There was another blog entry here earlier. It was posted for about 16 hours. It recalled an incident in my life from 18 months ago, and was posted as a reminder to myself.
I have chosen to remove it on the grounds that it could cause distress to other people. I am not a fan of censorship in any form, but in this case I feel it was justified. Some things are best left buried.
If you happened to read the entry whilst it was posted, then I apologise. I have kept the text, so I can read it to myself whenever I need to, but there is no need for other people to do likewise. If you did read it, please bear in mind it was 18 months ago. I was in a 'different place' back then.
...and thank you sis x
June 28, 2008
June 23, 2008
Resolutions Part II
If you're wondering where part one is, you'll need to head back to a blog entry from December 20th
As we are approaching the half-way point of 2008, thought I'd review how my 4 New Year's resolutions have held up.
1. Visit IOM as often as possible. - Happy with this one. I've been back as often as money and work would allow. When there, I haven't wasted any time, always met up with the friends I planned to. Had it's benefits too. If it hadn't been for the trips back, I wouldn't have got together with Sarah. 1-nil to me.
2. Take time away from alcohol - Hmmm, not easy to judge this one. Yes I have had spells where I haven't been drinking, but I don't think I've quite acheived what I set out to do. Need to work on this, but if you've read the previous post to this one, right now I'm not in a good frame of mind for being positive about myself. I'm afraid I've lost out on this resolution so far, so that makes the current score 1-1.
3. Get the train away from Southampton and explore. - Well I definately haven't kept up with this resolution....BUT in hindsight it wasn't a promise it would be easy to keep if I also succeeded with number 1 above. I HAVE been to the Isle of Wight with my parents, and I HAVE been on the train several times to get back to Manchester, but money and work commitments means any other trips would be hard to accomplish. I'm putting this one down as a no score draw, so it's still 1-1.
4. Keep Bob alive. - Big success here. Bob is alive and well and still staring out of my bedroom window. He has two new flowers and a multitude of lush, green leaves. I never took his girlfriend home with me, she still lives in the office, but as far as the resolution goes this one is a big success. 2-1 to me.
My report card would say: Good start to the year, room for improvement in the second half. Need to concentrate on the alcohol issue.
...Grade? C+ Good, but could do better.
As we are approaching the half-way point of 2008, thought I'd review how my 4 New Year's resolutions have held up.
1. Visit IOM as often as possible. - Happy with this one. I've been back as often as money and work would allow. When there, I haven't wasted any time, always met up with the friends I planned to. Had it's benefits too. If it hadn't been for the trips back, I wouldn't have got together with Sarah. 1-nil to me.
2. Take time away from alcohol - Hmmm, not easy to judge this one. Yes I have had spells where I haven't been drinking, but I don't think I've quite acheived what I set out to do. Need to work on this, but if you've read the previous post to this one, right now I'm not in a good frame of mind for being positive about myself. I'm afraid I've lost out on this resolution so far, so that makes the current score 1-1.
3. Get the train away from Southampton and explore. - Well I definately haven't kept up with this resolution....BUT in hindsight it wasn't a promise it would be easy to keep if I also succeeded with number 1 above. I HAVE been to the Isle of Wight with my parents, and I HAVE been on the train several times to get back to Manchester, but money and work commitments means any other trips would be hard to accomplish. I'm putting this one down as a no score draw, so it's still 1-1.
4. Keep Bob alive. - Big success here. Bob is alive and well and still staring out of my bedroom window. He has two new flowers and a multitude of lush, green leaves. I never took his girlfriend home with me, she still lives in the office, but as far as the resolution goes this one is a big success. 2-1 to me.
My report card would say: Good start to the year, room for improvement in the second half. Need to concentrate on the alcohol issue.
...Grade? C+ Good, but could do better.
Back to Square One
It's all starting again. I don't know why but it feels like my life is on a slippery slope downwards.
I can't put my finger on what it is, but there is something fundamental that is dragging me backwards. I have that sensation that the light at the end of the tunnel has dimmed, and everything I do is ultimately pointless.
I'm having real trouble getting more than an hours sleep. I've started drinking unsocialably again. I hardly eat, and when I do it's usually something unsuitable. My psoriasis is back on my scalp - a sure sign I'm stressed about something.
