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Metatarsils!

Friday, June 30, 2006

As you may have heard in yesterdays Trunk Cast, I had a slight accident yesterday.

Well I got into the office but only in a tremendous amount of pain. Thankfully I was able to tie up everything I needed to do today as well as getting my tickets etc for Monday so that I could leave early.

I have just been to see my doctor and he has confirmed that I have bruised my metatarsils! Thankfully it's not more serious as a break would have been a nightmare.

It is very painful though and I have been advised to ditch the shoes and rest my foot for a couple of days. Looks like out weekend plans have just gone out the window!

If anyone would like a copy of Loco Roco for the PSP, I have one for sale! (Why? 'Cause I finished it in under a week!)

It's About That Walk from the album "The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale" by Prince

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New Project

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

I have made a start on some small works and wanted to try my hand at a fairly basic but not abstract painting.

I had sketched the outline of one of the cats and wanted to try and preserve this on canvas with as few colours as possible.

In my impatience I have managed to paint in and out elements that were not needed so there is some touching up to do in the base and around the nose but apart from this I really like this painting.

What do you think? (I promise to upload the completed work when it is available).

Sexy Love from the album "In My Own Words" by Ne-Yo

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Fla boo massey a mum choo cha!

Monday, June 26, 2006

OK so I mentioned a while ago that I was dreaming about my current role (I think it was in a pod cast), this illustrates to me just how easy it is for things to get into my psyche and on my mind - what I have on my mind at present is the damn theme song from Loco Roco!

I wish I could get rid of it but it seems to have seeped into my soul!

The weather has taken a turn for the worse today but then we all expected it to as it's the start of the Wimbledon tournament. That probably means by the weekend it'll be so how we won't be able to move for fear of melting!

I did ask in my last pod cast whether anyone could suggest some interesting pod casts to listen to - I am not feeling very inspired by my current set and I am having difficulty finding something that will grab my attention whilst on the train. Can you recommend anything?

I did purchase (well obtain thanks to the kind gift donation of £50 when I left Cranfield), Dannii Minogue's Greatest Hits and the Renaissance Collection (Pt II) at the weekend but both albums are dire. IN fact I sold the Renaissance the day after I had a listen and have already sold it to some poor ~~sucker~~ person!

Please my mind is in need of an early morning jolt and an evening wind down... What could you suggest?

I might need something for the plane next week too as I am heading back to Rotterdam on Monday!

[Listening to: So Under Pressure - Dannii Minogue - The Hits And Beyond (3:51)]

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The Internet is for porn!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

It's offical, the Internet is for Porn! A Trekky Monster told me!

Richard and I went to see Avenue Q in the West End yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I won't write a great deal as I am mid pod cast - download it laster today to find out more...

[Listening to: The Internet Is for Porn - Original Broadway Cast - Avenue Q (2:59)]

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Counting sheep

Thursday, June 22, 2006

You know I am sure I am repeating my blog titles!

Anyway I think I should be allowed to as I have been so damn busy of late I do not know whether I am coming or going (ooer!).

As you know I started a new job a couple of weeks ago (it feels like longer), and things have been very busy since.

First of all I was sent to Liverpool, then Rotterdam and at the beginning of this week I was in Surrey for a work shop.

All have been very valuable and very beneficial to me but to be honest I'd now like to sit down and get on with things. I am keen to learn the basics and move forward with my projects and I am sure I will achieve this in no time. I must learn to walk before I can run.

I had a lovely surprise last week when Ernest sent me a track he composed and has titled it "The Trunk Guy". I hope to find some time at the weekend to record a pod cast (I know it's long overdue) and I intend on including it in the show. It's funny that some one I have never met in person could have such a perceptive insight into me and my interests. The track Ernest put together is very close to the music in my collection and I am flattered that he took the time to do this for me.

Richard and I seem to have spent a lot of time working lately and now I am bedding in to my new role I am conscious that I need to look at the Big Event plans and get some of the smaller points together (it's not much but I want to make sure I do not miss anything).

I'd like to say hi to Sarah and Steve - we really had a lovely weekend last week - it was great to see you and the time we spent was the break I needed in between my current chaos.

