Jason's Musings

17:10:36 o'clock GMT

This is an apology to everybody in JLand.

Due to a virus or something, my computer has blown it's lid. Everything has been wiped and the virus must have been in my Inbox because it turned all my emails into complete intelligible rubbish,

So, I apologise for my absence and normal service will resume when I eventually get my PC back to normal!

There is some good news though . . . I've been promoted!! Wahey!! I'm now the assistant manager of the Force Contact Centre!!

I'll let you know how I get on!!

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13:25:32 o'clock GMT
Feeling Happy

This is likely to be the final entry before Christmas (and possibly the New Year too!) so I'd like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

I hope Santa is kind to you all and that you have a lovely few days with your families!

We are now Christmas Complete! There is no more shopping to be done and no more presents to wrap. If we haven't got it, we're not having it! I braved the supermarket this morning (what a mistake that was!) and just got enough bread & milk to see us through.

I was standing in the lengthy queue this morning and I got to thinking. How did we cope years ago when shops where not open 24hours a day and on Sunday's? In fact, most closed early on a Wednesday too! However did we manage? When I worked shifts, I frequently popped to Tesco in the wee hours and was always surprised by the number of people shopping! The shops are closed for one day and by the number of people buying stuff, you'd be easily convinced that the shops were never going to open again! Still, there was great Christmas spirit in evidence and everybody was happy which is the main thing!

Again, have a fab Christmas - see you on the other side!

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07:10:40 o'clock GMT

I visited my parents on Monday evening to take over the Christmas presents for them and my sister (they live a fair distance away so, unfortunately, won't be seeing them on Christmas Day). My Dad is having some insulation work done in the loft, and to prepare for it has had to empty it out.

While he was emptying it, he came across all my old school books, reports, pictures and birthday cards (they had kept every single one since my first up to about my 10th!) and I must confess to getting very nostalgic reading through them all.

One book I picked up was a 'diary' that I had written. It was obviously something a teacher had made us do in a lesson but it was full of stuff that I had done outside of school. I wrote it in 1981 so thats about 23 years ago now when I was 9!

Now, my own daughter is 9 - and I notice that life was so different then. 23 years is not that long ago but it seems like a different age. I wrote in my diary about going to play in the park with my friends. The park was at the end of our road and it consisted of the usual swings, a huge tall slide that was at least 30ft tall (we used to put wax on it so we could go faster - slide has been replaced with one about head height) a 'witches hat' (yes, dangerous, yes we loved it, yes it has gone - a small climbing frame sits in its place), a bike track that was loads of little hills, jumps etc (has since been leveled on health and safety grounds), loads of bushes and shrubbery to play hide and seek in (and where I had my first kiss aged 10!)with great big trees to climb (this area of the park is now 'open plan') and finally a huge field that had four or five football pitches on it which everybody could use (now you have to have permission). My heart actually aches when I think of the fun I used to have in that park. Whenever I go to my parents, I take a walk to that park and I see kids playing in it and their having fun after a fashion. If only they could have seen the park in it's heyday!

I mean, we all had accidents there - I broke my arm falling off the witches hat. Did my Dad sue the council - no. He gave me a sound warning to be more careful in future and left it at that.

Crikey - where did that come from!!! Iguess I feel a little angry at how we now can only have fun that won't get anybody sued and our kids miss out on so much adventure because we have to be with them wherever they go. If they played hide and seek in some bushes, we would panic if we couldn't see them.

On a happier note - we are all VERY excited that Christmas is just a couple of days away - the children are already excited beyond believe! I have found a website that tracks where Santa is on Xmas eve - it can be found here http://www.noradsanta.org/en/default.php they do this every year and it really helps kids believe!

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08:17:49 o'clock GMT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Robbie Williams - Intensive Care (Album)

Drop whatever it is you are doing, get your coat, find your keys, get in the car, drive to the cinema, see this film!!

