Saturday 13 December 2008

Happy Crimbo for Luke

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Crimbo for Luke

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thursday 11 December 2008

Sunday 7 December 2008

I first heard this song on Tracy's World and its from the "Surf" advert

Had this on my iPod since I heard it, and have just downloaded the video - Luke is addicted - he had me repeating it several times.

Video:


Accoustic:


Reading around and she was discovered on Australian Idol - something good comes from crap shows :)

Wednesday 5 November 2008

Florida - Day 5

Shopping, Shopping and more Shopping *yawn* :)

Florida - Day 4

Disney MGM or Disney Hollywood as its now called - it was long day :)

We got to MGM early and wandered around until 5 pm - we have decided parks 1/2 days are a better idea as we were completely knackered when we got back :) - I am getting old.

We got to see the
Indiana Jones - Epic Stunt Spectacular - although I missed the finale as Luke had to go pee - I wasn't bothered as I have seen it before. If you get to go to Florida though - go see this its ace. Its essentially a re-enactment of 3 scenes from the first movie (finding the Idol, fight scene in Cairo and getting on the German Plane where the bald headed guy gets ground into mince meat by the plane :)) on a live stage and they talk you through the stunt process. Its that good you get to feel the heat from the explosions you are that close! :)

Next on the agenda was
Star Tours - a ride based on Star Wars :). This was a bit of a disappointment because the ride is very short and most of the interaction is new characters they created for the ride - PAH!. Essentially you board a star ship and fly through space - which eventually leads you to the battle over Endor from Return of the Jedi. This was the only real bit of star wars on the ride.

I attempt to go on
The Twilight Zone - Tower of Terror, we got Fast Passes and got all the way into the ride - I went on with my nephews Nick and Harry. We had to leave before the actual ride as the intro movie before the ride freaked Nick out. The ride is shaped like a Hotel and you wander into various parts of the Hotel prior to the ride. We went into the "dark" and "creepy" study where they showed us the intro movie - and some dick who pretends to be a scary porter - not needed!!! When you actually get on the ride (have been on it before) it takes you up in a lift. When you reach the top - doors open revealing the whole park in front of you and then you plunge to the ground floor - quite scary :) So i was glad he bailed out :)

We also went on the Muppet 3D ride and saw various things wandering around the park which isn't worth talking about :)

Today was my birthday and I also got my PSP and a Baseball Cap and Shirt from the
Florida Gators football team - the cap is ace as I don't wear one and its comfy and shaped differently from ones we get in the UK :) We also went out for a meal and I got a birthday cake:



Before:



After:

Florida - Day 3

We had breakky with Mickey this morning at the Polynesia Hotel - one of the hotels on the park. Luke loved it - we saw Mickey, Pluto and Lilo and Stitch. The later is one of Luke's current favourite movies so he was very excited to see them both.

Julie flirting with Stitch:


Me looking like one of the seven dwarves (dopey):

Mickey!:


I have to admit - it was good value for money - we had a nice breakfast and didn't have to queue for character photos. When you are in the parks you have to queue for ages just to get a photo with one of the characters. At the breakfast you site and eat and they come around to you. You get to see all the characters currently working and they pose for pictures and entertain the kids.

We also visited Epcot after brekky as the Hotel/Restaurant is on the monorail route and easy to get into the parks. Epcot isn't the best of the parks but we went on an interesting ride - "SOARIN'! My nephews even managed to get my 62 year old mum on the ride - she shut her eyes on it from start to finish :)


I was amazed by this ride it was so funny but for the kids - Turtle Talk with Crush (from Finding Nemo). This was an amazing piece of technology also. You all sit in the audience in front of a cinema screen and Crush swims in. He then talks to you all and is animated completely. He asks you questions and you answer and its all animated in CGI - very cool. The guy doing his was was hilarious - all the adults were laughing!!!

We also went on Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Spaceship Earth and Journey into Imagination.

