New Years Eve

Another lazy day (I woke up just after 12:00! And was still in bed reading at 13:00.

The rest of the day, or what was left of it was a mixture of reading, surfing, food, drink and TV. We have moved from Troy to the Conquistadors, my most hated figures in history! Again Michael Wood is a fantastic, but I cant help but wonder as to what could have been.

As Michael says ‘It is given to few people in history to destroy a civilisation’.

Re & Pre view

Half of 08 was spent in what felt like a never end series of applications, interviews and disappointments. It seems like a distant memory now, but at the time it was a worrying slog. To think that none of the roles that I applied for was a as big, challenging or with as much responsibility has I have now. Its incredible how a leap of faith paid off.

The first half of the year also saw my trip to the US with Dad, which was a great trip, made all the better by being able to see Dad’s face when he won his rosette, and spoke with the ’names’. True I have not returned to the UK and picked up a piece of wood, but it was an education. With hindsight it was the beginning of the up tern, I came back to 5 interviews, and ended up with two job offers. It was with trepidation that I accepted the role, would I be able to do it, and was it big enough for my career. A strange contradiction of emotions, yet it was with concern I arrive at my first day. As you will have read, the following 7 months has been a roller coaster of hard work, growth and challenge.

So what will 09 offer, well firstly some much needed stability. I know what will come in the next 12 months of work. It will be hard, and challenging, but it is within my gift. I will have to learn to be less hands on, be harder with my direct reports, and will need to find something new to generate the revenue needed for growth. I will also need to learn how to us my new report, less hands on, and more directional, could be interesting.

On the personal side I need to find a WLB, which will be hard. I have planned the first 7 months of the year, so there are regular personal things, seeing friends, eating out, holidays and fun. I need to try and establish some rules for working, as the fit it all in 5 days didn’t work in Q4.

This year more than most I am looking forward to the January trip to France, it seems strange just 2 weeks after 10 days off to have another week, but it really works, it gives you two starts to the year, and ensures that come the end of March, you are still only 8 weeks from a holiday, with Easter just ahead of you.

I don’t do resolutions as I see little point in picking a single day to change things. I have some objectives, but I know they will change during the year, so I will keep things fluid.

So, happy new year, enjoy the night, survive the hangover and pursue your dreams.

Mon & Tues Days

So Monday was a day of shopping, we planned to leave at 11:00, but when we awoke at 10:40, that was never going to happen. Belle made scrambled eggs on toast, and we set off at about 12:15. The hope of people being back at work was short lived, as we started to queue in traffic just to park. We decided to park a short distance away from the shops which meant there was a walk but it was only 25p per hour, so that cant be bad. We had a good shop, although neither of us found everything we were looking for. As it was dark and cold I left Belle in Waterstones to go and collect the car, which would have been find, if I had been able to find it. It is a distressing thing not to be able to find the car park that you parked your car it. What do you do? You cant phone your car, or look it up on the internet. Fortunately Belle remembered it being in view of a Jury’s Inn, and so I headed for that, and fortunately found it! Much relief.

Home via a now open Sainsburys, and it was 19:45 before we sat down in the lounge.

Tuesday was a much quieter day, a trip to the bank and the chemist, and PC World to get a larger external drive. I now have a 1T drive, that should store enough music and photo’s!

The evening was more Troy, which has been very interesting, with a tea of home made lasagne and the great Sainsburys rear garlic bread, yum!

Sat & Sun Days

On Saturday we went for the bike ride, and combined it with a few things from Tesco’s, carbon neutral shopping, go us! The rest of the day, was back to resting. I don’t think I have every (well at least since I started working) spent 3 days just relaxing. Obviously when you go away you relax, but in terms of being at home and just resting it feels like a first.

Its interesting that even when resting I still need to plan, so I have most of 2009 mapped out! We need to find out when Belle’s graduation, other than that though we are planned, with regular breaks through until next Christmas. It feels like being in control. This time last year I was in the unknown, out of control wilderness of unemployment. I don’t know why I crave control, but being able to plan has a nice feeling about it.

I know what holidays will (or are allowed to) cost, when they will be, what weekends away we will have, when and again how much. It means that everything is budgeted for.

Not knowing when you will next get paid is a horrid feeling, however being a control freak and a person who has had a financial model for over 15 years its is almost unbearable!

So, this is such a better Christmas break, if only I could get rid of this cold!

Sunday was football day, and after going to bed at 2am I was glad I had set my alarm for 12:00.

The reason for the late night was that I was downloading music (legally). I have found this great web site, which is based out of Russia, and gives you Music tracks for just 9C, and its legal. I have got the full Moody Blues and Terry Oldfield back catalogues + a dozen other albums for under £30, try it out at www.leagalsounds.com

We scored early, then stopped for 50 minutes, scored again, stopped and again, consided and then hung on. Not the best game, but another 3 points, and you have to question if MK and Posh can hang on for much longer.

Martin – 4 – Again the ginger boy from L1 looked at risk every time the ball cam near him. He has the need to punch or slap the ball away, when a good catch would be much safer.
Gilbert – 6 – Ok, not much more to say
Morrison – 5 – Not as secure as you would have wanted, poor distribution
Hobbs – 7 – Strong and secure, still looks scared when he has the ball at his feet, but today he held the defence together
Berner – 3 – Rubbish, when we was sub’d 5 minutes before half time, I hoped it was because he was playing so bad.
Mattock – 5 – Anyone would have looked good after Burno, but Mattock looked what he is short a match time.
Davies – 7 – Showed pace and was great pushing forward, however he does not play as a right winger, which makes us very lopsided.
King – 7 – Finally I have seen 2 or 3 games were King plays well contributes, and scores.
Oakley – 5 – Jackal and Hyde performance again from Matty, needs to be more consistent
Dyer – 6 – good going forward, however not much tracking back
Fryatt – 6 – Didn’t score, but set up Howard and when taken off at half time had done little wrong.
Dickov – 5 – Not the Wasp we remember
Howard – 8 – Good flicks, and scored again. He is a lump, but at this level he is a good lump!

Home via Sainsbury’s which was closed! And another restful evening. Tea was nice with yet more Christmas pudding and cream, and before that Veal. And before anyone gets upset, it was Waitrose, traceable, not feed in crates Veal, and it was very nice.

Tomorrow is shopping in MK, so lets hope people are back at work!

Boxing Day

Two days without working, or really moving to be honest.

Lots of food, drink, and chocolate

Tomorrow we may go for a bike ride, to try and get some exercise!

Its Christmas

Today after getting up at 10:00 to see Mum off to Liverpool, we headed back to bed.

Another 1 ½ hours sleep and we got up for scrambled eggs on toast, before presents.

We both got lots of great things, books and music mainly which is just what we like. We also got some money which after getting a water butt will enable a shopping trip to MK later this week!

Then we spent the rest of the day in the lounge reading, watching tele and surfing. Very relaxing. We had prawn and scallop parcels for tea (we will save the Pheasant for tomorrow)

The last week has been a good one. Work was the usual, but that’s ok, cos that’s what I am good at. LCFC won 4-0 against POSH which was one of the easiest to watch games I have ever seen.

The biggest downside of the last week has been yet another cold! I need this holiday, rest, rest and more rest.

Mum has been up for several days, and although it feels like I have not seen her, it has been good to see her in the evenings, and yesterday we had a nice 3 course meal and then exchanged presents.

Belle got a Venice DVD for Christmas, which we have watched in full, and both want to go back there again, looks like the Italy tour holiday will be on this summer.

I have started planning breaks for 09, after the interesting year 08 has been I want to get a structure scheduled early. Regular breaks, and things to look forward to.

Money, Work, Money, Sleep, Work, Sleep, Fun? Balance?

Today's entry was going to be the usual long day at the office, left at 20:00, so didn’t get home and have tea until 21:00. It was another day of frustration spoon feeding people through to the right decision. A day when a good friend solved a major technical issue, not one of my staff, and when I needed to make technical suggestions as part of an investigation into a customer fault. But then I read my sisters entry and its makes the constant moaning were seem self inflicted. She asks the million pound question, no not Anakin good or bad, but money a necessary evil or a drug?

I am not sure I agree with her view of me. I agree with her view of her, she is working hard, and applying a level of self control that is incredible to get to the right money point. She as set things she is prepared to spend on, and a plan for having more based on structured debt reduction. I am very proud of what she has achieved, and I know she will enjoy the benefits all the more for having done it herself!

As for me, she has the view that I work hard for the money, but I don’t think that is true. I work hard, and do what I do, because I am good at it, and despite the above, and most days ranting I enjoy it. I cant deny I enjoy the benefits that the money brings, and it would be hard to adjust if things changed, but I do what I do, because I need intellectual challenge. Shaping the team, fixing the business, helping customers, making things better give me self actualisation. The money is the reward, but the truth is it is only recently that we have really thought about how to enjoy it.

Yes we have nice cars, and good holidays, but ask me to spend £40 on a pair of trousers and I would faint. I needed to be bullied into spending money on me. So now we try and do something nice each month. We are going to the theatre, gigs, or out for a meal. We have bought a painting for our anniversary for the reasons we first bought pictures, because we love it. Its not an investment, it’s just for us.

