The best Father Ted episode ever, just started on C4.

Looking forward to lots of exciting challenges in 2011. I feel very lucky to have my amazing family and such great friends. Happy new year!

Ikea again. Each time I think it will be different. Each time it is a voyage into the depths of hell. ARRGHHH!

The big room shuffle has begun, moving everyone around so that I get a more suitable size office and we get our master bedroom! lots of DIY

Boxing day, historically the day when the servants got the day off. Tell that to my kids :) They are having a great Christmas.

Kids have been up and down all night, now I am building a complex lego set in a daze. Having fun. Merry Christmas all!

Had a really lovely day with friends and family. I feel very lucky to have them and I'm looking forward to Christmas and a great 2011.

While shopping a woman yells across to her friend "I have the flu", her friend replies "So have I", while laughing. I hate people sometimes.

lay down for a rest in bed at 7pm, just woke up and can't get back to sleep now :( bah

Don't you hate it when you perfectly execute a handbrake turn into a parking space and there is no hot chick, ahem, I mean - Wife to see it

Mum posted me a box of mince pies, anybody want a crushed beyond all recognition mince pie?

still on my long snow adventure walk with Dad. made it to st Marthas church, lovely snowy vista.

First official day of my Christmas holiday today, stinking cold.

Watched Anchorman with Dad last night, he didn't like it, I am shocked, I thought everyone liked that film.

Nothing shows the cultural differences between the UK and US than the trailers for "Death at a Funeral" http://bit.ly/h9ImN6

Up early with my 3 favourite alarm clocks. Last night was fun, curry with the boys, celebrating weight loss effort. I came 2nd, 20lbs gone!

Looks like the Netherlands are set for a white Christmas - http://ping.fm/z2e9C

Texting while driving must be a pretty big problem, based on the fact I have spotted 3 people doing it within 10 miles, 2 almost hitting us!

Off to a panto tonight. Yay.

Determined to locate our missing Nintendo DS today, it has been gone for over a week, weird!

Off to a Christmas Party with Friends tonight. Looking forward to it.

I must have been abducted and operated on by aliens last night. I've woken up this morning and all of a sudden can't stand sugar in my tea.

Jet lag and worry/excitement = insomnia. Just one more week before a long Christmas break!

Thinking of buying a violin, no idea why, maybe it is an aspirational purchase, it is the rich man's ukulele after all ;)

Pressed play on iTunes and got Yuko & Hiro by Blur, brilliant song but precisely the wrong one for this particular moment in my life.

Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome continues in earnest. It seems I won another one last night, curse you auctonsniper & my speculative bidding.

You have to love the US of A. Just picked up a wireless netbook for Son2 for the grand total of �54!!! Heading home soon. Via Wendys.

Lucky pants (check), too much coffee (check). Wish me luck on my exam.

Use of the word "nonce" in IPSec VPN phase 1 IKE negotiations still makes me chuckle. I'm such a geek.

I'm tired, it's only 5pm. Sitting in the cinema about to watch megamind 3d. It's about all I can cope with intellectually.

Good museum, glad to see an acknowkedgment of Ukuleles there. Heading to natural history to see if there are any dinosaurs.

First thing you see in the museum of American history? Jim Bowie's knife? An early settlers quilt? A nasa rocket engine? No. C3 bloody P0!

Walking down to the Lincoln Statue, can't wait to see this one. Such an iconic monument.

Standing under the washington memorial, turns out you can ride an elevator to the top, queuing for that now, frostbite a possibility.

Standing outside the white house, cold, need a wee.

Heading into Washington DC to have a look around.

Got a free car rental upgrade, the guy said "take your pick". Leaving in a black VW beetle, I can't help but wonder if it was a bad choice.

Watched the sun setting for 7 hours. Approximately the same length of time the kid sitting across from me screamed for.

Sitting on the plane, ready to depart. Naturally the world's biggest man is sat next to me. Saying bye to family I felt homesick immediately

Severe dislike of humans? Disagreeable temperament? Permanent look of contempt? Congratulations you're qualified to work for T5 security.

Ow my head....... . . . . Arrrgh, I have to pack.

Interesting argument about religion this evening, as a agnostic theist I was well placed to play the annoying liberal devil's advocate.

Tequila!!!

Off to Virginia tomorrow, pub or pack? pub or pack?....

Howard Flight living proof of the Dunning-Kruger effect. http://ping.fm/l7v1a

There is something so cool, dated and ultra geeky about this powerful & emotional song about Kate Bush's computer. http://blip.fm/~yzaga

Happy thanksgiving day America.

I must be getting old, the red hot chilli peppers are just bloody annoying sounding now.

Can't believe it has only been just over 2 months since I hurt my shoulder, promised myself I would give it 4 months before getting annoyed.

YES! Gran Turismo 5 just plopped onto my doorstep 1 day before UK release date! So tempted, but too much work to do, later my pretty. #GT5

I have just bought myself a, erm, actually I am not sure what it is, a vintage 8 string banjolele I think. Quite excited!

Slow down everyone... http://bit.ly/slowitdown

Ooooh. ASDA just told me that they have dispatched Gran Turismo 5 ALREADY! Looks like I will get it way before the release date! YAY!