Luke also bought some Spider-man and Batman grundies and refuses to wear them the correct way. There is a large picture of the character on the ass of the pants. But he wants this at the front where he can see - he doesn't consider they are hidden under his clothes :S

Saturday 1 November 2008

Florida - Day 2

Today we decided to have a "quiet" day!

We had a nice sleep in, got up and had a leisurely morning.

We did a little shopping: I picked up a new PSP for my birthday and 2 pairs of Levi's - the later cost 45 dollars for 2 pairs = 22.50 which is an absolute bargain. The last pair of Levi's I got were 40 quid!!! - shows what markup they put on. My sister said the reason is that Levi's in the US aren't the fashion item they probably are in the UK hence the price difference.

We also bought Luke his Halloween costume - Spider-Man. He loves it so much he has worn it all day and night and has gone to bed in it :S

This afternoon - I attempted a swim in my sisters very cold swimming pool - I wadded in up to my knees and then gave up due to the cold shock. I also went with my sister and picked up my nephews from School - which was fun, my nephews were over the moon that Uncle Dave had collected them :)

This evening was very entertaining - we did the Halloween *thing*. It was FANTASTIC!!
In the US Halloween is more involved than in the UK. Everyone gets involved and its a lot of fun. I had a real laugh wandering around the streets, knocking on doors and participating. Luke has a HUGE sack of sweets - he has no hope in hell of ever eating them all. He must literally have a couple of hundred sweets in his bag!

Everyone gets dressed up - the kids love it - we went to houses where gardens were converted into Cemeteries, people sitting on their porches dressed as Dracula and Skeletons. I chatted to loads and loads of people, some people had "adult" treats - I had a beer :) The people were very welcoming and generous :)

Having troubles getting pictures onto the blog from my sisters lappy - but will post some in the next day or so. Have some cool pictures of Halloween to post :)

And now a few pictures :)

Indiana Jones (Nick), Spider-man (Luke) and Random Trooper :s (Harry)
The whole trick or treat crowd: Afterwards (check out the bags full o sweets):

Florida - Day 1

Its actually day end of day 2 - but we were that knackered yesterday blogging was out of the question :)

Anyway... we have been planning a family trip to Florida to see my sister for almost a year now. It has actually been 10 years since I have visited her in the US - so it was about time we paid a visit.

Yesterday was the big day and Luke was as Giddy as a Kipper when he got up - we actually had no problems getting him ready as he was raring to go. We got up at 5:00 a.m. to get ready for the 6:00 a.m. Taxi to the airport. We arrived at 7 a.m. at the airport and proceeded to get checked in.

As we were checking in the lady from Virgin told us some bad news :( - out flight was 2 1/2 hours late.

So we now had 5 1/2 hours waiting in the airport rather 3 - 3 being the standard time to arrive prior to an international flight.

To cut a long and boring story short - Luke was as good as gold - he had loads of fun running up and down the airport. We kept him entertained by giving him frequent trips to the shops to explore.

We boarded the flight around 12:30 and the flight set off around 1:00. As soon as it had set off Luke said "Are we nearly there yet?" :)

Luke was an absolute star on the flight - it was at least 8 hours and we only had a couple of minor tantrums - which was good. We had bought Luke lots of little treats which over the course of the flight we gave him - cars, crayons, figures etc.

I had a good flight - lots of G n Ts (to help with the nerves as I don't like flying), I finally got to see The Incredible Hulk film (which was ace, much better than the previous sham) and I slept through lots of the flight.

We arrived in the US around 7 p.m. and my sister and nephew Nic were waiting for us at the airport and Luke was very excited to meet his cousin.

We travelled home, gave our gifts, had Pizza and then straight to bed - we were all knackered.

Tuesday 14 October 2008

New Found Love of Food

If you ask Julie or any of my family - I have never attempted to cook. I rely on packets, take-aways and other people to provide me wholesome meals :)

Anyway - the past few months home life has been getting a little busier for me, Julie and Luke. So I have been helping to cook a few meals now and again as Julie generally does all the cooking.

