmas Eve should be a good laugh.

On the house front, all is going through smoothly. Fees agreed, mortgage agreed. Just waiting for the sloicitor to do the business. Will keep you posted.

If I don't blog before, have a good Christmas and start to 2006!!

Good day!

Just wanted to say....

2005-12-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Have a good day! :)

(Thanks to the Beeb for the pics too!!)

Just to add to that. I know its a long shot, but if everyone can vote here for Crouchy then maybe he will win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year! How good would that be. This is your official "Peter Crouch for Sports Personality of the Year 2005" blog!

Ocheye the Noo!!!!!

2005-11-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Well, the magical mystery tour this weekend was excellent. Charlotte had booked us into a really lovely B&B in a place called Connell (which is a couple of hours north of, Glasgow, north west of Loch Lomond nr a place called Oban).

We arrived late on Friday night (about 11.30) and it was pretty cool driving along the deserted, dark roads. The B&B was excellent, really comfortable and the breakfasts were a gastronomical extravaganza! Haggis & Whisky on toast and then a full Scottish Breakfast! Superb!

Saturday, and we had a drive out to a village on the coast and evidently the only bridge over part of the Atlantic to the Isle of Seil. It was an old slate town and really picturesque. There was a craft fair in homage to a local painter; who’s painting were I’m sorry to say…appalling!

We had a bit of a picnic in a sanctuary/park/garden that had been maintained near by. There was an honesty box with a recommended donation of £5 each. I deposited my 50p in coppers and we enjoyed lunch by the loch.

Saturday afternoon and we went to a Sealife Sanctuary. It was really good, much better than the huge commercial ones. You could get really close to the fish in open top pools and watch the otters and seals being fed from really close up. I have a soft spot for the seals after seeing them at Kangaroo Island in Australia.

As you would expect, it started to get really cold up North, and the night closed in. We headed back to the B&B as Charlotte had a bit of a cold and we were tired after a long day. We decided on a slovenly tea and got takeaway and snuck it back to the room. In that area of the world there isn’t that much to do after 7pm so we settled down to watch a film (John Q – very good).

Sunday and with the long drive back we started back after breaky, slow and steady taking in the scenery. We went a different way back, over the Erskine Bridge in Glasgow. Charlotte then told me we were going back to hers in Cockerham for a full Sunday lunch, which topped off the weekend! Lovely!

Sorry if this isn’t very interesting to you but I had a really good weekend, all arranged by Charlotte and really peaceful and tranquil. Couldn’t have been better!

It's been a while...

2005-11-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well its been a while since my last message so I thought I would update all you lovely people with what has been going on.

We have had the end of season Rangers awards with great success, for me personally anyway, bagging two awards. One was expected, that being the Sicknote award after a long term injury and failing to complete two games! Below is me collecting my award from the hostess with the mostess Russ:

My second awar of the night was the new and unexpected award of Ruud Gullit Sexy Football (self explanatory). Considering my lack or outfield play this was unexpected but in combination with some decent performances in the sticks was very welcome. Its nice being appreciated by your team mates. Here is me collecting my award:

The major awards were both picked up by Belch, Player of the Season and Anton Lowe Memorial Award. MT Fist collected a deserved Most Improved Player. All the awards were won by the right players I think, though Piggy may disagree!! See the Rangers Blog for a run down of the evening and comprehensive awards list.

In other news, I am beginning to draw a end to my spell at the Pension Service. It seems only yesterday I was finishing Uni and starting a job. Soon I will be on my second "real" job in a year, at Ofsted. If I carry on at this rate by the time I am 60 I will have had nearly 80 jobs!! Now that's commitment!

Charlotte and I have been seriously looking into buying a house. We have been looking into properties and have been on viewings. I have also been reading up on mortgages and solicitors etc. which is all very complicated, expensive but necessary. The whole thing was mainly instigated by the fact that Charlotte will be moving out of Shiz's after Xmas, and rather than pouring money down the drain with no reward and renting, it seemed like the right thing to do to look for a place together. A house/flat is a good investment at the moment, with interest rates quite low! Thats what a C in GCSE Economics does for you! I will of course let everyone know in person if anything comes about!