The key thing for me is that I have always planned my money. I had a spreadsheet from my uni days, and finished debt free. I worked through the hoidays, and some weekends. I got a job and changed the spreadsheet. As the jobs grew the rows became more and the duration longer. It meant my wife could give up work and go to Uni, and I could get her a Jag when she graduated. Yes I have been paid well for the work I do, but I have always lived within my means and as such I am comfortable, with a few luxuries.

One of the key differences between me and my sister, is I am doing what I am good at, and what I enjoy. She is great at her job, and could do more if she wanted, but she gets a buzz from different things. She is the creative talent. I am luck that I enjoy something that pays well.

So what does this all really mean, well this blog is meant to be cathartic, so I will continue to rant about the frustrations of the day. I will continue to park my day in words so I can sleep and move on, without the baggage on over analysing it all.

Do I have money, yes, does it create a lovely life, yes, would I like to be fitter and less tired, yes. But life is about compromises, and as I get older, I am getting better at the balancing act.

Tomorrow is a WFH day, so hopefully a bit more WLB. At the end of the day, I only know one way to work, flat out!

Funday Monday

Ok, so it was long and work filled, but hay, there were some good bits.

Had 2 121’s with newer members of the senior management group. They are both doing well, and it was nice to be able to give praise and support rather than try and understand failings.

Despite the best of intentions it was still 19:15 before I left the office, but I left the machine in the office, and have had a relaxing evening.

And I am really excited about tomorrow, we are going to plan the restructure roll out, and it will be great to get into the detail, and shape our future. I have a strong management team, it has taken time to re-shape them, remove the under performers, and get some strong and passionate individuals. It is going to be a challenging first quarter of 09, but that’s what we need!

So a long day again, but only 7 working days til Christmas and a much needed break.

The day was only spoilt by Derby getting a 94th minute draw against Charlton. We 8 Derby.

Anyone missed me????

Its been a while since I managed to create the time to blog, following my holiday sickness, caused by to much work it has been straight back to, to much work!

So a quick review of the highs, lows, and stressful activities over the last three weeks.

So holiday -3 days and it was a call to one of my new direct reports following the take over to tell him he was at risk, ahead of a call to 24 people to tell them they were all at risk. It was one of the worst things I have had to do, and was the start of an unpleasant process. Don’t get me wrong, I take the money so I have to do the bad as well as the good, and it is easier on my side of the table, but after the year I have had it was a bit close to home!

Carrcassone was a lovely citadel and the meal on Friday night was fantastic, but it was still a long drive back home.

Monday was the first of the 121’s with the at risk staff, 15 in a day and it was as you would expect. There was a mixture of anger, upset, failure to understand it was not personal and the rare understanding individual. The day ended with the 3 hour drive to Sale. Actually it was a 3 hour drive to see Drips, who kindly feed me and put me up. It was nice not to be in a hotel after the day. Tuesday saw the remaining meetings including a very aggressive individual, more about him later.

We then kicked into team meetings, 121’s (not @ risk) and the finance cycle.

There was a trip to see Fish in Buxton with PASH, great gig and an interesting car park incident!

One of the things I have been trying to do is make sure we do things, so Monday 1st Dec saw us head down to London after work to see Mr Izzard. The theatre held about 300 people, he did a 2 hour set and was fantastic. He is great, and shows that whilst Russell Howard was very funny he has a way to good, before he can compete with the Banana god!

This week also saw the 2nd set of 121’s for the at risk staff. Less people this time as I only needed to see the members of my team, but they were heavier meetings. The high was being able to retain 2 placement students, who would have had to re do the year if we had made them redundant. The low was two fold, firstly a lovely guy who just does not get, that it does not matter how good he is, he does not have the skills we need moving forward. The second was a very aggressive Muppet who accused me of lying! I know this is a hard process for people to go through, however I will not tolerate people questioning my integrity!

The end of the week saw use go to see another gig, this time Belle and I went to see Fat Freddies cat for the 2nd time. The guitar player is a colleague (he is now a direct report, but again more about that later). We had a meal with my boss and his wife and had a throughly good time.

Saturday saw the super foxes score 3, all by Fryatt who now has scored 22 so far this season, at that rate he could beat Ronaldo’s total of last season.

Sunday was out on the bikes, and although it was very cold, it was good to get out in the fresh air for the second day in a row.

So we are almost up top date.

This week has seen more finance, so major customer complaints including to field trips to pacify customers. It was a bit scary to tell the second customer that within our business there was no-one with more authority to draw resources to ensure their project succeeded than me, as I ran a £40m business with 120 staff (ooooooooooh). We succeed in turning the customers around and subject to delivering things will be ok. We also had two major issues with our two major clients, again problems solved but a bit of a time sink.

I had my 121, which after doing over 40 in 3 weeks, was nice. And I took a deep breath and said I had to much work and needed help! It felt horrid to have to ask, however the outcomes was perfect. I will have a bag man from the 5th Jan . Someone who’s only job is to do the things I give him. I feel les pressure already! I am also being bullied towards a PA, not sure I can cope with that, but you never know!

We also had a result where a member of staff we expected to sack next week resigned saving us significant time!

Finally I had a day working from home, it was great not to have to travel, and meant we were able to finish the day with a trip to Waitrose for some posh bits for Christmas.

So that’s me up to date, I apologise to anyone who I missed out in the last 4 weeks, and promise to be back to a more regular pattern moving forwards.

Happy Holidays

So you work for 6 months without a break ending in a 76 hour week (which includes finishing at 17:00 on Friday), you then drive for 15 hours over two days, including a 9 hour 700 mile day, arrive at our destination and get laid up with an very think cold for 3 days!

Note to self never go 6 months without a holiday, its just mad. I am so tired and so clammy and achy, its just not funny.

I need to review my plans for next year, and ensure that I have regular breaks.

Tomorrow it’s the short trip to Carcassonne, only 550 miles!

I will need a holiday when I get home!

No Wich alone

Those of you who know me will know that I hate being in the house alone, so the prospect of Belle being in Norwich was not a nice one, so how fortunate that thanks to my team I was in the office until 21:40, and was still working at home at 01:20!

It is a mix of that last week before holidays, to much to do, and some very disappointing deliveries over the last few days.

I am sure we are make progress, but things must improve, and November will be an interesting test, as I am not going to be able to chase things for a week.

I believe that one of the signs of a good manager is that their team runs well without them, using that scoring system, I am not doing well!

It feels strange to be looking to increase responsibility into a team that is not coping with their current duties, but it needs to be done, and will be a test of them and me.

The next 12 weeks will be defining for many, and make or break for some.

Four more days and 48 hours of work to finish, wish me luck!

Back after a busy week

Its been a busy week, however it has not been that stressful. This blog was always meant to be cathartic, and if I am not hyper, or nothing interesting has happened there is nothing to say.

The last few days has been ok.

Tuesday was our anniversary, and Belle cooked up a fabulous seafood meal with salad, and a bottle of 04 Calibre, it was very nice. It was made better by both being home by 18:20, eating at 19:30, and then watching the da Vinci Code on DVD. I know it was not everyone favourite film, but it was a good relaxing watch.

The working week was busy, but felt more in control, I am not sure if that was because I am more in control, because it was an easier week, or because with my confirmation letter and pay rise last week I feel more confident.

Saturday saw a trip to MK which resulted in us buying a new picture for our lounge as a joint wedding present. It is lovely and is the first new picture in over 2 years! We then drove down to London to see Russell Howard. He was fantastic, and it was a lovely Anniversary day.

Sunday dawned with sun and wind, and we went on the first of our Sunday bike rides. I want to know if 1 hours ride burns more calories than a pork pie and prawn sandwich (which was lunch). A relaxing weekend finished off by catching up on some TV.

This next week has its own challenges, its new acquisition staff reviewing, to produce the at risk lists. These people could stop working for us 2 days before Christmas, meaning an important process, must be performed perfectly.

Its also that pre holiday week, were you have to get everything finished, or handed over, and given how busy the team is, I have to make sure I don’t give them to much to do.

Finally, a Happiness is the Road update. A friend told me to listen to it a few times and it would grow on me. He was right, most tracks take a bit of getting used to, but once you do they are good on the ears. I am sure they will get a good run through on the way to Spain.

2-1 to the Supert Foxes

Football can really get the blood flowing, and Saturday was incredible. It was looking like yet another one of those games where we huffed and puffed but just could not score. What is frustrating is that it took what should have been a sending off to get the team going.

The final 10 minutes (inc injury time) was helter skelter, and saw two Fryatt goals, and with just seconds left we were in the lead. I could have run back to the car, the adrenaline was really flowing.

So to the team review (assisted by Lizsara)

Henderson – 6 – Looked a bit nervous on his return, but generally had an assured game
Hobbs – 4 – Agreement that he really looks out of his depth at this level. He managed to crock 2 of the opposition, but his heading and positioning was shocking
Berner – (Sub 75) – 6 – Good overlapping and we looked a better team in 3-4-3 formation
Tunchev – 7 – Won every header, and looked assured at the back
Kisnorbo – 6 – A couple of dodge moments, but is forming a good partnership with Tunchev
Mattock – 7 – Flying overlapping full back, with some great crosses
Gradel – 2 – Rubbish, over confident with the ball at his feet, and cowardly in the tackle.
Adams – (Sub 63) – Was the first catalyst to the 2nd half improvement, needs to take on his man a bit more, but generally solid
Oakley – 6 – Some strong tackles, but also some poor tackles
King – 1 – We now know why he is on the pitch, it is to make Gradel and Hobbs look good.
Dyer – 5 – Looks good, but seemed to have lost his speed, some poor passes, not his best game
Fryatt – 8 – 83 minutes of nothing then, scored the two important goals (which were from his only two chances)
Howard – 5 – Won lots of headers, unfortunately he never found one of his own players
Hayles – (Sub 66) – 6 – Pulled the defenders about which created space for Fryatt.