Surprisingly - I actually enjoy cooking (when it doesn't burn)!!!! I made Sunday lunch for my mother the other week and she complimented me on my Yorkshire Puddings as they rose out of the tins - and apparently her and dad always struggled to get them to rise - compliments like this have spurred my new passion :)

Anyway - this week Julie has given me an early birthday present (as we are away for my 35th Birthday) - two cook books!!!


Jamie's Ministry of Food
Nigella Christmas: Food, Family, Friends, Festivities

The later choice I haven't a clue why she bought - maybe because she knows I think Nigella is a foxy lady :)

Anyway - this week I am going to be cooking my first meal from scratch - just for me and Julie on Saturday night. Chilli :) one of my favourites

Sunday 5 October 2008

Beth Orton - Central Reservation

This has been on my iPod favourites list for 3 years - and I never skip the track when its selected! So damn good.

My new iPod supports videos and I have been buying a few - and only a few as they cost between £1.29 and £1.89 a pop!!!!

So this is now on my video playlist - enjoy!!!

Seperated at Birth????

I don't know why - but whilst being forced to watch Strictly Come Dancing this week - YUK YUK YUK - I couldn't helping seeing similarities between John Sargent and Jo Brand :S

They are both really quick witted, similar kind of off the cuff and witty humour. Plus they both kinda speak like each other (a little).

See what you think!

John Sargent:



Jo Brand:

Thursday 2 October 2008

Cheekier Monkey!!!!

Ok - I remember me being exactly like this - which is scary!

Luke at the moment is going through the stage - "I want one of those". He watches a reasonable amount of telly - and kids TV like Nick JR. is littered with adverts for toys. He sits and during the adverts admires all the "TOYS" on offer.

"Daddy - I want one of those"

He has no chance - our reply at the minute is "Santa can only bring so many toys for so many children, and we will make a list closer to Christmas".

Honest - it is like a machine gun reply - "want that, want that".

He has NO BLOODY CHANCE - :D - Daddy is DAFT but not STUPID ;)

Tuesday 30 September 2008

The Weekend

This time last week I was looking forward to the Weekend :) ... and before I start waffling and moaning - we "all" did have a good weekend for the most part :D

Friday
We planned to have our friends Phil and Nic and son Oliver around for the evening - usually a good night which usually always involves me getting drunk and making a fool out of myself :)

Luke developed some "spots" during the day and because Julie's niece is currently suffering from the Chicken Pox - we thought it best to warn Phil and Nic as Oliver is less than a year old and we didn't want to be the cause of him getting ill.

Anyway - Friday night was swiftly cancelled and I had to drink alone - BOO HOO

The spots turned out to be "excema" believe it or not - and had almost gone the following day.

Saturday
Actually a good day - which finished off with me cooking a "Sunday" lunch for tea -because we were out all day the following day and couldn't have our usual Sunday meal.

Now anyone can do a Sunday lunch kinda meal - but for me this is a "big deal", because:

a) I am male and generally don't cook - am swift with the takeaway menus and payment ;)
b) I can't cook - I find it difficult and stressful
c) Something usually ends up burnt

Any I have found a cure for my cooking confidence - have a drink!!!! It eases the stress and things seem to "flow" a little better in the Kitchen area. Obviously I don't mean getting blotto and cooking - don't think a drunk chef and a gas hob really go together well.

Anyway I cooked: Chicken, Roast Spuds, Veggies (Carrots, Broccoli and Peas), Mashed Potatoes, lovely Onion gravy and Yorkshire puddings - the latter turned out really really well - if I do say so myself!!!!

End of the night was crap - Luke was full of cold and Julie ended up falling asleep nursing him. So I ended up spending the night on my own - WAH WAH WAH

Sunday
A Christening with the Briddon family. We all got up bright and early and travelled to Dronfield in Sheffield to spend the day at the Christening (or so we thought) :(

On the way into the Church I was spotted by one of Christian's mates Tracy who is a fellow blogger. Christian is always telling me funny stories about her - the fact she joined the army shortly after watching Private Benjamin always makes me chuckle :)

The Christening went well and baby Amelia was a very very good baby for the Vicar - no tears, and she nodded off during the boring part of the service - the bit when they waffle endlessly - smart child if you ask me :)

