Christmas Eve

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
not a soul was moving not even a mouse
or so they say, but I was frantically packing and wrapping the gifts that were still unwraped.

Dusan had to work a day shift so I was left to do the homely chores and get ready for the big day.

Plied with Diet Coke and a enough Christmas TV to make me a virtual princess, it was never ending fairytales, Princess Diaries, Ela something or other, An Unfortunate series of events...etc. Of course yesterday I watched my faveourite, Miracle on 34th Street to really get me in the mood.

With everything packed I picked Dusan up at Waterloo and we made our way to Boringstoke to have our Christmas eve with Alex and Mikey (Not forgetting Jack the Dog).

Plied with Champagne and mini appetizers the evening was swinging but not for long for as we reach our mid 30's we are no longer the hardcore set and everyone seemed to be ready for bed before midnight. Call me old fashioned or a child at heart, but I cant sleep that early.

Jack I stayed up watching tacky tv till 1:00AM and then stupidly I woke iup by 0630! Must be the child in me wanting Christmas day.

Merry Christmas for now

Neil
x

Battersea Revisited

Normally I never edit a piece once its added to my memoirs, but a colleague of mine left a comment re the post of the ball which astounded me as I didnt kmow they were a reader. I was told I didnt give it enough umpffff.

So in their words with a little flavour of my own.... Imagine a two storey marquee somewhere in a park in London. A place you have visited often but never knew this place even existed. Imagine an enchanted entranceway where snow fell on pine and christmas trees. Imagine Austin Martins hanging there in the entranceway getting slowly covered in the snow.

Imagine a black ceiling dotten with a million small lights. Imagine over 200 tables laid with decorations, shimmering silverwear, glasses and laiden with wine and roles and ready for a sumptious four course meal.

Imagine 2000 people packed into the space of 3 bars, one dance floor and the noise that 2000 people bring. Packed full of festive joy, thanks and praise as are all due at these annual celebrations. Imagine being greated by persons whom you have not seen for some 9 months who's name you have spent a frantic moment trying to remember and to be greated by these same faces with such love and affection telling us how much they appreciated our help and how we changed their lives. Such is the effect of this job when touching on others lives. Such was this night. But imagine it no more for it was real.

My who hearted thanks to my editor for reminding me of things I missed in my previous writings and a huge Merry Christmas to one and all at this magical time of year. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Ball at Battersea Park

Having worked for the company for 9 months nearly it was lovely to get an invitation to the staff Christmas ball in the end. Everybody had since we began talked about how much fun this annual affair was.

With their rapid expansions the place was packed to capacity and this year for the first time it was a Ticket Only event.

My ticket was kindly biked to my house by the lovely Kim and I left just before 6pm heading to Evolution in Battersea park.

As I handed in my ticket to the doormen it was like a winter wonderland. Snow machines cascading a flurry of snow in the entranceway with an array of snow covererd trees on all side.

Moving through into the main arena, past the 3 parked Aston Martins (Prizes for the best performers over the past 12 months), there was a central bar on the lower level packed with people from all of the offices. This once a year event the bar is completely free. On the lower floor there was a single bar and 206 tables laid ready for a four course meal.

Up on the mezanine there was a Verve Champagne Bar and a Ski Bar serving shots of spirits.

I met up with so many friendly faces that we have met at all of the brands over the 9 months working there. It was so nice to see them all again.

Dinner was followed by catching up with all of the people I had met and then went upstairs to the Casino where my play chips were soon making me mega chips. Shame that they could not be cashed in at the end of the evening.

I had booked a taxi for 0100 and got home around 0130. Thankfull that I managed to last without getting mega drunk and able to survive the day in a hangover free zone.

Was also lovely to see Gordon once more. Twas a very merry Christmas party. Thanks to all those friendly faces and a huge thank you to Danny for sorting me a ticket.

Merry Christmas

Feeling Guilty

Its easy to forget how lucky you are when for the best part of a year I have been living out of hotel rooms paid for by other people. Enjoying room service or fabulous dinners out in town and all at a clients expense. Last week I had to confess as I sat back and enjoyed a deep hot soak in the Bath and then the next morning woke and enjoyed a power rain shower that was so strong the base of the shower started to fill with water to a depth of over 2". I felt guilty knowing how lucky we are in this part of the world with ample water and the ability to be decadent and enjoy a shower or a bath.

I finally made it home on Friday after what felt like an age of being away. It was so good to see Dusan again. We had to go home yesterday and spend a day packing up our things in preparation for the forthcoming move. Still waiting to hear from the solicitor on a final exchange date but hopefully soon.

On the way back to London we popped in to see Adam, Verity and their new arrival Thomas. I was amazed at how small he was. He does look a bit like Adam at just 9 days old. I washed my hands in Anti MRSA Gel and Adam picked up Baby Thomas and handed him to me. He was so sweet and peacefull as he lay in my arms sleeping. I wasnt sure if I could hold him but he was so adorable.

Spent my day today running around the West End buying last minute gifts and bits and bobs for Christmas and then settled in this evening with "The Firm" on TV and my gift wrap and tape.

Tomorrow is the work grand ball. I finally managed to get a ticket at the last minute as a Thank you to being a long term contractor. This evening to my delight my dear colleague Gordon messaged to say that he too had been given a ticket! We feel honoured to be invited. My Tuxedo is cleaned and hanging downstairs in the office. My shirt is drying as we speak and my cummerbunds and bow ties are all in the bag. I just have to decide will I go Black Tie or Blue for a bit of colour. Watch this Space. Does anyone know a good cure to a hangover?

12 Years on and the Magic lives on through his vision.

Its hard to believe that its been a full 12 years on since I at the tender age of 22 flew to Florida to begin the magical chapter of my life working as a Walt Disney World Cultural Representative working at EPCOT in Orlando, Florida.

The history of EPCOT is that it was always Walt Disney’s Dream to have a Community of 20,000 people living in an almost Utopia like existence. With a central core that housed all of the commercial buildings it was his vision that all schools and housing would be on the outside of the commercial centre. By only allowing people to rent and not to buy there could be not voting controls. All traffic was to be kept to the underground tunnels much like those that exist at the Magic Kingdom today serving as the maintenance service entrance and Cast Member access points to the park. After all it wouldn’t quite be right to see Mickey in a Space Suit in Frontierland in the same way as Cowboy Mickey would look out of place in Tomorrowland.

Like EPCOT, Disneyland’s start came as a Vision from Walt. A place where adults and children could play together in fantasy lands.

But after the success in California, Walt failed to find the funding to build his EPCOT Vision in Florida without him first repeating the success by building a Disneyland style theme in Central Florida.

Walt Disney sadly passed away before realising him dream and the Walt Disney Company decided after his passing that they did not wish to be in the business of building a city. However, happy with the success of both Disneyland and the newly opened Disney World they decided that the concepts of EPCOT the city could be encompassed in a theme park.

EPCOT Center (Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow) opened in Orlando Florida on October 1^st 1982. Walt may have never got his dream city but the vision was of a community where people work, live and play together. Epcot (It was renamed dropping the word centre in the mid 90’s) had two unique areas set in a figure of 8. Furture World and World Showcase. Futureworld was originally to Pioneer future innoventions of the worlds scientists while Epcot, a Lagoon of 9 Countries from around the world. They added 2 further to include Norway and Morocco later in the 1980’s.

Set around the lagoon it was designed to showcase not only the architecture of the countries mention with replica models of places such as the Mexican Temples, St Marco’s Square, Venice. A Beerfest in Germany, French Restaurants, English Pub. The costumes worn by the cast members were traditional wear from those countries, albeit what the Americans would think of as customary. Of course wearing an open neck beige shirt, blue knickerbockers and Guy Fawkes style shoes is hardly my idea of a traditional English costume. But it works.

It was an honour to be invited to go and work at Epcot. At the time I thought it would be all about living and being in America and fulfilling a dream of working at a place I had dreamed of working since I was a child.

When that dream came true in April 1995 it was far more than I ever thought it would be. It wasn’t about fulfilling my dream, that was now not a dream but a reality. We were taught the History of Disney and the most important lessons a Cast Member can learn. How lucky we were to be a part of the most magical place on earth. A place where people, millions of people from all around the earth save and save and save to try and one day, if at all possible go and enjoy its wonders. To think that if I had nothing better to do on my day off I could use my Cast Member Pass to go and enjoy the parks as a guest.