Saturday evening was a good evening, although we went through 5 bottles, which resulted in Drips being a bit sick (little weight).

A bright day in the snow

So I have spent weeks bitching about to much work, complicated finances (and idiots!), but today was a good day. It looks like I am going to get more staff, and more problem areas but I am enjoying the problem solving and believe I can fix these problems. The challenge is, it is not possible to shape the world purely by the strength of your will you need people to help, and for these changes to be successful I need someone to step up. I think he has the potential, but it will be interesting to see if he can expand himself.

The drive home was snowy, I hate snow, it is so restricting! I have an early start tomorrow, so hopefully it wont pitch.

Tomorrow afternoon will be interesting as I have to meet with a ‘Woman Returner’ (Why do they use that phrase, you don’t get Men returning from maternity leave). She wants flexible working, at home for specific hours, so were is the flexibility there? It could be a fun session!

Monday in Crewe

It was one of those meetings were you get licked to death, sometimes it would be nice to get an upset customer actually shout, or maybe show a bit of emotion. True it was nice to get in and out, but to have to listen to 2 hours of bleating is a bit boring. I left home at 10:50, got back at 18:50 and had another 60 emails in my inbox that needed processing.

Working in this market place can be frustrating at time, it is clear that if the customer had done any planning, of managed their own risk, none of the issues would have happened. Surely there is buyer beware!

It was yet another illustration of how poor the issue ownership is within this sector. Life would be so much easier if we had a professional customer base.

What a load of Cobblers! and 4th

Saturday, match day, and yet another night with broken sleep. I am getting feed-up of being asleep within 15 minutes of being in bed, and yet waking up every two or three hours. I really need a proper nights sleep.

Match day Saturdays have started to look like good days. Getting in the car expecting three points, and being entertained. Slowly however it is starting to slip back to the old feeling of dread. Today we were very average, two 1 on 1’s but tempid finishes, evern the old bloke is starting to get tedious.

A 0-0 against a very average team is very disappointing. So I am sure you can guess some of the ratings.

Martin – 5 – Spent the first 20 minutes not knowing what to do now his mate is not a centre back, then he decided that just kicking the ball to the opposition keeper was the best think to do, pathetic. Bring back Hendo!
Hobbs – 5 – Back to his shocking best. You can guarantee that if someone was going to be out of position it would be Jack. I predict that next week, when his fan club is at the day he will play better!
Tunchev – 6 – Neither good nor bad, just solid
Kisnorbo – 6 – Great to have him back, but not yet at his best
Mattock – 6 – Again good to have him back, but not yet fully match fit
Berner (Sub 63) – 5 – A couple of good overlapping moves with Dyer, however nothing spectacular
Gradel – 6 – He has quick feet, but seems to have lost his bottle in the tackle
Oakley – 6 – Average again, including a header in the last few minutes that nearly lost us the game
King – 4 – He is just rubbish
Dyer – 6 – Good speed, but lacked vision, and missed a clear 1 on 1
Fryatt – 4 – Selfish, and shocking in front of goal
Howard – 6 – Good in the air, but never found his own man with his knockdowns.
Hayles (Sub 79) – 5 – Old block spend 78 minutes shouting for him to come on, he arrived, but not that you would notice.

Home via Sainsbury’s and a good traffic day meant I was home but 19:00. This evenings meal was not up to the standards of last weekend, but the stewed apples and chantilly cream was very nice.

2 - 2 And we slip to 3rd

Tuesday was a tough day, with some difficult discussions rounded off by a trip to the theatre of disappointments.

So straight to the team and game review.

As a game it was deeply frustrating, the plus points are having gone behind twice, we came back twice and then held on, something we would not have done in any of the last few seasons. The negative point was we went behind twice, and the quality of the game we played when behind was very impressive, so why couldn’t we play like that from the get go.

So player ratings:

Martin – 6 - Flapped at the first goal, but otherwise not really stretched. Seems to have an overwhelming desire to play the ball to Hobbs, everytime.
Gilbert – 6 – Not his best game, poor distribution, and out of position for one of the goals.
Kisnorbo – (Sub 66 mins) – 7 – Welcome back Skip, he brought a reassurance to the back line that we have needed.
Tunchev – 7 – Looked good with Hobbs beside him, and very good with Skip. He also scored a great header for the 2nd goal.
Hobbs – 4 & 6 – As a centre back he was shocking again, his heading was poor, and his distribution was rubbish. Then like a light bulb being switched on, he was moved to left back and looked like a half decent play.
Powell – 5 – Average game, ok as a left back, but no push going forward
Mattock – (Sub 61 mins) – 7 – Welcome back Joe, he may not be the best at the back, but going forward he is great. Overlapping with Dyer the left flank looks very dangerous
Gradel – 7 – It must be a frustrating life for young Max, he stands in loads of space, he takes on anyone, and he never gets passed to.
Oakley – 6 – Another average game for the skipper, he chases the ball well, but needs to get his passing game sorted
King – 5 – Where is he, he is on the team sheet, and he occasionally has a shoot, but for the remaining 88 minutes, were, oh were
Dyer – 7 – Looks good going forward, but not his best game
Berner – 82 – First look at the young Swiss, who is less cuckoo and more flying falcon
Fryatt – 4 - Rubbish
Howard – 4 – Missed two goals that even PASH could have scored.

Lets hope we can bounce back on Saturday.

Wednesday

Finally I managed to get the emails down to 15 and am almost on top of the general workload. Having said that I need to, as I have 1 day with 7 1 hour 121’s, and then a management meeting on Friday. Bring it on!

History, Religion and things that make you go Argggggggggggggg

1) The Spanish destruction of a way of life, a technology, a culture in South America that we will never now understand. And why, for gold and fame. It is true that as an Englishman, it is hard to take the moral high ground when it comes to conquest, subjugation and oppression. And it is true that we have plundered other countries natural resources, but as far as I am aware we have not carried out mindless destruction. When historians question how did they do XXX, the answer is we will never know.

2) Religious iconography, and the abuse of the need of people to believe in something. We saw a church were bones had been used for decoration, it is disgusting. We also saw a place in India were people go to die. A city where you are encouraged to drape bodies with expensive cloth, that then gets burnt. So people with no money, are ‘forced’ to spend money that would be better spent on food, than the ‘required’ stairway to heaven.

3) Rich kids playing poker with peoples lives. We are living during a time where a bunch of moralless morons, shape the world economies based on whims. It is criminal that these talentless pariahs are able to bring the world to its knees and force governments to ‘creating’ money to support the world. We the normal people will be paying for this for the rest of our lives. Capitalism is fine, but meaningless speculation is not capitalism, it is Russian roulette, and if these Muppets want to play, I suggest they take the traditional route and use a gun, preferable full of bullets!

A Magical Mystery Tour

Today was the day of the ‘Thank you’ surprise that Belle had organised, a multi part extravaganza with a trip and then Belle cooking dinner. We were both nervous, Belle because she wanted me to enjoy it, me because I wanted it to be something I would enjoy.

We had managed to get the sat nav programmed without me knowing where we were heading, and off towards Essex we went. I couldn’t think of anywhere in Essex, that we would be interested, although as I started to see some town names, I thought it might me some sort of Roman gig.

We arrived in Colchester, the first Roman capital in Britain, so it was looking like Romanesque could be right. We parked and headed towards Colchester Castle, now I didn’t now that Colchester had a Castle, and as we followed to rubbish sign posts, I was surprised that I could not see a Castle, I mean they are not normally small, oh I hope it is good.

Finally we walked down a narrow street to see a flint and brick built castle, it looked ok, but not massive, the Roman theme was still looking odds on, then I saw a banner that said ‘Guardians to the King – Terracotta Treasures from Ancient China’. WOW! I had wanted to see the British Museum exhibition when it was on earlier in the year, so I was really excited to see the sign.

The museum is a really clever idea, it is within the castle, and is predominantly Roman. It has some great items, and is cleverly displayed. If you are ever in Essex then drop into Colchester Castle Museum, it hits all the right Roman bits.

However as interesting as it was, it was not the main event, and the Guardians show was GREAT!

The figurines were out of China for the first time, and overlapped nicely with some of the Roman items. The Han Dynasty ran from 206BC to AD8, and showed a step change were the Emperor moved from human sacrifices to symbolism. Whilst the items on display where not full size they showed all the characteristics you associate with their more famous counterparts. One of the most interesting factors was the fact that they had been discovered between 1984 and 2004, its incredible to think that there could still be wonders that we have not discovered yet.

The figures will just blow your mind, as you can see from the pictures each individual piece is unique, you would have thought that there would be a template, that is replicated, but no, they are all different. You can also see how the western world learned 1000 years later, when you see the costumes that look like middle age armour, alternatively we thought they looked a bit like Sontarans!

It was a great show, and made me want to a) read my books on the Terracotta Warriors and the First Emperor, b) Go to China, and c) do this more often with Belle.

So after a relaxing drive home, it was onto phase 2 of the my treat, the meal.

Belle always says she can’t cook, well tonight she killed that myth.