It's a jaw-droppingly magnificent film - the colours, the effects, the kids, everything. I literally cannot fault it (even the length which is usually my main critiscism of family films). It made us laugh, it made us cry, it made my 4 year old leap of her seat in excitement!

I don't need to go through the plot as I'm sure everyone knows this magical story. The film remains faithful to the text for the most part (this is where most book-to-film conversions fall over), and every ounce of magic from the book is present here. And you can take the little ones! There is one particular scene that may not be suitable for the younger ones, I won't tell you what it is, but those familiar with the book will know which scene I mean - it would give too much of the plot away if I revealed it here! But otherwise, my 4 year old really enjoyed it!

There are alot of films that are credited with being magical and the phrase 'ultimate family film' seems to go hand in hand with every film released at the moment. This film earns it's 'ultimate family film' title. If it doesn't grab an Oscar or two I'd be very surprised.

In short, we all loved it and I'm sure you will too - you must see this film!

 

 

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17:03:02 o'clock GMT

I really cannot believe that it is Friday already. I also cannot believe that in just a few short days IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAASSSSS! I honestly don't know who's more excited, me or the kids!!

Sorry I haven't made an entry or any comments this week, but a) I've been at work more than usual and b) the computer decided to have a temper tantrum and steadfastly refused to boot! I took it to my father-in-law who is very able when it comes to all things technical and he put it right! (I think it just needed a bit of counselling - any way it's feeling much better now!).

4 weeks ago, there was an addition to the family! Our relatives in Texas had a baby girl called Emma! Needless to say, the amount of photo's we have received has been phenomenal, but there was one that came yesterday that I just have to share with you. It's absolutely adorable and so natural.

Isn't she the cutest?!?!?! We're hoping to get over to the states at some point next year and finally have a cuddle!! The last time we saw them was when my wifes nan was in her final days earlier in 2004 and, although it was lovely to see them, it was a very sad time. It kinds of remind me of the whole circle of life thing, Edie (my wife's nan - a wonderful person) passed away to make room for Emma - it kind of makes you feel better although the sense of loss is still there.

I hope you've got all your pressies wrapped and under your trees! Our's looks lovely with all the presents there. The kids have been very good and not fiddled with them (there are none for them - they have to wait for Santa of course!) and they are already deciding what to leave out for Santa. Santa is very partial to a glass of single malt whisky and a mince pie! This year, Santa will also be leaving boot prints in the living room!

Hope you are all well!

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21:17:53 o'clock GMT
Feeling Chillin'
Hearing Richard Ashcroft (again!)

I doubt that anyone out there in J-Land is unaware of the massive fire currently burning in Hemel Hempstead.

We were rudely awakened by the explosion early on Sunday morning (it was said that the explosion was felt as far away as the Netherlands). The whole house shook and the windows rattled. This was closely followed by the phone ringing and the inevitable call into work!

I am just thankful that it occured when it did and that nobody was seriously injured and no lives were lost - if this had happened on Monday morning, it could have been catastrophic.

My sympathy lies with the thousands of people who have been displaced from their homes and places of work while this fire continues to burn.

Take Care!

 

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19:15:32 o'clock GMT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Richard Ashcroft - Human Condition Album

Charlie's school play was wonderful. She was a goldfish in one scene and a girl on a beach in the other! Nicole and I had a lovely time and they all did really well! My only complaint is a general one, in that no school seems to do a proper Christmas play anymore! I remember being Joseph and having to wear my dressing gown and one of my Mum's tea towels on my head! (I must have been about 9 then as well). It is also a shame that we were not allowed to take photos or video it either which I suppose is the norm for most schools these days - sad but true.

Have been watching Space Cadets and have to admit to lovin' it! XFactor and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here leave me cold, but this is different!

I have also discovered this week the wonders of Google Earth - it's actually quite good and you can see my house!!! It's fantastic!! I urge you to download it now!!

Coming up for me this week will be a trip to the cinema to see Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe - can't wait for that.