Andy and Rob also moved into their new home this week and Andy celebrated his birthday too - at least I am not the only really busy person out there!

The weekend looks like it might be quite exciting as we're meeting friends in town for dinner tomorrow evening (town being London) and on Saturday Richard and I are going to see Avenue Q. I am really looking forward to seeing the show as I was disappointed that we didn't get to see it on Broadway last year.

Anyway this was meant to be a quick update and I appear to have some sort of typing diarrhoea! I'll stop for now... (I promise!)

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Woodstock

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I have just returned home from my two days away on a business workshop.

I am very tired and mentally exhausted - I just hope I remember everything when I get into the office tomorrow!

As I am not in the mood to type, take a look at the shots I took at our team dinner last night (this followed Salsa lessons!).

Oh yes - Ernest - thanks for the track (more about that in the next pod cast).

[Listening to: The Trunk Guy - Ernest L Sewell, IV - The Trunk Guy (6:52)]

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Phew!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Well it's been a lovely weekend and it's been very nice to have Sarah and Steve visit.

I think Steve had the most exciting weekend though as he turned 40 yesterday and celebrated Father's Day today.

They arrived quite late Thursday evening (and it seemed we were all late getting out of work that night)... On the Friday I took Sarah and Steve to the Manor where we are hosting our civil partnership ceremony in October, we found the delightful B&B they are staying in and then we came back to St Albans for lunch at the Waffle House (it has to be done). The rest of our day was spent wandering around town and chilling out in the garden. Sadly Richard had a work function in the evening so we didn't get to see much of him until yesterday.

As planned we spent the day in London. We had a browse around Borough Market (and a sample of all the goods). A wander along the Thames - which included watching the Military fly past and the twenty one gun salute at the Tower for the Queens Official Birthday before heading down to Greenwich where we had a picnic in the park.

Saturday was a very hot day so we decided to come straight back home and spent the evening chilling in the garden with a barbecue.

This morning we all had an extended kip before enjoying fresh croissants and pan au chocolat in the garden.

Sadly they trip was over far too quick and Sarah and Steve departed around lunch time.

I am sure I can confidently say we all had a very lovely, relaxing weekend. It really was excellent to catch up with them and it was great for Sarah and Steve to have a holiday without the three girls.

I am now getting ready for my next two days away on business and have just discovered that Jerry has managed to chew through the cable on my mobile phone charger! I was very annoyed but I'll let him off as I bumped into an old friend in HMV whom I had lost contact with!

If you'd like to see what we got up to this weekend, take a look at the Flickr gallery.

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Busy, busy, busy

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

It's been a very busy week and once again I have been trying to cram in as much information as possible at my new job. At least I don't seem to be dreaming about it now (listen to my last pod cast for more information).

Ben Cohen almost naked in Canary Wharf

I am enjoying it though and currently feel that each new item is a challenge and rewarding when I progress. Finally I seem to have found a level of work satisfaction.

I doubt I will pod cast or blog very much after today as I am on holiday on Friday as The Mullins (well two of the five), are paying us a visit from Plymouth.

I will have a small amount of time to sort the house out after work tomorrow as they are due to arrive later in the evening. We then have a couple days of activities planned which should be nice.

At least now we have had a break in the weather and the rain has brought in some cooler conditions. I doubt anyone got much sleep on Monday night due to how humid and sticky it was. I know I kept tossing and turning all night.

I am them off for two days to Surrey for a Workshop - I am not sure what this will entail (well the work stuff yes but the activity bits and pieces - no!). Any way there is a mobile and laptop curfew whilst there so I will be offline for that period (aaaggghhh!).

I am not worried really, I am looking forward to this next team event, especially as I get to meet the wider members (yes further than Rotterddam).

I feel I cannot report on much at home as we haven't done a great deal. If it's been hot we have been chilling in the garden. If not we have been vegging in front of the box... I am sure this time next week there will be lots to share.

I must apologize to anyone who is hoping to hear the pod cast interview with Richard, we have not had time to record it, but this is probably just as well as we are still receiving questions. If you have any drop me a line.

Right I had better go, I need to get some dinner on and start my evening in front of Spring Watch!

