1104.22 ABSENCE

Ok, so I haven't blogged in ages. To be honest I haven't done anything in ages. We've had major problems with our teenage daughter which (touch wood) are now under some sort of control. I've neglected myself and my friends during this period, something I hope to rectify.

This week I started giving blood again after a gap of almost 2 years. They made a real mess of my arm but I'm not deterred, I need to take control of my life and this was the first step.

In a couple of weeks I'll be 40 and I'll have to admit defeat on my '40 b4 40' project. Maybe I'll set up a '50 b4 50' (?).

I used to enjoy blogging, and when I do I still enjoy it. It's a chore sometimes to get started.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

1103.05 AFTER SHOW

My kids have been in a show this week at Rotherham Arts Centre. They are active members of Kimberworth Park Youth Theatre. Any parent who's kids do any extra out of school know the extra pressures when they do so sort of event associated with their activity. Like the big match for a footballer the play was the pinnacle of their 'season'.

Once again it was a great success and my girls did a marvellous job. Well done.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

1103.01 AWFUL FEBRUARY

February was probably the most stressful month I think I've been through. Family issues have pushed me to the edge. Add to that work stress (office politics) and the worry of the state of the country under the Tories (prices increasing, lack of job security). I'm really hoping that March is a time for change, I have tried to make changes and to get assistance where needed. Let's hope it all works out, my sanity is at stake here.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

1102.20 CFS/ME AWARENESS

I'm currently crusading on behalf of my wife who has suffered from ME for several years and has only just started to receive treatment. The only reason for this is lack of knowledge from health care professionals. I am researching online support both via websites and Facebook groups/pages.

So many doctors don't 'believe' in CFS/ME and most sufferers have to battle just to be diagnosed.

Support us on 12th May for 2011 Blue Ribbon ME/CFS Awareness Day.

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/justice-for-cfs-me-sufferers.html

1102.09 LIFE BEGINS...

Mr C, you are the brother I never had, a friend that is always there. You have seen me through the good and bad times. We've been on adventures and experienced so much over the years. We've laughed, we've cried and laughed some more. You are my children's Godfather and my best man.

Happy 40th birthday dude. This is where life begins (apparently).

1102.04 RADIO GAGA

Today I was a local celebrity, by that Mean that I was featured in a 90 second interview with BBC Radio Sheffield on the Toby Foster Show. The interview was about Twitter and how I use it at work. One thing I don't usually do is blog about my work but since I've never been on the radio then I thought it would be appropriate. For the last 5 months I've been tasked with pushing my team at work onto social networks. On of the main things I started was a 'pro' Twitter account detailing what I do from day to day (all my personal stuff remains with @captainkirt).

You can catch the show on iPlayer for a week at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00d99v3 (the piece is about 15 minutes in).

Or the segment I feature in at http://boo.fm/b269150 (posted by BBC Radio Sheffield's James Vincent).

You can also read an article on my tweeting at http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sheffield/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9387000/9387463.stm

1101.30 ACHES AND SNEEZES

I'm sure I never used to feel like this when I was in my 20s, I ache inside and my face feels like I've been kicked by a horse. My neck cracks everytime I move it. Is this what I have to look forward to as I get older?

1101.29 iPHONE

10 days ago I upgraded my phone. As I mentioned before my choice was between 2 phones. Basically between the top end Android phone and the iPhone 4. After loads of research I decided to go with the polished image and finish of Apple's iPhone. It was the quality of the device and the solid build that swayed me along with loads of friends testimonials.

I'm impressed, this is the top of the game. A complete lifestyle assistant for the 21st century geek. I'm not here to review it just to say how pleased I am with my choice. I only had one disappointment and that was the non-existent group texting function. This was easily worked around with a free app that fixed the issue. 

I want to say that my old phone, the Nokia E71, has been an awesome device and a great digital companion these last 18 months. I traded it it to cover the up front charge for my new iPhone.

1101.16 GEEK NEEDS NEW PHONE

My mobile phone upgrade window opens on Wednesday and I've spent the past week/month researching my options. I'm going to definitely move away from the full querty keyboard device since work supplied me with a Blackberry. So what device do I choose? I've always been a Nokia boy but they have stagnated over the last few years and the Symbian operating system just doesn't cut it any more. So as I see it there is just 2 options, iPhone or Android, and with Android comes yet more choices.

So what are my requirements? The usual still applies, decent internet browser, fast performance, quality build etc etc. Also the camera has to be decent (but it's not a megapixels game) and I would like HD video recording since my video camera went tits up last year.

That brings it down to just 2 models;

the iPhone 4 or the HTC Desire HD.

which phone?

I'm looking into both models in great detail, I'm almost sure which direction I will go but the jury is still out and I'm not going to make the decision until I get actually into the phone shop. I will probably be going down to upgrade on Saturday unless I can't wait that long. Watch this space.

1101.08 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Needs 3D. Not much going for it.

The Captain's Movie Review in 7 Words.

2/7