Just 8 Months after I started, having worked my way up from Cart Tart to Seating Host to Bus boy and ultimately to Server in the restaurant I met so many wonderful people. Friends from around the globe and some friends that I am still in contact with today.

A month ago I went to the Disney Reunion in London. If you are a regular reader you will recall my reunion with Ben. Someone I have not seen since July 2006.

This week I have been working down in Bristol. His home city. With the opportunity to have caught up a month ago we promised if we had the opportunity we would meet up for a drink in Bristol. Last night that became fruitful. Ben met me at my hotel and we went down by the riverside to a local bar.

With 11 years of separation you are either going to be long lost buddies or find it hard to have anything to talk about. We chatted from the moment we met till after midnight. It was as though Disney was not 11 years ago but maybe earlier this year. Talking about common friends, common experiences and the bond that ties. The magical bond that is having the opportunity to work for Walt Disney World. Like people that share a bond that is so intense that they will remain life long friends no matter what distance in space or time may pass.

We both agreed that Disney changed us for the better. Made us the men that we are today. Everytime I see him I am greeted with this enormous smile as though we have been friends forever and you know it feels like we have. Maybe you don’t choose your family in life but you do choose your friends.

After we got fluffy and enjoyed a fantastic night together and Ben caught his taxi home I sent him a text to say thank you for a lovely evening and how lovely it was to have been reacquainted after such a long time. He replied “Thank you for a great night and for including me in your circle of friends”.

Walt may never have got his city but his park was built and his vision lives on 25 years after opening. His harmonious city of 20,000 people was the dream but if you ask me, the harmony and the values of Epcot live on in each and everyone of the 1100 people that are the lucky bitches chosen to go and work as a cultural representative at the park. Now if my Maths is correct that’s around 27,000 people who have lived, worked and played in Harmony at Epcot , part of the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts and if we can still be dear friends, enjoying and treasuring every moment that we are reunited then Walts City was built. For the vision lives on and the people come and the people go but they take with them the values, the love, the respect, the diversity that they learn and they take with them all that they have learned and all that they became and furthermore they take with them a little piece of Disney. A little piece of magic will live on in each of our souls till our final days. It doesn’t matter whom of my Disney friends I speak to we all feel the same. It was the most magical amazing dream come true you could possibly ask for.

Living, working, playing at Disney we the cast members are the living actual Epcot. Long live the magic. Thank you Walt. Thank you Ben for a lovely evening and indeed for including me in your circle of friends. I hope to se e you again real soon. . Thank you to all of the wonderful dear people I met in my time at Epcot and remember…. It all started with a mouse!

The All New Baby Nephew

After nine months Verity and Adam were proud to announce that they are the happy parents to a healthy baby boy, born this morning weighing 6 lbs 11 Oz. Have not yet managed to catch up with Adam or Verity but apparantly everyone is well and Adam is over the moon.

Mum called to tell me the happy news earlier today and in a small way it makes me feel broody. I wonder how his Aunty Dusan will feel?

So we are all happy, Uncles, Parents and Grandparents.

I am away in Bristol and how unfortunate that my phone chooses this week to near enough die. I can make calls and recieve Texts but I cant send Texts. Its like trapped in the suburbs.

About to enjoy a nice early night in my king size bed at Hotel Du Vin where the bathroom is as big as my whole room at Nite Nite in Birmingham. I have never had such a strong rain shower in all my life. Within a minute I was standing in 3" of water. It was truly fabulous. For once today I was actually wet without it being the non stop rain. Maybe it will get cold soon and we can have some snow. Always far nicer than consistent rain! Or skip winter and roll on spring. Not long till the longest day and the days will be getting lighter at least. TTFN. x

Holidays are Coming

Last night, when I got in from what was a long day in the office and we settled in to watch Ugly Betty on E 4. (Dont you just love that show?). Anyway, a commercial came on and it was the Coca Cola, Holidays are coming when Dusan said "Praz Nitzi Num Stijo". Which is how you say Holidays are coming in Croatian. I have no idea how its spelt but thats how I wrote it down.

Trish is off today. Her penultimate day and she's not in. I am stuck at the office without my usual bundle of joy. That said I was off for one and a half days earlier this week having been sent home on Monday lunchtime feeling off salts (or a little queer). I went home and to bed and managed to sleep in until 1230 the next afternoon. Trish said she was going out of her mind worrying that something had happened to me forgetting that she sent me home and said on my leaving "Go home, rest and take tomorrow off too if you need to". The day off did me the world of good and I guess I realised how exhasting this year has been. Not only physically but emotionally with the stress of Dusan coming over and all of the immigration stress. This contract has been exhausting. We are expected in by 8AM and often work till gone 7PM. Add to that that every other week we do six days and have to come in early on Saturday morning to train the consultants. Its just been exhausting to 10th degree.

Still the end is now in site. I break up for Christmas in just a couple of weeks. Nearly three weeks of lie ins will be bliss.

BotW, tough decision this week. And as I am not allowed to say due to big brother and I cant remember his name all i'll say is , cute.

Thats all for today. Back to the grind now

Happy Holidays

Gridlock

The cities traffic is deffinitely getting worse. My journey used to take 45 minutes to get to GSK but this morning I left at 0845 and was still late for 11:00 start. Its madness that you can crawl as few as 7 miles in an hour even off peak.

Still on a plus side, GSK makes us very welcome and we are truly looked after. Last week with the hotel in Kensignton, dinner at a Conran Restaurant and a top London West End show.

I have to confess it was difficult to get up this morning. Dusan is on closing shifts for 2 nights and doesnt get home until around 0400 which usually wakes me slightly. Tomorrow thankfully I am doing the later start while Trish does the early. God bless her. She has been the life of the project and will be truly missed by I think, everyone on the team.

As we started on this project back in Spring I immediately knew that I would get on well with Trish. You can just tell that someone has the same mind set as yourself. Since then we have been bosum buddies (And I am not, for once talking about her fabulous rack).

Yesterday was a fun day at work. I am sad that she will be gone in just over a week.

Today it is officially Christmas. Its never Christmas for me until I have seen the Coca Cola "Holidays are Coming" commercial. It always reminds me of the Walt Disney World Electric Light Parade.

Anyway, bed is calling so sweet dreams for now

Neil x

Worst ways to spend a night

Post spending the day at work (and what a hard hot headed bunch they were), I came home to spend a few hours with Dusan and then after he left for work, Lisa invited me to dinner with her and her two friends, Leroy and Marco.

Now having kissed my husband goodbye I could hardly be in a posistion to complain. Leroy is a male Model and in London to shoot his latest calandar and Marco is a male stripper in the UK strip group, the Fantasy Boys.

We enjoyed dinner while watching the boys new to be released DVD on its UK premier here from SE London.

Sat between two muscle boys who are constaintly feeling the other has the better body I couldnt help but ask why. "Well his fitter". His bigger. I would hear. So I said what any gay boy would say. Show me your body. Leroy (Hench) was oh too quick to rip off his tee shirt and show me his body. My god, he had arms bigger than my thingh. I had to ask, do you mind if I just touch your arm! Ohhhhh well you cant blame a boy for trying can you? And when he flexed it for me I just ran my arm over it in admiration. Today was the day that the straight and gay boys let bygones be bygones and just enjoy each others company.

I said to Marco, gosh I am never this forward usually. He said, your not when Dusan is around but then his not like this when you are here either! :-)

Twas a fun night for all, but now at not even 2200 and they guys are off to a club and I have been up since 0400 its time for me to retire and have some beauty sleep. So until nextime. Sweetdreams. X

Flashbacks

Okay

So we drank a bottle of wine before we left, then started the reunion with a bottle of wine. But by the 3rd bottle I must have been more than fluffy.

When I woke this morning I had a few texts to wish me well. Ben was one of them.

I'm sad to say that I had lost Ben in my memory of Disney. It was 12 years past and when one is so busy and frantic so many people come and go. I was pleased to say that i will never forget Ben again. You see, in order to remember someone they have to affect your life. Ben did just that last night when his beaming face came through the crowd calling Neil. Followed by his words. "I looked up to you so much, you were Disney Personofied. You made us all feel so welcome and to that I am thankful/ You were a Legend Man!l". That was it. Sweet beautifull words that make me humble and realise that deep down maybe I am a star and that I do affect peoples lives and maybe I am not Joe average, but someone magical, a romantic who wants the fairytale. Maybe I am. But isnt this the same me that spent 2.5 years fighting to get his handsome prince back? The same me that not only spent time away from his love but fought knife and foot to bring hid lovr back.