P.S. Why wasn't I in Canary Wharf when Ben Cohen decided to strut about in his shorts? Damn it!

Sweet Harmony from the album "Conscience" by The Beloved

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What a Scorcher!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Ok so it's damn hot today (as this photograph illustrates it's 31.5c outside and 24.9c inside)...

So what earth would possess you to do this?

Today is St Albans Half Marathon and yes I know these things are planned months in advance and

these athletes are trained for this kind of thing but I found walking around the shops a struggle! How one earth can anyone do this kind of thing and feel comfortable? It cannot possibly be good for you.

It's way too hot to be out setting a pace. I am sure there will be a few exhausted runners by the end of the day.

There were a few cute men running (some topless ;) ), but sadly I failed to catch any on camera. :(

Oh well, I'm not going to run or stress about them running, instead I am going to lie back in the garden and think of England! (Not sure why, it's just what we English do!)

Run from the album "Talkie Walkie" by Air

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6:20 am

No I am not dreaming it really is that time!

It's Sunday and I am up at a ridiculously early time. Why? Because it's damn hot! We slept with the curtains and the window open last night to get some air in and I think the early bright sunny dawn woke me up.

I'm also having disturbed sleep patterns at the minute - mainly because I seem to be dreaming about my new job! I am not surprised though as it's been an intensive week and a half. There is an awful lot of information to take on board so I think it's fair that it's on my mind.

So it's a good opportunity to catch up with all the surfing I have missed out on recently!

Of course none of this surfing will have anything to do with the World Cup as I hate football. I will do my very best to avoid the worlds obsession with twenty two grown men kicking a bit of cow hide around a field! Of course a World Cup ban couldn't possibly include a ban on Fredrik Ljungberg, if it did I would have to insist on locking him at ours (for his own safety you must understand!).

I can confidently call it an obsession as the office in Holland was festooned in Orange Balloons and a meeting coming up in Brazil is being chopped in half as the business is closing to allow everyone to watch Brazil play!

There is a delightful story on the BBC today. A Black Bear was stranded up a tree as it was chased up there by a cat! I am not sure Brandy or Jerry would be that brave!

Looks like the BBC are the winners!

OK my one (and only), World Cup story: The BBC have polls on their site and there is one which asks if you prefer it's coverage of the action or it's rivals (ITV). I hate ITV, (or rather ChavTV), to be frank the number 3 is seldom used in our house). I think the results of the poll say an awful lot... (left)

It's probably just as well I got up early as I need to find a gift for my dad as it's Fathers Day next weekend. We do have friends visiting next weekend also and Steve is 40 next weekend so I need to find him a gift... Now why do you buy someone who is obsessed with black and white comedies? Hmmmmmmmm

I haven't bought any new music for a while (Pet Shop Boys and Zero 7 are not included in this as they are musicians I follow). Mainly because I a) haven't really had chance to hear anything new and b) there isn't a great deal of new talent around. I did however stumble across the video for Ne-Yo's Sexy Love. I was more than pleasantly surprised by this song, a lovely, light yet funky R&B number which is reminiscent of early Michael Jackson material... So I bought it (such is the lure of iTunes).

Could anyone recommend something else?

Oh, by the way... 132 days to go!

[Listening to: Sexy Love - Ne-Yo - In My Own Words (3:40)]

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*Trunk Cast 43

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Episode 43 Jet Setter

It has been an incredibly busy week and my feet have just touched back down to earth - find out how it went... (Includes my thoughts about Port Sunlight (Liverpool) and Rotterdam).

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (43)" : Trunk Guy]

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Weekend

Well it's the weekend and my feet are well and truly back on Terra firma!

The weather has bee absolutely gorgeous and I capitalize on this by taking a walk down the North Bank of the Thames to St Pauls, across the Millennium Bridge, along Tate Modern on the South Bank and back across Blackfriars Bridge to the office. Quite a few sights in one lunch time walk.

Of course Richard and I have also made great use of the garden since the weather improved. When I returned from Rotterdam on Thursday evening, Richard had the garden furniture out and the barbecue ready for dinner. This was a wonderful welcome back from my business trip.