Queuing to see Santa

Oh dear oh dear, not good at all it seems.

I wonder what I would look like with a handlebar moustache?

I've been cheating with movember. I've been growing a beard, I planned to chop into a moustache at the last minute, I'm tempted to do it now

Getting really sick of the physiotherapy exercises. Shoulder still feels terrible. Going to book an appointment & try to get the operation.

Going to have a glass of Mulled Wine after a busy day.

Ooooh a royal wedding. The BBC reports "Royal engagement delights world", au contraire BBC, au contraire.

Giving facebook a rest for a while, disabled my account, wonder how long I can last? Managed 1 year last time, then they dragged me back in.

It's official, the world's gone mad, just saw some Easter related items in my local shop!

I wish there was a website about dudes with beards eating cupcakes, hang on, there is! http://bit.ly/cupcakedude

Nice, bit religious, but good observation of hypocrisy of daylight atheism. Appeals to my agnostic theist philosophy http://blip.fm/~yhvjj

Gawd I lurve this song... I can almost play it on a Ukulele, how cool am I?! http://ping.fm/Qc3qk

Alibaba retailer sells "terrible products" from China - something lost in translation here http://bit.ly/bR9CCo #lostintranslation

London Uke Festival 2011 - Could this be our Woodstock? http://bit.ly/luf2011

A review of the RISA Solid Electric Ukulele http://bit.ly/risasolid

So, anyone stuck for Christmas ideas for me? This amazing flying "toy" would cheer me up - http://ping.fm/hdfPp

IT WORKS! THANK GOD (who may or may not exist) FOR THAT. Was seriously starting to think my technical ability was melting with age.

I've settled on aloofness as a lifestyle choice. I doubt anyone will notice.

The inescapable down side of parenting, washing sheets and cleaning up projectile vomit at 1am.

Had a great time "trick or treating" with friends and our large collection of children.

I made a spooky flying ghost to scare the kids with ;)

Video of time traveller caught using a cell phone in 1928! http://bit.ly/b9Svxx

Starting the long journey home to the UK. Heading to a strum-along session at a pub tonight with friends Alex, Darren and my trusty ukulele

Just had a Dutch kroketten, I might regret it later.

Off to Amsterdam today

In-laws are back from a round-the-world trip, I missed them (but I've a couple of bullets left). Only joking, looking forward to catching up

Blimey, I'm in Belgium, that was quick.

Blimey, I'm in France, that was quick.

Sitting on the Eurostar for Brussels, long day ahead. The loud man flirting with his PA isn't doing much to endear me to humanity. Seat 23.

Off to Belgium for the day on the Eurostar. Blooming freezing this morning. I don't know how commuters do it.

Playing live in a pub on my ukulele, it's a real confidence builder. The fact that there are more uke players than audience is irrelevant.

Watching "Hot Rod" again, I love this film. The "You're the Voice" scene is one of the most brilliant surreal pieces of comedy ever devised.

Don't ever give me a red button marked "Destroy All Humanity" after getting off a 10 hour economy flight from India. Back home now :)

4:30am here, decided to go through the night without sleep to bring myself back in-line with home. Exhausted. Only typing this to stay awake

A colleague gave me some Laddoo, they are like little treacle puddings! Will have a go at making them when I get home - http://bit.ly/9KkgA8

India; wonderful, vibrant, fascinating. Then I see a tiny child, no more than 3 yrs old, begging on a rain drenched pavement. I'm very upset

Just had my palm read. Apparently my past is hazy (sounds about right). My future is full of happiness, nothing about becoming a rock star.

Out drinking with colleagues. Missing my band practice night. Just tried to explain what a ukulele is, I got perplexed incredulous looks.

I bought "The left hand of darkness" by Ursula K. Guin based on a recommendation, but I can't remember who?!. It is a great read, thanks!

Being a passenger in a Bangalore taxi is like taking a ride on a rollercoaster, with a much higher chance of someone's death. Eyes are shut

Having Chinese set menu. Just finished 5th dish, totally stuffed and the waiter just said "shall I bring the main dishes". I am Mr Creosote!

Just as the British are mad about curry, I am enjoying one of India's favourite foods - Chinese. It's really good.

Exhausted, off for a swim. I get nervous though, the hotel roof top pool reminds me of the opening scene in Dirty Harry http://bit.ly/c5WBVR

The usual hairy ride through BLR traffic. Taxi driver looked offended that I tried to put on my seat belt. Insisted that I didn't! :D

In a traditional English pub in India. Having a corona. If it weren't for the cricket on the TV I would think I was at the Anchor back home

Off to grab some dinner, might try Curry. The streets are erupting with drum beats, shouting, music & fireworks. Thinking of venturing out.

Grabbed a few hours sleep. Woken by someone singing happy birthday. Funny birds flying past window, realised they are massive dragon flies.

What I love about Bangalore is the sense that the whole city grew up between the trees of a dense woodland and every tree is still in place

Landed Bangalore. 5am, unnaturally hot. Watching dopey English people being turned away from passport control for not having landing cards.

Sitting on the plane. No upgrade but managed to get a bulk head seat. I'm next to a man with the loudest headphones in the world.

