1105.27 SKYPEEEEE!

Whilst Morticia has been away we have communicated with a nightly Skype call. Before this time we used mobile video calling but since our last upgrade video calling is no longer an option (yes I have Facetime on my iPhone but Morticia has a HTC that doesn't). I've had a Skype account for ages but no one to speak to. That's all changed now as it's all set up on all the computers and phones in the household (4 of each). I believe that Skype calls will become more commonplace here, especially between Morticia and her mother.

1105.25 HOME ALONE

This week I've been left home with the kids this week. It's something that always sounds good but in reality it's pretty difficult to get through. I dropped Morticia off at Meadowhall Railway Station quite late on Friday night. We'd got a bargain ticket for the trip to St Neots, £8. It was a teary send off with our eldest daughter getting quite emotional.

The first couple of days are great. Nodding off on the settee when the kids are in bed. Watching what I want when I want. Then the bed becomes a lonely place and sleep becomes difficult. I start to miss the conversations, she also keeps me on my toes. It feels like such a long time since we were together and not just a few days.

I've been working half days this week, it's a method where I don't use up all my leave and I can still be there at both ends of the school day.

We, as a family, will be reunited on Saturday. It can't come too soon for me.

1105.24 NEW WEBSITE

I've been wanting to do this for some time now. My site was getting tired and old lucking, I even contemplated shutting the whole thing down, after all who has a personal website these days? I still have things to say and I want to show off my cartoons (some people actually like them). I've decided that since I'm 40 I'd have a cleaner, more mature looking site. It'll take a while to have it all done but the blog and home page are complete, I've ditched some of the crap and planned new pages.

The next big thing is born from the catastrophic failure of my 40 B4 40 project. If your not familiar then it was a set of 40 tasks that I set down when I was 35 for completion before my fortieth birthday. Family, responsibility are finance all got in the way and I barely scratched the surface. I plan to revisit this list and publish a revised/new one with 50 tasks to do before I reach 50. As I write this fifty seems such a long way away but I know how fast that time will pass.

Enjoy the new site, I welcome your feedback.

1105.15 EYE EYE

Yesterday I went for my eyes tested, all was fine and my prescription hasn't really changed. One of the things I wanted from my visit was a pair of glasses that would be suitable for cycling. I know you can get prescription cycling glasses, I've owned a pair in the past but I've found that you end up paying through the nose for what is essentially a cheap pair of glasses with prescription inserts.

I found a pair of sunglasses which have a better quality build and enough eye coverage to provide protection. I've ordered them with a light tint and 100% UV protection.

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1105.15 IS THIS THE BEGINNING?

So they say that life begins at 40. Well that was 10 days ago and I'm still waiting for things to get going. Don't get me wrong, I had a great birthday - I spent the whole time with the people I love, my family. Morticia wanted me to have a party but I said categorically no. I didn't want fuss and there was no way I was paying for a piss up for people who most of the time don't give a damn about me. I preferred the quiet option.

My fortieth present to myself was a new bike, purchased through my organisation's 'Cycle2Work' scheme (which we've campaigned for for the last couple of years). It's a Boardman Comp 2011 road bike. I've been out on it a few times since getting it and I'm enjoying getting to know my new stead. It's been a long time since I last owned a road bike.

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1105.04 THE END OF THE FIRST HALF

As I hurtle towards middle age I find myself reflecting on what has gone before. I think my thirties have defined me, I was comfortable there. It's been a stressful time but I feel I have gotten my life into perspective. I rediscovered cycling, not just the act but the sport (and sport of any type was never my thing before), I got out of the rut I was in with bus driving and am now carving out a new career.

My 40 b4 40 project went tits up. I managed to complete very little, maybe I'll do a 50 b4 50.

I'm nervous about what lays ahead, getting older, ill health, losing people. It doesn't seem to appealing to me. So when I'm asked to celebrabe my 40th then don't be surprised when I say that I want to keep it low key.

1104.26 COUGHING

I woke up this morning with a cough and irritation on my chest, I could hardly speak. Morticia was very poorly this morning, she wouldn't wake up so I ended up not taking her to the doctors as I planned (although I will be taking her tomorrow).

I drove the car to work, I had a meeting at Maltby first thing, I arrived early so ended up sat in the car for 20 minutes listening to something on Radio 4 that I forget now.

My chest and throat didn't get any better (but no worse) all through my shift. I managed a good getaway since I had the car with me.

I cooked supper when I got home, Morticia is still as bad, coughing all the time. She is worried now she'll throw up (again).

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1104.24 EASTER EGG

So the big bunny came and I had the best Easter in a long time. No tension, completely relaxed. Perfect.

Yesterday I mentioned my purchase of a couple of books from a charity shop. One of them was 'Adrian Mole- The Prostrate Years' by Sue Townsend. I remember being 14 and reading the original Secret Diary and follow up Growing Pains. I was never very comfortable being a teenager and identified with the character. I couldn't resist the book when I saw it and started reading it as soon as I got back. I've ended up reading it within 24 hours (something I haven't done in a long time). Although I don't share much with the character I do find myself still relating to him. A boy who becomes a man who always feels slightly out of sync with the world around him. I feel like that often. Sue Townsend is a genius that somehow understands the male mind.

This evening Morticia, her mother and the girls took a walk to the local pub for a pint. It was the first time since I've been coming down here that I've visited any of the locals. I had a pint of Wells Eagle IPA in the Cambridgeshire Hunter. It was getting cold so we headed back (plus Rags was getting tired).

We go home tomorrow which is a real shame since I'm so relaxed at the moment. I'm currently settled on the settee enjoying a pint of real ale.

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1104.23 ST GEORGE

As usual for this time of year we are all down south visiting Morticia's mother and her partner. I enjoy the break and for a change my eldest is behaving pretty well.

Today is St George's Day, the day we celebrate our Englishness. We visited the town centre today, it's been extremely hot so after perusing local shops we sat outside the cafe in the town square for a cuppa. I couldn't help but look on in envy at the lone cyclist enjoying a break. I really want that, the bike, the journey, the lifestyle. As we enjoyed our break we were treated to some unexpected entertainment.

Morris dancing, how English, how apt. Even Rags had a go. Perfect.

I purchased 2 books from the Cat Protection charity shop and was given a free one from the box of unsaleable book box.

Tonight is Doctor Who night with the premiere of the new series. It's been taped (is it people of my aged group that say 'taped' when they mean Sky+ or similar?) and I'm still waiting to watch it.

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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.

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