This weekend Charlotte is taking me away for a mystery weeked break. I dont know where, but have a feeling it could be Scotland as she says it is quite a long drive north. I will update you when I get back.

Thats about that then. Hope everyone is doing well and keep reading the blog!

Long time no see...

2005-11-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last post (the match report was put on in error!), and that is mainly because there is not much to talk about.

Been to see Longview in concert, which was excellent (great guitar pieces!), and went to see a fireworks display and bonfire in Cockerham (where Charlotte lives) that was excellent. Huge bonfire and loads of people there so it was a really good do. I did take some photos with my new phone but haven't got the cables and software yet so you won't be seeing those!

More importantly I have gotten myself a new job. I will be starting working for Ofsted in Manchester in December, which I'm looking forward too. Getting a bit stale at the Pension Service and it was only a stopgap until I found something more interesting, which I think this will be. Brand spanking new offices at the Royal Exchange Theatre buildings in St. Anne’s Sq, Manchester, so really handy for the shops, Xmas markets and all you can eat Chinese which is a bonus. Money is better too, so that will help, especially as Charlotte and I are seriously looking into buying a house in the not too distant future. So much to look into though, and learn about! Mortgages and stuff are so complicated!!!

End of season BRFC do, coming up this week, and a nice meal at the John Millington in Cheadle Hulme. I think everyone is agreed that this is a season to put in the draw and never speak of again, but it will be a laugh and some awards will be given, hopefully to those most deserving!

As you will see from the match report I have been playing in goals the last couple of games, as I am still unsure about my ankle. It is ok throughout the week and when I do exercise, but in the rigours of a game with tackles and impact on my ankle I don't think it is ready just yet. May see who we are playing on Thursday and the type of game it may be before deciding to play. Ease myself back in, so to speak.

Sticking with footy, great result for County this weekend, 2-0 in the FA Cup. Maybe it will see a change in fortunes. We can only hope!

Well that brings you up to date. Am hopefully going to sort out my phone and get some piccies up some time soon, as just writing on the blog makes it a tad unappealing!
Hope you enjoyed the update. Have a nice day!

Mr and Mrs Belch!

2005-10-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Well, in keeping with Rascle and Pie's blogs I will take this moment to offer my congratulations to Mr Neil at his engagement to Mrs Amy!

A romantic week trip to Scotland saw Belly pop the question on the banks of Loch Lomond, and you can bet you bottom dollar there was a sighting of Belly's "monster". In traditional Scottish fashion, there was plenty of caber tossing and they will be celebrating with a meal at the Rangers with all the guys and gals tonight.

We also celebrated Anton's 40th birthday yesterday!! Well done old man!!

To keep in the spirit of things, lets honour Belly with a picture of him enjoying some Red C cider!!

Hmmmmmm, that appley goodnes!!

Hurrah for Mr and Mrs Belch!!!

Well that was a Kinder surprise!

2005-10-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well hello fans!

What treats I have for you this day. A few little tit bits to get you going. I have taken the bold step of embracing phone technology and acquired a Sony Ericsson K300i. Whats that you say? Well so did I as the salesman stuffed it in my pocket and wrestled the credit card from me!! No, I decided it was about time I got a new teleohone, and with this I can take photies (sorry Shiz!) to update my blog. Will take a little while as I get the equipment but watch this space.

In the meantime, here's a photo, courtesy of J's phone, of me conquering Kinder in the Peak District. We went on Saturday for a family outing. We have a cairn (pile of rocks) in rememberance of my Uncle Stephen, which is added to with rocks from around the world eg. Ayres Rock, Death Valley, Latvia and Hong Kong and various others.

The weather was delightfully crap, rain, wind and cloud made it "interesting". It was certainly bracing but now I'm suffering with a cold!!