Starter was a port pate with toast, which was lovely, soft with berry undertones.
Main was amazing, sea bass, with roast Mediterranean vegetables. It was incredible, the best meal I have had since Florence last year. The vegetables were so sweet, and there was lots of textures, and the fish was soft in a light creamy sauce.
Pudding was little lime cheese cake with a ginger biscuit base, again it was lovely.
All washed down with a 2006 Cabalie.

We had candles and music, and it was great.

We finished off the evening watching a couple of programs about architecture through history, focusing on different topics, such as passion and death. It was very interesting if a bit provocative, but more on that another day.

So I scream at the top of my voice 'Whats going on?'

This week has been fairly uninteresting, some long days, some management stuff, some numbers, and some miles. All in all an average week. Tomorrow is WFH, so that will be a nice end to the week.

Hopefully I will be more inspired next week………….

PS. A prize for anyone who can source the title

A quiet Monday

Its amazing how quickly a day can fly by when you are counting numbers, today was WFH for the morning then a meeting at MK, and it just flew by. I hoped to get so much more done.

It was nice to be at home with Belle, and for her to spend the day watching TV, a much needed rest after 2 years of study.

We had some great garlic bread with our pasta, it was ‘Taste the Difference’ Tear and Share. It is fantastic, soft, fluffy and very tasty.

Friday Night @ the Bedford Bistro

Friday was another frustrating day, when nothing was really achieved, and I was left thinking that I should be working late and over the weekend, but I didn’t.

Friday night was the original team night, and with everyone coming round between 18:30 and 19:00 (well it would have been that time if JASI had managed not to get lost!).

I had gone for an easy menu, chips and dip, paella, apples in mulled wine and cheese. And it seemed to go down well, though whether that was because the food was ok, or because during the course of the night 9 bottles were emptied!

We had a good chat and finished the night playing Buzz on the PS2. By that time PASH had already gone to bed, the woose, and therefore missed a techno version of Morecambe and Wise, we had JASI, CACO and MACO (not relation) on the sofa bed, and me on the floor. JASI didn’t last game 1, and over the course of the evening (night) we won 1 game each. We finally staggered to bed at 02:52.

Saturday, and up early (well for a Saturday) to find MACO and JASI up already. After several breakfast sittings the team left for home, and in JASI’s case back to bed!

I managed to do a bit of paperwork (credit cards etc) and then decided to watch the football lead on the bed, and yes I fell asleep. I had a good 2 hours, before sliding down hill for tea.

We had an early night, and I then slept in and read when I woke up, a very relaxing way to start the day. I also decided not to do any work, it can wait until Monday!

What are the effects of spending 10 hours in Luton

So combine my favourite place with my favourite topic and what do you get?

That’s right a day in Luton trying to balance the numbers, of joy.

I have managed to recover from the late night, and the am still playing the Moody’s on the ipod.

Tomorrow is the team dinner, so in between conference calls, I need to do some cooking.

When is a day off, not a day off?

When you are out for 14 hours and get home after midnight. That being said it was a fun day.

Took the old dink to the British Museum, which after 5 ½ hours we had only completed 1 floor, its massive! It was very interesting.

Then after dinner off to the Royal Albert Hall for the Moody Blues and having learnt lots of new songs they didn’t play any off them. Other than sitting next to a fat bloke, who took up a little to much seat it was a good gig (it could have been worse as the tramp sat next to Mum smelt like a, well tramp really!).

Funny point was on Saturday night when talking about tracks we hoped would be played, Mum wanted the Song about Timothy Leary but didn’t know what it was called. Its called Legend of a Mind, ring any bells? It was also interesting talking about what I thought about the song when I first heard it (as an 8 year old).

For example:

‘He’ll fly his astral planes, He’ll sell you trips around the bay, he’ll bring you back the same day’ – ‘He has a small aeroplane, which is hired out for short tours’

I know discover he was singing about drugs, wow!

If you want to learn more, try http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Timothy_Leary

Tuesday felt like a Monday and most of the day was taken up with, yes you have guessed it numbers!

Looks like the rest of the week will be the same, oh dear!

Web Shopping without the fun.

So today somewhere amongst the working, cooking and stuff I did some web shopping, although not the fun sort.

True I booked the holiday, but it doesn’t give the buzz of finding something you never knew you need cheap!

Tomorrow if off to London to look around the British museum and then off to see some veteran cosmic rockers.

It’s a day off, that starts with a lye in some hopeful even though it means getting home after midnight, I will feel a bit refreshed.

A day of two halves

Friday, Worcester which is never a good start. A customer conference call which lasted 20 minutes (very glad I didn’t do the 8 hour round trip for that one!). A frustrating product meeting, and all interspersed with yet more numbers problems. I left the office 1 ½ hours later than I wanted to and therefore joined the Friday car park that is the M42.

The rush home was because we were due to go to a local gig in a pub as it was Belle first day of post Masters freedom, and all I really wanted to do was go to bed.

However it was a fantastic night, the food was fabulous, and the band (which featured a colleague) were very good. A mix of country, acoustic, blue grass covers that made very easy listening. It relaxed us both, and we have a lovely evening.

So it did me good, far better than sitting at home thinking about the problems.

Focus, because some things matter more

You can work as hard as you like, but some things are more important. You can try and ensure you don’t let people down, but that does not mean they will think you have. You can tell yourself almost anything but that does not make it true.

The truth is its hard to keep perspective, its hard to acknowledge you are different to image you keep in your head. The truth is you are great because you are you, so make sure you don’t regret an action, or in action because of your pride.

I have taken another list from Lizsara.

A. Attached or Single? Happily married, its great!
B. Best Friend? My wife
C. Cake or pie? Cake, unless its pork pie
D. Day of choice? Holi
E. Essential item? Laptop with web connection
F. Favorite color? Purple
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears, unless PASH is around in which case marshmallows
H. Hometown? Somersetville
I. Favorite indulgence? My car
J. January or July? July
K. Kids? I prefer lamb to goat
L. Life isn’t complete without? Songo
M. Marriage date? November 4th
N. Number of brothers and sisters? 1, of the baby type
O. Oranges or Apples? Does Cider count as apples
P. Phobias? Spiders and failure
Q. Quotes? Insurance, and maybe an online hotel search
R. Reasons to smile? A last minute winner, walking into the house on the day cleaners come and having my family stay
S. Season of choice? Forever Autumn
T. Tag 5 people: Is this like the thing you do in the playground?
U. Unknown fact about me? I am afriad not even I know it?
V. Vegetable? No Animal, with a hint of mineral
W. Worst habit? Wine
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Medical test of choice? Well I have had x-rays so it might be nice to try an Ultrasound
Y. Your favorite food? Chocolate
Z. Zodiac sign? I am lion hear me roar!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz part 2

Quiz went well, the staff were good, and seemed to enjoy and understand the purpose of the event.

Didn’t leave the bar til 3:15, so was very tired on Tuesday and after leaving the offer @ 19:15, was in bed and asleep by 9:45.

Today was a buzz, great morning meeting, and an ok afternoon, although didn’t finish the PASH 121 til 23:20!

Nothing fell into the cage today

Having already writen two blog pieces today, I am all writen out.

Not a lot more to say about F1 or football.

The quiz is finished, and as long as I leave the house by 07:00 tomorrow morning everyting will be fine.

Jeff Stelling, your boys took one hell of a beating!

I cant remember the last time I slept until 11:30! Just shows we must have been very tired! A trip to the stadium of dream, for another win

We scored early, and never really looked under pressure, true they created a few chances, but it was a comfortable win!

Martin – 6 – A couple of good saves, but a couple of doggy punches
Gilbert – 6 – A solid performance, good going forward, but still out of position to often
Tunchev – 7 – A strong performance and it needed to be given that he may as well have been playing by himself
Hobbs – 1 – The crowd have found a new Maybury, for the second home game in a row he missed every header, every pass, and most challenges. After looks so solid he has lost his confidence and should be replaced by Morrison for the next game.
Powell – 6 – Showed his experience and was never under pressure
Adams – 7 – Beat men, showed pace and some good passing, an able stand in for Max
Oakley – 5 – Poor distribution, and bottled to many tackles
King – 6 – Saw more of him today, good tenacity
Dyer – 9 – Performance of the season, pace, positioning and perfect passing
Fryatt – 6 – It was just another Saturday, we would have scored 3 without his selfishness!
Howard – 6 – Strong in the air, but never found a player with a pass

The evening was spent build a quiz for the staff meeting on Monday, and I know you can find them on the web, buts its fun looking and thinking will people know the answers. We are going to auction of the managers into the teams, so it will be interesting to see how much PASH goes for!

Another long day & Music

Today was the PRB, and on the whole it went well, we also had the informing of at risk people, an energy forecast review and over 100 emails. It all made for a long day, but I am still kind of up to date, although the next two days are very full, and so unlikely to deliver much output!

Having read Lizsara’s Album of the year review I thought I should do the same, however on checking my itunes index you can tell I had 6 months of being without any disposable income. I have also discovered that out of those that I have bought, there are more I have not listened to then have!

