It is coming up to 5pm as I begin to write this post, the sun is shining, I am back in my home town of High Wycombe. It is only in the past few hours that the pace of my weekend actually slowed down to a gentle walk. I have to say it has been a very busy but successful weekend. I will start, as all weekends do on Friday afternoon.
I left work at 4pm sharp, as planned and went to get my haircut. The barbers was rammed (one of the usual hairdressers was away) so with only two people available (the owner Tony and Belinda) I had a good thirty minute wait. I passed the time by reading Dreams From My Father.
I got back to the flat around 10 past five, the same time
if I had left the office at 5pm. Instead of jumping in the
shower straight away I jumped on the computer to get some
things downloaded, then finally had a shower. After I was
ready, I called home to find out my sisters had not left
yet. It was going to be tight to fit in our cinema trip.
They left just 6pm and I spent a little time I had online
sorting out various things, I knew there would be no time
for the internet for most of the weekend. I then stitched
off the computer and decided to watch some television, but
within minutes, they were outside and Natalie was calling
me. We quickly emptied the car of food, pillows and duvets
before heading back onto the M4. The clock in my sisters
307 was six minutes ahead, so we actually made excellent
time and parked in The Oracle at 7.35pm, then went straight
to the cinema. There was a long queue for the machines but
we got our tickets and then headed upstairs. We would wait
for Liz while getting some food, I bought a Epic Combo to
share between the four of us, with peanut M&Ms of course.
Liz had been waiting downstairs but came up to meet us and
we went straight through to Screen Four (practically my
2nd home!) Liz queued up for a Capri Sun but by the time
she got to the front of the queue, the server had to go
to get a radio and took ages getting back by which time
Liz could not be asked to go back and queue again. The talk
turned to Transformers and my sister who is unfamiliar with
the toy line, cartoon series and has not seen the original
movie felt rather lost. I gave the name of the Autobots
leader, but she did not hear me properly - "Opportunity
to Rise?". Liz asked if I liked Megan
Fox. I did not believe I even needed to entertain answering
that question. Liz's response was that I really like her
hair? I had officially arrived into the zone known as going
to the cinema with girls. We were in row E instead of my
usual row K but we were still in the middle and I had taken
the most central of our seats. The lights dimmed and the
world famous sound of Asteroid
filled the auditorium. I had been waiting for this moment
all week, and now it was finally here.
Where do I start with Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen? It actually surpasses the original on several levels. The action is up a level, the story is better and more believable (not taking a energy source into a city for example) and the comedy was just on a different planet from start to finished. There were moments when there were roars of laughter from every single member of the audience. It was great and I loved every second of it, they have outdone themselves from the first movie, sure it is the same formula to a certain extent but there are more robots, more action, more mystery but then greater explanation. It was a thrilling ride, entertaining and totally enjoyable. Agent Reggie Symmons or rather former Agent Reggie Symmons just killed me with some classic lines and moments. I beg you to go and watch the movie, it is great fun. As we left the cinema, I thought to myself, they have done very well to build up a whole franchise based on some toys. I suppose being a fan of the original show and having various Transformers in my time (even an Optimus Prime back in the day) I just feel a bond, connection to the movie that I would otherwise have. The soundtrack was very good and I wanted to know who performed 21 Guns. Only later did I realise that it was Green Day and I already had the song from their album, 21st Century.
The film ended around 10.30pm, with a big fat thumbs up from everyone! Now it was the second part of the evening, heading to Central London to pick up Rags. This was going to be fun, my sister drove all the way into the city. As usually the few miles across London took almost forty five minutes. We picked up Rags by Kings Cross station, it must have been coming up to 1am at the time. I took over driving duties and having seen such a heavy traffic jam earlier on the M4 just outside Slough. It was backed up to the next junction along and I had no desire to be stuck there all night. There was no news on the radio wire, even with TA switched on. Therefore I took the A40, then M40, then the standard A404, A404(M) and M4 combination. We finally pulled outside my flat around 2am (after stopping to get fuel). As usually I had driven the last fifteen or so miles with the fuel level dangerous low and warning lights coming up all over the place. However, at no point was the range lower than the distance to be covered (we had TomTom 510 GO) on board. Saturday was going to be a very busy, so I fell asleep on the floor (my sisters had brought loads of duvets and blankets) and planned to get up very early to get several jobs done before the barbeque.
My alarm (Nokia 6230) went off around 8am, I got up. My sister, Samantha was
already up and making tea in the kitchen. I got ready, had
some breakfast, grabbed a quick shower and we were on the
way into town. It must have been around 9.30am or perhaps
closer to 10am. We went to Marks & Spencer's to get
my Dad's Father's
Day gift. Next stop HSBC, followed by Robert Dyas, then
TKMaxx, Poundland before returning to Iceland and then back
to the flat. It was a quick drop off before we jumped in
the car and headed over to the retail park. First stop Argos,
buying a starter barbeque set, we then went next door to
the Instore shop to get a few bits and pieces. It was 11:49 by the time we were served, as there was a long queue at the till and another member of staff had to be called. Finally it
was over to Homebase, to get a big bin which we would use
to keep the drinks cool. Finally we headed to Tesco to get
all the food, we would be there a while before finally leaving
around 1pm. We were on schedule but only just. By the time we got back to the flat, we unloaded the food and I then went ahead to build the barbeque, although my sister Samantha came to help. I had placed my Squeezebox Boom on the window sill of my bedroom and started playing KISS. Come on, everyone needs music to work to.