Last night was more than just a reunion. It was a re uniting of souls that belong together. We expereinced something that was incredible. A dream come true. But the dream didnt fade or die, its on going it is the peop;e. EPCOT was the Experimental Peoples Communnity of Tomommorw. Well if Walt Disney acheied one thing it was the fact that he bought us all together. We were fortunate enough to be selected and have the honour to repreesent Walt Disney World. I have graduated from Disney University complete with graduation clad in mortor board and Ears graduation style. It was all my dreams come true plus some and you know what? Its still happenning. You may replace the people in Epcot but that means that like Gods earth, you return the beauty to the land. We all came back and came back different people. I cant tell you how hard it was to readjust to life back in the normal. But I can tell you that it was worth it.

You can take the boy out of Disney but you cant take the Disney out of the boy. It gets me inertviews, its what made me the man I am today and I thank you 100% Mr Walt Disney for you gave me the upbringing and understanding of peoples meeds. They taught me that I can make a difference in eveyones lives. They gave us the ability to exceeed expectations Go heyond the mark. Ben may not have affected my life then in the way that I did his, but since then his returned the favou. Touche'. The most beautfifull thing is that I mow feel humbled at my gift.

Thank you Ben for giving me back all I gave and I'm sorry I forgot you once. It wont happen again. You've touched a nerve dear boy and the sad thing is Im so sorry that I forgot you. Please forgive me!

Walt Disney World Reunion

OMG. Thats all I can say. OMG. Its been over 12 years but last night was the first ever Disney Reunion in the united Kingdom for the 1996 cast members of Walt Diseny World.

We went along expecting not to know anyone but far from it. The moment we entered the room there was Tanya May, Trisha Burns, Liz who wrote me that awesome poem. This huge masculine guy with a tres hairy chest who's named passed me till he came beaming over and said "Neil....." I was hesitant as I said "Ben?"

Apparantly I was a Disney Icon. They all looked up to me as I personified the Diseny experience.

Last night proved one thing, you can take the boy out of Disney but never the Disney out of the boy. It was almost as though it was yesterday that we were there as friendships formed with such intensity never fade. Thankfully we met Fabrizio prior to going there and had a chance to catch up pre reunion. It was Disney Magic 100%.

We may all be 12 years older but memories never fade and most of us said the same thing. We lived the dream we were the magic but we have all moved on and we are all still fabulous. Fabulous but older. Thank you guys. I left the house thinking I may know a couple of people. Instead I knew nearly everone. Thats the magic of Disney. To top it off, Ben lives in Bristol, my next work asignment and he promises me a girly night out.

Proof that the magic never fades!

God bless y'all! X

10 Years this week

I had a text yesterday reminding me that it was 10 years ago yesterday that I first went to the coming out group, Turning Point. This led me to within a week having my first boyfriend and then within 2 weeks I had plucked up the courage to tell Mother and Father. Amazing to think that its been 10 years and what a 10 years its been.

Fanny once said to me that coming out changed my life and how much happier I have been since. From a miserable depressed young man to a happily married out man with a loving family, a gay family and so many dear loving friends. I guess that really does make me a Lucky Bitch eh?

TWA

A man is flying on TWA Airlines when the stewardess asks
"Would you like some TWA Coffee?"

"No" replies the man, "But I would like to try your TWA Tea"

Helen at work has had me laughing all day with little one liners like these! Thank goodness for Helen eh?

Fast Moving

Having decided after looking at a handfull of flats last weekend that we would really like to live in Deals gateway we stated to concentrate our efforts on looking at available properties there. One I saw on Tuesday was just that bit too small. Hoever the one that I saw online yesterday looked near perfect.

Dusan was off yesterday so I sent him off to have a look. He knows exactly how much space we need and what sort of standard we are looking for. When he called back and said it was ideal I called the agent and put in an offer. By mid afternoon it had been taken off the market and our offer accepted. So now its over to the hands of the solicitor and all the paperwork and surveys and things will start to move. Fingers crossed it all runs smoothly.

Woke up at 0630 and have another launch today. 47 people to train before 2PM. I think this afternoon I will come back and need a power nap. Roll on the Christmas holidays!

Long Day, Short Night

Yesterday I had to do a course to super users at work with all of the new features and some avanced queries. Then stay back and do a CBT evening with everyone. This was, as is now traditional, followed up with a visit to the bar in what Gordon now refers to as PU Night. Work out what drinking session the PU Stands for.

I am exhausted however today. Even being back and ready for bed at 2200, I still want more rest. I was back in the hotel room by 10.00.

My colleauge Helen and I went out yesterday to view a hotel we could have potentially stayed at next week. A huge event at the NEC has meant Birmingham is nearly sold out. But after viewing the hotel down the road and the thought of sponge pillows and sheets and blankets scares me. What kind of a hotel doesnt have Duvets in 2007? We have already named the place the Flea Bite Hotel. Cest la vie. We will find a more suitable place soon enough. I hope!!!

Noone Listens

I got told off today. Apparantly I wasnt clear when I asked for the day off. They thought I would be going in before i went to Birmingham. The whole idea was I took the day at leisure to travel so I wouldnt be so exhausted. I guess that its all down to the fact that with my parents you dont ask for something. You have to be political. Let the news drop by the back door. I think I was told I should go through a traditional request route rather than just tell them. I couldnt help but think though, if one asks and is told No one couldnt do anything about it. However one can phone in sick at any time and does not have to ask for permission.

The ironic thing in it all is that everyone is shattered. Today Dawn took a day off as she was too tired and needed rest. Maddie is one of the newer people and was also off with as she needed rest and Gordon texted in this morning to say that he would be late and then ended up taking the whole day off. Brain was saying it was time to go to work but body was saying, no need more rest.

Back at the begining of the project we were asked what we thought would be the biggest risks to the project. My number one risk was exhaustion. Simply for the fact that when you are on a tour around the country or Europe and are presenting non stop, it does get exhausting after a while. That was when the project was supposed to 9 weeks. Yesterday marked the 6th Month in constant employment.

Its not all bad though. This week I am away. I get to come back to my hotel and just relax with some dinner and some television and then sleep for 9 hours.

Tomorrow will be a near 12 hour day. We kick off at 0800 and have to do an evening event from around 1800. I imagine it will be a night of room service and a night cap tomorrow. I think after a day like that I will be up for a nice Steak Frites!

David is in Birmingham this week. We shared a glass of wine last night before I had to retire. His such a sweety and the best of friends you could ever ask for. Loyal, honest, trustworthy. Always there for you and so was so nice to hear that he would be in Birmingham this week too.
His here working at the Hippodrome as a stage manager and we will catch up properly later this week.

Well the sleep hour is nigh and time for my beauty sleep. Good night for now

Neil

Shattered

Waking up on a Monday morning with a feel of utter exhaustion is never a good way to start a six day week. Infact as I arrived at the office and sat at a desk with my legs aching in a way that says I can almost feel a flu coming on. You know that you need to do something to ensure you get some rest.

One good factor is that I am, once again, away in Birmingham, meaning that I don’t have to commute other than to and from the city. I can take a stroll for 10 minutes from my loggings to the Office and don’t have to deal with transport of any kind.

So yesterday I told Trish I needed a day off to take my time at getting to Birmingham at Leisure as opposed to doing a full day and then trekking half way up the country. I was quite surprised therefore when I woke and found a message saying “Where are you?”. Guess something got lost somewhere along the line.

Had found online a few properties in the complex that we want to move to. Its perfect for connections to the DLR into town but was a little small. I guess the decision is, do we take a smaller flat for a few years and enjoy the fact that we are now DINKY and are able to over pay the mortgage somewhat or do we hang out for a bigger place say around 250,000? Its ironic isn’t it? Our first Married home together costs a quarter of a million pounds. A million pounds was such a huge sum as a child and now every home in the country costs that or more.

This one was small but was cheap enough that we could afford to borrow a little more and put in a decent kitchen and a more modern bathroom. We will see. I will ask Dusan to go and see it on his day off before making any decisions.

David will be in Birmingham this week so will be nice to catch up with him. I just hope I am not too tired to wait up for him.