I did enjoy Rotterdam although I didn't get to see too much of it. It seems like a very industrious city and one that is obviously proud of it's culture and modern architecture. The Unilever Headquarters in Rotterdam was built on the remaining available space, which meant the tower was suspended above the factory.

Meeting the rest of the team was very interesting and it's great to be able to clarify the individuals and learn about their roles and responsibilities. I think it's much better to be able to interact direct and put names to faces.

The weather is still gorgeous so I am going to break away from the computer and get back out into the garden...

Listen out for the pod cast documenting my week.

[Listening to: Play In The Sunshine - Prince - Sign O' The Times (5:05)]

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Early starts

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

It is 6:28 am and I am sat in the business lounge at London's Heathrow before heading out to Rotterdam.

I am not sure I could cope with doing this regularly - I was rudely awoken this morning by the alarm at 4 am (Pavarotti on Radio 2 I believe). Anyway I was in deep slumber and could have stayed there.

At least the car was very comfortable and the journey didn't take took long. I believe it was the same car as yesterday but a different driver.

So I have arrived at the airport, I'm checked in, I've called Rich so what else is there to do? Blog!

At least it keeps my brain active!

I have to get my head around these business class perks - I know it is very nice if you can get it so I won't knock it!

OK so there's a photo I took for my baby and that's about as exciting as Heathrow gets at this time in the morning!

I'll sign off for now as I need to get ready to board (and do all my paranoid checks!).

I'm back home tomorrow evening and I hope after Friday I will have some time to put a decent podcast together which may feature the elusive interview with Richard ;)

Bye for now!

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All For You.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

I was very nervous about going to Liverpool today - a) because it was another team of people to meet and b) because I had no hand in arranging any travel so it was all left to our team PA.

I needn't have worried as I peered through the front door this morning at 6:20 to see a Mercedes parked outside ready to take me to the train station.

The chauffeur was very nice and Kiss had even managed to be playing Janets' All For You when I got in!

The Virgin Pednoleno (or whatever it's called) was very comfortable and I enjoyed some of the perks of first class.

Liverpool looked like a lovely city (the weather was excellent so that probably helped) and Port Sunlight was very nice.

The team were very accommodating and my training went like a breeze.

Oh well, I guess I'd better pack for my 5 am car to Heathrow tomorrow!

[Listening to: All for You - Janet Jackson - All for You (5:29)]

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Easy... like a Sunday morning

Sunday, June 04, 2006

That's why I'm easy,
Like a Sunday morning...

Easy from the album "Anthology" by The Commodores

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Chilled

Saturday, June 03, 2006

As the weather was gorgeous I decided to make the most of it and take some time to relax.

I mentioned in the last Pod Cast that Richard is home this weekend (he returns late tonight), so I am home alone.

I invited Liz over for coffee (based on the recent inclement conditions) and we didn't have any - instead we enjoyed the day al fresco, watching the world go by, drinking fruit punch and have a good ole' catch up.

As Thursday and Friday were really busy and the weather has been really crap, this was a very welcome event. A brilliant day to chill out and take a breather. I have watched no television and the computer has hardly been on (except to check messages at breakfast).

Why can't all weekends be like this? (Of course when I say this I obviously mean with Richard in attendance!).

[Listening to: Spring Summer Feeling - Jill Scott - Beautifully Human (4:48)]

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*Trunk Cast 42

Friday, June 02, 2006

Episode 42 Rapid Ramblings

A break in the broadcast.
Lots of visitors.
A bit of a holiday.
A new job.
A flower show.
A Big Event.
New adventures and a host more besides...

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (42)" : Trunk Guy]

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Crackered

Thursday, June 01, 2006

OK quick blog entry as I am crackered.

I have spent my first day at my new job taking in the roles, responsibilities, the projects and the politics and it's only day one. I knew my new employer was huge but wow! (Sorry I am tired I don't feel very literate).

I have much the same tomorrow and next week will be very busy. I am traveling to Liverpool (ish) on Tuesday and spending Wednesday and Thursday in Rotterdam to meet the rest of my team.

I think I am going to be a little tired by the end of next week.

I am also home alone as Richard is in Devon until late Saturday.

I think I may just log off and try to sleep as much as possible!

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