It was around 2:40pm before I had finished and my sisters
had started to prepare food, we took the table outside and
started planning, with chairs for a seating area. It was
then I finally discovered how to open up the french windows.
Otherwise we would have had a problem getting my dining
table outside. It was at this point in the afternoon we
got a call from Liz, she was on the way to the station.
Preeti called me soon after and explained she was fifteen
minutes away (at Reading). Trevor called at 14:51, they
were outside, even though he tried to fool me into thinking
they were going to be another hour. I welcomed them in and
left in the garden with a beer. Ryan had brought loads of
instant barbeques from ASDA. We then headed out to pick
up the girls, Rags came with me, just for the ride! While
waiting in the car, in the car park of Newbury station I
put on the radio. James text me, it was 15:11, he was on
his way over but needed my address. Not sure why as he had
dropped me off at the flat just a few weeks ago to my front
door. Preeti arrived with the next train and came over to
the car, once I had waved at her outside the entrance. We
were listening to KICK FM or rather I switched from Radio
1 to the local Newbury station and found the car filled
with the soulful lyrics of Human
Nature. My thoughts fell to the concerts next month
and my desire to be there, to witness the return of the
King.
Fifteen minutes later Liz arrived and we headed back to
the flat, via a shop. I was going to go to Sainsburys but
it was very busy (it was Saturday afternoon) and nobody
would let me into the correct lane to take the correct exit
off the roundabout, so I opted to drive around the M&S
at BP on London Road. Yes, a tad bit more expensive but
in and out, then back to the flat. The barbeque had started
without me. The neighbours were out and cooking, meanwhile
James had been catching up with my old school friends, telling
him stories from my shady past. The food was on the table
and everything was set, the barbeque could be lit (or several
in our case).
It was really good party and the atmosphere was relaxed and generally very friendly. There was plenty of food on the go. I volunteered James to start cooking the burgers. We brought my small carpet strip out into the garden and the sun came out. All was good. A little later we were joined by Lee, my colleague from work and his friends. He had just moved into Victoria Gardens earlier that morning and text me. The highlight of the day, I missed, which is just typical of me. It must have been late afternoon, I was in the bathroom and heard the roar of engines up above. They were close but by the time I got outside, they were gone.
I had just missed The
Red Arrows. I thought that nobody had been able to get
a picture (difficult to believe with everyone having a camera
phone, or almost everyone). However it was not until later
that I would discover that my sister got the shot. (Not
too sure, which one but I assume Samantha). I had been for
a while contributing the image to Preeti. I apologise, I
was wrong! Into the early evening the party was flapping
a little, so I switched off the Squeezebox Boom and put
on the XBox. I played some music videos before putting on
The Bloody Apprentice YouTube clip.
It is very good, it will have you in stitches.Cassette
Boy is a legend! I then had to play the famous Terry
videos and also explain why my nickname was Terry (at least
twice during the evening). Although Pav has yet to upload
the better Reading Festival clip, recorded on Friday 1st
May. The audience therefore missed out on the best video
and had to put up with the grey and rather low volume clips
from Kev's wedding. I just played the message to fans (my
sister commented I had big hands - similar to Andrew Marr)
and the waiting for Miss Emily Poole to appear. We watched
various music videos after that. I had requests, which I
did my best to cater for. Chesney Hawkes, Queen and the
Beyonce with JT Saturday Night Live skit were the few I
remember playing before the novelty died off and I put the
TV back and switched the Squeezebox back on. The party was
just beginning to wind down now, most of the food had been
eaten (the food that had been taken outside). Just then
a familiar face appeared from around the building. It was
my cousin Praag. He came to say hello and a break from his
studying, it was his first time at my bachelor pad. He had
brought over drinks but also housewarming gift in the form
of eight fondant
fancies. Will go down with a nice cup of tea at some point!
The girls had been making a cocktail in my kitchen, I say
girls quite loosely. It was in fact actually Liz and Preeti
at the centre of the drink making. A few minutes later,
I discovered that someone had dropped the jug and caused
a major spillage in the kitchen. Liz and Preeti quickly
disappeared to Tesco to get some more alcohol.
