Back to the grindstone

Shattered. Back to work today and, a 13 hour shift later, I am exhausted. Where did christmas go?. I apologise to all of my followers, (hello to you both) and normal service will be resumed tomorrow. Goodnig.......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Frank Gascoigne and Frazier

Unusually for me, I sat through three separate television programmes last night, and each made for compelling viewing, although for very different reasons. I started with the first part of the Anne Frank story, and it was an emotional opener. I was horrified to discover that I had very little real knowledge of her story,  apart from being aware that it was secretly written. Ellie, who thankfully had been captivated by the tale when being taught in school, was happy to enlighten me further and explained what happened to each of the family members. I was saddened by my lack of true awareness of this incredible story, but also captivated by the incredible strength and spirit shown by someone so young. And this was an event that happened less than 70 years ago, which is  yesterday in historical terms. Modern-day life in the technological and celebrity-laden  age can be exciting, and we can receive stimulus from an endless supply of sources. But we must never forget somebody  like Anne Frank, for she is a true hero of the modern world.

My second show was 'Surviving Gazza,' and a fly-on-the-wall documentary of the most horrid kind. It followed the family of Paul Gascoigne as they struggled to cope with his increasingly bizarre and alcohol-fuelled behaviour. This was car-crash television at its worst, and nobody came out of it with any credit, least of all the dreadful 'Addiction Advisor.' Her advice?. Follow him to a hotel room in Portugal where intelligence suggests he is currently hiding, (with film crew in tow of course) and tell him you are finished with him,  and that he needs to sort himself out. Brilliant. (Btw, the invoice is on the coffee table.) There was so much sadness in this programme is was hard not to cry like Gazza had so famously done himself, back in the days when his life was so simple. One hopes for a happy ending, but that becomes more unlikely by the day. At least some people are making  money out of it which, it seems, is all that matters nowadays.

My last show, and the one which kept me away from my bed until after 1am,  was the story of 'The thriller in Manilla,' the third fight of an unforgettable trilogy between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. Unlike so many documentaries, this was from the perspective of the losing combatant, and give a fascinating insight into both men, and the impact their rivalry had upon each other. Frazier in particular had suffered from Ali's incessant jibes and name-calling, much of which was racist in it's content.Whilst Joe Frazier will always be remembered for his punishing left-hook, it was Ali's tongue that handed out the most punishment, and Frazier was an easy target. One suspects that Ali was never truly held accountable for these slanderous comments by the public because of the awe he inspired in so many. Yet it was clear to see just how much they hurt all members of the Frazier family, and not just Smokin Joe himself.  To this day Joe Frazier has a voicemail message which points to a deep-rooted dislike of Ali, a hatred which has not been lessened by the passage of time.   Whilst this was not dignified, I was struck by how he had been able to retain his dignity right up to the present day, even in the most difficult circumstances. Remarkably he still lives in a room upstairs from the gym where he  trains young fighters, in the same part of downtown Philadelphia he has called home for much of his life. He receives none of the affection that Ali continues to do, but it was hard not to think of him as the better man after watching this programme. A true warrior, and an incredible human being.

Finally, many happy returns to my nephew Patrick who is 5 today!. Happy birthday from us all. 

What's up Doc?

Following a few weeks of listless behaviour, a loss of appetite, and a regular change of facial colour, an appointment was made, via our GP, to see a specialist at Alder Hey children's hospital, and finally discover why our exuberant 7 year old has lost her sparkle of late. Whilst apprehensive at the possible outcome of our visit, (over-reaction being the cornerstone of parenting) it is always a pleasure to go as it restores one's faith in human nature. Each child receives attention and care of the highest order, and I have nothing but the upmost respect for all of the staff there. The other wonderful aspect of having an appointment there is the knowledge that your name will be called close to the appointment time, as waiting time is kept to a bare  minimum. Sadly the same cannot be said of adult hospitals where you can wait so long to be seen that you forget why you are there in the first place, (a cunning ploy perhaps?.) 

