For Pete’s Sake

If you’ve been keeping up-to-date with my status on Facebook you’d already know this but either way, after year and some change Cati and I finally went on a proper holiday. I know we’ve taken the odd day off here and there, but they were mostly to get to or from weddings and other such functions. In the past year and a bit we haven’t taken any timeout just to get away and relax and while this holiday includes looking after 3mnth old babies it’s still a timeout.

We got here, or at least Vancouver as right now we’re in Seattle, Saturday gone. It was an easy flight, quick through security both ends and at our hotel in no time. Next day we travelled to Victoria on Vancouver Island which was awesome as we did some whale watching and saw a humpback whale and some sea lions. Then we travelled to our current location, Seattle on Tuesday. We’ll be here till late next week when we go back to Vancouver for 10 more days, in total we’ve got 3 weeks off and in many ways we’ve both been needing it.

Anyway, figured I’d bring y’all up to speed, post in a few.

So yesterday I turned 25, a poigniant age I’m told, another year for me. It passed in a rather understated manner especially compared to the party Cati arranged last year. Even so it was spent in good company with good food.

A few friends and I went to a pub in nearby Tockington. Cati intoduced/ found it and the atmosphere is nice food is good and relatively cheap. I ordered bangers & mash and for the 4th time running it came a little different. It seems each time I order it it comes with or without something. First time it was just as on the menu, second time it came with peas, then with peas and onions and last night no peas just onions. Least to say it’s interesting to see what I get each time!

Last night also saw United beat Celtic 3-0 which is good though a shame I didn’t see anything of the game. Keeping on sport I’m off to Wembley this weekend to see the 2nd ever NFL game to be played outside the US (I was at the inaugural one too). Should be good as both teams lost last week so should be a game with two teams giving everything to win.

So there we go, got some lovely birthday wishes and gifts. An enjoyable evening celebrating it and things to look forward to; onward!

So I tried sushi this week, once at home after buying some from Asda which was okay but last night was cracking. I went with some friends to Yo!Sushi in Cabot’s Circus in Bristol. It was an interesting place. All the food on the belts, personal buttons for your table for service and good food. I’m still not crazy on the rice which is the sushi (the raw meat is sushimi iirc). I think it’s mainly down to the vinegar to make it stick. I never really liked vinegar at all, I can eat a little bit but not much. I may get used to the taste but who knows. The sushami tho I loved particularly the salmon. I also enjoyed some of the cooked stuff like Chicken Katsu & Prawn Katsu really nice and sweet. Service was pretty damn good and for four of us the bill was less than £20pp.

In other news Cat & I have a photoshoot and the basketball this weekend so I’m a gonna be busy!

So I’m currently writing as Cati is driving the final stint to my parents house; my iPhone is oh so useful! Anyway we’re travelling there to stay over for a civil partnership we’re going to tomorrow between two friends of Cati. My folks are actually in France but have been very kind and lent us the house for the weekend. I’m looking forward to tomorrow as not only will it be a fun day but another new experience for me.

The other bonus thing is that it’s taking me back to one of favourite parts of the UK. Sunday I’ll be meeting Andy at the Lendal Cellars which is one of best pubs I know in York, I’m looking forward to that too.

Work this past week has been okay, average week to be honest. Can’t really say too much interesting happened as it was just work. No annoyances other than the usual but they’re so insignificant that they hardly warrant a mention other than to say they happened.

So other than that it’s going to be an interesting sport weekend. Formula 1 are staging their first ever night race, Pittsburgh, just like United are struggling and need a win and United now have Ronaldo back. Anyway best go as we’re almost there.

So I was looking at courses today like an Microsoft Cert or other such useful ones like Cisco or HP. The annoying thing is they cost so damn much! I mean £700 is one of the cheaper ones I’ve seen and others cost in excess of £1K. The other problem is that because I’m currently contracting I’d have to shell out the cash and the claim back against tax; no being paid for here. I really want to do these as they’ll improve my job prospects here and abroad and with hopes of emmigration still intact I can’t help but think I should try and do one at the very least as I can’t solely rely on my degree.

Anyone got thoughts on where I should go first? Down the desktop support route with Microsoft or networking with Cisco & HP? I’m inclined to go Microsoft first as employers in desktop support, which is most likely the jobs I’d go for, would favour that over heavy network stuff like Cisco. I mean they would still be impressed but they’re not related and would probably question why I’d be going for a desktop support role.

Maybe with a bit of luck I’ll get some cash together and get one sorted.