When I sat down to think of something to write about, I decided to mention the stupid people at Virgin who couldn't get my upgrade order right.
Then I heard the news coming in fromWoolwich.
What sort of people could do such a wicked thing in the name of their supposed God?
I have a limited knowledge of religion and refuse to induct myself or any of my children into any religion and make them live by a set of rules made by people centuries ago to make people subservient to their wont. If my boys want to join any of these sects when they're old enough to make up their own minds, then they can with my blessing. However, as far as I can see, nothing good ever came from them. All wars seem to have a religious connotation attached. Why has there been fighting in the Middle East for decades? Religion.
There was even a man who came into my son's primary school last week who told a bunch of 6 year olds 'God is the most important person in your life'....Will be having words with the headmaster very soon!
I know lots of people get comfort from their Faith and I don't have a problem with them. What I object to is having their ideas and views being rammed into my ears when I very clearly don't want it. These people believe what they are saying, but where did they get their information? Usually from someone with an axe to grind who is very good with words, therefore making it sound right.
The callous,cold-blooded murder in South London yesterday has no place in society whichever race, religion or section of people you're from. I can't ever see it happening, but I for one would advocate a return of the death penalty for crimes such as this.
A the same time, organisations such as the EDL also have no place here. As has been said before, most Muslims are peaceful, law-abiding people. It's just a tiny, obviously mentally unstable minority that has the biggest problem with us and our way of life.
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Lonesome
Friday was quite a momentous day in this household, what with firstly the Mrs goes on her first plane ride to a wedding in Glasgow with her sister, followed a few hours later by the two oldest boys going on a weekend away with the Scouts. So the aftermath? Me left alone with two small children for a whole three days.
One of these children has a constant snotty nose while the other a cough. Several doses of medicine later and we had relief and thankfully not long until bedtime. Once despatched to the land of nod, I had freedom to watch, listen and eat whatever I wanted. Bliss.
By Saturday however, the novelty was beginning to wear off.
I still had to take them shopping and there was washing to be done, not to mention food preparation and constant refreshments to bring. Washing up was a chore I could've done without.
At least I still had the evening to myself. Must admit to a slight feeling of loneliness but that passed as soon as Match of the Day came on followed by the Rolling Stones film on BBC2.
And so to Sunday.
A short trip to little Tesco for essentials while later we have the match to watch. That finishes just in time to pick up two cold, hungry, tired and grumpy young men. McDonalds will cheer them up.
And then...And then....SHE'S BACK!!!! Should be back about 10 tonight. Can't wait to hear what I haven't done and how lazy I've been.
Normality returns.
One of these children has a constant snotty nose while the other a cough. Several doses of medicine later and we had relief and thankfully not long until bedtime. Once despatched to the land of nod, I had freedom to watch, listen and eat whatever I wanted. Bliss.
By Saturday however, the novelty was beginning to wear off.
I still had to take them shopping and there was washing to be done, not to mention food preparation and constant refreshments to bring. Washing up was a chore I could've done without.
At least I still had the evening to myself. Must admit to a slight feeling of loneliness but that passed as soon as Match of the Day came on followed by the Rolling Stones film on BBC2.
And so to Sunday.
A short trip to little Tesco for essentials while later we have the match to watch. That finishes just in time to pick up two cold, hungry, tired and grumpy young men. McDonalds will cheer them up.
And then...And then....SHE'S BACK!!!! Should be back about 10 tonight. Can't wait to hear what I haven't done and how lazy I've been.
Normality returns.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Scania Rant
Our Scanias have been with us for three years now and for the first two, we knew where we stood with them. If your bus was numbered between 15125 and 15159, it would be able of going at a fair speed with decent pulling away speed. Anything numbered 15160 to 15174 would crawl.
Over the last year, more and more of these things have the problems illustrated in the photo which brings with it extremely low pulling away speed, coupled with a tendency to hit every red light there is. Just as you manage to get any movement out of it, it's time to hit the brakes. All in all a very unhappy situation and working practice.
Every so often you hear rumours of why this is; warranty expired, too costly to fix etc etc.
I'm sure I'm not the only driver to pray for the day when these 'accidents waiting to happen' are either fixed properly or just taken off the road completely. Give me a good TA any day.
Rant over.
Otherwise a fairly easy Sunday with no drama, just how I like it.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Return of the Daddy
Yes I'm back! It's been 5 years since my last post and things have happened... We still live in the same hovel, but now we have an extra mouth to feed. Welcome to Mason who is now 2 years old.