I forgot to take my pocket change with me so I ended up putting a tenner in the collection pot -
BAH HUMBUG. I always donate, but not usually that much WAH WAH WAH

Off to Christian's mum and step-dad for a booze up and food. Food at the Briddon's is literally always fantastic and the booze was FREE - all day. Get in there - I thought :)

I sound like a grabbing bugger at this point - but just want to highlight the benefits before the next bit :D

Luke is a restless child at times, and when he gets in a bad mood everyone suffers. He is also currently suffering from a condition commonly known as "ignore your parents". I suffered from this illness for a short while - the cure for me was a clout around my lug holes (perhaps this is why I have abnormally large ears)!!!!

Whilst enjoying my third drink (Pimms, Pimms and a Stella) - I could see a "situation" progressing. Julie was gradually becoming more and more stressed and Luke getting grumpy. The usual run around the garden was not stemming his over active and grumpy manner. I myself started to get stressed when I observed Luke LAUNCH himself off the Window Seats in Christian's parents front room. They have a fantastic home - and I couldn't bare Luke to be the eventual cause of something getting broken.

Anyway, and despite Christian reassuring us both that things were OK and we were paranoid parents - we made a swift exit :(... missing more beers and food. BALLS!!!

We had to call off at Frankie and Benny's for a quick meal on the way home because Luke was ready for food. This cost me 30 QUID and I have to admit was NOT value for money

Other than that - a good weekend, and we did enjoy our time at the Christening even though it was cut a little short.

Wednesday 17 September 2008

Cheeky Monkey!!!!!!!

Ask anyone... I have a dry witt and am a sarcastic b*****d at times - but in a funny way or at least that is how i indend it ;)

Little monkey got his own back on me tonight!

It is now 9:40 p.m. and Luke has had a late night because he has been asleep this afternoon for 2 hours. Anyway just been up to check on him to make sure he has finally gone to sleep.

Daddy (Whisper):
Luke... are you asleep (tip toeing into his bedroom)

Luke (Loud and sarcastic from the darkness):
No daddy - I am asleep

OMG - he is fast becoming like his daddy :D ... and believe me his tone was sarcastic ... like "daddy don't be stupid" kind of tone.

Sunday 14 September 2008

At LAST

It has been a busy day today ... and today was a pivotal moment in my life :D

It is no secret I am a big fan of Star Wars - and today Luke asked me to watch it with him :)
PROUD father - believe it or not :)


I fell asleep this afternoon watching it with Luke - I have been ill today in my defence (and yesterday) - suspected Man Flu!!!

It reminds me of when I used to watch films with my dad (rest his soul :)) - he always used to fall asleep watching em at the side of me - git :)

OH how quickly we become like our parents ;)

Family Parties ROCK!!!

I come from a very large family - my mum has 12 brothers and sisters and each of these has at least two children (no joke). So when we all get together it is a fun time.

Tonight was my cousin's 30th birthday - and god do i feel OLD!!!

Highlights of the evening...
1. Chatting to my cousin's daughter Faye - I used to baby sit for her - she is now 18!!!!!! When I was looking after her I was 18

2. Aunt Cathleen - "I remember you from BBC's The One Show" - I haven't told many people this but it is semi-funny.

Last year whilst on holiday in the Isle of Wight - we arrived at the boarding house for tea. I said to Julie lets stick the telly on... so I switch on BBC 1

NNNOOOOO

Aunt Cathleen on "The One Show" - chatting with her "new" boyfriend about Internet Dating for the over 50's

YUK

I told the family about it (cos she hadn't told anyone) and they all called me a LIAR - how wrong they were!!!