And reminisce of times gone by...

2005-10-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

That is a lyric from "new" band Longview. I saw an advert on the TV and although I don't usually buy on impulse this one seemed like it would be a cracker. The review that said "Reminiscent of Joshua Tree-era U" by Q clinched it for me, as that album is a favourite of mine.

And the album I have to say doesn't disappoint. The best tune, from which that is a line, is "Further" and if you get a chance have a listen. My suggestions would be "Further", "Can't Explain" and "I Would" for a taster. They are playing at the Academy 2 in Manchester which was a great venue for live music as you are so close to the artists. Hopefully going to snare a few tickets and go late in the year. In the meantime visit the website and have a listen. Good music!

Keeping on the theme of good music. Tonight me, Charlotte and J are heading off to see James Blunt, at Academy 1 this time, and I am really looking forward to that one, as there isn't a bad song on the album, "Back to Bedlam". He is quite mainstream now but hopefully won't go to poppy!

It has been a very good year for mucic and I have managed to get to alot of gigs. Two of the biggest bands in the world, U2 and REM (at the City of Manchester Stadium and Old Trafford Cricket Ground respectivley) were awesome. Those guys were supported by smaller bands like Idlewild and Snowpatrol who are good acts in their own right.

Maroon 5 also played at the Manchester Apollo earlier in the year and like James Blunt there isn't really a bad song on the album. The lead singer Adam Levine is also a very good entertainer which helps! I am a very big fan of live music! We also managed to catch Gavin DeGraw at the Academy 2 and that was a good gig as he has a very powerful voice.

And it won't stop there! Charlotte and I are going to see Rooster at the Manchester Apollo next Friday. They have 2 or 3 very catchy tunes so will be a good feel good gig I think!

I have added a list to the right, with a few of my all time favourite bands and also, the sort of stuff I am listening to at the moment, old and new! Enjoy!

Bonjourno!!

2005-10-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Just back from a long weekend in Venice and it was a very welcome break.

It is a remarkable city, the fact that it can even exist is probably the most amazing thing. We had the best and worst of the weather. Nice sun on the Saturday, but torrential rain and flooding on Monday which was an amazing experience. It's amazing how the residents and businesses can cope, but one can only assume that they are used to it.

Indulged in plenty of beer, wine, coffee, pasta and some of the best pizza's you could hope for. It is a very cultural place too, as you would expect. Church's galore and plenty of bridges and amazing architecture. It was very easy to get lost with all the twisting alleys and canals, but we coped!

Here are a few of photos.

Venetian canal, very picturesque

St. Mark's Catherdral (the main Sq. in Venice)

Venice (from St Mark's Basilica)

And, as is customary on BRFC trips abroad, a picture of me sporting the official mercahdise (not available in any sports stores, good or otherwise. Preferably this would have been a football game, but our trip to see Padova v Vernazza was hampered by the fact we couldn't find the game!!:)

Taken from the Rialto Bridge

Not to miss on a Hobo-spotting opportunity, I was also accosted by the gentlemen sitting behind Brother Pie (from a secret cult of monks!, in the pic below. Whilst quietly enjoying a coffee this Hobo sat by me and mumbled on for some time about what I can only assume was the 2nd World War.

I say "assume" because I don't think even he knew what he was talking about. Wild hand gestures, not a small amount of flying spit, wrist slashing motions (!) and the crazy Italian (which you'll be surprised to hear I'm not fluent in) were met by strategicsmiles from me and a little laughter when I thought appropriate. I could have been laughing at the fact that this guys dad had died at the hands of the British in the war, or that his cat had been killed in an RTA. Who knows!!

Suffice to say he was moved along by the cafe's owners, much to my delight. However, he did not escape the gaze of my camera!!

Hobo...and some guy in the background! :)

On another note, had an interview today for a position at Ofsted's new offices in Manchester, so fingers crossed. Should find out in 2 weeks.