So, I thought I would do a variation on the variation:

Albums Bought:

Sally Oldfield – Mirrors Anthology – Not listened too yet
Queen – The Cosmos Rocks – Not listened too yet
Marillion – Happiness is the Road – Jury’s out
The Moody Blues – Long Distance Voyager – Great!!!!!
The Verve – A Storm in Heaven - Not listened too yet
The Moody Blues – On the Threshold of a Dream – Good
Earth Calling Alice – Thankful for Mice – Good, but needs more songs
Split Enz – History Never Repeats – A bit of old thunder
Coldplay – Viva La Vida or Death & all his Friends – Its Coldplay, but that’s ok
Duffy – Rockferry – A bit to Dusty for me
Kino – Cutting Room Floor - Not listened too yet
Mark Ronson – Version - Not listened too yet
Mike Oldfield – Music of The Spheres – Its not the planets, but is easy listening
Kaiser Chiefs – Yours Truly, Angry Mob – I like it

And the winner is?

Long Distance Voyager – It’s a mix of 80’s prod with a 60’s twist. 22,000 Days is fantastic, as is the trio of Painted Smile, Reflective Smile and Veteran Cosmic Rocker.

Also worth a listen

Music of Spheres
Thankful for Mice
Yours Truly, Angry Mob

What this really tells me is that whilst an ipod is great for storing lots of music it is also great at losing music. When you got a new CD, it went in the Car and was listened to for days, and then either rejected for ever, or became an old favourite, where as now, it gets up loaded, and unless you regularly sync you forget to look. So tomorrow morning I will go for one of the new ones, and let you know what I think on Friday when I next write.

Selection is not always the survival of the fittest!

If you believed in destiny then today would strengthen your view. We had a problem, we needed to resolve a staffing shortage due to one of my team getting an internal role, and @ 9:00 the solution was go out and recruit a top level replacement, however by 13:30 we had a new and creative solution. If it works or not will be a challenge, but I am sure it is the right thing to do.

So tomorrow I get to make two people happy rather than just one.

It just goes to show how fickle the world of employment is, for every good manager, there is a cretin, and the moron struck again today. Hopefully we will resolve it tomorrow, but it goes to show some people should not be allowed the power of management. When you become a manager you are given a privileged position. You have the responsibility to deliver for your employers, shareholders, and colleagues, but you are also given the ability to effect peoples lives, and that should never be taken lightly. You should always ask yourself how would I want to be treated, how would I react, or my personal test, how would I want my sister to be treated. Today has shown that there are some people who cant get passed themselves, so to them I say, whilst I don’t agree in Karma, I hope you get what’s coming to you!

The Monday Tummy

I woke up in the early hours with a stomach that felt it was part washing machine, and part stabbing knife. It was no better when getting up time came, so I stayed in bed trying not to be sick.

This meant the day ended up being WFH which helped clear the emails down to 13, and mean I am almost caught up with everything!

Tomorrow it is off to see the Super Foxes against the Imps, lets hope we can continue the early season form and progress in the JPC!

Its also the Phoenix’s birthday, the big 30! Hopefully he will have a great day, and not mind that his card is still in Sainsbury’s and the fact that his present is still in the present cupboard (it just elongates the experience)

Weekend Activities

So Friday was working from home, and I managed to get through some, but not all of the outstanding tasks (3 hours on Sunday saw me as up to date as I am going to get). Dad arrived at about 6:30 having visited the RSPB library with Belle.

So what do you serve someone over from Spain, Paella (what a Muppet!), but it went down well, as the cheese and wine.

Saturday was a gentle trundle around, a bit of shopping (where I didn’t buy anything), and a look at the BMW sale. I have found a hard top 3 Series CC, which looks very nice, as does the 6 Series, however we will have to wait until at least April next year before we get to equity = debt.

It was good to spend time with Dad, and we managed to get him a new laptop (more later). We also had a good sporting day with Leicester winning and Somerset drawing.

Tea was experimental with a variation on Coronation Chicken using mustard pancetta and Polish sausages, which turned out very well, and poached apples (from our own garden!) with Sultanas and Port with Green & Blacks organic ice cream, which was also nice.

Sunday was a more frustrating day, as in trying to download a free AV program Dad’s new laptop got infected with more viruses that a tenement in 1666. Dispute 3 hours of trying stuff, I could not get it clean, so it will have to go into PC World tomorrow, bugger!

Got another long week coming up, although mostly in my office, which will be better.

What does 1+1 equal?

I only ask because you don’t seem to need to know to be an accountant. Maybe the world of FD’s is one were you don’t appreciate what you have until to have lost it, from the scary DA to the deep detail of Statto it would appear I have been spoilt. I will never complain again when someone questions my number, at least that shows they understand it.

So what has this poor man done, well the last frustration is this:

So today involved making a further £250k in year saving and a Q3 margin boost of £300k. So after managing to find them both, I sent through the details to what is nothing more than a data monkey with a big job title, and what did he do, he entered the data, made some other changes and only did one level of reconciliation. This meant instead of a £300k boost we had £143k. That in its self would be fine exept he did not check against my email, and sent it out to the Group FD and Business Unit MD.

So I spotted the error, and asked him why, to which the reply was I have no idea. He changed it for Gods sake, how can he not know. So I end uo talking him through numbers when I am in the car and he is in front of his laptop (that memory verses eyes), and still no errors spotted.

So I get home, open the laptop, and walk him though line by line against the last version of the extract, and what a surprise we find the errors, and they are the wedge he inserted, against my instructions last night!

So we finally have a fixed report, but one in which we will need to say, ignore that number it is £167k wrong because the FD is a moron!

The rest of the day was one of those were email kept arriving quicker than you can answer it, and the work keeps backing up. I am really glad Dad is here this weekend as it will stop me working, because I have at least 60 hours catch-up before next Friday. Haho!

The good news is I am working at home, lots to do, but no travel.

Not sure what we wil do over the weekend, but having had my Q1 bonus today (which was a nice surprise) I might do some shopping!

A long, long day

So what happened yesterday? Well after spending 5 hours in Rugby, it was home by 18:00 and working til 00:45, then and this is the good bit, up at 5:30, to be in Hemel for 6:30. Its ok though because I will be able to be away by 16:00 (actually it was 19:30!).

There is not much more to report really, I was so tired I managed to drive past 3 motorway junctions, and my mind was racing and I needed my IT minkey to help validate a system coding issue.

So tonight is a relaxing evening, well what’s left of it, and an early night.

Admin by another name

Monday after a relatively relaxing weekend, but a rubbish nights sleep, and at 7:30 I didn’t think I would make the management call let alone the rest of the day. Managed to gte through most of the days requirements, however that was a good job as the next two days have been written of with more, yes you have guessed it finance stuff.

Didn’t leave the office until 19:45, and then had to cook dinner for Pash and Belle, although to be fair that involved putting meat in the oven and potatoes and peas in a pan.

We then had a disappointing night of football, whilst we are still unbeaten it was a long way from the Yada performances!

Tomorrow is BAP then numbers all the way, woohoo!

It had to come to an end, just wish it had lasted longer!

Not the best of days, I woke up at 10:54, which would have been fine, except football kicked off at 13:00 and therefore I had planned to leave at 11:00! Managed to get out by 11:06, but then hit 2 road closed signs.

Met PASH, and got to the ground on time, even had time to buy a hot dog. The game was a great disappointment, especially as I had hoped that PASH would see how well we were playing.

Leicester 0 – 1 Millwall, player ratings:

Martin – 5 – Flapped at a couple of crosses, and his dead ball kicks were poor
Gilbert – 5 – (Sub 34) - Not on for long enough to make an impact
Tunchev – 6 (Sub 56) – Looked the best defender and showed his flexibility in playing in both left back and central today
Hobbs – 3 – Total rubbish, missed almost ever header, distribution was also poor, this was worse than against Birmingham, and if he wants to play in the premiership needs to become more consistent
Morrison – 3 – Almost as bad as Hobbs
Powell – 5 - (Sub 64) – Solid if unspectacular
Dickov – 5 – (sub 36) – Not sure what position he was playing today
Gradel – 6 – (sub 81) – Showed his pace, but didn’t hit the by-line often enough, still shocking decision to sub him
Campbell – 4 – (Sub 9) – Played as a right winger and did nothing
Oakely – 4 – Couldn’t find his passing feet today
King – 3 – Why does he keep playing, anonymous
Dyer – 6 – Looked good again, but not given enough of the ball, and passed when he should have shot, he is the anti Fryatt
Fryatt – 4 – Could have been replaced by a parking bollard!
Howard – 5 – Good knock ons, but failed to look where his team mates were.

Then home via Sainsburys, and Chinese for tea, ended the day, very tired, and frustrated, lets just hope the Sabres can win tomorrow!

I'm almost a Veteran Cosmic Rocker

If music means something to you, then what do you do when something doesn’t click. This week I downloaded the new Marillion album, number 15 for those of you that are counting, and it has not licked, what makes it worse is the fact that another new album I have got is Long Distance Voyager, by the Moody Blues and it has just clicked. I love Veteran Cosmic Rocker, and 22,000 Days, they are tracks that grab you straight away, were as nothing from the new Marillion album has grabbed me, to be fare I have only listened to 5 tracks, but that in its self is because I get 20 minutes from the office and put 22,000 Days.

Today was one of those days were you finish everything you had on your list, I thought that was just a legend put about by local government staff who never have enough to do. So what is a real days work (pay attention all you LG slackers!), so we start with 15 emails, then move on to a 121 for a staff member at risk, move on to a tech review of site issues, and then onto Elections Strategy (Gordon you should have been there), more emails, a review of the FD’s work to check it is right (Why cant they count!), then a re-structure and job definition meeting. Emails in inbox at the start of the day 19, emails at the end of the day 21, emails processed 62. Then a gentle drive home (inc a brief 80 – 120 spurt) and a relaxing evening watching tele and looking for a holiday location.