Have to admit a very sureal moment

3. Kids - all my cousins are now sprouting kids and it is wierd. Doesn't seem 2 minutes since me and my cousins were the kids

How life passes by so fast ;)

PS: This is "another" drunk post - update tomorrow (early) to follow :D

May the Farce Be With You

It is no shocker - but I named my son Luke after "Luke Skywalker" from Star Wars (no joke). He was my hero as a child and so it is no surprise that he influenced my choice in name for my son - which my wife agreed :)

Funny thing - prior to his Christening we told the vicar his names "Luke David"... she was like "Oh good strong Christian names". I did not have the heart to tell her the real reason :D

Anyway ... a mate of mine at work recommended this - Steve Crookes ... enjoy:)




My favourite lines:
"I had a Ford Galaxy... Far Far Away"
"I am looking for passage... to Aldershot"
"So this car has good handling - could it resist a tractor beam"
"The colour of my last car was a little on the dark side"
"If you strike me down now - you will lose your no claims bonus"
"Your bakery products are weak old man"

Thursday 11 September 2008

Resistence is Futile

Note to self: do not blog whilst drunk!!!!

Ok - I am drunk (tipsy by my standards)... had a busy day and thought bugger it - beers in the Fridge lets make the most of Thursday. Lets not forget that Thursday is a transition to Friday and Friday it technically the weekend. Ok - so now I am weekend drinking (convinced myself) but still I shall resist any mindless drivell posting whilst drunk!!!!- Oh f*** - no I did not

Anyway, tonight I have stopped myself from (see previous posts)...

1. Purchasing http://www.davidcallaghan.com as a domain name - it was available for purchase - I actually wanted http://www.callaghan.com but that was alas gone!!! It was 20 quid plus some extra subscription to stop people getting my personal details - but I resisted

2. Almost bought Elbow's album because i like a song but resisted!!!

Aren't I a good boy!!!!

Elbow - One Day Like This

Caught this track on the radio on the way home tonight and it is ACE - listen and enjoy. It does take a minute or so to pick up but it is very very good

Lyrics:

Drinking in the morning sun
Blinking in the morning sun
Shaking off the heavy one
Heavy like a loaded gun

What made me behave that way?
Using words I never say
I can only think it must be love
Oh, anyway it's looking like a beautiful day

Someone tell me how I feel
It's silly wrong but vivid right
Oh, kiss me like the final meal
Yeah, kiss me like we die tonight

Cause holy cow I love your eyes
And only now I see the light
Yeah lying with me half-awake
Oh, anyway
It's looking like a beautiful day

When my face is chamois-creased
If you think I'll wink, I did
Laugh politely at repeats
Yeah, kiss me when my lips are thin

Cause holy cow I love your eyes
And only now I see you like
Yeah, lying with me half-awake
Stumbling over what to say

Well, anyway it's looking like a beautiful day

So throw those curtains wide
One day like this a year'd see me right€

Wednesday 10 September 2008

My Worse Fear - Realised

Luke is only 3 and a half and either during the night or first thing in the morning he jumps into bed with us both to sleep or cuddle.

He always brings lots and lots of toys with him so me and Julie end up pushed to opposite sides of the bed :(

I woke this morning knowing Luke was at the side of me - I turned fully to my side (half asleep) and checked the time on my phone - it was 7:20 a.m.

I thought to myself blissfully I can sleep another half hour!!! - and rolled onto my back

To my surprise I was wet - the lower half of the back of my T-Shirt and arse were dripping. I threw the sheets off, jumped out of bed and there in the middle of me and Julie was a WET "BATMAN" (see previous post) - Bruce Wayne had pee'ed himself.

I now can see the funny side - but at the time I was very wound up and upset. If he wants to pee the bed he has his own bed with plastic sheets. Julie has spent part of the morning cleaning it up and the first hour of the evening re-washing our mattress and drying it with a hair dryer.

At the super market tonight I had to buy some fabreeze just to take away any potential odours (from the pee and disinfectant) :(

I am sure I shall recall this story at an appropriate (and embarrassing) point in Luke's future - I remember some of the terrible stories my parents used to tell and now I know WHY!!!