When they returned, the party was slowly coming to a close and the furniture was taking back into the flat, while my neighbours also packed their kit away. A very successful afternoon slash evening. Now what were the plans for the rest of the evening? My sisters were talking about going to Reading. I was not to keen, plus we had to get over there too, which was not going to cheap on the train or a taxi (which would have had to be a minibus). We decided to go into Newbury. Lauren, my sister's work colleague even ironed my shirt, when I had expected her to give me the modern woman's response of "Go do it yourself this is not Victorian England". As everybody got ready we looked at our options. A taxi to Reading was going to cost £70 at least, because it would have been a mini bus to take us there and take us back. We therefore decided to stick to my local town and walk into town. We went to the Varsity first, before heading onto Liquid. It was my first time in the pub slash bar and it was much quieter than I had anticipated. It was twelve minutes to eleven, the place should have been completely rocking. It was far from it. I got the first round in and then we got a table by the front. However, it was getting late and Preeti needed to go home, so I escorted her to the station, hoping to meet Ash there but he was stuck in Reading so would meet up with us later. I returned to Varsity and the mayhem began (well second part of the evening). We went to Liquid, the only true nightclub that the town has to offer. It was better than I expected. Only now reading the post weekend entry on the official blog that I discover the DJ was, yes you have guessed it DJ Terry. It was a good night, Ash arrived around 11:45pm I think and then the party was in full swing. I was on the raised dance floor getting my groove on. We left the club at 3am (when the lights came on and they played some annoying music to get rid of us). When we got back to the flat (half the party had taken a taxi). I decided it would be a good idea to try and jump over my garden fence, even though I perhaps would never had made it over. Ash gave me a leg up but then perhaps being sensible decided to put my foot down and defeated I headed around the road, and got back to in to find everyone else already there.
It must have been around 3.30am now but instead of going straight to sleep as you would do under normal circumstances, I decided this was the perfect moment to put the Bournemouth video on. Ryan had brought his camcorder, so it was direct footage as it was shot, none of the polished edited material we have been used to. (Well Trev and myself in any case). We watched the film (just one tape, as Ryan had left the second table at home, which in my opinion has the better material). There was the amateur version of Through The Key Hole, staring Mr. Buckle as he took us on a tour around Steve and Tim's flat. We mainly covered the kitchen as they were around in the other rooms and would have noticed our undercover filming. It was good to finally see the footage, although I was perhaps a little too tired to appreciate all the efforts. Then again, it has been almost a year since that weekend down to the coast. We eventually went to sleep around 4am (or a bit later) feeling it had been a very successful weekend, if only my flat could accommodate more overnight visitors!
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Thursday 18th June 2009
I should be on my way back from Harrow collecting my server from MightyMouse but as you have guessed I am actually still in Newbury blogging. After a delay of a few weeks, Hussein's server arrived yesterday morning. He e-mailed me and Jon a photo of the box seconds after it arrived at his workplace. I posted that picture, yesterday. However, a problem with the order (the CF card which will store Ubuntu) has meant it needs to be replaced with a faster model. While MightyMouse was willing to take a backup and provide me with a working server this evening, I decided against it. I would rather wait and have a fully working server with all the bells and whistles pre-installed. Plus, this way Hussein can come over to Newbury, see my flat and we can make a day (or rather an afternoon at least) of the installation. Rather than me walking blind. Knowing this was my first adventure with Linux, I spotted a book on the shelf in the library on Monday evening and took it out.
I am really looking forward to the weekend and this week has dragged. Tomorrow, my weekend kicks off at 4pm sharp. I will be off to get my haircut, then back to the flat to do some clearing up and preparation before my sisters arrive. We are then off around 7pm to see Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen, I am really looking forward to this sequel. I booked tickets on Tuesday evening for the 8pm screening in my beloved screen four. However, all the main seats were sold out, so I had to make do with row E instead of the usual row K. Disappointing but you snooze you lose as many of my friends would say. I will be happy as long as the Pearl & Dean titles play! We will get back late on Friday night, get some food before crashing out. Saturday will be up at a leisurely time to go and get everything for the barbeque. It all kicks off around 2pm and is scheduled to last all night. Although I have just read my first ever Victoria Gardens Newsletter which stats above average noise levels after 11pm are considering a nuisance. We shall see how long we can truly party for, my friends?
Sunday I am heading back home for Father's Day. Not sure what is planned during the day but as the weather is going to be good, I will pop down to the Rye for the Car Show with some friends. I am still debating whether to crash at home on Sunday night or drive back to Newbury but we shall see. I know Pav will not want me to miss a crucial gym session on Monday morning at 6.30am, particularly if I miss a major session this coming Sunday.
I better get off to bed and get some rest, it is going to be one messy weekend and I hope to return with some photographs and stories on Sunday or more likely Monday evening. Hope you all have a great weekend.
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I ran the Bayer 10K on Sunday 31st May. I am raising money for the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation. If you would like, you can still sponsor me, you can go to JustGiving.com. Thank you for your kind donations.
Wednesday 17th June 2009
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Sunday 14th June 2009
I had drafted three to four lines for my post on Friday early evening and was all set to complete the post later that night but my weekend changed dramatically over the case of a few hours. I will try and fill in the blanks where I can but overall a very good weekend, when I originally had very little planned. Why is it that when you decided you are going to spend as little money as possible over the weekend, you end up spending a shed load?
Do you watch Eastenders? It is no secret that I am a diehard
fan. Usually the comedy is reserved for Friday night episodes
but the Beeb outdid themselves on Thursday night with a
great episode and perhaps one of the funniest I have seen
in several years. Okay, it is a British soap set in a fictional
East London borough, so we are limited on how far they can
stretch the material but they still come out with some classics.