All this means that the laptop stays closed until Sunday afternoon when I need to finish the forecast Q3 variance, and the S&M review. That’s right I have been given the task of driving out maximum benefit from S&M, the sad news is I don’t get a leather allowance!

This weekend looks like being relaxing, we have another home game, where we may see our new left back, we have bought two in 3 weeks, why???? We have a GP, where my boy will take the lead in the championship race.

Final a message to Lizsara who is performing at the Orange Wedding, go girl, just remember, Do hurt yourself!

Ever Business Needs a Statto!

Today was out GM and it was a good meeting. I discovered that my cost saving report is being used as the format for the rest of the division, which is nice.

One of my actions is to get to the bottom of out S&M shortfall, which has involved 3 hours working through the 1500 line variance xls. What a load of B****ks! Forget being an accountant I have become a data monkey. It makes to appreciate the skills of Statto the worlds best forensic accountant!

This needs to be escalated, management reports should tell a story straight away, not need 3 hours our cruching!

At least tomorrow is Friday, which means we are closer to the weekend, and going to the game with PASH, and a bit of a rest. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A long midweek day

A day that started with a SOP telco, and finished at 20:00 when I walked out of the office. Today was the day, and I am really proud of one of my direct reports, as he has done all his staff at risk meetings solo. I did the PSO and although these things are always horrid, it went as well as it could have.

More good news is the fact that tomorrow has been moved to Rugby, rather than Worcester, which is at least an hour extra in bed.

I may as well have been an accountant!

So you get up early on a Monday morning (on time), manage to get on the road (on time), get to the office (on time), open your laptop bag and find, your personal laptop……………………….

With a start like that what did the day deliver, well the Mobile and Oracle meetings went well, and providing people deliver on their timescales we should be ok.

It was meant to be a finance day however, so that meant going home this afternoon, and spending 30 mins preparing for a 1 hour 30 mins conference call! It should not be that hard to build reconsiliation, and it should be able to be done my the FD, not me!

That meant I started the real work of the day at 18:30 and finished (well stopped) at 23:00.

Never mind up at 6:30 tomorrow to drive to Worcester, for another day of driving finances!

Weekend, Paaaaaaaaaarty

Sunday evening and a need another weekend, it was well part 2am when I went to bed on Friday night, after some Fish on DVD, and with MACO and TACO staying Saturday night that was another 1am job.

That being said it was great to see the guys on Friday, and its always good to entertain the CO’s. We had some nice food, some nice drink, a few games of buzz, and lots of chat.

Sunday was a day of work, and limited rest, and it’s a full week coming up.

I did watch the GP, and thought at the time that Hamilton had not conceded enough ground, so the penalty is not a surprise. I can give you a frame by frame walk through of the error if you are interested?!

Hope I have a good nights sleep!

DB this is about you, but not the best one!

Sometimes it is good to go out and just drink. Tonight was that night. We have a strange set-up in our family, my sister is so talented she could do anything she wanted to, and yet does not realise it. I can command money from large companies and yet don’t feel like I deserve it. Mum could organise the world, and yet does not get recognised. Belle is the most intelligent person I know, and yet does not get the recognition. And as for Dad, he could solve anyone’s problems, and yet does not believe it. Nature vs. nurture, its clear, its genetic, there is something that stops good people recognising there strengths and differences. And yet there is another member of the family who has no redeemable features, and yet believes he is great? Why is this, it down to the sense of self? I have had a great night out with friends tonight and the one disagreement was about Lewis the cuckoo Hamilton, and that provides the answer. Nature creates the innate self, and nurture provides the tempering, but it is the person that really makes the difference. There are those that consider, and those that don’t, nurture does not shape this, it is the soul, there is something in us all that we can draw on or ignore, those that can do, those that cant make it. I have a very good friend and after a few bottles of wine we come back to Adam Crossier, he is a soulless individual, he has sacrificed people on the stairway of ambition, I will not do that. There is only one person who sees me in the mirror and that is me, if I can’t look at that image the why bother.

So, this is a preachy message to anyone who reads this, firstly if you are reading it then I have made you aware of its existence, check if you are the shadow in the mirror, and if not smile. Life is hard, but we make it better for people. We are the hidden power behind the hand. Next week I am going to put 8 people at risk of redundancy, but that is not because of me, but because of them. I will feel sick all week, and probably through until October when they final leave, but I will still look at the mirror and not hate the image, I will be true to myself, and that is all I demand.

So my blog’es, you are the special ones, you are the selfless ones, you are the talented ones. I don’t waste my time on the selfish, the greedy or the inadequate! Get up tomorrow and go about your lives with a smile on your faces, we are the ones that make a difference, we are the ones that keep the world turning.
Sleep well, enjoy life and always remember, you make someone smile just by being you!

So to DB, CM and DA I thank you, I enjoyed tonight, and learned some useful things

Thursday, a day of two halves

The morning was great, I got to stay in bed to a sensible time, before crashing through all of the outstanding restructuring work, and get sign off on everything apart from the message to staff. Things were so much easier when I just wrote all the CEO’s emails, but that was a former life. We currently have an email that looks more like a camel than a horse!

Then came the afternoon, what a change, the finances are rubbish again, and my head feels like it has hit a brick wall very hard!

To make life worse PASH didn’t arrive til 9:00 so no football!

Midweek Progress

So the Muppets dropped £15k out of last month, how! At least it gives PASH a view of his challenges.

Today was the first none early start for weeks, at still delivered a productive day. I finished the revised structure plan, reviewed the Q1 COD models, and had a SOP moving meeting. Go me.

Also managed to get the Inland Revenue to correct my tax code, and submitted my self assessment and am getting a rebate, woooooooooooohooooooooooooooo.

Have a few busy evenings coming up, PASH tomorrow, the old Badminton team on Friday and then MACO and TACO (Yes that is what she will be if they get married) on Saturday, maybe we should do Mexican!

All of that means that whilst my candle will continue to get shorter in the middle, there is no travelling until Monday!

Monday, Monday la la la

Monday and a very long day, but ultimately successful. Got through another, I am going to make ½ your team redundant meeting without any tears!

Tomorrow is the big one, getting the cost reduction plan signed off by the Divisional OD, it could go one of three ways, good, average or unemployed!

Anyway, not much else happened today so:

Another list idea from Lizsara

You’re stranded on a Desert Island;

1. What one person would you wish was stranded there with you?

Belle

2. What one tool would you want to have?

A WIFI laptop, it’s a tool for me!

3. What one food do you wish you would have an unlimited supply of?

Pork Pies for me, although if Belle was with me, it would have to be Chicken Broth, as I could eat Island food

4. What one luxury item would you wish for?

Sun cream!

5. What one book would you want to have with you to read and re-read?

It would have to be an anthology, Gemmell, Sailor, or The Matthew Salter library anthology.

6. You have one piece of paper, a pencil and one bottle ~ who is the message going to be written to?

No one, I have WIFI!

7. What skill would serve you best while on the island?

The fact that I can make an airplane from 2 coconuts, some leaves and some sand

8. How long do you think you could last before needing rescue?

Depends if I could organize some form of Island management team

9. What one island animal would become your pet?

What other than my management team?

10. Your island is unknown to you, and you need to give it a name - - what would it be?

Australia

11. What would you do to pass the weeks, days, and hours?

Surf, surf and surf some more, I might even stop using the laptop and go in the sea!

12. You’ve been rescued! What is the first thing you’re going to do when you get back home?

Contact the travel insurance company and get claiming!

Four very full days

Thursday - 300 miles and a last ball draw for the Sabers
Friday – 400 miles and meal with relatives
Saturday – 90 miles and two long walks separated by a dominant win (0-4). We looked good and in control for most of the 90 minutes, and but for their keeper, it could have been 7 or 8!

It was great to spend the afternoon and evening with the BOSS and his family, good sport, nice win, melt in the mouth food, and a debate that lasted until 01:30, after the girls had gone to bed.

Martin – 6 – One good save and 89 minutes of watching the game from a far
Gilbert – 7 – Another strong performance, out of position once, which gave a chance
Morrison – 7 – A solid performance, strong in the air and forming a good partnership with Hobbs
Hobbs – 7 – Getting better by the game, excellent heading, still needs to work on his distribution
Tunchev – (Sub 81) – 6 – Playing out of position, he did a good job, although was helped by poor boots by the opposition winger
Powell - (Sub 9) – 5 – Not enough time to show
Dickov – (Sub 59) – 6 - Right wing will never be his best position, but frequently made Alan Wright look stupid
Gradel – (Sub 31) – 6 - His first proper touch set up Howard with a pin point cross
King – 6 – More assured, although no real challenge
Oakley – 7 – A captains performance, strong and a get shot for his goal
Dyer – 9 – What a change from the pre-season game against Birmingham, it was like having Max on the left. He beat players time and time again, and scored 2 great goals.
Howard – 7 – Unlucky to have his goal ruled out, solid performance against a weak backline
Fryatt – 7 – He got a chance, he scored, he had a good game, although you have top question any defence that makes Fryatt look fast!

Sunday – 90 miles, 5 hours writing the re-structuring report, and an early night.

