For Pete’s Sake

So here were are, finally in 2008. I meant to get a review of the year up before we got here but alas I didn’t but there you go. Then again at least I can say this review is that off the full year I suppose. For me, it’s been a year of ups and downs just as any other year but in many ways the downs have been impacted more than usual.

I guess though the main thing of 2007 was the fact that I graduated from University which was officially certified in November. Catrin and I also celebrated our first full year of marriage with a fun party for all and chances are we’ll do the same next year. I saw my first NFL and NHL game at two great venues and less to say I hope I’m able to do something similar this year and Catrin turned 25.

As for the not so good points I don’t really want to go back over, they’ve happened and a partially document here but I can’t see much reason pointing them out. So what does 2008 hold? First and foremost it’s my 25th birthday this year (although it’s a while till that’ll happen) and Catrin and I will be heading to Iceland in the summer. Not to mention the fact that I have a half-marathon to run as well. Then there are those things that you don’t plan for and just happen. What those things will be, well that’s why life is so exciting I guess. As for resolutions, well I hope to lose weight as well as get fitter but that’s what most people list for resolutions.

So here’s to 2008 and a happy new year to you all!

As ever it seems I’m back to my old ways of rarely updating. Guess I’ve been too busy in some ways or too lazy either way this blog has been a bit quiet. Don’t panic though, I’m quite happy with everything here, guess I just haven’t had much to say in some ways. I mean since I last blogged not a lot has happened. Sure I’ve been a few places, watch the odd Westbury game or two and Cat has done her ballet exam but some how I just haven’t been spurred to blog.

Perhaps, with New Year on the way, I should make it a resolution to at least blog fortnightly just at least to keep those who may read this blog (does anyone? I mean actually read it here, on my site?) up-to-date. I mean I’m training for a half-marathon next year so that would be quite interesting to chronicle. Still just thought I’d let people know I’m still here.

Well, anyone who is actually still reading this or has it bookmarked may be, especially when the last post was back in August. Anyway, I’m still at my current job, despite the odd misgiving here and there. At times it’s not that bad, others.. well let’s just say I have bad thoughts. Either way it’s employment and I should be grateful for that. So that’s work summed up, short and sweet really.

Life in general is going pretty well despite the odd worry but then they’re nothing more that what everyone else probably worries about. It gets me down and recently it’s got me down more than it usually does. The other thing that keeps bugging me lately is I have this feeling that things are just passing me by. I don’t know if they are or why I have this feeling but even as I sit here now I just thinking I could or should be doing something more. Fact is I probably could, I even started writing my part of a story I’m doing with Legionary, hopefully I’ll write more soon. Cat is doing well in her job though right now she’s worrying and stressing about her dancing exam which is approaching far too quickly! Our holiday to Iceland is booked for next year, just a case now of saving the money and damn it’s expensive but there you go, what in this life isn’t?! Still it’ll be worth it and I really can’t wait to go. On another life note, my birthday is approaching again, I tell you it must be improving its ninja skills as it really did sneak up on me this year.

One cool thing though that happened recently was my attendance, along with my good friend Carl, to the NHL ice hockey game in London. The atmosphere and venue (The O2) were superb and the game wasn’t half-bad either. It’s certainly got me buzzing and really excited now about attending the NFL London game for which the tickets turned up the other week. I also managed to get my hands on the Halo 3 Legendary Edition. It’s a seriously cool special edition and, in my opinion, worth it.

Sports wise it’s an up and down start for my teams. The Steelers are doing well in the NFL with their defence really looking the business this season. United have only just started to get in to gear and as far as the Penguins go; such a stark contrast to last season. I won’t mention anything about the Pirates’ baseball season as, apart from the odd surprise win there’s nothing to talk about.

So there you go, 3 months zipped up.

So here I am, over a week into my new job and I think it’s going well. I’m starting to settle and get into the role and well what can I say except that I’m looking forward. Outside of work it’s been an average week with very little going on. However now that the football season has started I can see my blog filling up of thoughts and musings on the unfolding action.

Took the car in for it’s service today and the funny thing was when I returned the courtesy car back only to be told that they shouldn’t have let me have one as I wasn’t insured! Still their fault not mine but it was quite a nice car, ‘07 Honda Jazz Sport. Fun little run around and quite pokey which was nice. The Westbury United game I went to see was ok, a little lackluster but entertaining none-the-less. First half was boring with Westbury probably edging it with a very strong finish. Second half Longwell Green, the opponents on the day, took the lead through quite a nice header however Westbury equalized with the goal of the game. The ball was played through and on the half-volley neatly lobbed over the keeper. Then it was just another stalemate of chances leading to full-time. Still it’s always nice to get a point at the start of a season.

This evening was spent at a BBQ over at a friends which was nice. Good food, good company and well it’s a lovely evening and it was great to spend it outdoors. So now I’m home looking forward to the first Match of the Day of the season and it should be a cracker. In closing one of my friends got engaged this past week, a long time coming, but it’s still cool and exciting news.

So here I am in 2007 a fresh New Year with a little under 12 months of life experience to come. However, before I look forward it seems customary across all the blogs I’ve read to look back. Now I’m not great for memory so I’m just going to go over highlights. So imagine if you will that it’s kind of like Match of the Day quick highlight.

Anyway, start of the year I’d just come back from New Year in Australia for the 2nd time in my life. It was fantastic as usual and really had me pepped up for the year ahead. By February Cati and I had decided to move out to new digs and had a place set up in Bradley Stoke. I moved in February while Cati stayed in the flat in the centre as each location gave us both handy access to our respective Universities. I then basically concentrated on getting the house sorted and passing my modules at Uni. By the end of May I’d take all the exams and in June Cati joined me out in Bradley Stoke. Then came the biggest day of my life/year when, on the 8th July, Cati and I finally got married. Pictures can still be found on our Wedding Site if you haven’t been there yet. Straight after that we went on our Honeymoon to Mauritius which was lovely and I would dearly like to go back again possibly when the weather is a tad better. Late July I saw Cati graduate from Bristol Uni in a long ceremony and then by the end of August somehow myself managed to pass all my exams leaving me with just one year left, hopefully. September saw me start back at UWE and the wonderful task of conjuring up a final year project to do which, to this date, isn’t really started. I was up in Scotland by December visiting my brother which was nice. However, not long after I came home I was informed that my Grandpa had passed away. Due to varying circumstances I missed the funeral which added to things as he never saw our wedding as we failed to get the DVD up to my Grandparents. Finally Christmas came which I spent with my family in Yorkshire which was fun as I got a Wii for Christmas. New Year was spent at home in Bristol with Cati and close friends including my best man Andy who came down with us from Yorkshire.

So that was 2006 and now for 2007. Really all I’ve got is goals. I want to graduate from Uni this year as I don’t honestly think I could take a 6th year at Uni. I want to find a job as quickly as I can and also pass my driving test. The other thing on my mind is our first wedding anniversary as well as Cati’s birthday in December. Still, these things are yet to come. No doubt you’ll find out how I do, lets hope it goes better than I think.