What's really bugging me is I can't work out why this is happening. It's not money. I get paid this week, and I still have money left in my account. It's not my love life. I hate being apart from Sarah, but at least she is there for me. Last time I was this depressed I was completely alone. It's not that there is nothing to look forward to. I have Sarah and Caoimhe coming to visit in two weeks, then the boys for two race meetings, and the little Norfolk holiday of course.
It's having a knock-on effect too. I've started making fundamental errors at work. Some I've spotted myself and corrected, but others have been found by customers and staff in Germany. There is only so long the bosses are going to put up with me just saying 'sorry'. I usally take great pride in my high level of accuracy, but right now my work rate is shockingly low and of poor quality.
I'm also in a catch-22 situation with the lack of sleep. When I get into work at 7am I end up drinking American cola drinks for the high levels of caffeine. If I didn't I wouldn't make it through the morning. Trouble is, it's still in my system when it comes to night-time - it keeps me awake and I'm back to square one.
....I just want a dark corner I can curl up in and hide from the world.
I can't put my finger on what it is, but there is something fundamental that is dragging me backwards. I have that sensation that the light at the end of the tunnel has dimmed, and everything I do is ultimately pointless.
I'm having real trouble getting more than an hours sleep. I've started drinking unsocialably again. I hardly eat, and when I do it's usually something unsuitable. My psoriasis is back on my scalp - a sure sign I'm stressed about something.
What's really bugging me is I can't work out why this is happening. It's not money. I get paid this week, and I still have money left in my account. It's not my love life. I hate being apart from Sarah, but at least she is there for me. Last time I was this depressed I was completely alone. It's not that there is nothing to look forward to. I have Sarah and Caoimhe coming to visit in two weeks, then the boys for two race meetings, and the little Norfolk holiday of course.
It's having a knock-on effect too. I've started making fundamental errors at work. Some I've spotted myself and corrected, but others have been found by customers and staff in Germany. There is only so long the bosses are going to put up with me just saying 'sorry'. I usally take great pride in my high level of accuracy, but right now my work rate is shockingly low and of poor quality.
I'm also in a catch-22 situation with the lack of sleep. When I get into work at 7am I end up drinking American cola drinks for the high levels of caffeine. If I didn't I wouldn't make it through the morning. Trouble is, it's still in my system when it comes to night-time - it keeps me awake and I'm back to square one.
....I just want a dark corner I can curl up in and hide from the world.
June 20, 2008
Relativity
As promised, here is the other photograph I fell in love with. Nothing has been doctored or altered, it's just a clever use of angle. You can also see why it reminded me of Relativity by M.C. Escher.
Nighthawks
I thought I'd write a little entry about the picture I've used as my title background. I've copied it into the blog itself in case I change the title at a future date, and make this entry obsolete.Most of you know I am a keen user of Facebook. It's a wonderful way of sharing information with friends and former work colleagues as well as meeting new and interesting people. One such person is Andrea from Scunthorpe. I've never met her in person, and it's unlikely I ever will, but our profiles are linked together so we get to view each others photos and updates.
On one occasion, one of Andrea's friends posted a series of photographs onto the web. By the look of the pictures, this person works as a fashion photographer as most of the other entries were of models, clothes and shoes. In amongst those though were one or two landscape and 'artistic' shots - this one included. It was an instant hit with me. Everything about it was perfect. I want to know what the cafe customers are talking about. I can feel the warm rain on my face. The blurred person on the crossing gives an inanimate picture a sense of movement. It works so well in sepia too, I don't think I would have been so instantly drawn to it if it had been full colour. I got in touch with Andrea, who in turn got in touch with the photographer and she kindly gave me permission to reproduce it for my own use, including this blog.
You may wonder why I have called this entry 'Nighthawks'. It's the name of a painting by Edward Hopper that I first came across in 1986 in the film Ferris Bueller's Day off. Not long after that I saw a spoof version of the picture where the central figures were replaced by Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and James Dean. It wasn't until a few years ago that I found out the pictures title, thanks again to the movies, Hard Candy this time.
As you'll see, there isn't anything physically similar between the two, but when I saw the photograph, it reminded me so much of Nighthawks. Perhaps it's the fact that we have a cafe and street scene simultaneously in both...
...or perhaps I'm just going potty!
I may add another entry later concerning another photograph from the same source. They captured an image of a staircase and made it look exactly like an Escher painting.