New Horizons

We had an offer for our house today. Not 100 % sure what to do. But just thought I shoudl say it looks like we will be moving soon.

Off to see some more properties tomorrow. Watch this space.

Fingers crossed! :-)

24 Hours to go

I feel like a pig tonight. I have been to Big Wok for an all you can eat Chinese buffet and have had to promise myself that I would only have a plate of starter and a plate of mains. Even so I feel completely stuffed and didnt even go near the Sushi or Tempenyaki bar. Dining on your own is never fun. I did think about a lovely Steak Frites over at Mal Maison or possibly cafe Rouge but Big Wok is easy. you go in, help yourselves and leave when you are ready. No waiting around for service. Its quick and easy. Sometimes too quick and easy. I was in and out of the restaurant within half an hour and have since been crashing out on the sofa watching televison with a nice glass of vino.

I've only been gone 48 hours and yet I really miss Dusan. We have enjoyed almost 10 months of spending nearly every single evening together. Usually when I am away with work I am not on my own but this time it feels strangely lonely. The days of 2 or 3 of us per office are long gone. These days its more me and the workers in the office. Its good when you feel you have something in common with them. When you feel like you would like to go out in the evening following work for a drink or two. As has been the case when I have been working in London recently. Gordon actually calls thursday PU night. I had to enquire into what it actually stood for. Gordon is our very own walking Thesauras. I always live in fear that he will correct my grammar in an important work document. But apparantly PU stands for Piss Up Night. No wonder all of the guys last week thought the old boy had an alcohol problem! :-)

Rather than going out for a PU I decided to stay in and get an early night. May as well while I have the opportunity. We all have a feeling that come next week things are going to get madder than ever. So while I have an hour or so till the hubby calls me I am going to go and enjoy and nice hot bath. Night.

Scally Lads

Today was possibly one of the most slow and boring I have had since I started on this project.

I had to be at the office early as my profile is in London and it takes over 20 minutes for my profile to load when I am out of London! They call this technology? I had to show the office the new features that "Go Live" tomorrow morning but without a Training Database it was simply Power Point. We were done by 0910 and aside from the odd question and setting up some queries for the managers it was a very quiet day spent simply studying all of the new features that are live in the morning.

I was out of the door at 1730 on the dot and decided that as I had nothing much to do I would nip over too the Bull Ring and do some window shopping. I guess I wasnt really in the mood to shop (Now thats a first) as I took one walk around Selfridges and decided I would come home for a glass of wine and to chill out. On the way out of the Bull Ring there were some Scally Lads hanging around in their usual Hoodies and Trackie bottoms. This lad was there with his mates and a kid came up behind him and pulled his trackies and underwear right down. The poor thing was standing starkers in the entrance to bull ring. You couldnt help but laugh and it wasnt like it was quiet. About 30 people were laughing at what had just happend. So randomm and unexpected.

Tomorrow I get to go home. I am hoping that the day will be a little busier than today and that it will go quicker and in just over 24 hours I will be home.

For the rest of this evening I have to decide to do I go back to Mr Wok or go for French at Cafe Rouge? Decisions decisions eh?

Big Brother has been watching you

Sometimes it feels like I don’t work for a corporation but I actually am part of the corporation that is Big Brother. The pictures were removed from my blog and all reference to Boy Of the Week because someone complained.

In truth, we have an internal for fun only Who looks like Who Powerpoint and I think someone got ends twisted and thought my PowerPoint was my Blog. But that was the reason for removal of all boys from the blog. I know that George wont mind me giving him a mention. This week at my current office I met some really nice people and did what I do best. Flirt with everyone, Boy or Girl. Its all Good as my friend Ed would say.

Even my husband doesn’t mind. It’s a bit of harmless fun really! There was one boy, really boyish, flirtatious and rather sexy. Infact he made my Top Five for the office. Infact as much as Big Brother insisted I took down all mention of anyone, it was all harmless fun. No harm intended to anyone, infact I didn’t mention anyone’s name. It was all about hotty of the week. One Boy, S of my last assignment was honoured to win Boy of the Week. Infact I have been told since he was chuffed. Come on boys, its not like we are saying you are that way inclined. Merely that you are cute and we salute you sir.

As for Big Brother. Well lets just blow a raspberry at them. I was surprised they have a HR Department as I have never heard of them. Maybe it was just words. But one thing is for certain. They may own photos and I may not use those without permission but words are free and as long as they are not slanderous can not be halted. Such is the marvel of the Internet and all I will say is I know your skeletons.

I do a good job. My current office bought us a Thank you Bottle of Wine and did a speech to say thank you for looking after them. They were lovely. It’s the same, Office after office. Lovely people who do a great job and really care. A huge Thank You to DH for the hospitality. I dare not mention your name. Big Brother forbids and all. And G well you made my week. . It was the best 2.3 weeks of a six month project so far.. Thank you whole heartedly and if any of you fancy a visit to the all you can eat buffet just yell.

Am now away in Birmingham. Of course I miss Dusan but who wouldn’t. I am a "Lucky Bitch". I didn’t find a husband or a lover I found something that is really hard to come by. A soul Mate. Someone who thinks like me, has beliefs like me and is the Positive to my Negative, the Plus to my Minus, the Cold to my Hot and I could go on. We think the same thoughts we dream similar dreams and he believes what I believe. Someone to share not only my life but for the rest of time together. I’ve only ever seen it with one other couple. Who? Mum and Dad. 42 Years living and sharing their lives not only as a couple but as friends also. My only regret. I didn’t meet Dusan before 2003. Heres to the next 10 Years Babycakes. I love you more with each day and respect you more with each experience. That’s something to cherish. Love, Respect and a cherish for each other. I just wish I was not so tired. Work really is wearing us all out. A project that should have ended in July and now runs till just before Christmas. Maybe my body is just in need of more than a weekend to get some rest in. I had hoped that I could sleep until 0730 this morning but was wide awake by 0830! Roll on Friday and I'm coming home. :-)

Happy Anniversary Alex & Mikey

Woah, what a week its been this week. My commute may have cut down some but I have far from been taking easy.

Work has been as busy as ever and its only going to get worse before it gets better.

Last night we went to Comptons after work, having spent about 90 Minutes in John Lewis Looking for a gift for Alex & Mikey. We stopped on the fifth floor for technology and a glance at the latest gadgets and gizmos. They had a 103" Plasma television. The Worlds largest plasma television. Made our 42" seem tiny. From there we headed to comptons to a tribute night to our friend Tom Wyatt who passed away sadly at New Years having lost his fight to Castlemans disease. They held the night in the bar to help raise awareness for the disease. Scott & Lee went all out to help invite everyone that knew Tom. They said they were scared noone would show up but in the end the upper floor was completely packed out. It was nice to see everyone again but by 8 ish I was so worn out that I couldnt stand much longer and we headed home for an early night.

Today, after a lovely lie in till gone 11:00AM we headed home to Nazeing to see the Estate Agent. The house will officially be listed as of next week and we are officially looking for a new home. :-)

From Nazeing we had to drive around 100 miles around to the west side of the city and out to Basingstoke to visit with Mikey & Alex on the day after their 5th Anniversary together. Seems mad that I introduced them five years ago. Which means I have been dear friends with Alex over five years and Mikey a lot lot longer. Time really does fly when you are having fun eh?

At the house was Lizzie, her friend Shona, Ash (whom i;ve not seen in forever), James, Alex, Mikey and of course Stephen.

Got home close to midnight and ready to just crash out now and have a nice and relaxed day tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary Alex & Mikey. Heres to five years more. Much love N&D xxx

New commute

Wow what a difference a new address makes. This evening I left the office at 1730 and was actually on a train from Cannon Street at 1738 meaning I was home by 1800. Not 1915. So have to say loving living back in London again.

Hopefully we will find the flat to move into permanently soon. Been looking daily but all that Foxtons find me are dire ex council blocks. Purlease. I have some standards. We know what we want and once we see it, it will be ours. In the mean time we can start to enjoy life outside of the appartment once more.

Hopefully see you all soon

Love Neil & Dusan x

London Skyline

Well after months of planning and talking about it we have finally made the move back to London and albeit into our sub let short term lease of a London Town House. We share with Lisa. A dear friend we have known for about 7 years now and its kind of more like a family reunion than a moving in party.