Off to India tomorrow. 29 degrees all week! Down side; continuous heavy rain & thunderstorms all week! Not sure what to pack now. Life raft?

I am a Guerrilla warfare environmentalist. I always take my TV-B-Gone to turn off annoying unwatched TVs and monitors when I am travelling.

Things are looking up, managed to have a shave earlier. It took 30 minutes and I needed to take painkillers afterwards, but hey, baby steps.

Arm sling swapped for Roman gladiator style shoulder compression support. Really comfortable, recommended. http://bit.ly/cPDPWu

Mum had a successful operation and has been given the all clear. A big weight off everyone's minds.

Phew, I didn't get into the London Marathon. I think that would be a bit of a stretch.

Still in pain, I have constructed a rudimentary system of straps to pull my bones back together. DIY physio.

Paracetamol doesn't work, ibuprofen doesn't work, so this evening I will ease the pain in my shoulder with beer. Anyone coming?

My lovely wife let me sleep until I woke up this morning, 11am! Less pain as I got up which is reassuring that things are getting better.

Woke up in agony yet again, very draining. Getting me down, can't face months of this :(

I have new respect for people who have to do physiotherapy after an injury, for me it is like being put on a rack every 2 hours. Exhausting.

Feeling down, shoulder tape failed, I discovered this when I noticed my skin coming apart, took tape off + a several large strips of my skin

For God's sake Simon, don't marry the moaning cow.

I haven't shaved for a while, now it is itchy and I want to shave and can't, yet another thing I have discovered I can't do left handed.

Submitted my VISA application over 2 weeks ago, the UK Indian Embassy have only started processing it today. Trip cancelled. Unbelievable.

Collar bone temporarily taped back into position, feeling much better. Going back Friday to get re-taped before the flight.

Off to hospital today for physio in prep for my nightmare economy trip to India. I pity the flight attendant who hits my arm with a trolley.

In hospital for the third time. Hope to get some answers today.

The NHS are bloody fantastic.

I've got an acromioclavicular joint separation type III http://bit.ly/9edZcg it's nice to have a label

"What's the verdict" I say to my radiologist after she x-rays my shoulder. "Well, I'm drawing a red unhappy face on your chart" she replies

Looking like my cycling days are over for a while. Sitting in a wood with a dislocated shoulder, heading to hospital.

I've shut down my facebook account, too distracting, my life is complicated enough at the moment. Will I beat my record of 1 years absence?

utterly and completely exhausted

Wind dropped, so I flew my RC helicopter, very relaxing.

I am not a fan of banter, so I have decided to avoid it from now on.

another hour on the running machine, eyes on the prize

What have you eaten today? I have had a banana & a small carrot.

In hindsight, I should have put on a coat.

I am very proud of myself, I have lost 1 whole stone since starting my weight loss initiative. 1.5 more to go!

Funny jet plane design by Kulula, an airline that clearly doesn't take life too seriously http://bit.ly/cnPduZ

Just finished an interesting theological debate with Mum about how wrong I am about my lack of faith in her beliefs.

Mumism of the day: Your little boy is big but he isn't, you know, "fat" fat

Thanks Alex and Tracey for my crumble, obvious diet sabotage never tasted so go :)

Feeling my mojo returning. Ukulele mojo.

Happy Friday everyone - I'm dancing around my office to this one ;) http://blip.fm/~vzuwa

I've lost 13lbs (6kg) in the last month on my "eat less, exercise more" diet. I would write a book, but you have just read it all.

Amazing song by a British band called The Chap - "Auto Where To", listen to it - http://blip.fm/~vy6uu

Researching hotels in Bangalore for a work trip. Any recommendations anyone?

1 hour on the running machine, exhausted, eyes on the prize ;)

20km cycle on a lonely dirt track through woods. Lots of wildlife & other distant moving lights in the trees made for an eerie experience.

I planted 40 pine trees in my en suite shower room today. Seriously.

Losing weight with some friends. Turns out they're as competitive as me :D I'm on the running machine as I type, say no more. 24lbs to go!

An exciting night ride through the woods with Alex. The swan song for my dear old Trek Clyde before it's replaced by my Specialized Hotrock

While looking for a bike for my son, I fell on my keyboard & accidently ordered a Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike for myself, your honour

Sitting in an old English pub listening to loud blues rock, good foot-tapping stuff. Shame I'm drinking mineral water thanks to the diet!

I like working from home, during this afternoon's coffee break I saw my son ride his bike for the first time without stabilisers.

Just stayed up late to watch Conan the Barbarian. WHY DO I DO THESE THINGS!

Son3 (13mths) has been trying out walking for about 2mths now, but yesterday he decided to stand up and walk around unprompted. Very happy!

Funny isn't it, I start talking about buying an Ariel Atom, all of a sudden my wife is planning not one but two extensions on the house :)

I don't really follow celebrity news and pop culture, but can somebody tell me, has Joaquin Phoenix gone crazy? http://imdb.to/9w6hNl

I've been dieting, given up beer, cut down on caffeine & I'm exercising every morning before work. It is killing me.