June 15, 2008
Agatha Christie: The Case of the Missing Lightbulb
A curious thing has happened. A lightbulb has gone missing. Not the most dramatic of crimes I agree, but still confusing enough to have my little grey cells working overtime trying to figure it out. It all started on Wednesday when I returned from the cricket...
...now I admit I was a little worse for wear. Memory from the moment I stepped onto the bus home to the moment my pizza turned up is a little hazy, but I was still at a loss to explain where the hall lightbulb had vanished to.
Ok, the full story. I returned from the cricket just after 9pm and entered my flat. I do remember a lightbulb 'blowing' when I flicked on the switch sometime that night, but for the life of me I can't remember which one. The rest of the evening was just taken up with ordering pizza, eating pizza, watching TV and sleep.
Ok, jump forward to today, Sunday. I get up very early this morning to visit the bathroom and turn on the hall light. Nothing. Ah ha! I've found the blown bulb. It must have been the hall light that expired and now I can buy a replacement one. That would make sense too. I wouldn't have needed to turn on the hall light between Wednesday and today, so all is explained. All I need to do now is take out the old one, check if it's a bayonnette or screw fitting and I can buy a replacement....
....but the bulb isn't there. The hall light didn't come on because there is no bulb in the socket. Nothing. That really knocked me for 6. (sorry for the cricket pun!) Where had the bulb gone?
First thought. Maybe I took it out in my hazy state on Wednesday when it blew. That would mean the old bulb is sat on the dining table or is in the kitchen bin...... nope. The old bulb is nowhere to be found.
Second thought. The landlord has been round uninvited. No, too far fetched. He would phone first, and even if it was him, why remove a single lightbulb?
Third thought. Burglars. I have been worried about the lack of post recently. Has someone got unauthorised access to my flat and is stealing my mail? Surely not. Why steal a single lightbulb too?
Final thought (and the real answer). Last Wednesday it wasn't the hall light that broke, it was somewhere more vital. My bedroom. With the curtains drawn it can be pitch black in there, and my floor is a death trap of video cases and dirty laundry at the moment. Having no spares I 'borrowed' the hall light to replace the broken one knowing the hall one was less vital. My intention must have been to replace the hall bulb the next day - but by the time I woke the next morning all memory of the bulb swapping had been erased. It was only finding an empty socket this morning that set my brain in motion. Want to know how I knew this was the solution to the puzzle? Well I'll tell you anyway...
......The bulb in my bedroom had finger marks made from tomato and herb sauce on it which can only have come from my Wednesday night pizza. I knew I must have handled it shortly after handling my pizza. For the Poirot's or Marple's amongst you, you may be wondering what I did with the old bedroom bulb....
.....it was inside the old pizza box waiting to go out with the rubbish :o)
June 14, 2008
Wiiiiiiiiii
Shock horror! I've actually won a competition!
Well, more of a prize draw really, but it doesn't matter how I did it, the important thing is..... I won a Nintendo Wii !!
It must be fate. We've just had a widescreen TV installed in the office, and I asked for the console to be delivered there as well. If I had it sent to my home address I'd probably have to go and get it from the depot, and I've no idea where that is. Also, at the moment, there seems to be a problem with my post at home. I haven't had anything delivered for nearly a week. It's a bit worrying. Some Lovefilm DVDs are lost in transit somewhere.
But I'm straying from the point. The important thing is I can now stand in front of a telly making a complete idiot of myself while I swing an imaginary golf club through the air, or pretend to box an invisible opponent.
..I can't wait for it to arrive.
p.s. It comes with a few games, but I've ordered an Agatha Christie game off e-bay already. Something to relax to at the end of the day.
June 13, 2008
Twenty20 Cricket Ticket Part II
All done. I've used my Cricket Ticket, visited the Rosebowl and watched Hampshire get beaten to a pulp, but of course, it didn't all go to plan (does it ever).
I knew I had to catch the 8A bus. It's the only one that runs from Southampton City Centre to the stadium. From what I could deduce from the online timetable, the best bus to catch would depart from Vincent's Walk at 16:32 to arrive just after 5pm. Ok so far except for two minor drawbacks...
...I've no idea where Vincent's Walk is, and unless the Rosebowl is quite distinctive, I don't know where to get off at the other end. Thankfully, the latter problem never arose as the stadium is a huge, imposing structure that couldn't be mistaken for anything else. Oh, and there was a great big road sign that read "Welcome to The Rosebowl: Home of Hampshire County Cricket Club".