I am starting to feel like I am reaching the middle of my candle, and this week is no quieter, never mind, at least its 7 nights in my own bed!

His name is Yada.............

No entry last night because of winning the International and African Cup with able support from PASH. It was a good night, and the wine flowed, and if anyone is interested we also made up a super song about a footballing Hippo! How is that for creativity.

Had a couple of good work days, today was the legendary expanded PSOR, and it was a good meeting (10:00 – 15:45), good vib, and I think we will have a good new team. Everyone has now had the structural overview, and I have some excited people, which is great. We need energy, and PASH has really gigg’d thinks up.

Tomorrow is the start of a long slog, I have a 9:00 in Worcester, a 12:00 in Bristol, a 14:30 in Hutton and a 16:30 in Taunton. They better win after all that driving.

I would like to thank thought that commented on smell, and say the person that read 3 books over a weekend, ‘smart arse!’

Holiday of Bankers

Decadence, in bed until 13:00 reading, unfortunately unlike Lizsara I didn’t finish a book, I just made 100 pages progress, so still another 100 pages to go.

We did the shopping, and bought more books, but still failed to find the right birthday present, less than 10 days and counting.

Thanks to PASH for answering the smell question (see yesterdays comments). Whilst it was a typically academic reply, it fits and therefore I will go with it (anyone saying he could sell me snow, is just not right).

Back to work tomorrow, and the start of the finish of structure planning. I also have a very challenging 121 and a meeting for final handover with my predecessor.
Then PASH for tea, and an evening of work (or hopefully PS2).

Take a look around you…….

Sunday was supposed to be sport and work, but I had one of those frustrating days, when I was not interested in the sport, and could not get the vibe for the work. In fact it was not until 18:30 when I started cooking tea, that I got into the work bit, and therefore ended up doing it until 22:00. Good news is we are down to just 8 emails, I have prep’d for the week, and just have the restructuring to get sorted (and even that is sorted in my head, just need to document it).

It was nice when doing tea to think that there was another day off, and we are going shopping tomorrow, so that will be good. I am sure I will end up with more books, cos you always need books.

Not sure if I will get anything else, I am currently in that, I want to get something, but don’t know what.

I also need to get a couple of birthday presents so that will be a challenge. There are some people who I always find I get inspired for, most of the family and a few friends, then there are thoe were I just get stuck, and that is what I need to find tomorrow, wish me luck.

For the last couple of days I have been thinking about smells, and given that I have not found an answer I will throw it out there and see if I get an answer.

So if you smell and smell is there less of it to be smelt? I have examples of both. We currently have some great Orchards and when you walk in the house the smell hits you, then later you don’t notice it. Yet when there is a less pleasant smell, like the compost heap the smell is as strong the second, third and tenth time. So what is the story with smells?

3 Games watched and 3 wins!

Saturday and after getting woken up by the door bell and charging down stairs only to find nothing there, it must have been a dream, damn! Fortunately I was able to get back to sleep.

A successful afternoon again, 3-1 against a good looking Tranmere, and although we struggled for the first 20 minutes, we scored first and looked in control for the rest of the game.

Ratings

Martin – 6 – Good positioning, and an excellent point blank save, but a couple of runabouts
Gilbert – 7 – An excellent game again by the right back, pace and positioning and some good runs
Hobbs – 7 – Best game yet from the loanee, confident at the back, needs to improve his distribution
Morrison – 6 – Nothing spectacular, but generally save
Dyer – 7 – A solid game, with some good runs, let down by Porter in front of him
Gradel – 7 – (Sub 57) - Another great game from the pocket rocket, got up after being fouled to take the free kick which lead to the second goal. Then tried to run it off, unsuccessfully
Adams – 6 – (Sub 57) – An improvement including some good play for the 3rd goal.
Oakley – 6 – Solid but unspectacular
King – 5 – Another poor game, either anonymous, or giving the ball away
Porter – 5 – (Sub 64) - Still jumping out of a tackle, showed a couple of good turns of pace, but needs to get his balls back
Dickov – 5 - (Sub 64) – Played out of position, and struggled to get in the game
Fryatt – 7 – Scored 2, but is still to slow and selfish, but did what he is paid for
Howard – 7 – See Fryatt, scored 1

Shopping on the way home, and why oh why was there only 2 tills open at a supermarket @ 18:30? Rubbish.

I think, there for I am, I think? - And now I know again!

So the day of the 121 arrives and the good news is I am doing ok! I have had my structure signed off, so will need to start work on implementation next week (this weekend). The number is still to low, and whilst we have some coverage we are not making the kind of impact we need.

Today is actually a milestone day, after the lows of wondering if I was really that good, would I work again, I feel that sense of confidence returning. Positive affirmation is a great thing.

The 121 should have been 2 hours and ended up being 5, but as it was the first meeting with my boss in 12 weeks, I guess that should be expected. It is always interesting to learn about a new boss, what he thinks, and how he thinks, those things are essential to ensure you get your approach right.

It was a bit distressing to get home to over 100 emails (after getting it down to 16 by working till 11:00 last night), but I decided to stop at 19:00 even though there are 55 left, I have read them all and know I can clear them in a hour and ½ .

I am really looking forward to the long weekend, I have split it into 3 groups. Saturday of to the pantheon of football, Sunday will be working and watching some sport, and Monday will be some shopping. The key will be some good sleep and hopefully finishing my book.

It will also be good to spend some time with Belle, as the last few weeks have been full on for both of us.

One of my problem staff has applied to another job, which could be good. He is a good guy, but just not up to the job, and in a week where someone who is very good as lost out, it is right that those that cant are removed. So I am looking forward to finally being able to implement a matrix structure, I have been trying for 7 years, and finally someone agrees!

Drowning in Emails

Yesterday was one of those classic old time nights. I meet up with STAI in the day and it was just like the days of yore when we would discuss the business merits of ‘things’ and have general agreement. Then we were joined by Statto and had a few beers, a few bottles of wine, and off for a meal. Despite the fact that STAI had a very nice brollie, we got very wet as it chose those 10 minutes to rain! Once we got to the restaurant we did have a great meal, and gave KFC a really good slagging!

Unsurprisingly STAI and I left the bar at 02:35, after the hotel decided they did not have a residents bar!

Thursday was a techno frustrating day. I was forced to change my password for one system, but because I was not on the LAN, it did not propagate, and therefore I could sync email. It took IT support 4 hours to get back to me and only after I escalated, if only I had said ‘do you know who I am?’

All in All it meant I finished work tonight at 22:45! Another long day, of joy.

Tomorrow is my first 121, I am sure it will be fine, and I do need to get some direction on some of the dross.

On a completely different note I am currently listening to Earth calling Alice, a group from Birmingham, which despite that handicap are fantastic. I would recommend anyone to listen to them, so go to www.overplay.co.uk/earthcallingalice and down load the new EP, and if you are ever in Europe’s largest city in the evening see if you can find a gig.

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

So two days of the new boy, and I have been working him hard! A customer complaint within 2 hours, an external contractor meeting within 4 hours, and come the end of day two I had got a good 15 hours out of him. It was sad that he wanted a sleep mid afternoon, these youngsters just cant hack the pace!

Don’t tell him, but he will definitely make a difference!

On the darker side the company formally know as CAPS have shown how little the new management know about how to run a company. It is great news that JASI has got a role, and she deserves it for all her hard work, however how any business can not also appoint MACO is just stupid! That in itsself is bad enough, but to tell him by phone ‘cos an office move is more important’ is crass beyond belief. I hope that we complete on project Apple, as that will hurt the idiots who have the power.

Off out tomorrow night with friends I used to work with, which will be nice, its been a while since we got together, so will be good to catch up. I am sure it will end up being a late night, but that will be fine. Thursday and Friday are working from home days, so I am sure I will have some recovery time.

Nothing fell into the cage today

Finally a relaxing Sunday, well lots of cooking, a bit of tidying, some sport and some rest.

It was another one of those, 5 dishes on the go, lets see what happens days.

I did 4 individual fish pies and 4 individual bread and butter puddings for a dinner party at the end of the month.
14 portions of soup, well really it is a broth, very thick and lots of meat (chicken and guinea fowl).
4 Ice bags of stock, and
I rhubarb and pear bread pudding (I am going to experiment on PASH tomorrow night)

Oh and of course the Sunday Roast.

I always used to think it was strange when people said they were tidying up the day before the cleaners came, and now I find myself doing it. Really its just clearing surfaces and making sure there is nothing on the floor. The feeling of walking into the house after the cleaners is almost as good as the feeling of getting into bed when you have just changed the sheets.

Its PASH’s first day tomorrow, and we have a very full day, including more games of chase the cash. It will be good to be able to leave one part of the business to be run, and given that it is the part that generates most of the money, it should help. The challenge will be not expecting him to fix everything in his first week, but you know I am good at patients!

Why do you read?

Saturday, and more gold than a Terry’s factory. I missed the tight one, but saw the swimming that was a walk and the cycling that made the rest of the field look like they were using stabilisers.

I did the obligatory trip to Sainsbury’s and watch the afternoons sport whilst building a monitoring dashboard for the Q2 financial stretch management.

Cooked Paella for tea, using a chilli and tomato salsa as a base, which gave it a peppery kick, as usual, cooked too much, but that just means I have a meal for Belle in the fridge for the week. I also tried a Pink Port, which is bland beyond belief, don’t go there!