We unpacked what we needed to and moved out of the garage the stuff that needed to move in order to get my car, the dear Samantha into it.

Then a quick trip to the garage a minutes walk to get some wine before cooking dinner and chilling with a DVD. Tonight Chicago the musical. Fabulous. As I look out of my middle floor from my 3 storey townhouse I look at the view. With the light in the background we see terraces of Chimne's dating back 150 years. Its almost like the view from the roofs of Cherry Tree Lane and Mary Poppins.

The week ahead is looming. Another long week at the office. It may be long in hours but I have the lovely Trish to keep me company. I do relish the weekends though.

As a final word of parting, A million appologies to my best girl, Gill. I missed her birthday. I was so busy with work I didnt even have time to check personal email and all my birthday reminders. Forgive me Gill. We miss you and sorry I am so caught up in life at the moment.

Much love to you all and thanks for reading.

Love always

Neil

PS - its Tom's Tribute night, Friday from 1830 at Comptons Pub, Old Compton Street. Everyone welcome. :-) XX

A year ago this weekend

Its amazing to think that a whole year has passed. This weekend a year ago I was over in Zagreb visiting Dusan in his homeland with a surprise or two in my pocket and it was this weekend a year ago that we officially became engaged.

Since there there has been all the heart ache of him going back to work on a ship and the big long fight with the Home Office to firstly get a certificate of approval and then planning the big day its self and finally another fight waiting for the Embassy to approve his visa to live here. Its been a manic old year.

But we made it, love was strong and saw us through even the toughest of times.

Both having worked long long hours over the past few weeks it was nice to have a relaxing anniversary meal together, some champagne, steak and peppercorn saunce. We were both tucked up in bed before 10:00 PM thinking that a nice long sleep, say until 11:00AM would do us the world of good. Clearly my body was thinking different as not even at 4:00AM I am wide awake and unable to get back to sleep. I tend, when his happens, to come downstairs and make a large glass of milk and watch a little television until the yawns kick in and then its back to bed for a few more hours. I certainly hope so at least. I think with another long week looming I need as much rest as I can get. Goodnight. x

My Way

I was watching television this evening and Tonight with Jonathon Ross and there was a clip singing Frank Sinatras' My Way. Somehow the lyrics seem to sum it up in exactly how I feel.

I dont mean to break any rules or do anything more than make people smile. But everything I do I do with my own style and flaire. That little bit of excess flamboyance.

If it wasnt enough for Trish to do the training with a pair of Pink Fluffy Handcuffs on her side. Plus she calls me her Siebel Bitch! Whatever. I love her to bits and we have a real laugh. But as I come out of my shell I find myself becoming more and more outrageous.

After work on Wednesday, Gordon, Trish and I went for a quick drink in the Pitcher & Piano. A quick drink or 4 later and some consultants had joint us including one who's brother was on a well none television program. Maybe it was the good looking boys or that we had not eaten but somehow we made it from six till almost midnight without a bite and Gordon saw me to my train before I made my way home.

Thursday was a site for sore eyes to say the least. I shall never be doing that again in a hurry. Is that an Oxymoron?

Since then my flirtations at worse have gotten far worse. Far more as I apparantly said things I do not remember. I dont remember a lot about the night but cest la vie. So now, every time a cute boy in the office shouts Apollo.... one of the Trainers is supposed to come running. I jump over and say, Yes Gorgeous. Its almost like a game of cat and mouse but I have to say, Hats off to Madison Black. Its been the most fun week since the project began and hopefully the fun will continue.

So my point is us, in the words of the man himself. Mr Sinatra. This surely will be the last song at my funeral.

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, Ill say it clear,
Ill state my case, of which Im certain.

Ive lived a life thats full.
Ive traveled each and evry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.
Ive had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

Pied a Terre

Have been looking into the idea of renting a flat or small studio in London for two reasons. One so that Dusan can go back to working at the Ivy, its very difficult when he has to get back to the village. Secondly, I am worn out from my commutte too. A small investment in a short term lease could work well for us both. When suddenly the genius came to me. Hopefully I will have the keys to a new London city home by the end of the week and my country retreat (Home) for the weekends. More to follow. Big hugs for now Neil

Ready for change

I have to confess I very nearly resigned today. After 23 weeks of what was supposed to be an 11 week project all boundries and end points have been crossed again and again and there is only so much that one can take. Take the work side of things aside. Dusan is now working. A positive in every way only that his new job was far from what it was promised to be. The Agent that got him the job said how much they look after their staff. Well if looking after your staff means they can help themselves to a cappucino or a coke whenever they want, fine. But in truth the restaurant adds an additional 12.5% service charge to the bill. Only to pocket the entire amount for themselves. The staff are all paid on a salary. Not an hourly wage. They therefore think that its quite acceptable for all staff to work whatever is required. Now I am not one to oppose hard word but this week Dusan has to work four double shifts, 10:00- 2315 and Saturday 16:00 - 23:15. He has special dispensation to leave by that time in order to catch the last train home.

Next week their idea of looking after their staff is to make him work six days. His only rest, Sunday, they day they are closed and albeit only because the owners are strict catholic.

So this week we are both pushed to our wits end as I work from 08:00 - 18:00, meaning I have to be in bed by around 22:30 where he gets home at 12:45. He then gets into bed at around 02:00 and I am fast asleep. When I rise at 0600, his out cold. Its an odd existence. But I believe you have to look at the positives. As of tomorrow I will shift my hours to a later start. We can travel together to the office and I will soon be away from home for a week or more at a time so I have to take the opportunity to spend every special moment with my loving husband.

I think I may have found the solution. Until such time as we sell the house and buy a new one, closer to London, we can possibly sub let a short term let in London. It would at least cut down on our commute. I'm investigating as we speak.

So as the hour approaches 1030PM I am virtually ready for bed so its goodnight from me and its goodnight from him. Goodnight! XX

Weekend Blues

Well the old phrase that you dont truly appreciate what you have until its gone and ironically I feel just like that on these weekends learning to find things to do without Dusan. His away busy working in town while I am trying to find things to occupy myself.

I have been busy searching for our new home online and unpacking the weekly shop.

I went to Tesco's first and while every little may help they certainly dont make meat, fish and chicken like they do at M&S. So it was a double wammy at the brookfield centre.

Halfway around the cold meat isles I bumped into Aunty Janice and second cousin Nicola Evans. Was nice to see them then stone me cold but my cousin's husband walked up. It was a mini family reunion.

Have spent the night in front of the tube and just relaxing at home thanking my lucky stars that my baby has tomorrow off work and we can spend some time together! It was 9 months of having my husband at home and I actually looked forward to coming home at night. While his away at work I sure do miss him but I am blessed with the fact that he comes home every night and we have our love for each other.

He will be home rather late and I dont quite feel I can stay up late enough tonight but tomorrow is another day, another adventure and I am sure we can make it a special day for thats what 2 people that love each other very much do. Find a way to survive, no matter what.

Lat Lackered

To speak in old cockney rhyme I am absolutely lat lackered right now. Despite the fact that I have been staying in a hotel and literally have to travel down one flight of stairs and then continue to train my group. They could be described as a fiesty group. My team is the Irish group and they are rather anxious to say the least. Some bright spark decided they would have a grand ball on the Wednesday and so they arrived yesterday Lat Lackered. We pushed through despite the zest and rebellion against a change. Usually I can talk them around but this version of the software, even though its neiwer has no positves that I can see from a end user point of v iew. Maybe at the back end but not as an end user. That makes it so hard to teach.

Usually I am at breakfast by 0800 but figure I will wash and dress slowly possibly skip the morning meal. I can eat later. I just wish I could sleep all day. Thank goodness its the weekend and tomorrow is my time. Have a nice day :-) X

Quiet Nights, Busy Days

SomehowI managed to clock up 21 hours in the first two days of this week working from the moment the office opens until the questions stop. Monday I shot straight home but last night as we turfed out just after 7PM Gordon and I went downstairs to Revolution for a couple of drinks and a good old catch up after we have been separated in different offices for nearly a month.

Dusan was working till almost midnight and as it was going to be rather cold I promised I woudl pick him up from the station at just after midnight. The last two hours dragged and dragged and I was very bed ready when I finally picked him up.

We had to both be up fairly early to put away clothes and welcome the Estate Agent. We had the house valued and then I had to dash off to Windsor for a meeting all afternoon with Sinead and a chance to do some prep work in readiness for tomorrow's class.

