1003.23 REAL MEN DON'T SKIP

Today saw me participating in my youngest's PE class for a second time. Together with other parents and our children we got involved in some light exercise and dance games.When I was first asked to do this my first thought was to run for the hills, 'dancing' was mentioned and as anyone who knows me knows, I don't do dance (unless you add alcohol). But Morticia is in no fit state to do it, it was up to me not to disappoint my little girl.

I was worried that the turnout would be low or that all the other parents would be mothers. Fortunately I was wrong and it was a good turn out with a nice mix of mothers and fathers.

The exercise bit was light but fun and the dance bit just involved jumping about to music. A good time was had and I think I earned loads of father-daughter points with my youngest.

The only thing I drew the line at was skipping, not with a rope, the one when you chuck your arms and legs out in a rhythmic way. Real men don't skip right?

1003.22 GET A GRIP

I've just 'enjoyed' a 3 day weekend. What have I achieved in the 3 days given? Nothing! I have sat around (apart from yesterday when I picked a few bits up in the garden) and generally gorged myself on junk food and crap. This has to do with my current state of mind and has to stop. I can't live my life eating comfort food and feeling sorry for myself.

I need to get a grip and sort this mess out.

1003.18 TOUCHY FEELY

How boring has today been? 

08:30 - I'm on a course today, I've just arrived and there seems to be loads attending. I'm currently stood in a small room full of about 30 people. Think I'll hide at the back.

Luckily for us the group was split into 2 groups and we were in a more manageable size of about 12. It was a course provided by do-gooders who wished to tell us about a new service that our organisation is about to provide. I was bored shitless, I'd rather have been out doing my job instead of listening to that waffle.

Not even the provided lunch managed to save the day. It was a buffet and practically everything came with cheese. I HATE CHEESE!

Finally the day wound to a close with some role plays which we had a bit of fun with. A nice cheeky getaway to boot!

1003.17 DARK AGES

I don't pretend to have or even understand depression. I can say thought that I feel down. This is a dark period in my life. There is a fork in the road and I feel that I am in a position where I must choose my path.

This whole thing weighs heavily on my shoulders. I really don't know what to do. I am lost, I am alone amongst people and no one can see it. This is my greatest challenge. I have obligations that I will meet. Once they're met however, I don't know.

1003.12 HOME FRONT

"Kimberworth Park Youth Theatre presents the excellent 'Home Front' at Rotherham Arts Centre on Thurs 11 + Fri 12 March"

My daughters both love drama and performing and this week was the culmination of lots of hard work when they both appeared in "On the Home Front" yesterday and tonight.

Tonight was the night I got to see the performance, and I wasn't disappointed. I know I cannot be in a position to review the show, this is not the place for that, all I can do is say what I saw through my eyes which of course are biased.

It was a slick professional performance, all the cast were excellent and the story was thought provoking and touched the hearts of all the audience. The story was an original one devised by the group and worthy of any stage.

I can't wait until next year's show!

I have to say that my daughters were awesome, they are truly talented. I'm a very proud Dad. My actress daughters Harley and Rags!

1003.08 WOMEN'S DAY

There's a lot of discussion both online and on TV about the fact that today is International Women's Day. Now I'm all for celebrating women, I think women are great (I even married one), I live in a predominantly female household (even the cat is a girl). What's got my goat is the fact that there is no balance. There is an International Men's Day in November but the UK and many other countries don't recognise it.

Why?

This, if you ask me is pure sexism, discrimination in it's purest form. Let's aim for a balanced and equal society and recognise men and the contribution they serve to society.

1003.06 *SNIFF SNIFF*

I have a cold and I feel awful, couldn't even manage to draw the cartoon I wanted. I have therefore used a vintage one. I've spent most of the evening asleep so I'm gonna finish the job and go to bed now. Hopefully I'll sweat it out.

**UPDATE** I have decided to design a range of 'generic' cartoons for times when there is nothing specific to illustrate. This one is a perfect example of a cartoon done before which is perfect for re-use. I have therefore tweeked it and updated it to my current design rules and reposted it. The old version remains below to show the minor changes made.

1003.05 RETURN OF THE BHAJI

Last night I went to my favourite (and conviniently located) Indian Takeaway for bhajis. It was closed all last week and I was worried that it'd never open again. At least something has turned out right.

My eldest daughter is about to choose her options, this is a big deal and whilst I realise (from personal experience) that you can change direction at any point in your life, this decision could shape her entire life.

14:40 - I started this morning with a sniffle, now I think I have a full blown cold. This weekend promises to be fun.

1003.03 GOOD CYCLING

It's turning out to be a good week for cycling for me. I finally managed to get out on the work bike clocking up almost 20 miles (that's on top of my usual mileage). It felt good to get back out.

I've been tinkering with my own bike this week, fitting new brake pads and trying to chase a few squeeks and rattles that have appeared of late.

The Cycle to Work scheme seems to be a non-starter. I guess without anyway to fund a new bike, I'm stuck with just the old one. I'm very disappointed with the powers above with this.

1003.03 G-SHOCK

Missed out on a watch, a nice g-shock that one of the guys at work was selling. Unfortunatly someone else already had first dibs. Story of my life.

1003.01 HAPPY ST. DAVID'S DAY

Happy St. David's Day to all my Welsh friends and to the people of Wales. Hope to see you soon.

1002.28 CYCLING STATS FOR FEBRUARY 10

Starting to get back into the swing of it again. Only commuting at the moment but progressing nicely. Rumours at work of a new Cycle to Work Scheme.

Best Distance (Daily)

= 11.72 miles (on the 25th)

Longest Time out of the saddle

= 4 days

1002.28 SOCIAL LIVES

Morticia has taken Rags, our youngest, to a party at a roller skating rink. It's feet up time!

It's sad when your children's social lives are better than your own.

1002.27 HOME FRONT

Getting kids sorted for drama, both off them are members of Kimberworth Youth Theatre and are performing in a play next month.

It's called 'On the Home Front' at Rotherham Arts Centre on 1003.11 and 12 (11-12th March).

I'm a very proud Dad.

Once I've dropped them off maybe I'll get a couple hours to relax so I can get over last week.

1002.26 MAD NIGHT

10:44 - Hmmmm, there's a nasty smell in our building today (fuel/gas), gonna go out incase it explodes.

22:22 - What a mad night! Glad it's done, time to go home. Once again I find myself working past my finish. Will I ever get a flyer? The only bonus is that it's the end of the working week and the end of a 60 hour week.

Roll on the weekend!