Today was an important milestone in my parenting life. My son beat me on a console fighting game. He is 5.

I picked the wrong day to give up sugar and caffine.

Babies with ear rings and studs, I don't want to come over all "Daily Mail" but surely it should be criminal?

Saw a few meteors, nothing much. I don't think I have to worry about waking up blind with herds of mutant plants attacking people

Headed to the highest point in the area, newlands corner, hundreds of people here. Never seen so many. So much for being alone.

Damn light pollution, heading to higher ground to watch the Perseid meteor shower

Been up playing with my "big trak" bought for me by my friends for my birthday. Thanks guys.

Looking forward to an evening out with the lads tonight. Must remember to say "when" a little earlier this time.

Heading home, about time because I am missing my wife, I watched "Deep Impact" last night, she always cheers for the meteorite.

Watching "Deep Impact" in my hotel room, missing my wife, she always cheers for the meteorite which is why I love her.

Pancakes bacon & maple syrup for breakfast, a terrible yet amazing concoction that I can't seem to quit since visiting the states years ago

Loud fat person boards the plane late, oblivious to Captain on tannoy, "flight delayed 30 mins due to missed slot". I hate people sometimes

Off to Amsterdam today, not really in the mood but on a positive note it will be nice to have uninterupted sleep - not that I can ever sleep

I was showing son2 eBay & buying him a little gift. Once ordered, he sat patiently by the printer waiting for it to appear. How sweet.

Had a great night "Rocking Out" (God I hate that Colloquialism) with my Risa Solid Ukulele and good friend - Darren. We've still got it.

Monday, here is a song about death. http://blip.fm/~ubd4z

Just realised I can set up the Quantum Physics double slit experiment in my home, working on it now. http://ping.fm/NtTzd

Oh boy. Realised, told OH i would be home by 9:30. V drunk. Oops

Had a great time at the pub with the lads last night, so good in fact that I might be tempted to do it again soon, hintidy hint hint.

Happy Friday everyone (Divine Comedy - Frog Princess) http://blip.fm/~u76ol

Watching Jesus Camp, feeling pretty depressed about what I am seeing. http://ping.fm/3GcIZ

Strange, there was some kind of virtual "falling out" within my left4dead crew, game just fell apart and everyone stormed off (virtually).

Registering a domain name today - really excited about this one.

Had a lovely day cycling the canal paths with Son2. Haircut in town for us both then home for a bounce on the trampoline. Exhausted.

British Gov. forced to shut secret seaside village http://www.theonion.com/articles/budget-cuts-force-british-government-to-shut-down,17763/

Son1 came downstairs wondering who was "holding the Earth". He decided to ask the 8-ball if God exists. "Reply hazy, try again", it replied.

15mins of barefoot running practice this morn. Heel didn't touch down once. Mantained pace 1mph above norm. No knee pain but burned my feet!

I wonder if it is weird that I feel bad turning the light off when the Roomba is working.

Simplyelectronics .net AVOID AT ALL COSTS! The WORST company I have dealt with since Vistaprint and that is saying something.

I am sending this while bouncing on a trampoline

Wife complained the washing machine needed cleaning, so I filled it with bleach, put it on a hot wash. Result foamy kitchen & laughing wife.

Really proud of Son1. His 1st school report was glowing. Apparently he has been teaching his classmates how to use the PC. Another geek! :)

Made it to Brighton which is packed with pissed young people. On a train home now. Tired & hot. Can't wait to see my family & have a shower

Reached Shoreham by sea. Great trip down. Sea air hits you like a bucket of ice water. Having a coffee with Gary now.

Made it to the Partridge Pub, right on the trail. Big place, friendly. Getting cleaned up and having some burgers and beer!

First blood Gary. Down on some gravel, small cuts, nothing serious. At the bridge house.

Made it to Rudgwick, nice pace, enjoyable ride so far, nice smooth pathways. stopped at a shop for refuelling

Cycling Guildford to Brighton with Gary soon. Spent too long preparing, only got 3hrs sleep. Will be missing Alex & Darren who can't make it

Raoul Moat hates police. Police believe public are hiding him, then an unverified story he is threatening public as well! How serendipitous!

Had to lie down on the trampoline & watch the planes fly by this evening in order to switch off a bit. Then made the mistake of calling Mum.

I think Gemma is going to be annoyed with me

I am looking forward to the bike ride with the gang this weekend, I am ignoring the fact it is from Guildford to Brighton - off road.

Awaiting delivery of a big lama

After much fun with my Lama v3, then a disastrous venture into 6ch collective pitch 3D, I'm returning to co-axial - just ordered a Big Lama!

Just started watching The Stone Tape, never seem to make it to the end, this time I will. It is so brilliant.

Watched "Lady in the Water" & "Gangster No. 1", wouldn't really suit being paired in a DVD box set, but both excellent films all the same.

Listening to a hell of a lot of Divine Comedy at the moment, can't seem to get enough of it. http://blip.fm/~sru0b Amazing!

Going out with my mates on our bikes, probably going to pull some massive wheelies and some wicked endos, maybe do some skids. I am 35.

Hmm, just bought a massive LCD TV in Sweden apparently. Don't remember doing that.