Also, if you ever want a good meal out in Manchester you could do alot worse than The Mongolian BBQ on Chorlton Street. Great food, very reasonable and amazing experience watching the chefs cook in front of you. Had a lovely evening there with Charlotte on Friday to celebrate 4 yrs going out, and me missing our anniversary by being in Venice. I'm doing well, missed both her birthday and our anniversary so far this year. Now, lets see what I can book over Xmas...

Well enough from me. Maybe some more photos for in the future but that is enough for now.

Ciao!

Mini, Shearer and some cows! Phew! What a night!

2005-09-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hola,
Well, nearly a week now after the run and I have done sweet FA excercise. Actually, I have become quite slovenly. Hoping to get a couple of runs in later this week, probably after a curry (!) :)

Maybe I will run in the style of Alan Sheareeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!!!

County was OK on Sat, a 0-0 draw, at least a clean sheet which was a bonus. Played OK but a draw was the right result. And here's for something a little interesting that may get people involved. County have a game on TV soon v Barnet (Sunday 13th November). Its on Sky and the club want's to try to pack the ground so we look popular. There are loads of incentives for kids and stuff but also half price tickets if you go with a season ticket holder. Could be a spur for people who wouldnt usually go. The info is here. If you can't get to it, it basically says what I just said, so it would be nice if we can get 2 or 3 more people along. And who knows, you might get on TV!!!

Now, here as promised are some pictures of me pestering cows! It semed like a good idea at the time! I'll let you be the judge of that!!

Look some cows!!

Hello cow! (and Piggy's revolting leggs!)

And they dual for my attention!!

So. They were so bovine beasts! How lovely!

The Great North Run (Part 2)

2005-09-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

The run started and it was very hard work. Shiz and Piggy being fitter than me made good headway, leaving me after about 800 metres. I worked away though and focused on my own race. It started to get tough after about 6 miles (the Manchester Run distance) and I slowed. The miles seemed to go on forever.

Saw Mum and Dad at about the 11 mile mark which spurred me on, and then Charlotte, John and Mum and Dad again about 200 metres to the end.

I had a big grin on my face and the Red Arrows went screaming past which was a really great moment.

Both calves pulled with 100 metres to go but I stumbled over the line very very happy my feet and legs aching like nothing I had experienced.

I had hoped for a time under 2hrs 20 minutes, but alas I was just under the 2hr 30 mins mark which is decent considering my injury.

There are many more excellent photos, and thanks for those go to Charlotte, John and Dad. Some amusing one's of me chasing cow's too which may come on at a later date!!

Thanks to everyone for their messages of support and I am looking forward to the Manchester Run next year where hopefully a few more of us will do it, for charity. And I had a vision of us dressing up as something too, only time will tell...

Forename(s) Surname Date of Birth Race Number Time Position
Peter Alan Hornsby 27 / 02 / 1983 16055 02:29:30 24595
(thanks to Greatrun.org)

Thanks!

The Great North Run

2005-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well the deed is done! After many months training and preparation with the Manchester Run I can now safely say I have achieved one of my key goals for the year!

And it was very hard work too. The night before probably wasn't the best preperation, a couple of pints, one at Shearer's bar at St James' Park and some cruddy food!

We the went back to the accomodation at Newcastle Uni for a quiz which we didn't do too well at and had a reasonable pasta meal followed by a bit of takeaway (Pizza actually so nice and healthy!)

After a restless night, the day of the run came and Piggy, Shiz and me (and Tim) parted company with our support team Pie and Charlotte and headed for the start. The weather was excellent for the day. It seemed not too hot (Oh, how that was to change!). The atmosphere was great, costumes and crazy people everywhere. We stood and waited for a couple of hours.

It's the final countdown....

2005-09-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Countdown as we speak:
DAYS HOURS MINS SECS
1 1 30 59

Courtesy of The Great North Run Website.

Well, its the day before the run, and at about this time tomorrow myself, Shiz and Piggy and several thousand others will be lining up to do a 13.1 mile run!!