Mason started life in dramatic circumstances, having to be delivered by Caesarean section on 30 April 2010 weighing in at just over 3lb. 2 weeks in an incubator and he was able to take his place in our home.
I'm still slogging away on the buses, so much for only three more years! Eddie was brainwashed into supporting West Ham, a sad loss but I remain ever hopeful of a U turn.
My blog will hopefully be maintained a bit better and it won't be so long before the next post.
Mason started life in dramatic circumstances, having to be delivered by Caesarean section on 30 April 2010 weighing in at just over 3lb. 2 weeks in an incubator and he was able to take his place in our home.
I'm still slogging away on the buses, so much for only three more years! Eddie was brainwashed into supporting West Ham, a sad loss but I remain ever hopeful of a U turn.
My blog will hopefully be maintained a bit better and it won't be so long before the next post.
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Shells in the Mud
I've been busy lately trying to find out about an old relative of mine. In 1917, he was killed in Flanders around the time of the Battle of Passchendaele. He was the oldest of thirteen children having been born in 1898, making him only 19 when he died. For anybody who doesn't know, Passchendaele (or the 3rd battle of Ypres) was one of the bloodiest of the entire war with somewhere in the region of 250,000 British and Allied casualties. The Germans are said to have lost about 400,000 although they've never confirmed it. My Great 
Uncle was killed on 27th August during a lull in the fighting but there wasn't enough left to bury him and the only resting place he has is on a wall at Tyne Cot cemetary in Belgium. One day I hope to go over there and pay my respects to what was after all, a boy.
Uncle was killed on 27th August during a lull in the fighting but there wasn't enough left to bury him and the only resting place he has is on a wall at Tyne Cot cemetary in Belgium. One day I hope to go over there and pay my respects to what was after all, a boy. There is a church in east London with a memorial with him on it and also a junior school around the corner that I've arranged to visit on Friday. The office staff have told me that they'll try and look up any old school records from the time so here's hoping!
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning.....
We will remember them"
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Video and Holidays
I need to take my camcorder to get fixed today. I don't think there's much wrong with it, but we bought it for the boys growing up and it would be a waste if we don't do it. There's a shop who do repairs locally who we took our radio to so with any luck they can fix this.
I see Spurs have started their pre-season campaign with a win against Stevenage. Next stop Champions League! Even though Darren Bent scored, I still don't think he's worth the money they paid for him. That's another thing, where did the club suddenly get all that money from? I knew they were well off but that's something else.
I thought today was supposed to be sunny and warm? So far that's gone tits up! Oh well, Saturday's meant to be good and I'm off so I should be able to top up my tan.
It might be time to arrange another one of those £9.50 holidays in the paper. We last went on one to Ilfracombe in 2006 and it was the wettest week in the history of England! That seems to be our luck with holidays, its always raining or the caravan's no good or something else isn't right. You never know, our luck has to change sometime, right? We normally go somewhere like Devon or Cornwall. Very nice places to see but a long drive to get to. Next time we'll try a place closer to home, Sussex or Hampshire maybe. I'm all for staying inland for the scenic countryside but the family usually overrule me and insist on the seaside. You just can't win with this lot!
Our car's pretty good for the long distance trips. Our Spacewagon never lets us down. We've had it for two years now and it always starts first time. The one time there was a problem was vandalism. Someone thought it would be a good idea to slash all the tyres on all the cars in our car park. Cost me over £200 that did.
I see Spurs have started their pre-season campaign with a win against Stevenage. Next stop Champions League! Even though Darren Bent scored, I still don't think he's worth the money they paid for him. That's another thing, where did the club suddenly get all that money from? I knew they were well off but that's something else.
I thought today was supposed to be sunny and warm? So far that's gone tits up! Oh well, Saturday's meant to be good and I'm off so I should be able to top up my tan.
It might be time to arrange another one of those £9.50 holidays in the paper. We last went on one to Ilfracombe in 2006 and it was the wettest week in the history of England! That seems to be our luck with holidays, its always raining or the caravan's no good or something else isn't right. You never know, our luck has to change sometime, right? We normally go somewhere like Devon or Cornwall. Very nice places to see but a long drive to get to. Next time we'll try a place closer to home, Sussex or Hampshire maybe. I'm all for staying inland for the scenic countryside but the family usually overrule me and insist on the seaside. You just can't win with this lot!
Our car's pretty good for the long distance trips. Our Spacewagon never lets us down. We've had it for two years now and it always starts first time. The one time there was a problem was vandalism. Someone thought it would be a good idea to slash all the tyres on all the cars in our car park. Cost me over £200 that did.