Feel strange today, I expected to be aching after the duathalon but I don't, I just feel completely drained. No energy at all.

Duathalon done, limped in in 3 hrs 23 mins. First 10k run + 20m bike was 2 hours dead. Last 10k run was 1hr 23mins thanks to my dodgy knee

At the duathalon start point, I am a fish out of water among the triathletes with their carbon-fibre bikes. Last place looks certain.

It's duathalon day!

Spent most of last night cleaning & oiling my bike. Removed approx 1kg of bike gadget detritus. Looks like new. Ready for the duathalon.

The logical progression for all those grown ups who read the Harry Potter series http://onion.com/d7XaiI

Entered the Jigsaw 20:20 event at Dunsfold this Sat 26th. 10km run, 20mile cycle, 10km run. Sponsor my running mate http://bit.ly/jigsaw2020

Training tonight was hard, 20k bike ride up and down some really big hills immediately followed by a 10k run. Hurting..

Haven't run successfully for weeks. Considering doing the 20:20 10k run/20 mile ride/10k run with my mental friend Darren this weekend. Mad?

Still in a bit of a funk, maybe several hours of zombie killing will help cheer me up. Last weeks session was a bit of a disaster.

Happy Fathers Day to all you lucky Dads out there.

Despite the apparent serenity of the last update, I am feeling sociopathic volcanic aggressiveness toward everything (well.. only mammals)

Sitting with Son3 on my lap, watching him watching the itunes jelly visualiser while listening to DeVotchKa - http://blip.fm/~s8lz8

Gary Coleman is dead! What'choo talkin' 'bout internet? Seriously, am I the last to know / quote in slightly bad taste? RIP Gary.

Feeling pretty lucky that my family avoided the chaos in the South of France. Thankfully my inlaws (who are in that area) are safe and well

In Guildford the other day, heard "The Momeraths" busking. Utterly BRILLIANT! I was really impressed. Even bought a CD, my new fav band!

Haven't updated for a while, been away in Nice with the family which was fantastic, before that I had a chest infection, not so good. Back!

Had a really great time at the pub tonight with the lads.

At surrey county show today. Son2 loves the novelty of having my mobile scrawled on his arm so much, he keeps trying to get lost on purpose

Only just realised it is a bank holiday weekend. Seriously. My home worker "colleague" Darren did not inform me.

Purchased 5 pairs of trousers and a hat today. It rained. One for the memoirs there.

Son3 did his first step today. I am in the pub to celebrate.

Son1 (5) told my wife he wants to go to University to learn how to make "Metal Robot Monsters to destroy the world". He is so cool.

I can't say I recommend the "getting very ill" diet. 4.5lbs lost in just over 2 days, according to my clever scales - all of it muscle.

Still feeling like death, so I am off to see the doctor.

On the sunniest day of the year, Just managed to crawl out of bed. Feel bad. I think this is worse than man flu, I think it is real flu :(

I think I have run myself down. Feeling feverish, not good.

My wife's surprise birthday party was exactly that. She didn't have a clue. Great to see all my friends in one place. Thanks for coming all!

Up early making a birthday cake for my wife

Must see movie of 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyiwoG4Is_I&feature=player_embedded#!

Happy Birthday to my mate Darren on his 39th Birthday. Have a good one buddy, here is an apt song. http://blip.fm/~qktpt

10k race today, kept up until 12:30am by son2, up at 4:30am with son3. Can hardly stay awake. Race starts in a couple of hours, not happy.

Busy weekend planned. Looking forward to everything. 10k race on Sunday.

Working on some "Match Moving" 3D stuff. Very complex, it has taken me 3 hours to get 10% into the process. So frustrating, hope it works.

I wonder if Obama regrets calling Cameron a "lightweight" after he first met him? Probably not, the man seems like a good judge of character

30km of cycling + running and I feel fine. Even had a bit of energy for some weight training. What is wrong with me!

Just finished massive bowl of pasta, off on a 20km ride + 10km run in 10 mins, Happy Severe Intestinal Discomfort day everyone!

20K bike ride followed by 10K run tonight, big question is, will my knees explode? Place your bets.

Damn you ATI. Selling eyefinity as working on my card, reality is I have to buy a displayport adaptor. NOT HAPPY! Back to nVidia next time.

This site ages your portrait photos by 20 years, bloody good fun and slightly upsetting http://www.in20years.com/

offered to do dinner tonight, typing this while walking to the chip shop. Discovered 3 monitor eyefinity gaming earlier, goodbye reality.

Laughing at my wife getting more than she bargained for on the pirate ship at Chessington. Ha!

I have a sneaking suspicion that my friend Darren is planning a 20 Mile bike ride before our usual 10+km run tonight. Scared to ask.

I intend to spend tonight drinking wine and watching the alternative election results on channel 4. If you're bored, pop round, bring wine.

Great commute into the office today by bike via 11 miles of canal path. Swapped angry morons in Landrovers for Mandarin ducks & great views

Mumism of the day: Sorry I haven't called but I have a sore knee.

Just entered the ballot for the 2011 London Marathon, for some reason.

