Well this is the 100th post on my blog, which is a milestone for me but small scale compared to those bloggers out there who’ve been at it for donkeys years (blogging that is). Still I intend to look back at this post in years to come and think “I remember that”.
Went out and did some retail theraphy today with Mrs DDWT and for once actually came back with something other than food – which made a refreshing change. I bought some new briefs (Next) and two new shirts (Next and M&S). Mrs DDWT ended up getting some jewellery (Next), t-shirt and two skirts (Next and M&S). As usual I was outdone in the clothes purchasing stakes! DDWT Junior for once missed out altogether (a rare occurance I hasten to add).
Did the usual weighing thing today and was pleased to note that I’m on 17st exactly again. I’m really looking forward to getting back into the swing of training this week – I’ve missed it a lot over the last 12 days or so.
Today was by in large an uneventful day on the whole, mainly thanks to a 5am wake up call from DDWT Junior. The result of which meant that were were all (a) very grumpy (b) very tired and (c) extremely short fused – a recipe for disaster as you can imagine!
Anyway, we ventured into Swansea to do some shopping and ended up getting even more agitated with each other. Even a visit to the M&S food section failed to raise our spirits – purely because most of the goodies seemed to have been snapped up prior to our visit. We did however manage to get some of their croissants though (which really are the dogs nadgers) so I’m really looking forward to Sunday breakfast now. At least next time we’ll know to get there before 2pm to make damn sure we get those special little treats that only M&S seem to produce (albeit at an inflated price).
Upon returning home and DDWT Junior falling asleep on the way – the Mrs and I also decided to take the opportunity of having an afternoon nap. This worked a treat and we all woke some 3 or so hours later in much better spirits.
In fact the evening proved quite productive as we all ventured outside and had a good laugh in the garden (although seeing the garden you could say we had a good laugh at it as well!). I also took the time to dig up some more unwanted plants and rolled about on the lawn in true goalkeeper style whilst playing football with DDWT Junior.
Talking of football, I’ve ventured into the world of ‘YouTube‘ tonight and loaded some footage of some Swans games that I have. You can see my effots to date on my YouTube channel.
Well day two of the performance management course came and went rather quickly and without much thought I hasten to add. Whilst the course was interesting and useful in some parts, the subject matter was/is rather erm, dry (to say the least) and there was a tadge too much ground to cover in two days I felt. A couple of things worth a mention from today though were Belbin’s approach to team structures (very interesting and thought provoking) and one important lesson – NEVER become a risk assessment manager (as it appears so bloody boring!).
Anyway, at least I got to flex my scribing skills and according to the tutor (Simon Faulkner) my mindset was even considered as ‘structured’ – which I’ll take as a compliment I think! In a funny kind of way I surprised myself on the course, as I’m not really one for wanting to lead from the front or express my thoughts too much – but in some instances that’s exactly what I did over the two days. Maybe I’m not out of my depth after all (as that’s what I sometimes feel) with all of this management stuff after all *smile*
When I got home, I considered adopting a project approach to our garden overhaul – but thought bugger it and just got out the spade and fork, and set about my task with gusto. Some two hours (and two full wheelie bins) later I decided to retire to the comfort of the house (after a shower of course!) and amuse DDWT Junior with some locally adapted stories about the 3 bears.
Whilst on the subject of the garden, I’ve also taken down the gazebo that was in the garden, as since I put it up last Sunday it seemed to put the keibosh on the warm weather we were having – not good. So here’s hoping.
I’ve finally admitted defeat in my efforts to take part in Sunday’s Llanelli 10K and have notified the organisers accordingly. I’m obviously disappointed but it wasn’t worth the risk given that the Gower bike ride is just over a week away.
Attended a project management course today – well the first of two days worth anyway – which was at times at interesting affair, but by in large was very bloody boring (or perhaps not very stimulating would be a better description).
The tutor described the course as PRINCE2 – the lite version, which I suppose was his way of saying “I’ll show you in two days, what you really should be shown in 5 days”. Having said that, I’d already taken the position that project management (in whatever guise) was always going to be a case of ‘horses for courses’ in terms of it’s application to certain jobs. Nevertheless, I learnt a few useful bits and bobs through the day which will no doubt come in handy with the day job.
One funny acronym that cropped up today (which apparently BT use) was BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals!! I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER heard that before. Perhaps any BT employee reading this blog (yes some people do read it!) would like to comment?
It was Nana DDWT’s birthday today, so we paid her a surprise visit this evening to give her a little treat – as she’s not one for much fuss on such occasions and always says “oh you don’t celebrate birthday’s when you get to my age”. Her face was a picture when DDWT Junior started his rendition of “Happy Birthday to you” and made his Nana’s day without a doubt.
The Swans fixtures for the 2006-2007 season were announced today and were of particular interest to me, as (a) I’ve got a season ticket and (b) the house of DDWT could plan weekends away to coincide with some of the away games. It’s something we’ve done for many years and has always been great. We set off on the Friday, do a bit of shopping, watch the game Saturday and take our time returning home on the Sunday. It’s very relaxing and is a great way to explore this wonderful country of ours – as we never do seem to really appreciate what is on our own doorstep do we?
The year’s longest day and I’m burning the midnight oil with today’s post as I’ve only just returned from an awards dinner at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea. It was an enjoyable evening on the whole and made even better by having several pints of strongbow with ice. This definately made up for having to miss the Argentina v Holland football match.
Missed the opportunity to climb mount kilvey today with the usual biking gang (and some local newspaper coverage at the same time) to mark National Bike Week – all because of my darn leg wound. Not impressed and very disappointed and much to the amusement of the others!
I’m having a mental block whilst blogging here, so I might re-visit this posting when my brain cells are working in tandem with my body movements.