We studied and then went for dinner and a few drinks. The service was okay but the food was absolutely dire. Wont be eating there again. Tomorrow I think we will try the Harvester or the Grill accross the street.

Been back in my room chilling for an hour and looking up fun things on You Tube. I found this clip with some fond memories of my times in Orlando.

Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BMaJ_ziaO0

Neil

Seasons of Change

Why is it that when you most need the sleep you can never get enough? I was still awake at 1230AM this morning and then instead of waking to my alarm I was awake before 0500. Once I am awake I am awake. So at 545 I climbed downstairs to make the largest pot of coffee before even attempting to get dressed and presentable. One good thing about having to wear a floorwalking Polo shirt is that it needs no ironing and is far less hassle than cufflinks in a my mini comatose state first thing. I had to be extra early today as my travel card had expired at the weekend and queue’s on a Monday can be rather tedious.

Actually managed to purchase my ticket without a line but maybe that was because it was not even 0700 and then found myself on the platform awaiting the 0721. I was almost tempted to take the 0718, which is the faster option, but as today it was even shorter at just 3 carriages. No wonder we are eager to move home as quickly as possible. Why should the blooming Train Companies make masses of money when they don’t even have the courtesy to run a train large enough to hold the people that wish to take it.

Leaving the house I was surprised at how mild it was first thing and at just 7AM was sat 20 minutes on a platform quite warm enough in my suit. My lunchtime the temperature had plummeted and I was shivering on the way back from Marks and Spencer. Now I actually wish I had packed my coat. You can tell the seasons are about to change.

With four of us plus IT support today it seems massively overkill and I am just grateful I am only working two days here this week. I have another gig near Heathrow for the rest of the week and that means no commute. Yeah!


Just counting down the moments till home time and a nice quiet chilled evening and then bed. No more wine tonight! I’m cutting back and think an early night will leave me feeling much better.

Finally, David if the cap fits matey J X

Where did Lucky Bitches come from?

Do you ever remember the French & Saunders sketch for Jackie & Joan Collins? Lucky Bitches was where I got the name from my blog, for I know, am a lucky Bitch.

Just for nostalgia check it out... simply browse to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwYI3U7pkE4 Thanks for reading. Neil

Call me Bubbles Darling

Thursday evening saw us begin the CBT evening's at the next brand with work. This meant leaving the office I have become very friendly with and going over to brave it at a brand new office. The office manager at the previous office invited me to join them after work for a drink. Now that Dusan has started to work, I only have an empty house to go home to and so thought why not?

The new office seemed very friendly and some pretty faces which always makes the day go by a little bit faster.

We were done by 645PM which was quite early and met the others in a bar in Leadenhall Market. We sat and talked and managed to work our way through two bottles of Champange (Lucky Bitches). Call my bubbles Darling everbody does! I should have then called it a day but with the prospect of an empty house and the suggestion of shall we go to the bar that the Huxley lot drink in? I said yes. Here we swicthed to Pinot Grigio which in itsself would have been fine however as the alcohol hit our bloodstream and on an empty stomach the move from fluffy to fuzzy was very sudden. I found myself in the bar talking to two consultants, one who was in University at St Andrews with Prince William. Now where is Surinder when you spot an eligble batcheoleor? Then there was the other one, who's name I will not mention to protect his identity. Obviously straight but after the second bottle of Pinot was opened (Apparantly he bought us two more bottles but I have no recollection of this). When I move from Fuzzy to the 3rd and Final F stage of drunkenness, my flirtatious nature comes over. I do have recollection of grouping him at some stage but I dont remember any resistance. The two girls said as I made my way down the street I was swaying from side to side.

When I got home Dusan wasnt far behind me but I needed to go straight to bed. Waking to a most peculair event. I had gone to bed in our bedroom and woken up in the spare room. The headache that followed was gone by mid morning thankfully, something the girls were rather envious of me for. Why is it that we swear we will "never drink again" and only the next day we are back on the bottle? Thanks to the girls for the fun night out and to mr grope for the Pinot! ;-)

DINKE Vs DINKY

Mikey has corrected me, we should be DINKE - Thats Dual Income No Kids Ever! Emily will like that. She's my fabulous Mortgage advisor who is helping us to get the mortgage sorted. She's totally fabulous and sets up mortgages for the Stars and regular fabulous folk like myself.

Also Get well to Mikey. Poor guys at home with a broken hip. Thats so Queen mother though his more likely the mother of all Queens. I jest of course. His one in a million! Get well Mikey! :-)

Like Animals, unleashed in the wild!

Its funny how territorial & habitual the British people can be. Complete strangers that I see nearly every morning as I leave the house at precisely 0705. I arrive at the car park at 0710 and say good morning to the parking attendant who always greets me with a "Good Morning Sir". I now have a season parking ticket so no longer have to purchase a daily one from him. His is the only real voice I will hear for an hour.

I pass through the ticketing hall, amazed every day by the increasing numbers of people who make such a tedious journey on a daily basis. At any given moment you can count at least 20 people approaching the Station down the Stations drive.

I stop to buy a newspaper from the Newsagent booth at the Station. The same Stationer has stood there and run his small business for over 30 years. Never once does he say Good Morning or smile. He just holds his hand out in anticipation of my coins in return for my morning read.
I step down onto the Platform around 0717. One minute before the fast train is due. I have learned after 20 weeks of this journey that there is never a single seat on the 0717. It’s a four carriage Train (And I pay £265 a month for this service). By the time it pulls into Broxbourne and the doors open with a hiss the Train is already Standing room only. Often there is not even enough room to squeeze on in. A Journey I would have once attempted. No more. The foolish man takes the 0718. The wise man waits till 0721 when the slower train (Stopping at 2 more stops) but has a full 8 carriages arrives. I am guaranteed a seat on the 0721. So I take my usual spot, Carriage 2, door 2 on the platform. Surrounded by the same faces I see every morning. Nobody talks. In fact its almost Taboo to be talking on the train in the mornings. People scowl if your mobile rings and you literally rush to get the person off the phone so as not to break one of socials great taboo’s.

The train arrives, almost 100 people are standing along the length of the platform. Standing where they believe the doors will stop allowing them first entry to the train. It reminds me of an animal about to stalk its prey. Standing motionless, its eyes moving quickly back and forth. Still no one smiling, talking not even acknowledging one another. A recorded voice comes over the tannoy. "The Train now approaching Platform 2 is the 0721 One Service to London Liverpool Street. Calling at Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Enfield Lock, Tottenham Hale & Liverpool Street.
The 0721 One Service to London Liverpool Street". Its seems stupid that they are allowed to call the Train Company One. It makes the announcements rather confusing.

The Train hisses in and pulls to a stop and those that are not aligned directly to the doors shuffle their feet as though a stampeded is about to commence. Its not surprising really. The reward is a seat the full 30 plus minutes into London. Failing your stamped could leave you standing the full journey with nothing but a dirty bar to hold to for support. Sitting down is the only option if you don’t want to arrive at work, stressed, sweaty and worn out. Even in the middle of winter with carriages packed with 300 people the heat is unbearable. No-one dares to open a window, despite nearly everyone sweating in the heat.

I survive my journey by playing my Ipod and blocking out the entire journey and everyone around me as I sit peacefully and read my newspaper. With any luck I am at Liverpool Street on time and can once again, stampede for the exit. 8 Carriages of several hundred people are pouring out onto a platform to then squeeze through an electronic barrier if your ticket is working correctly. Of course, before you can pass the barrier, into what is almost like freedom, you are faced with the miserable faces of the soldiers that man the Berlin Wall. It seems as such. They stand their with a look like a mad man about to make a kill daring anyone to approach without a fully paid ticket. It doesn’t matter if the machine was broken or there was no-one at the ticket office. If you fail to have a vaild ticket "The Mob" will attack you with a minimum of a fine. Of course they now days, due to their brutality are often backed up by the British Transport Police. If they were perhaps less forceful perhaps people would be less aggressive back. Its only in human nature to be defensive when attacked.