Seems like it has come around so quickly and I have been wondering if I will be prepared, only time will tell I suppose!

We are traveling up to Newcastle today and staying at the Uni halls of residence overnight. Very good of them to open up for us, means we are very close to the start in the morning which will save the hassle of traveling in.

A final body check and I think I am in final working order (some may disagree!). A final trim of the beard (don't want to carry the extra weight :) and it will make me hot!) and a trim of the toe nails (take note Russ!)so that there are no uncomfortable complications on the way round.

Weather for tomorrow, courtesy of the Beeb, is going to be sunny but not too warm hopefully. A bit of a breeze will be nice too.

In the true spirit of Piggy, I will say that we are going to visit an elderly relative in South Shields (where the run ends) today which will be nice. This evening I think the plan is to find an Italian and pile on the pasta. The "free" all you can eat GNR Pasta Banquet is actually Â£6 which is slightly upsetting.

Well, next messagee will be after the run, if i'm not in A&E.

Wish me luck!

Life Jim but not as we know it...

2005-09-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well the news of the past few weeks is the New Orleans catastrophe. It has been amazing watching the pictures on the news and reading the article in Time magazine. Its very hard to imagine, even when seeing it, that the area destroyed is the size of the UK!!

I do find it quite ironic however that the biggest polluter in the world and the one that chose not to sign the Kyoto Treaty has been hit by the worst disaster in some time. And I don't know why the media keep calling it a natural disaster. It is entirely man made and we will see many more in years to come unless the USA and other develpoping countries like China head the warnings about global warming. A harsh lesson learnt.

In the true BRFC and, I have to say British manner I have heard a few jokes, however, I will restrain myself and keep them to the private domain, where I know my audience well!!!

Other than that, had a job interview at Stockport Council. God forbid I have to work alongside Piggy but it is a possibility. The interview went well but the job wasn't very appealing so if offered I will probably turn it down. And talking of Piggy, feel free to visit his new blog for regular updates on his Grandma:)See link over there----------->

Watched my 2nd Ranger's game since injury tonight, and a very hard game for the lads. Will come away disappointed but were outplayed on the night. I am quite worried that the injury will affect my GNR performance which is only a week away. Have managed to get a run in but it is amazing what affect 2 weeks off has on fitness and confidence. I will be pushing to get somewhere near an acceptable condition in time for the run.Fingers crossed!!!

Stay tuned for further exciting news!!

Injuries and pub quizzes...

2005-08-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, saw Rangers get their 3rd win on the trot, however, it came at a cost. A recurrence of the injury I picked up just before I went away on my hols. Fell awkwardly on my right ankle, swelling up like a balloon.

A visit to Stepping Hill and I was diagnosed with ligament damage, without much or an examination to be honest. And we were seen quite quickly too, have to say all my experiences with the NHS have been very favorable.

Downside is I have to rest it for 2 weeks so no more footy and annoyingly no more strenuous training runs before the Great North Run. That is the biggest worry. I'm up to 7.5-8 miles at the mo and reckon with adrenaline and the thrill of the moment I could push to 10. Its finding it for that last 3.1 that's going to be the problem.

The swelling has gone down significantly though since Thursday, and I reckon I may push myself for a run in a week and a half, just to keep in the rhythm. Im planning to go swimming too ovr the next few weeks, keept the movement there.

Went to Charlottes at the weekend, helped put up some flatpack furniture which wasnt that difficult surprisingly. Also, watched alot of cricket. Great game, great series though England did their best to contrive to lose it!!

Sunday night and me and Charlotte went to the local pub in Cockerham, owned by some famous jockey who is best mates with Michael Owen. Won the pub quiz on the tie break too, which was nice. £20 covered our drinks and then some!!

Thats all folks!

The scurge of racism...

2005-08-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night I was subject to some very hurtful racial abuse. Trying to get into the club/bar Paparazzi in Manchester at the Print Works, I was rejected because I was "too dark"!