Tamwar has suddenly overtaken both Gary and Minty (the local
losers) to become my favourite character. Perhaps because
I a British Asian and the scene is very familiar (although
not quite something I can immediately relate to (as I stated
on my Facebook status update, minutes after the show had
aired
- I am several light years away from bringing a girl home
to meet the folks). Tamwar plays the annoying younger brother
(too intelligent for his own good) very well. He is the
time of person you have to keep gagged or when he does speak
you just put your head in your hands. His classic line from
this episode was, "Barbara Striensand is not commericialised
rubbish, she's the voice of a generation.". It had me close
to tears. The boy is a legend and the script writers on
the show are really letting him fill his boots. You can
read more on the Walford
Web forums, although I tend to avoid such sites as I
do not want spoilers. Okay, the girl jumping out of the
closet, was rather cheesy but still had me laughing out
loud. As much as I wish a glamorous girl would drop out
of my wardrobe into my lap, it is not going to happen. Although
of course I do live in hope (and greater hope that it is
not Preeya
Kalidas)
My Friday night was pretty much going to be text book. Watch some television well just Eastenders, then go and and update the blog and then catch a movie before going to sleep. Saturday was going to be a chilled out day, although I had to complete the rest of my review with Adam at the gym from 9.30am. That would soon change but more on that later. Around 6.30pm, I got a bell at the door, I was not expecting anyone. I thought maybe someone had hit number 38 by mistake. When I picked up the intercom telephone, it was a familiar voice. "Food delivery". I opened the door.
A pleasant surprised and completely unexpected. I had mentioned in an e-mail to Preeti earlier that day that I was feeling unwell. As usual, being a bloke I perhaps over exaggerated a minor flu with a major disease. I think what made it worse was I then explained what I would be eating that evening (Korma, with ready made sauce). The response was I should not eat something so unhealthy, get down the shops and buy something healthier. Suggestions were made.She had arrived with vegetable noodles and would cook them for me (although I think I should have been forced off the sofa and into the kitchen to cook them myself. That would have taught me a good lesson) I want to thank my dear friend, Preeti for thinking of me in Newbury, while she worked in her air-conditioned office in the London village. The thought was enough but to trek over and make food was a very pleasant surprise. I do not think I can express in words on this blog I grateful I truly am.
After Eastenders (an episode which did live up to the comedy
value of Thursday evening) I suddenly decided that it would
be a good idea to go to Tesco for food shopping. Off we
went and rushed around before heading back. (I will gloss
over the fact I left my wallet at home, causing much embarrassment
at the checkout). Back at the flat, I packed away the food
and it was movie time. Although there were limited options,
the movie chosen was Confessions
Of A Shopaholic. Predictable beyond belief itself, I
found it not as funny as I would have hoped. The main character
was just too fickle for me. The only good thing to come
out of the movie, is the song Stuck With Each Other by Shontelle
featuring Akon. It was gone 11pm by the time the film finished
and Preeti had missed her last train home. Never mind, these
things happen, so I dropped her home and then got back to
Newbury at coming close to 2am, completely shattered and
more importantly having not written a single word for my
blog entry. It would have to wait until Saturday. (Day being
the operative word there!)
Waking up to glorious sunshine does make it easier to get out of bed. I got up around 8am and after breakfast, got ready. I had to be the gym for a 9.30pm review with Adam but I got there early. Thirty minutes early and went for a ten minute warm up on the cross trainer before going through the abs part of my programme. It was hard work but good to have a variety of new exercises. Not sure about a tri-set but we shall see how it goes, I left the gym just after 10am and headed back to the flight, making a list in my mind of all the tasks I wanted to get done during the rest of the day. After a big breakfast (I had only had cereal before I left) I made a start. It was the big clear out of all the rubbish and then I jumped on the computer to catch up on the latest, well latest on everything.
Around midday I decided I would go back to Wycombe and check out the Marlow Regatta. It was a complete spur of the moment thing, with the sunshine and the thought of domestic chores not being as appealing as they had been the previous night. So I rang home, spoke to my sister and explained I would be on my way home shortly. An hour later I left Newbury for Wycombe, taking minimal luggage, an overnight bag and a few bits I needed to return. When I got home, I found my sisters, Samantha and Julie baby sitting Catalina. She had hidden under the blanket on the sofa! It was good to be home, on this rather unplanned tripped. I had a load of post to go through and opened it up on the sofa while watching a bit of Disney Channel followed by some music television. It was at this point, Ryan rang and we arranged to head over to Marlow. I would drive and pick him up at 4pm. I had an hour or so to sort myself out. What would I do, jump on the desktop computer of course!