Saturday 6 September 2008

I'm BATMAN

Luke is currently loving Comic Book Superheros - MY SON IS ACE
Superman, Spider-man, Batman - he loves them all. When we watch them on telly he is always asking me who the characters are and what they do - "WHY daddy- whos that daddy". I love this because I have some knowledge in this area ;)
Anyway... walking around woolies this morning and we found some Batman PJs for Luke - he has spent the rest of the morning running around the house pretending to be the Caped Crusader :D

Luke as BATMAN -

Maybe he will let me be THE JOKER!!!!!


Friday 5 September 2008

GHOSTBUSTERS 3!!!!!!!!!!!!

Say no more!

Here is the bbc news article basically saying that 2 writers have been commisioned to write a Ghostbusters sequel.

Thursday 4 September 2008

Off the Grog - or I will be when Julie finds out...

Ok... when I am drunk and left in charge of the internet ... terrible things happen - especially to my bank balance

:(

I got drunk on Sunday because:
1. It helps with the Transition from Sunday to Monday
2. I am left alone to play XBOX whilst Julie and Luke visit relatives - which is a good excuse for a sociable tipple with myself
3. It had been a couple of weeks since my last drink

Anyway... Sunday was a little hazy cos I had more than a little...
1. To my surprise Tuesday a package arrived - an XBOX 360 game - 12 quid - ordered whilst drunk
2. Today I recieved a Spider-man DVD for Luke - but again ordered whilst drunk - a moment of weakness and I had remembered ordering though
3. Have on order Grosse Point Blank - again a moment of weakness and I also remebered ordering
4. I have a note from the postie this morning for a package collection - 35 quid game which I had also forgotten ordering - but it is one I have wanted for a while (some excuse) - so am sort of happy

Trouble is being a family man I find it hard to justify the stack of DVDs and Games only suitable for MOI on top of the cupboard.

Hoping Julie doesnt realise :)

Tuesday 2 September 2008

OUCH!!!

Luke had a small accident yesterday :(

We gave him a new T-Shirt... "Star Wars - Clone Wars" :) - he has now Graduated from Doctor Who and is now obsessed with Batman, Superman, Spider-man, Star Wars etc. etc.

Luke now also dresses himself and was very excited and proceeded to run away with the shirt to try it on.

Unfortunatly we had not taken the tags off (large cardboard ones) and whilst he was putting it on he scratched his EYE. He sobbed for ages, but eventually calmed down and everything was ok - or so me and Jules thought!

Mid-afternoon he started complaining about his eye and crying at his Granparents and they called Julie and she decided to take him to the Hospital.

At the hospital he had to have dye in his eye and a blue torch shined into his eye to check for scratches. He also managed to get dye all over him - hands, arms, face and legs. The doctor was very nice and she let Luke shine the torch in her eye and he apparently sat very very patiently (no tears) whilst he had the dye in his eye and the exam.

Lukily he has not damaged his eyeball and it is just scratching near the eye - painful for him none the less.

He was rewarded with a comic and some chocolate - so he soon perked up ;)


**********
How WIERD is this... Just been chatting to one of my good friends Paul.

Yesterday afternoon his son James prodded himself in the eye with a piece plastic and he had to be rushed to A and E for a similar EYE exam.

James is also doing ok with no damage to his eyeball.

Monday 1 September 2008

Jim Carrey Does "Snow - Informer"

It was a choice this evening between Big Brother or searching for crap on the t'interweb... guess which one won!!!!

Snow - Informer



Jim Carrey - Imposter



Sunday 31 August 2008

Hammerhead is DEAD

I like watching all sorts of rubbish on telly - and The Unit is one of these programs.

It is very gung-ho and pro-American... but when you are pished it is an entertaining watch. Go on... you know you want to... have a watch...
The Unit

Anyway when I started watching the show last year I guessed that one of two main characters from the five was gonna bite the bullet - and in 3 season - my assumptions were right!!!!

Charles Grey codename "Betty Blue" and Hector Williams codename "Hammerhead"... both characters have no family ties so were both prime candidates for the "AXE".

Anyway in the last episode I watched - Betty Blue was shot and injured (quite bad) - so I thought he was gonna be pushing up daisies. He made it to the end of the episode and surviving holding Hammerheads hand all the way "don't worry mate you will make it". YUK YUK YUK... then in the final minutes Hammerhead took a shot from a sniper whilst the other guy survived!!!!