I’ve made it. A 5 minute drive, ten minute walk, 35 minute train drive and I’m through the mob and the electric fence (Automatic ticket barrier) into relative safety. The Station is already crowded despite it being not even 0800 in the morning. Thousands of suits walk rush through the terminal building out to offices, trading floors and beyond. I stop to purchase my breakfast at a vendor in the Station and as always are infuriated by the slowness of the tourists that are not only in the way but persistently slow as they reach through their bag sifting through dozens of coins not sure the value of each exactly. "Just hand over a note", I think impatiently. There are 3 people working in the vendor today. The same three as yesterday. Despite the fact that I have bought the same item for the past 20 weeks, I never get a friendly "Hello" or the usual. At least at Starbucks they recognise you. One of the two staff is busy cleaning, despite the growing queue of people waiting for service while the other slowly works the coffee machine. Is there no such thing as customer service anymore?

Finally I shove my breakfast in my bag and climb the escalator to the street ahead. Another mine field as I have to press through the now ever present street trader who is thrusting a free magazine or newspaper into the face of every passer.

I’m now out on the main road where I make a quick left onto a side street and finally, I am alone. My music playing, walking the remaining 10 minutes to my office where I arrive just after 0800. My back is wet, my brow is too despite the chill in the air from the overnight low. The shops are mainly closed at this hour but it’s a peaceful moment in the stressful day. As stressful as this may seem, it’s a dream compared to other offices I occasionally have to work at further into London’s West End and Beyond.

While looking through the schedule yesterday I noticed my three weeks later in the year in Birmingham had been moved. No longer would I be in the Midlands for what I can describe as the "niceties" of the project. When I am provided with a Hotel close to the office and can literally walk to work in less than ten minutes. It’s a pure dream and I arrive stress free. No instead I have been moved to Wimbledon. When I query this I am told, "Don’t you prefer London?". I had to point out that while the City was quite okay, I don’t actually class Wimbledon as London. In fact it is almost about as far away from where I live as you could get. It necessitates me getting off my train after 10 Minutes at Tottenham Hale and fighting my way down on the underground. Despite the fact its only 0730 in the morning and I am boarding a train only 2 stops from the end of the line, it is Standing room only. If you have never been, the London underground is not air-conditioned. The Tunnels and Trains emit heat from friction causing the temperature to rise and as the trains pack fuller and fuller the heat becomes unbearable. Standing for 40 – 50 minutes (If there are no delays) I have to commute to Vauxhall and change for a 20 minute over ground train journey all the way to Wimbledon. Needless to say I was not in the best of moods when I made the call to enquire as to why I had been changed. The lovely lady on Scheduling swapped me forthwith. Phew. A narrow escape.
I’m now dreading the journey in winter. Especially as everyone will be packed into those same trains but wearing bulkier warmer clothes. They cough, they splutter and many do not have the courtesy to even cover their mouths. The germs spread quickly and it is not uncommon for large numbers of any office to go down with influenza at any time. Having said that there is no contingency at work for any sickness.

I may have moaned and groaned in the past about sitting on the M25 for over 2 hours to do just forty miles but at least I have avoided the stress and germs of London Commute. Now all I have to do is last till 6 PM when my reverse journey begins. The only difference being you can actually talk on the return route without the dagger eyes!

I just pray I can move before the end of the year when the weather worsens the journey. To think some people do this everyday of their working life!

An afternoon with Mark P

Managed to sleep in until 1130AM which to me is pure Heaven. In an ideal world I would always work 11:00 - 19:00 so that the hours would better suit my lifestyle. Everytime I am on a contract and they say you have an 0800 meeting I shudder with horror and know that I will most certainly not be at my best.

So we arranged with Mark that we would have a lie in and then would meet up in Town at 1400. Dusan had wanted to look around Casa Armani on Bond Street but ironically the cities most exlusive shopping street, Bond Street, is too exlusive to be open on a Sunday.

So we wandered down to the dilly, taking in the half naked boys in the doorway at Ambercrombie & Fitch (Very nice) and then found our way to the Living Room for a Bottle of Shiraz. This wore us out so we headed to starbucks for a coffee. Why do parents allow their children to scream so loud in cafe's? We all agreed we dont mind Children when they are behaved but when they are left to run riot they are hidious.

Made it home by 1800 and a nice chilled evening in with another bottle of Red. Time to wind down and prepare for a long week ahead in the city.

Today Dusan will meet me in town and is off hunting for a new vacancy somewhere in the City area. Fingers crossed Dusan.

Ant comes to Dinner & Neil's Birthday Bash

Friday evening we invited our friend Ant over to dinner and so stocked up with food. Not just food, M&S food. :-) He works nights so he didnt arrive until 2100 and by then the Chicken was roasted and ready to enjoy.

We all ate, watched Eating Out 2, Sloppy Seconds on DVD. No, its not a porn movie. Its actually a comedy about a sexually confussed boy in the USA. If you like American Pie you will love Eating Out 1 & 2.

Last night we had to head over to Little Baddow for a meal at Russell's restaurant in celebration of Neil C's 38th Birthday. Happy Birthday Neil. We arrived to a Champagne reception and then had 3 courses, dessert and canape's. I was driving so Dusan had my share of wine too. We arrived hom around 1230AM.

Heading off to meet Mark P this afternoon. Wonder what we will get up to in town today?

Half Weekend and Back to the Slog

Somehow it seems mad that I was only on Holiday a month ago. It seems ages ago already.

Saturday most of the day was taken up with Training and then Sunday we chilled at home until around five when I had to pack and hit the dreaded M25 to make my way to my hotel in Chertsey. It being the last weekend before the end of the school holidays the motorway was heaving and it took me 3 hours to get all the way around to Chertsey.

Still from the madness of Europes busiest motorway to the tranquility of an old stately home. Check out www.foxhills.co.uk A 200 year old building with 12 tennis courts, 3 pools, a full gymnasium, squash centre, health suite and choice of 3 restuarnts and 3 Golf courses.

Steph and I relaxed over a bottle of wine in the 19th Hole Clubhouse and had a nice steak dinner before a fairly early night.

Monday was day one in the classroom of my new TTT for another client then back to the hotel for a quick drink and time to chill out in the pool and the steam room. We booked into the more full service restaurant where we dined on 3 fabulous courses for an all in rate of £25 each. That being the companies meal allowance for the evening we felt well chuffed and rather stuffed as we made our way back to my room where we had a bottle of Shiraz we had picked up at the Off License on the way home.

Tuesday had presentation day and the last chance to get ready for the clients launch at the end of the month. Thankfully I have used the software previously. I felt really sorry for the guys that were having to take in all the new capabilities as well as the new way the software works all in a day and a half.

With the day at a close I was shattered and 2 hours further around the M25 seems rediculous. You cant believe in 25 years they have not made any improvement to the road and there is no alternative but to drive. I called my line manager on my other contract and asked on the possibility of having a day off in Lieu of the Saturday worked. We are always allowed a day off if we work the weekend or can work it and get overtime. I was feeling quite whacked and so enjoyed a lie in with the husband and then an afternoon of shopping.

We've now broken the back of the week and only one more day and its the weekend! Roll on Saturday!

DTPM Memoirs

Spent a traditional Bank Holiday weekend at DTPM with the usual gang, Marcos & Carlos, Steve and Woody and of course Dusan and I.

The evening was dampered by the word that DTPM may possibly soon be closing. Indeed it was quieter than normal and lacked a certain vibe. Do places have a certai shelflife and then thats it?

By 2:00AM I was feeling exhausted and maybe I was just too worn out with work to go out late or I just missed my new fabulous wedding gift linning but enough was enough and feeling rather exhausted we made our way home and enjoyed a night in the best of company. With nothing but one another.

Once in a lifetime you find the person you wish to spend your life with and when you find them you know its for real. We think each others thoughts, can say what the other is thinking and love each other with un-ending love. What else could one want in life?

RIP Lee Noorda

This weekend sadly, my dear American Family said goodbye to the father of the family, Lee Noorda as he lost his battle with Cancer.

Leaving behind Wife Irene, Daughters Pamela & Janet, Sons, Philip, Jeff & Scott.


I have spent many a family moment with my American family and can only wish the family all my love and respect at this difficult time.

Much love Neil & Dusan !XXX

Winter Blues in August!

After what must be the worst English summer on record and after the Met Office recorded it officially the wettest summer in over 300 years, its now feeling quite like November in the middle of August. This morning as I rose for work at 0630 I had to turn on the heating for 15 minutes to take the chill off the house. Even nipping out at lunch time I had to wear my thick wool winter coat. I imagine depression will be up as winter sets in early this summer.