I'm also trying to convince Nicole that we have to go see King Kong when it comes out. She doesn't want to go as she says she doesn't want to see the monkey die.

I note that the town centres seem to be thronging with Christmas shoppers and am pleased that we have completed our shopping (however, there is something romantic about shops all lit up on a dark cold night near Christmas!)

Hope you are all well out there in J-Land - Christmas cards have been written and are in the snail mail!

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17:33:38 o'clock GMT

First of all, thanks to Jeannette for the lovely card which arrived this morning - it now h as pride of place in our Xmas card tree!

I guess you're all wondering how yesterday went in court. Well, the result is a bit of an anti-climax. You see, for the second time the (insert insults of your choice here) didn't turn up. He had a letter from his doctor saying he was ill and couldn't attend court. I can tell you the judge was less than impressed but opted to give him another chance, so we're back off to court again on the 24th February. Our solicitor argued to try the case in his absence but it didn't work. The judge apologised to us and said he was very pleased that we turned up!

So, as you can imagine, we're both a bit annoyed that we have to go through the whole rigmarole again, and we still have it hanging over our heads. Would've been nice to get it out of the way before Christmas but never mind.

Anyway, just a short note today as I'm off to see my daughters school play shortly - I'll give it a review tomorrow!

Hope you're all well out there in J-Land!

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06:05:51 o'clock GMT

Here is a picture of our newly decorated Christmas tree! Both the girls had a hand in decorating it and I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.

Now, to a more serious matter. Why am I in court on Wednesday?

Up until August of this year, we had the misfortune to live next door to possibly the worst neighbour ever! His language was foul, he had a rotten temper and was not averse to the odd bit of mindless violence.

He really did frighten just about everybody in the street - we live very close to a school and I have seen him reduce mothers and children to tears with his behaviour.

We couldn't even go out into our back garden if he was in his as we wanted to shield the kids from him.

Anyway, after a lengthy drawn out procedure between us, the Police and his housing association he was evicted from the house, given a banning order from the street and charged with Harrassment against us.

So he no longer lives next door and the whole road is a much better place for it. He has appealed the banning order and we have to go to court to contest that in February (he's just being awkward as he has absolutely no reason to be in the road) and we are going to court about the harrassment on Wednesday. The plan is, if he is convicted of Harrassment, the judge in February is more likely to uphold the banning order and extend it from the original one year to life.

I will of course keep you posted on how we get on - and if anyone is in this situation (or knows someone who is) I am more than happy to offer my support and guidance - it is a long and difficult process but if you persevere you can do it!

Take care peeps,

Jay

xx

Oh, and it's Christmas card time and I would love to send Xmas cards (either e-mail or snail mail) email me with your details and I'll send one on!!!

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06:50:32 o'clock GMT

What a busy few days I have had! Been so busy that I've not had a chance to get near the computer!

My cold has developed - Thursday and Friday were the worst days but I'm just left with a bit of a chesty cough now - the head cold bit has cleared up and that's the worst bit!

So, what have I been up to? Well, Thursday saw me in Wokingham visiting a company that are developing a computer system for us to make call handling more efficient. Friday we had a furniture move in the office as we are quickly outgrowing it and needed to make some space for some new desks.

On Friday evening, we took the children over to Milton Keynes were they have a beautiful Christmas display including an old fashioned carousel and an ice skating rink. The kids had a wonderful time and had about three goes each on the carousel!

On Saturday, it was dreaded Christmas shopping. Luckily Nicole and I had the majority of presents bought before August (we like to be prepared) so we only had three or four to get (those relatives who are astonishingly hard to buy for) so we didn't have to endure the crush of people in  Stevenage for very long (although parking was a nightmare!) and I spent too much money!

Next week brings an appearance in court! I'll give you a full account of how that came about in another entry but just to clarify, I'm a witness for prosecution NOT the defendant!!!!

Oh, and I finally bowed to pressure and have put the Christmas decs up, much to the kids delight! The house now looks very festive!

Have fun people!

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