But what about where to get on the bus. I'd tried to pinpoint Vincent's Walk on an online map, but it appeared to just be a small alleyway behind Primark. My work colleague didn't seem to recognise the name either, but suggested the main road behind the shops would be the likeliest place. I decided to do the sensible thing, and go and investigate about an hour before my bus was due. Assuming I found it, I could always go for a pint before catching the bus.
I walked to the shops, went behind Primark, and lo and behold there were a whole line of bus stops. As I moved along the row, I saw an 8A bus pull up at the furthest stop. This is where I made a fatal mistake... I decided to get on it. It completely escaped my attention that I was going to arrive at about 3.30pm and the gates don't open til 5.
Sadly, The area around the ground is not awash with facilities. It's on the outskirts of the urban area with no shops, pubs or cafes in sight, I didn't fancy hanging around outside so I decided to try my luck... (it's currently 3.40pm, and the gates don't open til 5pm)
"Sorry Sir, gates don't open for at least another hour"
"Really? That's not what your website told me" - That's a complete lie, but he had no way of proving me wrong without going online himself. The website clearly told me gates open at 5pm for a 7pm game start.
"Do you have a hospitality ticket Sir? We can let hospitality ticket holders in from 4"
"I don't think so, I'm in M Stand. Is that hospitality?" - Now I'm trying the ignorance approach... but I added...
"It's my first time to the Rosebowl, that's why I checked the gate time online, and it said 4pm" - Compounding my original white lie, but his body language was telling me he was on my side and sympathetic. I guessed he's had problems with the website being inaccurate before.
"I'm sorry Sir, but normal ticket holders are permitted in from 5pm onwards. I'm sorry the website wasn't clear" - Looks like I'm not going to win this one, but then a flash of inspiration came to me. Something I vaguely remember reading on the website, but didn't pay much attention to.
"But how will I be able to watch the schoolchildren's Kwik Cricket games? Don't they start at 4.30?"
"Oh, are you with the children?"
"My cousin's son is due to play, so Yes" - If he asked to name the kid's team, or provide some kind of proof I was sunk, but so far, so good!
"Oh, well that's ok then. Stand M is just over there Sir, enjoy the game."
What a blag! I was in an hour before the gates officially opened, the bar was just taking the towels off and there was decent music pumping out of the loudspeakers. A great night, and thankfully the rain held off. Only bad thing was the only scoreboard I could see was far too small for me to read clearly so I was relying on score updates from the stadium announcer. But next time, I know where to sit to be able to see the main board.
I knew I had to catch the 8A bus. It's the only one that runs from Southampton City Centre to the stadium. From what I could deduce from the online timetable, the best bus to catch would depart from Vincent's Walk at 16:32 to arrive just after 5pm. Ok so far except for two minor drawbacks...
...I've no idea where Vincent's Walk is, and unless the Rosebowl is quite distinctive, I don't know where to get off at the other end. Thankfully, the latter problem never arose as the stadium is a huge, imposing structure that couldn't be mistaken for anything else. Oh, and there was a great big road sign that read "Welcome to The Rosebowl: Home of Hampshire County Cricket Club".
But what about where to get on the bus. I'd tried to pinpoint Vincent's Walk on an online map, but it appeared to just be a small alleyway behind Primark. My work colleague didn't seem to recognise the name either, but suggested the main road behind the shops would be the likeliest place. I decided to do the sensible thing, and go and investigate about an hour before my bus was due. Assuming I found it, I could always go for a pint before catching the bus.
I walked to the shops, went behind Primark, and lo and behold there were a whole line of bus stops. As I moved along the row, I saw an 8A bus pull up at the furthest stop. This is where I made a fatal mistake... I decided to get on it. It completely escaped my attention that I was going to arrive at about 3.30pm and the gates don't open til 5.
Sadly, The area around the ground is not awash with facilities. It's on the outskirts of the urban area with no shops, pubs or cafes in sight, I didn't fancy hanging around outside so I decided to try my luck... (it's currently 3.40pm, and the gates don't open til 5pm)
"Sorry Sir, gates don't open for at least another hour"
"Really? That's not what your website told me" - That's a complete lie, but he had no way of proving me wrong without going online himself. The website clearly told me gates open at 5pm for a 7pm game start.