One of the more bizarre reasons for being rejected, and it was in reference to my clothes, but still seemed quite stupid! This had come after J had been turned down for Tiger Tiger for having shoes that looked vaguely like Rockports! What is the world coming to I tell you!The ironic thing it was 3 big black bouncers wearing all black who denied me!!I may go back wearing the KKK traditional outfit and see if they let me in then!!

Good night on Saturday all told though, as we had a curry in Rusholme and headed to a few bars in town for J's birthday. His mates had come along from uni and there were 10 or so of us. A bit of standing in the cold whilst we decided on a plan, but ended up in Walkabout dancing wildly with Shiz to Mr Brightside by Killers. Excellent tune!!

Sunday, went to see Unleashed with Jet Li (not with Jet Li, went with Charlotte...Jet Li was in it!:))at the cinema. Now I'm not usually one for martial arts films but this one had a bit more depth to it and was very enjoyable. Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins (!) were excellent, as was Jet Li.

Good run on Monday too, not interupted by a bee sting this time, but having to witness a bump on Jacksons Lane. Stopped to give my details as a witness but the pause threw my rhythem! Got it back though for one of my best runs of recent months. Arrived home to find my number for the GNR had arrived too! 16055!!! Keep an eye out for me as I romp home!!

What a difference a week makes...

2005-08-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well, a little while since my last post.

A few interesting things have happened that I will inform you about.

Went to Justin and El's house warming party in Cheddercheese, very nice little house and plenty to drink by all. Worked my way through many cans and played some amusing drinking games. Belly didn't manage to undress himslelf though, which may have been a blessing!!

Carried on the running in the week, and it gets harder the more I run it seems, especially in this heat. I only hope it cools in time for the big one!

Been to see the Island at the cinema which was decent, though not enough of Michael Clark Duncan or Steve Buscemi and too much of Ewan McGregor. The guy can't really act, and we saw as much in Star Wars. Also, saw Crash which by comparison was superb, one of the best films of the year so far. Great cast and plot twists and a very intelligent drama. If you get a chance, go see...

And, amazingly the Rangers picked up another win! Two on the bounce now. Great team performance and showed what we can do when we put our hearts into it. Report will be on the blog shortly.

Off to TGI Fridays tomorrow for John's birthday meal with the folks. Not been for a while but its always a good atmosphere if not a tad OTT. Then County on Sat and into Manchester for some drinks.

Best thing of the week was that Charlotte got home from her hols in Scandinavia. She is coming down for the Manchester do which is excellent. Missed her alot and very jealous that she got an extra holiday! Damn teachers!:)

TTFN!

Mini's Jog Blog!:)

2005-08-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, managed to cram in my 2nd 7.5-8 mile run of the week in today, and Im quite chuffed with myself for picking up the distance. Only about 40 days to the big run now so need to start making in roads into that 13.1 miles.

However, my run was interupted at the early stages by an angry wasp/bee which decided to depsoit it's sting in my left leg. Not only duid theis upset my stride it didnt half sting for the rest of the run. Strangely, didnt put me off tho, and seemed to invigorate me. Maybe I will inflict many bee/wasp stings on me before the Great Noth Run!!

Also, tied my trainer too tight gain and lost sensation in my left foot at about the 4 mile stage. A quick readjustment and it was OK. I really need to find optimum tightness.

This came the day after a 5 hr round trip in the evening to watch County lose to Darlington. Slightly disappointing and fears of a continued downward spiral are creeping in. Still early days yet tho..

Start of Lost on TV tonight. Promises to be a good show. Thats all for now folks. Probably some info after the Rangers game tomorrow.

Adios.

County, Rangers and all that jazz...

2005-08-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well, twas a busy weekend for Mini, cramming in the Rangers end of season awards on the Friday night, County on the Saturday afternoon, family meal ojn the Saturday evening, cinema on the Sunday lunch time and the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon.