Dusan and I are now actively looking to move ASAP. I am currently rising at 0630 every morning simply to get to the office for 0900. Its too much.

Everybody at the office was in the classroom yesterday. They all agreed, even the new starters that they were worn out and in need of a break soon. The rollout schedule has not even begun and we are all exhausted. Needless to say that with this commute it will get worse as winter begins to set in. I believe we will spend this weekend at home going through the cupboards and throwing out all that we can so that we can make the move as easy as possible. I better get on and look for a flat to buy now.

We also figure that if we are spending £500 between us on Travel per month currently that would only be £140 if we lived in Zone 2. Heating here is £58 for gas and electricity and my old flat was £20 total. Something is wrong with the cost of living in the burbs. Less to say that we dont want to be here and will not spend money on a house we dont want to live in. My father will not like it when he hears we are moving but everyone else seems fine with the idea. In his eyes this is the perfect home and how lucky we are. He doesnt realise that without our friends and with nothing that interests us socially locally its cold, lonely and expensive as well as exhausting in regards to commuting.

Decision made, time to get ready to move. Watch out London. Here we come!!!

Soho Pride 2007, Soho, London

With the weather as bad as it could be, rain and cloud about to spoil the day at the last minute but we manged to rally the troops and Mark had agreed to meet us in the Edge, Soho.

We made our way there and bumped into Dave, Warren, the lovely Sam Vangeen and some others outside Profile and then made our way to the Edge where we hooked up with the other Warren, Antionio and our lovely friend Mark.

We all made our way around through the fairly quiets streets taking in the atmosphere and bumping into more and more friends. Nigel & Grant, Scotty, Lee & Matthew, Carlos & Marcus, then Jason Rosam who dragged us into a restaurant to see Neil Sexton who was dining with Jamie Crick and the lovely Amanda.

It was day spent having a few drinks with some very special friends.

Everyone was asking us when we would be moving back and we have told them all that we aim to be moving very soon. It was weird how everyone was so excited that we would be moving back and how much we have been missed in these two years out in the wilderness of Essex. It was a strange feeling as everyone was excited that we would be returning to the city. Almost as though it was where we belonged. Essex has served us well. We managed to set up a stable home enough to ensure Dusan had a firm base for his application and now that its all sorted we can start to plan our future back where most our friends live, in a city we love and where we feel most at home.

Final Day in Paradise

Well they say that all good things must come to an end and end it in style we did. Starting off with Coffee on the Veranda as the sun started to shine over the horizon and then stoked the BBQ for our lunch outside while I tucked into Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

By 1400 we headed down to the beach as always that was packed as it was a weekend. Locals and tourists alike merging on the sandy pastures of a perfect sandy beach, clear cloudless blue skies and a soft gentle sea breeze to keep up cool. Dusan sat under the Parasol while Harry Potter and I enjoyed the last day of sun.

At 1800 we made our way back to the Villa and said goodbye to the friends we had made on the beach and stopped at the supermarket for a last bottle of wine and some final bits and bobs. Then came back to enjoy the last two hours of sunshine and a bottle of champagne we had left chilling all day. Steak and Salad dinner followed before we packed our cases and prepared for our final night in front of the television. Our friend Rob whom we met in the week in Villamoura sadly had to work this weekend so we didnt get to say a final goodbye, but we will in the words of Arnie - "Will be Back!"

Its been a perfect 10 days winding down, enjoying the company of your true life partner and just relaxing in the sunshine with good food, cheap drinks and fabulous weather. Its times like this that I remember why I named this blog so. We really are truly Lucky Bitches! xxx

Sunburnt or Alergies

It would seem that Dusan likes to spend his weekends in search of medical help. Exactly a week after we ended up at the hospital today we got back from the beach and he came out in a rash. It had been appearing in small patches over the week but by last night it was over all of his chest in little red blotches. As we came in from the sun he started to itch and so after a shower we drove into Almancil in search of a Pharmacy. Unlike in the UK there are signs everywhere over the Algarve pointing you to the nearest Pharmacy and they are illuminated with huge flashing neon crosses (Unlike a Boots). Why do they never have the International Pharmacy Sign in the UK? Have I ever mentioned how much I hate boots? Over priced tosh where they have now stopped stocking branded goods and only sell Boots Brand of an inferior product. Hey Ho. The first two Pharmacies were closed so we drove into Quinto do Largo, a much larger tourist area where the shops are likely to open later and found a late night Pharmacy and an English speaker where I was able to purchase some Camomile Lotion and seek medical advice from the Pharmist. I was right as she suggested that it was either an alergic reaction to the sun or to the sunscreen and that he should put the Camomile Lotion on twice a day and apply direct to the skin before sunscreen. Almost instantly the itching stopped. So we will need once we get home to seek further advice. We are hoping its the sunscreen and that Dusan's skin is in need of a branded Sunscreen such as Dior, Calvin Klein or Dolce & Gabbanna and that his allergic to something that costs less than £25 a bottle. Infact I had to laugh as we rubbed the Camomile Lotion over his body he said "Oh no, I smell like a cheap Soap". Memo to Molton Brown - "When are you going to start to make sunscreen?"

Today is our last day. Its been blissfully relaxing. We have enjoyed a BBQ virtually everyday out by the pool on the Terrace. Have spent some time everyday on the Beach. Visited Albufeira and Villamoura and most importantly spent ten gorgeous days together on our honeymoon!

Finally, some get well words to our dear friend Trish who has slipped a Disk, Poor Love. Get well soon!

Beach Life Algarve

Woke around 10 and spent first hour with coffee by the pool then headed off to the beach for about 6 hours. It was boiling and we both have a lovely colour. Dusan, being naturally Mediteranian is even darker than I am.

Came home to a BBQ dinner of Steak and Salad and then some Big Brother before chilling with some Portugese wine and my loving man!

The lattest pics are attached. As for the the Surongs, well if its good enough for David Beckham its good enough for us eh?

Vilamoura Vs Magaluf

Last night after a near full day in the sunshine, split between a BBQ lunch at the Villa and then spending the afternoon down on the beach that we would venture out from the safety of the complex and see another town. Vilamoura is 2 towns west on the coast and is home to a Marina, dozens of restaurants and according to Google one of the Algraves only Gay Bars, E Bar. Unfortunatly E Bar did not have a web site so we made our way over, parked the car and wandered around the Marina. At 1900 it was fairly busy but seemed as though it turned rapidly from being a quiet Marina to something that resembled Magaluf as thousands of burnt British people transended on to the streets smothered in Burberry, football colours or aftersun lotion.

The Marina front restaurants all had queues outside and it has as much alure by then as a Motorway service cafe or lets say a restaurant in Harlow's Harvey Centre. Not very appealing. So we headed off the beaten track and found a really nice Portugese place that was far less touristy.



When I studied Business Studies & Tourism they did tests on us all to see what sort of a tourist we would be. Apparantly I dont like to be too far away from civilization but the idea of mixing with thousands of drunken Brits in Karaoke bars was far from appealing.

After dinner we found the E-Bar only to find it doesnt opne until ten. We spent an hour looking for it then Dusan spotted an Adult Store and popped in for directions. What no porn you say?

As it wasnt even open we headed back to a much more appreciative Villa without the crowds of drunks and screaming brats. We did laugh at how many family's we saw where there was Mum, Dad, 3 Teens, a Baby and two Grandparents or even four in massive groups and all they do is argue.

What the Algarve desperately needs is a gay only resort. Where's my business manager? There is one in Quarteira the next town down so we may head there later, after of course we have gone a shade darker by the pool or on the Beach. Blissfull way to spend ones Honeymoon! :-)

Spencer Gasson Vs Harry Potter

Yes my friend, Spencer, that is a Harry Potter book and I am happy to say I love the HP series. Have been sat for the past hour on the double bed inflatable on the pool reading book 7. Blissfull way to spend the afternoon after we had cocktails down at Julias beach at Noon.

Will head back down to the beach after lunch. The BBQ is stoked and we have chicken with Potatoe Salad and Vegtables for lunch. Infact since we arrived we have eaten Al Fresco and not bothered with restaurants at all. With Buffalo Steaks available for under 2 Euro's and all the BBQ food likewise we have stoked the Barbie daily and have been enjoying our private Villa Terrace and pool instead.

More details and photo's soon but until then, much love my friends

Neil & Dusan x