"Do you have a hospitality ticket Sir? We can let hospitality ticket holders in from 4"
"I don't think so, I'm in M Stand. Is that hospitality?" - Now I'm trying the ignorance approach... but I added...
"It's my first time to the Rosebowl, that's why I checked the gate time online, and it said 4pm" - Compounding my original white lie, but his body language was telling me he was on my side and sympathetic. I guessed he's had problems with the website being inaccurate before.
"I'm sorry Sir, but normal ticket holders are permitted in from 5pm onwards. I'm sorry the website wasn't clear" - Looks like I'm not going to win this one, but then a flash of inspiration came to me. Something I vaguely remember reading on the website, but didn't pay much attention to.
"But how will I be able to watch the schoolchildren's Kwik Cricket games? Don't they start at 4.30?"
"Oh, are you with the children?"
"My cousin's son is due to play, so Yes" - If he asked to name the kid's team, or provide some kind of proof I was sunk, but so far, so good!
"Oh, well that's ok then. Stand M is just over there Sir, enjoy the game."
What a blag! I was in an hour before the gates officially opened, the bar was just taking the towels off and there was decent music pumping out of the loudspeakers. A great night, and thankfully the rain held off. Only bad thing was the only scoreboard I could see was far too small for me to read clearly so I was relying on score updates from the stadium announcer. But next time, I know where to sit to be able to see the main board.
June 04, 2008
Spring Break Part V - My time at home
Being at home was very subdued this time around. I spent a lot of my time in bed watching DVDs or catching up on sleep.
I did make the effort to do one or two things though. I spent a day in the Trafford Centre, touring the bars and watching the new Indiana Jones movie. (Quick review. Very spectatular, but they took the story one step too far. Still a good way to pass a couple of hours though).
I visited the new Chill Factor. It's an indoor winter sports hall which uses real snow. I was highly impressed. There were a few eataries/bars/retail outlets within the complex, and I can see other chains wanting to move there too.
I went to a musical play at the Lowry - Eurobeat. A camp send up of Eurovision with real voting and audience participation. Hilarious fun, highly recommended. Every member of the audience is allocated a country to support before the performance. If you get a chance to see the show, whatever you do...don't pick Iceland!
Best of all, on the Sunday I met up with Karl. I haven't seen him since I was at school, 16 years ago (I actually thought it was 18 years til he corrected me. Thought I was supposed to be the one with the Maths degree!). We had a mini tour of Central Manchester and spent the 4 or 5 hours we were together sharing memories from our school days. I was amazed how many of them we both remembered. I was really surprised at how many of them we had done together as well. When I've looked back in the past it's never really been with fondness, but reminiscing through someone eles eyes made me realise it wasn't all bad. It's taken me 16 years to get back in touch with a great school friend, but it certainly won't be the last time we meet up.
...oh, and I turned 34 whilst I was away. Bah humbug!
Spring Break Part IV - Sarah-Jayne
Travelling over to the IOM to meet Caoimhe also meant I got to spend lots of time with my girlfriend. I can use that word officially now, as I finally got round to asking her out in person. It was fantastic. Leaving her on the Wednesday was so painful, I love her more and more each day.
I could relate a funny story to you from when we were together that involves terrible abdominal pains - but she would kill me (no really, she would make my life a living hell). On a seperate note though, you should ask her how many 'R's there are in the word 'Bath' :o)
She is becoming a wonderful mother. She always seems to doubt herself and her abilities, but from what I've seen, she should be very proud of herself.
The last night we had together was lovely. Just curled up on the sofa in each others arms, with a Chinese take-away and the telly. I didn't want it to end, and I don't think she did either.
...I'm a lucky guy
p.s. Edited to add the Bath story. On having a conversation, the question was raised 'What's the difference between Bath and Barrrthroom then?'. Her answer? "One you visit - the other you tinkle in" :o)
I could relate a funny story to you from when we were together that involves terrible abdominal pains - but she would kill me (no really, she would make my life a living hell). On a seperate note though, you should ask her how many 'R's there are in the word 'Bath' :o)
She is becoming a wonderful mother. She always seems to doubt herself and her abilities, but from what I've seen, she should be very proud of herself.
The last night we had together was lovely. Just curled up on the sofa in each others arms, with a Chinese take-away and the telly. I didn't want it to end, and I don't think she did either.