Awards were fun as usual. A run down of the awards is on the Rangers blog. I was happy to pick up the Golden Boot again,a nd joint goal of the season. These awards came after an atrocious dstart to the new season. A heavy defeat, aslo reported on the Rangers blog.

The highlight of the evening was Piggy getting beaten at pool by a woman. Cheering and jeering every shot, even some of the locals came to watch to see what all the commotion was! Hilarious!

Russ picked up the coveted Anton Lowe Memorial Award with special features. Details and pictures are on his blog.

County on Saturday was well anticipated. Start of a new era and campaign with the fans as new owners. Was old manager and probably most hated man at County CArlton Palmer who returned with Mansfield. A 2-2 draw was about the right result. MAtch report on County's web site and discussion on the message board.

A meal for our Aunty's 40th birthday at the Village Hotel in Hyde in the evening was very pleasant. Stuffed myslef with the beloved rack of ribs! Nice and messy, how I like it! Good night out!

A graet thing on Sunday, England levelled it in the Ashes1 Took it tright to the wie as England seem to do in every sport! 3 runs from defeat but we managed to do it. Flintoff the hero, outstanding with bat and ball. The new Botham some say! Reports on BBC Sport.

Went to the cinema and saw Stealth. Decent enough. Blowing stuff up and shooting and fast things. Glaring plot holes but a decent romp. But they really need some new Orange adverts. Darth is getting repetative now!!

Community Shield - slightly dull. Chelsea probably gonna romp home as they beat on of the best clubs in England playing quite poorly.

And finally, a long run, about .5 miles today to test myself in the heat and quite alright. Met Big Rick at 5 ways doing a trip to the pub for some energy bars...sorry, cigarettes! Now thats commitment to the Rangers health plan!!

Thats all for now. Off to the pub for a wet one, hopefully to sit outsde in the sunshine!!!

Well lets make a start...

2005-08-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Me and Charlotte

Well, this is me and my girlfriend Charlotte, on our recent hol to the Baltics. We had a great time, but it's always tough getting back into the swing of things at work when you get back. Also, difficult living away from each other, especially as we lived together for 3 years at Uni. But, she is starting a job in Oldham (just around the corner!) in September so hopefully we shall see more of one another.

-----------------------------------------------------

Well, most of the people who read this, that being the BRFC chaps and that's about it, will already know her so here's for something new, and if I don't mind saying, it's quite exciting. Now, its not everyday you get to sit next to an England international footballer. But that is exactly what happened to me on the flight back from London to Manchester on our way home from Latvia.

Literally, as this photo was taken one of the greatest ever players in the Premier League was taking his seat directly in front of me. Can you guess who it was? No, well have a look at this photo and I'll be damned if it just doesn't leap out at you!!:)

What? You still don't know? Really? Well I thought it was obvious! That is the one and only Andrew Cole! Now don't you feel silly!! It's obvious now isn't it. OK, his head may blend into the seat and it may be at a wonky angle but I guarantee you it was him! I nearly asked him if he fancied a run out for the Ranger's but bearing in mind how playing in a team with Piggy can sap your enthusiasm for football I wouldn't have wished it on Mr Cole!!

Mini joins the blog club!

2005-08-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome,

After much procrastinating and sitting about doing not much, Mini has decided to document his hourly, daily, weekly and yearly achievements. Admittedly these may be few and far between, but hey, if I do anything exciting you will be the first to know.

Also, this will be used as a replacement for the MiniMan Diaries which had a brief foray on Pie5 before it answered the calling to become a blog. By this I mean I will give my unique, none-PC and but interesting views on the worlds news and sporting events.

Now, don't expect updates on my ant farm. I may have little to do, but I do have some dignity:) Also, if I were to update you on my preparations for the Great North Run, it may put undue pressure on other competitors!

I will keep you updated with my travels across the globe, with my own little run down of things to do and sights to see and amusing anecdotes from the trips. And by amusing I don't mean stories that will make you want to eat your own face after 2 minutes.

So sit back, relax, (take off your socks if you want - I have) and enjoy the show!

Mini