And now to the really heart of today musings, we watched a BBC4 series on fantasy writing this evening, and it raised some questions in my mind.

Firstly, why do people read? The program suggested a simplistic escapism, where children and adults alike imagine themselves as the characters. The history of the genre is interesting, but the patronising view of the academics and authors is sickening.

So what do I think makes for good fantasy? I need to believe in the characters, they need to be created, and be credible, but I don’t need and don’t really have the patience for long back ground developments. The stories that effect me most are those where the characters have attributes that I would like to have, those that react in a way that I would like to act, or they carry me into a time in history that appeals.

Secondly the map. I don’t need a map, why does anyone need a map? A map is an excuse for not having imagination (or maybe just thinking differently). I can view the landscape through the authors words, I can sense the time it takes to travel and how hard it could be. I want someone to be able to create a world in words, without the need of pictures. If a picture can paint a thousand words, then it is either a lazy or limited author who resorts to that cheap visionation.

This brings us on to the third issue; Tolkien, a literary genius, or a deep academic, who really only wrote for himself. I think his trilogy is to long and to full of unnecessary detail. I don’t need to read elfish, to follow a map, or endure 4 pages of song, in fact it creates a staccato experience that just does not work for me. Don’t get me wrong, I like the story, but it is not a book I would ever read again.

That I guess leads to one of my failings, I am often told by my wife that the bible is more than Jesus Christ Superstar. I like hearing words, images being painted in my imagination without having to trawl through a mess of words, lost out of time. I am not stupid, I know what is real and what is fantasy, but I can also discern where words are being used to keep down the masses, to spin a web so complex that the insecure believe there are those that are better because they understand those that should lead. Complexity in words is the domain of the oppressors, true creators are able to create a world that anyone can visit. If you need a PHD in philosophy to understand someone’s writing then the author has failed.

I would therefore put Tim Rice, and Benny and Bjorn before Tolkien and C.S.Lewis. I would put Gemmel ahead of Eddings, for me accessibility is the key, I don’t want to work at a story, I work during the day, a story should be a pleasure. It must take me away from the issues of the day, and create a world and a set of characters that I want to get back too.

I don’t normally ask for the opinion of others, as I really just write this for myself, but if there is anyone out there then I would be interested in your thoughts. I know you will have difference reading habits and interests, so what are your answers these questions:

If you only every read the bible, would you ever question Gods treatment of Judas?
If you need maps to picture where a charter is, what does that map give you that the words don’t?
And finally, what is the difference between books and songs?

Its hot in the City, Hot in the City, oh ya!

Friday in London, the sunny was shining the birds were coughing on China(esk) smog, and the Tube was backed, more people, none of which seem to be able to afford deodorant. It is clear that Bonkers Boris’ desire for a £7.50 minimum London wage is to save our noses, go Boris.

I spent the day working out of the IoD, a building where once I felt like I should not really be there, but today, in my Summer jacket, I happily sat at a desk, talking on my phone, working on my laptop and drinking mineral water.

The 121 went well, and the latest finance review only lasted 45 minutes. Unforunately the rest of the day was spent on e-mails and phone calls so no progress on the required activities. Looks like more weekend working, although I am only doing 1 day.

It is a sport filled weekend, and we are looking to 3 in a row! I am still feeling confident, and with the premier season starting that mean that fantasy football starts too. I have made over 70 changes to my team before the season even starts, why is it that I can make a decision in business, yet I prat around with my team? If only it was like my Fantasy Cricket Team, where I am 2800 points ahead, and have over twice as many points as the red top that is supporting the table.

Belle's Birthday

Management team, which was ok, although the numbers I had prepared had been screwed by an accountant!

However good news was I got some great personal feedback from the boss, and managed to get home for 18:30.

I think Belle enjoyed her evening, we had a nice meal, a nice drink.

The presents went down well, although she will now have a challenge to not play with them or read them before she finishes her Masters!

Off to London tomorrow, and a 121 (for which I have not prepared!) The last 121 I had in the IoD was discussing the opportunities post merger, I hope for NAMO that her next 12 months works out better!

Then ifs off out to a leaving do, where I might only know one person, for me this is a big thing, so wish me luck!

Its nice when you feel you made a difference!

I awoke with a face like the elephant man.

It made talking on Wednesday hard, but the two meetings I have where pseudo consultancy, trying to solve the migration issues.

I really enjoyed it especially the afternoon were I feel I am making a real difference. What was most rewarding was to be told that the business unit manager had already got someone planning one of the ideas I suggested last week. If it is possible to turn this one around we will do it!

We have had 3 staff resign in the last 3 days, which will create some challenges. In the mid term its no great loss, however in the short term it will be a pain! The reality is in each case the move is the best for each person, so you just have to wish them goodluck, and get on with replacing there skills.

Managed to leave work early, as the face was still very sore, and had a short lye down. All in all not a bad day, its Belle’s birthday tomorrow, so out for dinner, and hopefully she will like her presents.

3 sporting wins in a row, its a record!

Tuesday was forecast submission day, and we survived. That is what prep is for and the hour I did on Saturday night on the cost saving review was of value. I would have liked more time with the boss, but it must be a vote of confidence that he only wanted 30 minutes.

Managed to get away at 17:45 and headed up to LCFC and the first cup game of the season. It truth it was comfortable, we only scored 1 goal, but the usual nerves we not there in the second half. Even when due to an injury we went down to 10 man (against 10 men) we still look safe. I am starting to become optimistic!!!!!!!!!!!!

Team Review

Martin – 6 – Good debut from the Red Top from Liverpool
Gilbert – 6 – Another assured performance from the flying right back
Hobbs – 7 – A much more assured performance from the young defender
Morrison – 6 – 3 games, and 3 solid performances, he just needs to learn better distribution
Mattock – 7 – Another flying display from the youngster, he got a standing ovation when carried off with a worrying ankle injury, good news is 24 hours on, it just a strain. It was his superb cross that set up the goal
Gradel – 8 – Wow, why did we loan him out last year? He put in another super racy game.
Kishishev – 6 – Solid if unspectacular, showed lots of energy, and fought well for the ball.
King (Sub on 63) – 5 – Another average game, a couple of good shots, but needs to establish himself more
Weslowski – 7 – Another strong performance, you can always rely on energy and passion from the young Aussie
Adams – 6 – A much better game, and may have found it easier without Pearson yelling at him for 45 minutes (move in, move out, high, low, you tell me)
Porter (Sub on 78) – 6 – Played the last 10 minutes as left back, didn’t really do anything to impress or worry
Campbell – 5 – Just not good enough again
Dickov – 6 – Pace and passion, and one blinding shot
Howard – 7 – When we walked out as captain, you thought why, but he put in a strong performance and scored a strikers goal. Maybe it was worth turning £500k down

Got home at a reasonable time, with gum ache, which kept me awake most of the night.

Taken from the World of Bionic Yoghurt

1. My uncle once: Showed humility (no not really)

2. Never in my life: I have never swam with a Dolphin

3. When I was five: I was world Dolphin catching champion

4. High school was: a poor musical

5. I will never forget: The day my wife asked me to marry her

6. Once I met: Patrick Kisnorbo, well actually I sat a couple of seats away from him and didn’t say hello

7. There’s this girl I know: Who blogs for a living

8. Once, at a bar: I drank lots of wine, whilst listing to yanks witter

9. By noon, I’m usually: Thinking about breakfast, or remembering I poured the milk out and it now warm

10. Last night: I did a Cindy Lauper

11. If only I had: Two hearts and a blue box that could take me backwards and forwards in time and reality

12. Next time I go to church: I will be an unhappy tourist

13. What worries me most: is the amount of poo a seagull can generate

14. When I turn my head left I see: my wife

15. When I turn my head right I see: a book case, with biographies on it

16. You know I’m lying when: I say I don’t mind losing

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: That night of fireworks, they were the best fireworks ever, no really, you will never see anything that good

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: The merchant of Venice, cos I like the place

19. By this time next year: I will almost be middle aged

20. A better name for me would be: God, Mr God or your Godness

21. I have a hard time understanding: why the other god lets things happen

22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: I will not have to install SIMS

23. You know I like you if: I answer your text messages

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: my wife, my mum, my sister, my dad, my granny and all those small people I walked over to get there

25. Take my advice, never: Believe a word RKC says

26. My ideal breakfast is: Water, and poached eggs on buttered toast, that’s buttered toast you stupid Pole!

27. A song I love but do not have is: Nothing, if I like it, I itune it, like Happiness

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: don’t go no the pier with anything flammable

29. Why won’t people: do what I tell them, when I tell them, I did not give them free will to make stupid decisions!

30. If you spend a night at my house: You will get colour co-ordinated towels

31. I’d stop my wedding for: a tissue, as unless someone says ‘chicken song’ to me cos Ill be crying

32. The world could do without: America

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: lick the belly of two cockroaches

34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: my wife

35. Paper clips are more useful than: most Microsoft help files

36. If I do anything well it’s: everything, especially modesty

37. I can’t help but: thinking there is more than Ikea

38. I usually cry: at the drop of a dramatic hat

39. My advice to my child/nephew/niece: is enjoy life early the planet will be dead before you are 50!

40. And by the way: In a galaxy far, far away there is a money grabbing beardy bloke, who decided that 3 films were not enough to trash a franchise, so he made a cartoon!