...I'm a lucky guy
p.s. Edited to add the Bath story. On having a conversation, the question was raised 'What's the difference between Bath and Barrrthroom then?'. Her answer? "One you visit - the other you tinkle in" :o)
Spring Break Part III - Caoimhe
The main reason for my trip to IOM was to meet baby Caoimhe. She is gorgeous. Already she has a personality of her own and gives the greatest cuddles. As baby's go, she is also very quiet. Even when she is upset her volume level seems to be turned right down, and she can be placated really quickly.
We took her for a little adventure on the Tuesday. Sadly the weather was atrotious, but it was still wonderful being out and about as a family. I definately need to wear 'L' PLates when I'm pushing the three wheeled buggy, but I'm getting the hang of it.
...I miss her already, and can't wait til she comes to visit me in July. I love her to pieces
Spring Break Part II - Meeting Friends
The main reason for the trip to the Isle of Man was to meet Caoimhe, and spend time with Sarah, but I'd had this trip booked a little while before we got together and I had already arranged to meet up with friends.
On the Sunday, I went down to Castletown to meet up with Jackie and Zoltan and to meet Jackie's new beau. I know she doesn't need my seal of approval when it comes to her love life, but it did feel a bit like a daughter bringing her new fella home to meet her Dad! There was nothing to worry about. Ranald was a great guy, and we hit it off straight away. It was a lovely day. Drink, pool, drink, jukebox, drink, drink, strange photos, drink, Zolly going missing in The Sidings, drink and then last bus home.
On the Sunday, I went down to Castletown to meet up with Jackie and Zoltan and to meet Jackie's new beau. I know she doesn't need my seal of approval when it comes to her love life, but it did feel a bit like a daughter bringing her new fella home to meet her Dad! There was nothing to worry about. Ranald was a great guy, and we hit it off straight away. It was a lovely day. Drink, pool, drink, jukebox, drink, drink, strange photos, drink, Zolly going missing in The Sidings, drink and then last bus home.
On the bank holiday Monday, it was a chance to meet up with Rob, Rob and Andrew. I walked down from Willaston in blazing sunshine, and chose to pass through Summerhill Glen. I think in the 11 years I lived there, I never went into the Glen. I knew it was there, but just never took the opportunity to travel through it. It was beautiful. Hard to believe it's surrounded by major roads and heavy traffic - so tranquil.
The Robs and Andrew are coming to see me in Southampton to August to go horse racing. The conversation soon turned to that and as usual, arguments over who's round it was next. Nothing ever changes. It was great to see them though.
Spring Break Part I - The Travel
Hello all, sorry for the lack of posts over the past week or so, but as you can tell from the title of the new entry, I've had my first official break from work. About 10 days in total, half in the Isle of Man, half in Manchester with my parents. Rather than bore you all with one long post, I'll try to break it down into several smaller, and easily digestable, chunks.
Ok, Spring Break Part 1, The Travelling.
The first part of my journey was a pair of train trips. Southampton to Birmingham, then Birmingham to Manchester. Both trips passed fairly uneventfully, although it is a perfect way to study the psyche of the British public. Almost all long-haul train trips now come with a reserved seat, mine included. There are still people though who don't bother to use them, and sit wherever they please. The funniest thing about this is it always ends up with the person who has the seat reserved, apologising to the rogue occupant! The conversation usually goes something like:
"Excuse me. I'm really sorry but I think there's a chance you might be sitting in my seat"
"Really? I didn't see any sign"
"Oh, Sorry, there's a little screen above the seat. This is Coach C isn't it? I think you're in seat 28. Sorry"
"Oh I've moved once already"
"Oh dear, I'm sorry. erm, I'll see if I can find another seat".
Hilarious, happens over and over again :o)
A little note here to add that Birmingham New Street station is a disgrace, and the people there were arrogant, rude and obnoxious. I apologise to any genuinely nice Brummies who might read this, but the few occasions I've spent time at that station have all been times I regret.
The Ferry, ah what an adventure. Actually, It wasn't the ferry journey itself - that passed fairly routinely - it was the car journey to get to Heysham. The plan was for Dad to drive me after he finished work, at about midday. Get to Heysham in plenty of time to check in as a foot passenger for the 2:15pm sailing. But something wasn't right....
....it was Bank Holiday Weekend. The sun was out, and the route from Manchester to Heysham uses the M6 which meets up with traffic going to the Lake District AND daytippers off to Blackpool. What should have been a leisurely one hour journey was stretching towards two hours.