I picked Ryan up as planned and headed to Marlow. It was busy, as expected but we found a spot in the Liston Road Car Park quite quickly, once a old dear moved out of the parking bay. She apologised and explained she had not been reserving the spot for anyone else. We headed down the high street, into the park and into the main area behind the sports centre. This was my first visit to Marlow Regatta in a decade. Yes, the last time I had been here was back in 1999 (my favourite year of all time) when I took was a teeny bopper, like most of the group here now. Although on a pure technically Marlow Regatta of course has moved to Dorney Lake as of 2001 and I was actually attending, Marlow Town Regatta although only diehard rowing fans would know the difference between the events and the location of the Marlow Regatta not being in Marlow. It was a strange trip down memory, so much had changed, yet so much had stayed the same. Sure it was busier and the kids walking around looked much younger, there was greater police presence and there was a strange brick walk on the grass, which I could not even recall from my previous visita few weeks ago. We walked around for a while in the sunshine before decided to go to the cafe and finding it was very quite, headed to the Sainsbury's Local in the High Street to get some beverages and snacks. In a blanket attempt to cover their licence, all members of staff were asking for identification. I was still rather surprised when the lady posed the polite question, "Do you have your ID with you?" I laughed and then when I revealed my age to be nearly twenty eight, I am sure she was more embrassessed than me. We headed to the park, found a spot and took in the late afternoon sun. We were a few metres away from my old school friend Ruth Louise, now married with young toddler. Although perhaps I would have approached her and said hello, I did not feel the conversation would have lasted beyond, "what you doing now?". My sister Julie was there with a group of friends, who waved at me across the park, but soon got up and left to go elsewhere. Big brother was obviously cramming the style of the fifteen year old motley crew.
It was good to catch up with Ryan and tell him about my day at Alton Towers, the previous weekend. It was then he mentioned he still had the ticket from our first visit together in June 1998. I had to take a photograph. I actually share a lot in common with Ryan, in the sense he took likes to hold onto receipts and tickets in this way because they defo a single moment in time. A date, a time, so you can remember what you were doing, who you were with and then the memories come flooding back, what you were listening to, the list goes on. That would explain my obsessiveness over this blog but that is perhaps a whole post in itself.
Around 6.30pm, we headed into the funfair area to check out some of the rides but thought it best to get some food. Well Ryan wanted food around 7pm but I wanted a little longer. Rather than go for a greasy burger from one of the fans, we headed into town. The queue for the Slug & Lettuce was very long and we would find out later that they were charging for entrance. We were going to go to Pizza Express but that too was busy, so we opted for Chinese at The Coach & Horses. It was very busy, after we had ordered, I was busy talking to Ryan, when a young blonde girl came along and knocked my drink over, sending ice all over the table and onto the floor. I am perhaps making it sound more dramatic than it actually was. In anycase, she did quickly apologise, caught the glass before it hit the floor and then her boyfriend apologised and bought me a fresh drink. A few minutes later we moved to a dry table. It was just one of those things that happens. No harm done.
It started to rain as we finished our food and we were half debated whether to go back to Wycombe. We had to wait for Trev, he was working in Maidenhead until 9.30pm and would not get into Marlow until close to 10pm on the train. When we got back to the funfair, I called Trev and he insisted we stay. He would meet us in The Prince Of Wales at 10pm. We had been given our orders.
Ryan wanted to go on a ride, for me anything would be a let down in comparison to Alton Towers last weekend. It was a The Terminator and Mr. Buckle felt rather uneasy when we got off, it had been a crazy ride, that also went backwards! We walked around the fair for a bit longer and noticed that in the main park area at the back it was quite busy with several police on horseback. Ryan had a sit down on a bench. The young guy around 16 behind him, was in an worst state, lying on the grass. I bought Ryan a 7Up from the the burger van and he felt a little better. It must have been around 9pm, many people were heading home, but some were sticking around. There seemed to be some sort of commotion towards the sports centre but we did not stick around to watch. We headed back to the funfair to just to take a walk around and kill some time.
Around 9.30pm, we headed to The Prince Of Wales. It was absolutely rammed and we had to use the side entrance, as there was a band in situ by the main double doors. When I eventually got served, I ordered two orange juices but the barmaid started boring a pint of Heinken (the worlds most popular beer apparently). I quickly stopped her and explained that I had ordered two OJs. Annoyed, she went back and go the drinks and then duly slammed them onto the bar. Great service. As we went outside onto the porch, we were just started to talk before Trev appeared. He went in to get his drinks. Wayne had joined us by now and we caught up with his day. He of course had been in the members enclosure and as he (as well as Trev) are known by the former Mayor they could have both could have been in the Champagne Tent this afternoon. However, Trev had to work and I do not think Wayne was that bothered, although he looked rather damper in his suite and bright white tie. Making the rest of us look like a bunch of slobs.
Around 10.40pm, I had to make a move, it had been a long day. I offered both Wayne and Trev a lift. These were accepted but Wayne disappeared to see some friends by the time we got to Subway, so I dropped off Trev, then Ryan before finally getting home just after 11pm. I was shattered and after a cup of tea, went straight to bed.