Got to love t k maxx, 1gb mp3 player for a fiver, shame there is only one left

This might have been a bad idea

Having fun in the wet at Chessington today. Pretty much everything is open and it is quiet

What a strange world we live in where newspapers publicly and proudly announce their lack of political impartiality. Did we vote for that?

Time Travellers - try to blend in better next time http://bit.ly/cxC1Ti

Contemporary rousing orchestral beauty by the Divine Comedy http://blip.fm/~pjlsu I love the clichéd teenage expressions that spark memories

Turning into a medal addict. I have a 10k run in a couple of weeks and now my mate is talking me into a 10K run/20M cycle/10k Run. Crazy

I can't watch Gordon Brown, I know it's pathetic but when he does that weird mouth thing - I keep thinking he is going to vomit.

Looks like the housing market bubble is inflating in preparation for a more catastrophic POP http://bit.ly/9DNIfM There goes my sweat equity

Don't you love it when a bank holiday sneaks up on you - YAY! http://bankholiday.kitt.net/

I have never been a Conservative supporter, BUT they're proposing to scrap Labour's dystopian nightmare national ID card. BLOODY WELL DONE!

Every night b4 bed my children ask for one of my "Tyrannosaurus Alan" stories. I am running out of plot lines, now borrowing from Hollywood

Kim's "Hey There Cupcake" site, selling lovely cakes to Surrey & Hants, has been revamped. Same great product though http://bit.ly/kupkakes

Can't tell you how much I love this song. Eerie, brilliant. Broken Social Scene - "Anthems for a 17 year old girl" http://blip.fm/~patp4

Youtube integration has completely ruined blip.fm, it's now a disorganised low-bitrate mess. Feature creep strikes again. Back to last.fm.

Finished the 10k "fun" run in 59 minutes 50 seconds. Took off sock to discover MASSIVE blister. Ow. Now for a burger to celebrate!

Just watched Avatar. Pretty good movie with great FX, why am I telling you... I must have been the last person to see it. 10k run tomorrow!

I love Chris Morris, the man's a genius, "Four Lions" looks like a must see, check the trailer http://www.four-lions.co.uk/ Brilliant.

watching a film about fighting called fighting. So far it is living up to it's name. Quite a lot of fighting.

I was bored of all music and then came Marina & the Diamonds, wow, thus ends my music recommendation of the week. http://blip.fm/~oxaoo

Watching run fatboy run, which my wife says is "apt". Charming. Finished my 2.5k swim in 1hr 13 mins.

Swimming 2.5k tonight and running 10k next week. Two for the price of one! Only £65 raised pls sponsor me just £1 http://bit.ly/swim5-run10

Good nights sleep, happy to be home.

Thanks to Dan for keeping me from going insane on my crazy trip around europe. Almost home now.

Arrived, Kings cross closed due to fire alert, joy. More problems

Train has now popped out of the chunnel into the UK, never been so glad to be home. Should be home before 11pm at the rate.

Almost at the tunnel mouth now. Begbie is buying all the drinks, rude to say no.

Eurostar �223 for standing room only. Can't complain really, VERY happy to be heading home.

Got our tickets! Yeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa

Sorry - that last update didn't make a lot of sense :D Basically, on a blooming fast train at the moment.

300km (186.4mph) an hour on a train right now, it is not natural.

Yay, smuggled on to the train and heading down from Amsterdam to Paris. Looks like I will make it home tonight after all.

At schiphol airport train station, our big plan is to get on the high speed train for which we do not have a ticket.

Me and my colleague Dan have managed to get eurostar cancellations.... from Paris, so now we have to try and get there before 8pm. Happier!

Might have to work my way down to Paris & fight my way on to eurostar on cancellation. Ferry, Air, Train are booked or cancelled for 4 days

My hotel room has 2 TVs, an office and lounge area, breakfast bar and, wait for it, a 10' bed - seriously!

Travelled on lots of Belgium trains today, scary. In Amsterdam now, hotel room the size of my house. Volcano messing up flights still. DAMN!

Off to Sunny Belgium, why is it so light at this time of the morning?

Damn, told Penny that I was going to the pub for a quick pint and I have to get up at 5am to fly to Belgium.

Son1 just counted all the way to 100

Off to see Jimmy Carr in Woking tonight, but from stalking his GPS coordinates from his twitter page @jimmycarr is currently in Halifax.

Stephen Timms, Minister for Digital Britain (the one who never heard of wifi hacking) doesn't know what an IP address is http://bit.ly/IPnot

Went to a car boot today with the boys. Strangest thing for sale - unopened tinned fry bentos pie. Strangest crossover item - Torch TV.

Watching Dirty Harry on BluRay, happy :D

14k run last night, feeling it today. Lech Kaczynski is dead, bit of a shocker.

It's like summer today. In the park with the kids having a lovely time.

Ordered a 2TB NAS Backup Device with DLNA & RAID0/1. I am quite excited, what does that tell you.

Got some nice new running gear; shirt, shorts & socks, so I at least look the part. Heading out with an extended running crew tonight including my OH.

Son1 offered me his last rolo without any understanding that it is a pop culture marketing idiom representing a gesture of love. Ahhhh sweet.