We arrived at the port with a screech of brakes and the faint aroma of burning tyre rubber. There had been a few dubious over-taking manouveres and the odd amber light, but it was 2.05pm and the boat was due to sail in ten minutes. I ran to check-in, put on my best puppy dog face and asked if it was too late. After a quick phone call confirming the gang-plank was still down she told me it was ok, but I'd have to run.
...Now, I assume you know what size I am, and what my fitness level is like. I did run, all the way to the gangplank, carrying an extremely heavy hold-all. I arrived at the entrance to the boat to be greeted by a smiling Steam-Packet worker.
"No need to hurry mate, we ain't sailing til half-past. Got some late cars to get on"
I was nearly physically sick with pain, and there was still 4 flights of stairs ahead of me. I got on, found a seat in the bar, drank half a pint of diet coke in less than 3 seconds and collapsed into a dripping, sweating mass.
The train home was a nice, journey. I was allocated a table, and opposite me was an old couple. I was doing his Sudoku in my head faster than he was whilst finishing off my Agatha Christie. I'm not sure if reading The 4.50 From Paddington about a murder on board a train gives off the wrong signals, but it was still a pleasant way to pass the time. I offered them a crisp when I opened my bag, which they politely refused.
....Did they offer me one of their Glacier Fruit sweets though? Did they bugger!
Ok, Spring Break Part 1, The Travelling.
The first part of my journey was a pair of train trips. Southampton to Birmingham, then Birmingham to Manchester. Both trips passed fairly uneventfully, although it is a perfect way to study the psyche of the British public. Almost all long-haul train trips now come with a reserved seat, mine included. There are still people though who don't bother to use them, and sit wherever they please. The funniest thing about this is it always ends up with the person who has the seat reserved, apologising to the rogue occupant! The conversation usually goes something like:
"Excuse me. I'm really sorry but I think there's a chance you might be sitting in my seat"
"Really? I didn't see any sign"
"Oh, Sorry, there's a little screen above the seat. This is Coach C isn't it? I think you're in seat 28. Sorry"
"Oh I've moved once already"
"Oh dear, I'm sorry. erm, I'll see if I can find another seat".
Hilarious, happens over and over again :o)
A little note here to add that Birmingham New Street station is a disgrace, and the people there were arrogant, rude and obnoxious. I apologise to any genuinely nice Brummies who might read this, but the few occasions I've spent time at that station have all been times I regret.
The Ferry, ah what an adventure. Actually, It wasn't the ferry journey itself - that passed fairly routinely - it was the car journey to get to Heysham. The plan was for Dad to drive me after he finished work, at about midday. Get to Heysham in plenty of time to check in as a foot passenger for the 2:15pm sailing. But something wasn't right....
....it was Bank Holiday Weekend. The sun was out, and the route from Manchester to Heysham uses the M6 which meets up with traffic going to the Lake District AND daytippers off to Blackpool. What should have been a leisurely one hour journey was stretching towards two hours.
We arrived at the port with a screech of brakes and the faint aroma of burning tyre rubber. There had been a few dubious over-taking manouveres and the odd amber light, but it was 2.05pm and the boat was due to sail in ten minutes. I ran to check-in, put on my best puppy dog face and asked if it was too late. After a quick phone call confirming the gang-plank was still down she told me it was ok, but I'd have to run.
...Now, I assume you know what size I am, and what my fitness level is like. I did run, all the way to the gangplank, carrying an extremely heavy hold-all. I arrived at the entrance to the boat to be greeted by a smiling Steam-Packet worker.
"No need to hurry mate, we ain't sailing til half-past. Got some late cars to get on"
I was nearly physically sick with pain, and there was still 4 flights of stairs ahead of me. I got on, found a seat in the bar, drank half a pint of diet coke in less than 3 seconds and collapsed into a dripping, sweating mass.
The train home was a nice, journey. I was allocated a table, and opposite me was an old couple. I was doing his Sudoku in my head faster than he was whilst finishing off my Agatha Christie. I'm not sure if reading The 4.50 From Paddington about a murder on board a train gives off the wrong signals, but it was still a pleasant way to pass the time. I offered them a crisp when I opened my bag, which they politely refused.
....Did they offer me one of their Glacier Fruit sweets though? Did they bugger!
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