Stop me when this starts to sound too familiar. I had originally planned to leave Wycombe around 11am but did not get into the car until 12:25pm. I had spent the morning going through various bits and bobs of admin, stuff that I could avoid nolonger. As I put on Radio 1, they played Knock You Down by Keri Hilson. If there was one song that can propel an artist of unknown backing singer to international superstar, this was it. I got to Newbury, unpacked my things, got changed into my gym gear and headed out the door. I checked my watch, one hour and one minute had passed since I had left Wycombe. I wanted to make sure I got a good session under my belt, particular as the weekend had been rather disjointed. I was in the gym for a good few hours, working on my legs (super sets are killers) and then trying out my abs programme for the first time in full. I was completely shattered and headed back to the flat planning how to spend the rest of my afternoon. There was no point in staying inside on such a lovely day, so I headed out around 4pm to read my book in the park. It was beautiful, the sun out brightly with only the odd cloud to spoil the day. I spent an hour out there before I had to return to the flat and get online. I had to blog and also had to get a few things done before getting some food.
I watched a little of the Confederations Cup on BBC3. Spain demolishing New Zealand before putting on an ITV situation comedy. Another Saturday night out meant I missed episode three of Mumbai Calling, so I had downloaded it on the computer during the morning back at Wycombe and brought it to Newbury on my USB stick. I have given up on ITV Player. Although the plugin does work on XBMC, no episodes appear for this Indian based comedy call centre show. It has got slightly better, but only ever so slightly. I will endure the show until the end and then make a final decision. Plus with only GREEK to watch during the week, it is not like I have a stack of other shows to watch. Afterwards I spent a little time online before making my first ever cup of Horlicks and reading my book in bed before drifting off to sleep. A very good weekend, with a lot mileage covered but more than that, good company, good times and some good fun!
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Thursday 11th June 2009
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Sunday 7th June 2009
Five to six on a lazy early summer afternoon as we slowly slip into that period when we actually come to realise that the evening is here and there is work tomorrow. However, I am not going to fuel that fire, instead I am going to let you know how my weekend has been and hopefully cheer you up. On Friday I should have gone to sleep earlier but as usual, did not and finally got into bed just before 2am. I got up a whole hour before I realistically needed to because I wanted to make sure I had a hearty breakfast. Therefore I had had only three hours sleep, not ideal but never mind, I think I was too excited.
I really love Alton Towers and theme parks in general but particularly Alton Towers. I have been there in 1998 and the following year, then again in 2001. 20th June 2001 was my last visit (2909 days ago or 7 years, 11 months, 18 days) although a planned visit in October 2001 (for the Halloween special Fright Night) failed because we got stuck in traffic on the M1 from Leicester and finally came off the junction for the resort but it was 9.30pm, too late to bother the few miles that remained. So, on Monday morning when James invited me to with a group from work to Alton Towers I could not say no. The 2 for 1 special vouchers did also help but I was looking forward to going back after a long eight year break. There had been many new attractions since my last visit.
So at 6:33am (two minutes ahead of the planned itinerary)
I got into James' black 1
Series as we headed up to Staffordshire, in the newly
christened Team Air mobile. In our car were Naomi and Lee,
we were on our way to Thatcham to pick up Belinda. I had
only discovered late on Friday night that Lee went to secondary
school with my best friend Pav. I thought it had been rather
strange when a long list of "mutual" friends appeared when
I tried to view his Facebook page and add him as a friend.
The journey up north was going to take a good few hours
but we had plenty of food and sweets (Fran had put together
a packed lunch in cooler bags) plus we had entertainment
in the hands of James. There was a mixed bag, I recall YMCA
being played as I got into the car but we crossed all genres
and decades. I have to confirm that even Bring It All Back by S Club 7 played but then Belinda does have it as the ring tone on her mobile too! Of course I do not mind some pure pop (translated
to cheese for the rest of you) but sometimes you just want
a banging dance track to get you in the mood. We stopped
at Warwick services for a comfort break and wander, to be
met by the other car, Team Nemesis. Driving a light blue
three door Audi A3, driver Nikki, with passengers, Jo, Fran,
Kirti and Moss. It was a short break before we back on the
road. The route had been A43, M40, M42 then A roads to Burton-on-Trent
(through the town) before heading onto the A50 and following
the sign posts to the park. This route was not ideal, as
the journey through Burton was very slow, we would use an
alternative route on the way home. By now I had swapped
with Lee and was in the front passenger seat, giving directions
and trying to join in on the conversations about television,
music, theme parks and summer holidays.
We arrived just before 10am but it took a while to park
and then make our way to the entrance. Once we left the
cars and walked up to the Skytrain, most people needed another
comfort break. It was while waiting for the rest of the
girls it was decided to have a number system to ensure everyone
was present and correct. Similar to systems we had used
at school, I recall a French numbers system being used when
I went to Normandy in June 1993, but I digress. I was given
number four after a few people had shuffled around. Ian
(who was yet to join us) was going to be number eleven.
We then headed to the Skytrain and headed to the park entrance.
James queued for tickets at the kiosk. It was 10:36am. We
were here, it was raining moderately but I could come, even
though I was offered an umbrellas and the opportunity to
buy a poncho,
purple and branded with the Alton Towers logo. No thanks,
I would cope as I was, even though it was rather cold. We
then had a map and planned our first attack. It had to be
Air,
the one roller coaster I had been anticipating the most
and if I went on no other rides for the whole day I would
not be disappointed. When you ask people what super power
they would like to have, the majority will answer with the
ability to fly. I agree, it is easily the best super hero
ability to have, just ask Nathan Petrelli. We ended for
the ride and the queue was not that bad. Fran, Jo, Moss
and Naomi went to the separate front row queue but I was
content with a row anywhere on the grid. James face was
as white as snow as we got closer to the front of the line.