Just watched "Shutter Island", straight into my top 10 favourite movies of all time. Amazing. Brilliant. Watch it, you won't regret it.

At RHS Wisley today. Spring has sprung!

Movie recommendation of the week - Bunny and the Bull.

This is an April Fools joke right? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8597497.stm?ls

I wonder if Derren Brown has considered a middle east tour. He really should. http://bit.ly/9b2ZuQ

At the UOGB concert, not unsurprisingly I am the youngest one here.

off to see the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain in Aldershot tonight. Second time! Guess that makes me a UOGB groupie now.

Ever get the feeling the BBC are dumbing down science http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8594101.stm

Dropped Son1 (5) off at his first Disco earlier. He is a good dancer. Very proud of him. Got 6.5k run later, building up to 10k with Darren

I have to say that of all the awesome things from the A to Z of awesome I like N http://bit.ly/azawe (I like Nina)

Just realised I was humming along to a Will Young song. Better get some Marilyn Manson on to balance things up.

Thanks Play.com for delivering Just Cause 2 for the PS3 one day ahead of the UK release date! Woohoo. Can't wait to play that later.

Early morning swim has not helped me feel refreshed. 3 hours sleep last night thanks to baby that just wants to be awake.

Son3 is standing on his own now (for a few seconds before falling over) but it is a start, he is 8 months old.

Just ordered "Just Cause 2" on the PS3, quite excited, the game is just about the most fun you can have on your own. Yes, I am 34.

With the boys at Bockett's farm today, having a nice time, quite warm and sunny.

I've been doing weightlifting with my friend Darren recently. I ache. I have so much lactic acid in my body I feel like HR Giger's Alien.

Wow, I love my wife's new look!

eXistenZ has just started on ITV4, one of my top 10 favourite movies, recommended.

Really enjoyed spending the week with Dad

In Tate modern with Son2. He is shouting "scribble", "circle", "fish", "mans", etc. He is the only one who gets it.

Is it only me that worries that the UK Defense Satellite system is called "SkyNet" http://bit.ly/cc17hK

Picking Dad up from the airport

Holiday booked. South of France. TFFT!

On holiday this week. Dad visiting tomorrow which will be great.

Son1 shouted at the dreadlocked man sitting next to us "He looks like a LADY!"

I have learned a new term today "splash hotel", my summer holiday may be sorted :)

RIP Mitzie the dachshund

I found out that I am the friend of a person who knows the plumber who owns the company that did the plumbing in Cheryl Cole's house. WOW!

Happy Friday everyone, playing you out is Marilyn Manson - amazing testosterone fuelled awesomeness http://bit.ly/aiqEsT

Looking for European holiday resort recommendations, feel free to spam me. Family orientated, think - center parcs but near a beach.

Son1 just beat me on eye of judgement and I wasn't even letting him win

Every wondered what it would look like if a drunk guy fell on a large cactus http://bit.ly/9O9OYV

Got a letter today informing me I had lost my Radisson Elite status, how humiliating. On the plus side I have seen more of my family.

"Do anything nice this weekend" doctor asked. "Nothing sufficiently mentally distracting to divert my attention from this injection" I reply

Plastic houses. I wonder if there are any health implications that environmentalist & accountants haven't considered http://bit.ly/cp39Ke

Son1 has been introduced to the unfathomable world of card based battle games, my life is now much more complex. Thanks for that Charlotte.

Watched Astroboy, ignore the bad reviews, it was excellent fun. Son2 loved it. In town now.

Into town for a "Daddy Day" with son2. Going to buy some books and probably see Alice in Wonderland 3D or AstroBoy.

Son1 (5) has not mentioned or played with anything dinosaur related in 1 whole week since discovering battleforge. This is quite unusual.

Pub quiz tonight assuming I ever finish my tasks today. No drinking, doctors orders, though this might improve our chances of winning.

Back from hospital. Consultant had great news RE a health issue. It had been REALLY worrying me. I am exhausted and relieved beyond words.

Hospital appointment again. Starting to go off them.

Would love to get your sponsorship for a 2.5km swim I am doing for the cancer charity Marie Curie http://bit.ly/swimx

Mum is still here. I distantly and fondly remember a state of being called silent. Can someone remind me what that was?

Just had a Duck in a Chicken in a Goose for dinner. Not sure what circumstances led to that accident, but it tasted pretty good.

Anyone want to sync up with my wii? Add my wii code and let me know yours: 2411913792102215

Lot of emotions at the moment. All of them negative. Feeling very low indeed.

I quite like hospitals. I never used to. I guess it is because the last three times I came out with a new baby boy.

The Camomile Lawn Series 1 Episode 1 47 minutes 24 seconds in, that's me carrying the barbed wire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvQ-i-2vdXg

John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln was the great-great-great-grandfather of Cherie Blair. (source: popbitch)

If you haven't watched this you need to! If (like my wife) you can't stand Charlie Brooker, then skip to 15:40mins http://bit.ly/95Dt4R

Makes you feel kind of small (and big) http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/525347

Does anyone know where I can buy paper clay in the Surrey area?

Very good site - worth looking at. http://whathappenedinmybirthyear.com/

Watchin' Family Guy. Not much of a status update, but factually it is at least correct.