Anyway - I told myself it was A or B and what do you know it was B !!!!!

My Current Favourite Song

I stumbled upon this artist whilst seeking an old song, which one of my dad's favourites "Good Morning Starshine" - which this artist does a fantastic cover of!!!!

Serena Ryder - her album "If Your Memory Serves You Well" - is simply fantastic and a good easy listen.

This song "Weak at the Knees" from her album is my current favourite and one my iPod gets many repeat requests :)

My Current Favourite Film

I am a film buff so this is a hard decision, but... my current favourite film is: Grosse Point Blank


This is a funny film - about a Hitman who is strugginling with life. Everything revolves around his high school reunion and a "JOB" in his home town.

A well directed, acted and produced film. It is the kind of film that you stumble upon - and OMG when you do it is worth the watch.

If you havent watched it... watch it!!!!!

Good things about this film
1. The film - it is just ssssoooo good
2. The music - retro and modern, if you dont wanna watch it just get the sound track
3. John Cusack - an under rated star in my opinion (on the fringe). We should be adoring this guys talent instead of self obsessed tossers like Tom Cruise.
4. Dan Ackroyd - as always FANTASTIC. He has a minor role in this film but he is outstanding - the final scene with him is a shoot out with John Cusack and it is just brilliant and funny
5. Hank Azaria - mostly known for his voices in the Simpsons. He plays a "g-man" in this film and he is again GOOD
6. Hitmen - if you were to be killed by a hitman - it would have to be John Cusack - he is the coolest HITMAN around!! :)

Trust me - if you havent seen it, watch it - if you have seen it watch it again and NOW!!!!!

A poor quality You Tube trailer of the film:

Sunday 17 August 2008

Oh no look at the HAIR!!!

Anyway its Sunday... I have a bottle of Red Wine inside me... YEAH!!!

Few pictures of my mate and me for those who know us (to have a chuckle at - I have no dignity)

At my wedding - most of the photos from the occasion I look gaumless and a little nervous - Stewart as he always did looks composed (this taken before his speech) and a cheeky grin and his to be future wife Karen :)

I have had several friends holidays, but the one to Orlando with Stewart was my favourite. 2 weeks of sun and rides in theme parks - smashing fun. Plus we kept getting asked for ID in pubs - remembering that 21 age limit in USA - I was 26 and he was 30 - how flattering !!!!

Anyway - I tell this story about when I got sun burnt on the holiday and here is the proof...

I went on a ride at the Epcot centre the day after this was taken. And the skin on my shoulders had started to harden. Whilst whizzing around on the ride the harness pushed against my shoulders and literally took the skin off!!!!! It was RAW :(

Stewart seemed to come off the better of the two, but he was in as much pain as I :D

One final one, and before you all think it - yes I had HORRIBLE CURTAINS of a hair DO - but at least I had hair eh Stew ;) !!!


Anyway... for those of you who knew Stewart. Karen his wife and her brother are doing a sponsored SKYDIVE (BRAVE!!!!!)

If you would like to sponsor her... please feel free to here

Friday 25 July 2008

On a lighter note...

Found these semi-funny (or not) videos on YouTube ... enjoy (or not) :)

Lazy Cat:



OH MY GOD - and I thought I had a big mouth!!!


I am watching you [o][o]!!


I am also watching you [-][-]!!


Star Wars VS Rush Hour



The EBAY song!!!

Monday 30 June 2008

Stewart Gardner

It is always difficult losing someone, but some have a bigger influence/impact on life than others! Stewart was for me, one of my big influences!

I knew Stewart for around 16 years, and he was always a best mate!

He was the guy I used to booze with in my "younger" years - although I am still a youthful 34 ;)

He was the type of person who always saw positives in life and work. He strived to be the best at everything - a qualified CHEF! and a qualified and top class SOFTWARE DEVELOPER! - given the later I only recall 3 other people I have worked along side with a professional talent close to his in Software (my skills don't even come close)! He lived and breathed development.