He watched in complete shock as the riders flew buy and
complete the 360 degree barrel roll. The photograph from
the ride is work a million pounds and I will try and scan
and upload to FlickR later this week. I loved the ride,
the position and the sense of flying is really difficult
to describe in words. The sensation of flying over trees
and at one point being almost close enough to touch the
grass on the ground. Amazing ride and I loved every millisecond
of the two minutes the ride lasted. I wanted to do the ride
again but queue for the front row. Where to next?
It was time for a hot chocolate break, although I did not
indulge, we then headed onto the Run Away Mine Train as
something the whole group would be comfortable to go on.
Nothing to exciting but another attraction (even if rather
minor) to tick off the list. We then queued for Nemesis.
The queue was not that long, considering my previous visits,
then again those had been at the height of the summer holidays
with glorious wall to wall sunshine and blue skies. Nemesis
is great fun but I had a new firm favourite in the shape
of Air. As there was not a long queue, we went to queue
up at the front row, although James, Nikki and Jo opted
to go on the main cars. Going at the front was a great experience
and it is still a fantastic ride, given it's age, now a
spritely teenage at fifteen. I loved it, particularly the
slow climb up to the top of the of the first run before
we are 'released'. Riding at the front of a roller coaster
is not to be dismissed and I would highly recommend it to
any other thrill seekers out there.
After Nemesis it was time for another kiddy ride (mainly
because James wanted to go on it) so we went on Blade (formerly
The Pirate Ship). It was okay and stomach in your mouth
feeling is great but the ride is just too short and does
not go high enough in my opinion. Never mind, it was good
laugh and we then moved onto the next ride. It was still
raining and we decided to get some lunch although the number
of places to actual sit down and eat were limited. In the
end we settled for the Courtyard Tavern and got some food
their, although James, Moss and Naomi went to Burger King!
I was well impressed with our progress and even with the
poor weather I was having a good time. After lunch we planned
our next ride. It was going to be Rita.
We had to catch the Skytrain to get over to that side of
the park and meet up with the others. However it was a seventy
minute wait in the main queue, so we decide to split up
and go in the single ride a queue. This was a new option
for me, as it had not been at the park during my previous
visit. To fill odd seats, this would enable you to get onto
the ride quicker but just meant you would not have that
souvenir photograph with your friends. This was to be our
longest queue of the day, taking about thirty minutes to
get to the front. The ride itself was very good, a quick
bolt from 0 to 60mph within 2.2 seconds and a crazy amount
of G-Force hitting your body (4.5G I think). Well worth
it, but after the initial shock, the rest of the ride is
a little tame. Afterwards, we caught up with James and Belinda
(who had opted out of Rita) and gone to Charlie & The
Chocolate Factory instead. We came to Cloud Cuckoo Land
and found them riding the carousel. We walked down to see
the Driving School but then James could not resist a ride
on the Twirling Toadstool, brand new for this season! We
then headed back on the road to Hex, which was good fun
but perhaps a little short and not having a big thrill factor.
We then went across to X-Sector and Oblivion.
This had been the flagship ride on my first trip to Alton
back in 1998 (it had opened that year). There was only a
ten minute queue (can you believe it?) so we were soon onto
the ride. I was really looking forward to it, it had been
a while. We were on the back row and I was sitting next
to a brother from Leicester. He did crack me up. As we made
our approach back to the station after the vertical drop
(well near vertical, only eighty-eight degrees) he was explaining
to me that he had closed his eyes before the drop. Obviously
I had not but didn't want to reveal that ruin his ego, so
just said I did close my eyes at the black hole. It is a
fantastic ride and concept and it felt much better than
I remember it. It was getting late now and we wanted to
squeeze in a few more rides before they closed. James as
in charge and it had to be water rides, so we went for The
Flume followed by the Congo
River Rapids. The Flume was good fun but our picture
came out quite poor so I bought the photograph of the other
tub! I will try and scan the photographs in at work and
upload them. It was 6pm as we finished on the Rapids and
any desire I had to go on Air again had long faded away.
We then re-grouped and headed back to the entrance to collect
our photographs and then one final group photograph before
we left. Although Ian had left just a few minutes earlier.
I got back to my flat at 11pm, had a quick bite to eat, watched some television. I went online for a short while but in the end was in bed by 11:45pm. Before I feel asleep I made a list of all things I had to do on Sunday. Thankfully, looking back I somehow managed to get most of them done!
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Friday 5th June 2009
I was limping around all day on Monday at work. I guess I looked like a guy
with either a really bad foot (the truth) or a really bad
attitude problem (the perception). It has taken until tonight
for my foot to finally come back to some sense of normality.