New graphics card in the post. Sapphire HD5770 Vapor-X Overclock Edition. Watch out Zombies!

Ahh, Ukuleles & Beer with Friends, a good evening planned.

Stupid little things have put me in a very morose fatalistic state-of-mind. Hoping this week my concerns will be negated.

Who thought that liquid candy spray was a good idea? What parent buys that stuff for their kids?

Off to the pub for a burger in a minute - see you there if you are coming.

Heading home to my lovely family, 3 (possibly 4) of which will not talk to me unless I remember to buy some sweets.

With not even the least bit of irony I am telling everyone how amusing I think this article is. http://onion.com/ccQQmJ

I'm pretty sure my friends back home would be disappointed that I'm turning in at 10pm here in Amsterdam. My Wife is probably happy though.

Reading Bill Hicks - Love all the people. He has similar opinions on marketing people as me, thank goodness he isn't alive to see twitter.

I forget what a nightmare rush hour is. Meeting the team over next couple of days, always homesick but it's good to catch up with the chaps

Ukulele doesn't fit in my carry-on luggage. Off to Amsterdam tomorrow. Nothing to strum in my hotel room (careful). Time to buy a sopranino?

Prince Harry Hewitt takes a fall from a horse and deals with it with regal grace. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8490635.stm

Was going to have an early night. But Terminator 2 is on, so I HAVE to watch it, again. Darn it.

Things are looking up

Having a bad day

Feeling old looking around Superdry, pretending to look for our imaginary teenage son.

Don't you hate it when your boomerang gets stuck in a tree.

1: It made baby cry. 2: My kids won't cuddle me anymore. 3: I look like a tramp. Conclusion: The beard has to go.

Very Sad, JD Salinger, author of Catcher in the Rye died. His character was inspiration for Son3's middle name: Holden. http://bit.ly/a7ypiZ

Down t' pub. Sitting next to a table of professional quizzers, dont fancy my chances of winning tonight.

Son1 came down with a cold, now Son3 has a runny nose. Only Son2 to go and I will have a hat-trick of snot-nosed kids :( Poor little chaps.

Cashmere jumper + prickly stubble = beard fluff

Pushed a 25% increase overclocking my 7900GS, I can now run L4D2 on high settings top res + AA. Before it was medium settings & res / no AA!

The iplayer on the wii is great for keeping the kids quiet. Recommended.

Against all odds I am up, 3am was too late for a thirty something.

I'm having a coinversation with Brian about Religion which is actually quite enjoyable.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend. http://blip.fm/~jk5pq

Working while listening to http://budurl.com/dhef love it

Just took delivery of two sledges, just in time for... oh, that's right, it melted.

It's been a busy week, here is some Friday Fun - 1st Person Perspective Tetris - http://budurl.com/n4y6

In the market for a new graphics card, no I didn't blow it up (yet), it is just too slow.

Overclocking my nvidia 7900GS graphics card in an attempt to get a bit of life from the old dog, or kill it trying.

I want a MISA digital guitar http://www.misadigital.com/index.html

Eating Venezuelan criollo chocolate, drinking red wine and watching a movie about Nelson Mandela.

And then there were 3. Pub mates.

Ukulele lesson tonight, learning "Lulu's back in town", a song that was probably uncool back in 1935. Beer afterwards, so, every cloud...

Zombie killing with my "left 4 dead" crew tonight. Need a new PC, bloke in maplin laughed at my setup when I enquired about upgrade options.

I am 11% through filling out my tax return and can almost hear the government computer laughing at the total it is accumulating :(

Dear Coen Brothers just watched "A Serious Man", I want that 105 minutes of my life back and an explanation, oh yes, and a proper ending.

I have surfaced (finally) following a great night with the lads.

Damn, i left my foppish scarf at Alex's house

Darren has just been pooped on by Alex's cat - HA

Ah... banter.

Started playing chess online, if anyone fancies a game click the link - http://budurl.com/fancyagame P.s. I am not very good.

I wonder if I should grow a beard? Tell you what - let's put it to the VOTE!

Watched The Fantastic Mr Fox last night, my new fav film. With Life Aquatic & The Royal Tenenbaums in my top 5, I'm a huge Wes Anderson fan.

Plan: Fly to Brussels, train to business meeting, fly home. Reality: Sitting on plane at gate due to snow. Unlikely to make the meeting.

off to Belgium tomorrow, just for the day.

OMG, all the snow just fell off my roof in one go, scared the hell out of me. Sounded like a thunder bolt next to my head.

Buildng an igloo in the back garden

Had a good day. Walked into town through the snow with Son2. He got cold, but it was great. Then a fun kids birthday party & a curry! Yay!

New condensing boiler? Hear a gurgling noise? In this cold spell the water drainage pipes are freezing. Melt the ice blockage & it's fixed.

So all the sea lions have left San Francisco, that's a bit odd. I wonder why? Imminent earthquake? Lack of fish? Weird!

had a great night

Looking forward to my new years day party later, celebrating the first day of the new year seems much more sensible :)

Pinch Punch, First of the Month, no returns. Just thought I would say something different than Happy New Year.