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Proud as Punch
We received the boy's school reports yesterday. What can I say, apart from absolutely outstanding. Proud isn't the word. Every subject was given over to praise and "a pleasure to teach". We do our best to make sure they're polite and attentive in school, but short of being in class with them, you have to hope they won't let you down.
Two more days of Hell's own shift to go. I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel before some bastard comes along and turns it off! I want to try and remain positive so no more bitching about it. All the drivers have to do it and this week its my turn. GET OVER IT!!!!!
No time to do any more. Lovely job to go to.
Monday, 9 July 2007
Waxing Lyrical
Has summer arrived at last? The last two days have been amazingly good in terms of weather and it looks pretty good out there now. Have to get my bikini line waxed so I can lie on a beach. Bloody shame I'm nowhere near one.
I'm into the final stretch of the bus rota line from hell. Only three days to go so if I keep positive and leave my hard hat on, hopefully I can make it to Wednesday in one piece. One of the worse things about these late jobs is the lack of sleep you get. I get home about 1am,go to bed about 3 and get up about 7 when Ethan decides he needs feeding. When that happens, there's no reasoning with him. He'll just scream the place down and won't stop until he gets that teat in his mouth. It can get you down if you let it.
When I have my long weekend off, I might go and see my sister in Wickford. She's only seen Ethan once when he was very small so she would have trouble recognizing him now.
Just heard the Household Cavalry have opened their barracks to the public. I might take the family over there for a look. I know Eddie will like it. Horses always go down well with him. Its very difficult these days to find somewhere new to take them for a day out. Most places you can think of, we've either already been there or its out of our price range. London is a good place for things like that but sooner or later you do run out of ideas.
"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows" Bob Dylan
I'm into the final stretch of the bus rota line from hell. Only three days to go so if I keep positive and leave my hard hat on, hopefully I can make it to Wednesday in one piece. One of the worse things about these late jobs is the lack of sleep you get. I get home about 1am,go to bed about 3 and get up about 7 when Ethan decides he needs feeding. When that happens, there's no reasoning with him. He'll just scream the place down and won't stop until he gets that teat in his mouth. It can get you down if you let it.
When I have my long weekend off, I might go and see my sister in Wickford. She's only seen Ethan once when he was very small so she would have trouble recognizing him now.
Just heard the Household Cavalry have opened their barracks to the public. I might take the family over there for a look. I know Eddie will like it. Horses always go down well with him. Its very difficult these days to find somewhere new to take them for a day out. Most places you can think of, we've either already been there or its out of our price range. London is a good place for things like that but sooner or later you do run out of ideas.
"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows" Bob Dylan
Sunday, 8 July 2007
South or Wembley?
I'm thinking of buying a bike. If I get a job in South London, it wouldn't be practical to drive over there what with the congestion charge and fuel costs. There's also the pay cut to consider. I'm bidding on ebay for a sat nav system until I get used to the route. Saying all that, I probably won't even get the job.
I haven't ridden a bike for about ten years so I can imagine the discomfort I'll feel to begin with. Not to mention I'm very unfit so there's bound to be a heart attack on the first trip!
You know, it would be so much easier if we could just win the lottery and say goodbye to our woes.
I saw some of Live Earth last night. The Wembley show was over when I got in but New York was in full swing with Melissa Etheridge going strong on one song that went on forever. It was worth the wait for when Bon Jovi came on and played a stormer. The Police were ok but seemed to struggle in places. I'm hoping that's the last of the charity concerts this year because they get on my nerves. I'm just waiting now for the Bon Jovi world tour to hit London next summer.
Work wise it was a fairly quiet night with no bricks flying. You get the usual fare dodgers and lowlifes but I've decided to ignore them all and take cash only when its offered. That attitude will probably land me in trouble but, frankly, I'm really past caring.
I haven't ridden a bike for about ten years so I can imagine the discomfort I'll feel to begin with. Not to mention I'm very unfit so there's bound to be a heart attack on the first trip!
You know, it would be so much easier if we could just win the lottery and say goodbye to our woes.
I saw some of Live Earth last night. The Wembley show was over when I got in but New York was in full swing with Melissa Etheridge going strong on one song that went on forever. It was worth the wait for when Bon Jovi came on and played a stormer. The Police were ok but seemed to struggle in places. I'm hoping that's the last of the charity concerts this year because they get on my nerves. I'm just waiting now for the Bon Jovi world tour to hit London next summer.