Although my right calf only ached until Wednesday. Sure
it would have been tempting to take the day off from the
gym on Monday morning but I was in there first thing on
Monday at 6.30am working on my programme. I had my review
with Adam today and I need to update Daily
Burn. Yes, Gyminee has become Daily Burn which I think
is a much better name (when you realise it is about burning
calories and not drugs or arsonists!). So much to mention
but as usual I find I have only got to the point to writing
this blog as the clock strikes midnight. In six and a half
hours time, I am being picked up by James as we head to
a wet Alton Towers for the day. I may just not bother with
sleep, it is rather overrated.
The highlight of the week was Wednesday. I got permission
from my manager to leave at 3pm, so I get home, change and
jump in the car and head to Oxford. I was meeting Pav and
his work colleagues, Scott and Barry to watch Terminator
Salvation. This was a movie we had been waiting several
years for. In fact, ever since the disappointment of Terminator
3: Rise Of The Machines. Then again, how can someone
actually out play T2: Judgment Day? The Sarah Connor Chronicles
kept me going for a while but I was a little disappointed
that they did not do the link from the end of series two
which would lead into the film, although having read the
wikipedia article I can understand it is not good to have
to be forced to include certain story lines. I was not sure
about Christian Bale being cast as John Connor but it did
work but if you feel this movie is all about the future
leader of the resistance, you would be wrong. It is the
story of Marcus Wright and it is his journey that makes
it so well worth seeing. Sam Worthington gives a fantastic
performance as the man trying to get to grips to life as
a cyborg. I was also very happy for Moon Bloodgood for her
official big break into Hollywood. Particularly as I have
seen her take those first steps with the television show
Journeyman
but also a brief cameo at the start of Win
A Date With Tad Hamilton. (I recall she is credited
as "Hot Girl" or something very similar). She gives a very
good performance here and it is great to see her in some
great action scenes. Talking of action scenes they are very
good, with even a homage to The Great Escape thrown in,
which I am sure only the older members of the audience will
care to appreciate. There are several quotes which link
in with the rest of the Terminator franchise. Bale goes
through the motions as JC but I expected a little bit more
and the voice is getting on my nerves. Having said that,
he does what he needs to do and you do realise that character
development will come in the subsequent films. This is just
a introduction to the older John, the soldier John. Danny
Elfman does a good job on the theme tune but I would have
prefer to have seen more of the electronic elements from
the original.
Oxford Vue is exactly twenty eight miles from my flat and the journey is very
good, as you can practically get to the Kasam stadium straight
off the A43. I got there early, just before 4pm and then
had to wait while Pav and his colleagues finished work and
got to the cinema. It was my first meeting with BT and it
was to be a big moment. He did not let me down, having me
in stitches before we even got onto the escalator to go
up to the cinema. The place was dead and we walked straight
through to screen six (the same place I had seen The Dark
Knight in July last year). The screen was dead and we could
pick wherever we wanted to sit. We of course chose the
middle row and sat centrally. The only other people in the
cinema were a couple a little above us, but the screen did
eventually get a few more viewers. However, once again there
was no Pearl & Dean titles (there were no adverts either I might add) and
we went straight into the trailers and then the movie.
When I got back home I feinted the frustrated of this into a tweet.
I got a direct reply back the next day, picking up the text
message at lunchtime. P&am;D had requested I e-mail in with
details of when and where there had been no P&D titles and
they would investigate. I got a response from someone and
then was sent another reply with further details shortly afterwoods. I then later
this afternoon received a reply from the Managing Director
of Pearl & Dean Cinema Limited. I am surprised my query
had go so far up the chain but glad it was being taken so
seriously. In summary the titles only run from Friday to
Thursday and only when there is a big advertising campaign
from Pearl & Dean clients.
What else have I been up to this week? Well I watched the second part of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander on Monday night (before Eastenders) and then the climax to the bike race after my first trip of the week to Albert Square. It was fantastic and I would recommend the movie to you if you have not seen it. (Subtitles are available if your Hindi is a little rusty). Rest of the week I have been busy getting down to the gym in the morning and getting back into the routine. With no more training for a run, my evenings are relatively free although there is not as much television shows to watch. GREEK was good on Tuesday evening but a Dale light episode (similar to the idea of Doctor Who light episodes) are just not the same.
What have I got planned for the weekend? Well it was going
to be a quiet one with a friend coming over from East London.
However, that all changed on Monday morning when James invited
me along to Alton Towers with a big group from work. I could
not really say no, afterall the last time I went to Alton
Towers was early June 2001 (after I had finished my first
year exams at Uni). The second trip later that same year
(for the Halloween Fright Night) had turned into failure
as we had got stuck in heavy traffic on the motorway and
had to end up coming off at the exit for Alton Towers and
then just turning around and heading back to Leicester.
The previous trips before then were in 1998 (with my school
friends) and in 1999 (with my colleague friends) so it has
been a long time and I have missed out on the new rides
of Air and Rita which I am looking forward to. Particularly
Air as my sister Natalie said, "You will be flying like
Superman!" I cannot wait! If you could have any super power
what would it be?
Sunday will be a day spent down the gym, getting used to my new extended routine, then a domestic day of cleaning the flat, washing and ironing clothes and some much needed admin time. Might also try and catch a few movies before watching the final of The Apprentice. What have you got planned?
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