He was my best man at my wedding - a very difficult speech he had to write (given the lack of skeletons in my closet)... I recall him very nervous reading it :) But a fantastic delivery ;)

He was the guy that convinced me to get a career and get a career in computing! - helping me along the way with my degree for which I am very grateful.

He helped me gain my first professional job! and a very interesting one it was ;)

In retrospect my only regret is that I never really thanked him enough!

*****************************
Update:
Karen Stewarts wife has paid tribute to Stewart in her local newspaper

*****************************

Monday 2 June 2008

And do you remember this one

David "Giddy as a Kipper" Callaghan :)

A Different Take

Randomly looking on YouTube for one of my dad's favourite tunes... and found a really good modern day version of it! You may disagree on the original and the new (David "Nostaligia Mood" Callaghan) :)

Oliver - Good Morning Starshine



Serena Ryder


Also listened to a few other of Serena's tunes and they are quite good!

Tuesday 27 May 2008

Kung Fu Master

Saw this link on Chris Riley's blog and thought I would take the "test"...

Here is how many 5 years olds I could take in a "fight"... not that I ever would or would want to mind you!



26

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

Saturday 10 May 2008

Jane Austin

I am by no means a GEEK! but there are one or two gadgets I have always wanted... and one of them is a SATNAV.

We have a few trips away planned this year so thought it might be best to get something to assist us to arrive in once piece ;). Actually, if I were to be completely honest, I would have to admit a recent journey (last week) which should have been 45 minutes, but actually turned out to be 1.5 hours - which was the deciding factor :)

So today myself, Julie and Luke went to collect our newest member of the family "Jane Austin"!

She is perfect...
1. She never answers me back
2. She responds to the slightest touch ;)
3. She lets me know when a speed camera is on the horizon
4. And surprisingly she is good at giving directions :) .. I see this as a device to reduce TENSION on outings and trips :)

My two favourite voices for here are "Jane" and "Austin Powers", hence from this day forth she is Jane Austin :)
This is the model we all opted for

It is FANTASTIC...
1.On her first outing she has found us a Speed Camera we didn't know about and a local short cut!
2. Easy to use - even for a dummy like me
3. Clear screen - we opted for the larger screen for my dodgy eyesight (at least that's what I told Julie)
4. Route planning is as easy as piss
5. Points of Interest and SPEED Cameras!!!

Would highly recommend one to anyone.

Sunday 30 March 2008

A Child Obsessed

Luke has for the last 6 months been very very into Doctor Who. He is especially fascinated with The Tardis (Time and Relative Dimension in Space :)) - I could recite this well before all the current new Who fans jumped on the band wagon ;).

His favourite clothing at the moment is anything with a Tardis on it... especailly his favourite T-Shirt he got as a gift for Crimbo.

It is now a very risky state of affairs allowing him to wear this kinda clothing because he obsesses about them. He won't take them off, he wants to go to bed wearing them and he wont let Julie wash them. A few weeks ago Julie put his T-Shirt in the washing basket and we went to bed. We awoke the next morning, to Luke sat at the side of us attempting to put his T-Shirt on - after fishing through the washing basket for them - and without waking us in the process!

We have resorted to hiding them at bedtime and tricking him.

The final straw...
I was shopping around Next Friday evening and spotted some underwear with a Tardis on. So thought its a nice practical gift that Luke would like, and its a bit of a reward for him... MISTAKE NUMBER 1

We let him wear his undies on Saturday and he was good that day. He went to bed without any protesting... which in this instance is good.

We were awoken at 3:00AM this morning (note THREE AM) to Luke looking around our bedrooom with his TORCH shining it around ... "Were my Arids Pants Daddy... wah wah wah". WE calmed him down and he came to bed with us.

I decided to interogate the little blighter this morning as I found the conservatory door open this morning, and i was the last to bed and remembered closing it!!!

Luke admitted wandering around the house with his torch at 3 in the morning... we had recently removed the restraining gates as we felt we could trust him... MISTAKE NUMBER 2.