Work wise it was a fairly quiet night with no bricks flying. You get the usual fare dodgers and lowlifes but I've decided to ignore them all and take cash only when its offered. That attitude will probably land me in trouble but, frankly, I'm really past caring.
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Who Needs A Brick
My fears were realized. On the last trip last night, someone was nice enough to lob an entire house brick through the window causing obvious bad damage and narrowly missing a passenger. Why oh why do people do this? I'm seriously disillusioned with this job and need to take urgent stock of my career and hopefully find a way out. My holiday's in September so I should be able to make it that far then we'll see. I'm driving the same route tonight so it might be prudent to wear a hard hat and flak jacket! I had an offer last year from a sightseeing firm but they're based in South West London so it wouldn't be easy to get to for early jobs. It might be worth it though to escape the hassle I get now.
Professionally, I think life is getting harder. In the early days, it wouldn't have been too much of a problem, but now I tend to carry it around with me as baggage and it just gets me down which isn't fair on the family or anyone I know.
We badly need to move home. Where we are now, with the amount of people living here, it's just too cramped. Storage space is at a premium and the place is just cluttered. It's nobody's fault but we're hoping (ambitiously) the housing association we're with will come through for us.
I'm thinking of taking the family to Duxford this weekend for the big airshow. We went to one last year at Biggin Hill which was good but they do cost a hell of a lot of money. We all like the old warplanes and its really good to see them still flying. You also have to wonder about the weather. Its nice today but we all know how quickly it can change. We went to Colchester Zoo a couple of weeks ago and we almost drowned in the rain!
Professionally, I think life is getting harder. In the early days, it wouldn't have been too much of a problem, but now I tend to carry it around with me as baggage and it just gets me down which isn't fair on the family or anyone I know.
We badly need to move home. Where we are now, with the amount of people living here, it's just too cramped. Storage space is at a premium and the place is just cluttered. It's nobody's fault but we're hoping (ambitiously) the housing association we're with will come through for us.
I'm thinking of taking the family to Duxford this weekend for the big airshow. We went to one last year at Biggin Hill which was good but they do cost a hell of a lot of money. We all like the old warplanes and its really good to see them still flying. You also have to wonder about the weather. Its nice today but we all know how quickly it can change. We went to Colchester Zoo a couple of weeks ago and we almost drowned in the rain!
Friday, 6 July 2007
Expense and Life
Its car insurance renewal time again. That wonderful time of year when all the companies you can think of, and some you don't, bombard you with "the lowest quote around". Invariably, they're not and they all end up in the shredder. I'll probably just stay with the one I had last year who want £460. Compare that to another firm who wanted £800! I should coco. Having just paid the road tax last week (£180), its been a bloody expensive time for us. Maybe I should get rid of the car and done with.
The boys are back at school now but Ethan's tongue has gone dark. I think it must be something to do with the jab he had the other day. Apparently its harmless and will go back to normal shortly.
Being Friday, it means hordes of feral youths roaming the streets, causing trouble tonight. Its always a worrying time stress wise but I try and stay upbeat and pray for a quiet night.
The boys are back at school now but Ethan's tongue has gone dark. I think it must be something to do with the jab he had the other day. Apparently its harmless and will go back to normal shortly.
Being Friday, it means hordes of feral youths roaming the streets, causing trouble tonight. Its always a worrying time stress wise but I try and stay upbeat and pray for a quiet night.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Splish Splash
Sickness is finally leaving our home now. After a worrying night where Ritchie's temperature refused to come down, he's more like his old self now. We're very relieved.
Before he got sick, Ritchie had homework where he had to splash in puddles! I wish I had homework like that when I was at school. Off we went to the forest for some major splashing in a torrential downpour. I think everyone enjoyed it. So much so that they want to do it again at the weekend so we'd better dry out the wellies.
Took Ethan to the local clinic for his eye test today. They were only a bit concerned because of his mum's poor vision. Glad to report that his eyes are perfect for his age but we still have to go back in six months to check for long and short sight.
Thinking of booking a long weekend away at a b+b in Great Yarmouth. We've got family that way but their house is too small for all of us. Most people would take a week or two for a holiday but we really can't afford it and anyway, my annual holiday from work isn't until September.
Just heard about the derailment on the Central Line. Apparently six carriages came off. Fortunately no-one was badly hurt. I have to go on that line next week to give blood in the City but I suppose they'll have the line closed while they have their inquiry so I'll be going by bus. I'm not really superstitious but it will be Friday the 13th!
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