Anyhow, back to Alder Hey and, as predicted, they were waiting for us at exactly the appointment time we had been given. 5 minutes of questioning and probing later and the doctor cleared his throat and prepared to deliver his diagnosis. Both Jane and myself braced ourselves for the news, with tears gently welling up in our eyes. But what followed was to amaze and astonish us both as he informed us that Ellie was suffering from Severe fatigue Syndrome, as a result of a virus she had just before Xmas. For the first time in my life I almost argued back as I could scarcely believe my ears. I kept my counsel however and listened intently as he explained to us what we must do next. "You must ease her back into her routine gently," he explained, "And you mustn't make her do anything she doesn't want to." During our appointment Ellie had been doing her best to look ill, and her face carried an expression that demanded sympathy. I swear however that there was a glint in her eye as the doctor was advising us, as she saw an opportunity to do nothing for the foreseeable future. He also said he would write to us with an appointment to see the Chronic Fatigue Team. My mind immediatley pictured a clinic full of people wearing white coats asleep at their desks. After a blood test, during which she showed bravery way beyond her years, we left and headed home. Whilst happy that there was nothing  serious going on in her young body, we couldn't help feeling a bit surprised at the outcome. But who are we to argue??? The concern about her illness has gone, replaced with a worry about how we will get her to do anything ever again. She was wily enough before the Doctor gave her permission to withdraw even further. Thanks Doc, your a pal!. 

A rash decision

All runners out there will know that before you embark on any run of one hour or more, you should apply a liberal coating of vaseline to certain areas of the body. It is especially important on damp, or very warm days. Today I went out on a 7 mile run and I neglected to prepare properly. The result?. Chaffing of the most painful kind, and in an area very difficult to treat.  Put simply, it's agony, and I feel like somebody has held a bunsen burner underneath my nether regions. Ouch.

Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake

It gets worse.

I hopped onto the scales this morning and I was 14st, 1lb, a full 1lb heavier than yesterday. I am dreading tomorrow already. I can almost hear you saying, "stop weighing yourself!" and you would be absolutely right. But the addictive side of me, (the one which eats far too much) just can't help checking my weight. As a result I feel awful, and, you guessed it, seeks solace in some nosebag. A circle of the most vicious kind, and a cycle I struggle to break. Any tips? (Anyone reading this??. )If not I shall battle on alone and try and find the answers from within. 

We (Marshalls Fc Mens Team) were due to return to action today following a few weeks of inactivity. I was guaranteed a place on the bench and certain of a run out of some sort. In preparation of this,  I took a trip to the local JJB shop to purchase a new pair of football boots. As I parked my car I took a call on my mobile to say that the game had been postponed due to a frozen pitch. The disappointment I immediately felt took me back to my childhood, and the heavy heart I used to get when my football was cancelled. Quite simply I was gutted, although I did soften the blow by picking up a new pair of Adidas Predator boots which fit like slippers. I got home, scooped up my son, and headed down to the local field to try them out. Half and hour later and we headed home arm-in-arm, the boots now muddy and looking worn. The result? I won 4-2 in a match played between some trees!. Lovely.

Whilst heading back to my house after buying the boots I was listening to Liza Tarbuck and Martin Freeman on Radio 2. They were asking listeners to phone in with the things that made them proud to be British. I texted the show and  said, "Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl." I listened to the show for a short while but heard nothing. Feeling disappointed, (again) I headed upstairs to answer a call of nature. A short while later The Lord, (stepson Daryl) was shouting up the stairs that I had just been mentioned on the show, and that Liza Tarbuck had said my selection was, in her words, "an excellent choice!!." I was thrilled to have received a mention, but gutted that I hadn't heard it myself. Just how much disappointment can a man take in one day?.  

So, there you have it, day 3 of my blog. As I wrap this up it is only just after 2pm so there is plenty of time left in the day. It is also FA Cup day so I will follow the results later on. Everton are playing Macclesfield but I am confident of a win. Such a shame that I am unable to lace up my new boots and play today. Never mind, there is always next week. 

Oh dear

Day 2 and it isn't going well at all. I had a shock this morning when I stood on the scales and was shocked to discover an additional 3lbs I never knew I had. Gutted. That puts me on 14 stone exactly, which is 12lbs heavier than in June 2008. It makes my job just that little bit more difficult. On the plus side I have been out for a run, albeit an easy 3 miler. At least this is something to build on in the coming weeks and months.

That's it for today. A very small post as Im a bit gutted. And as for my diet, well that is another story. This house is literally awash with chocolate and I have indulged a  number of times. Give me strength. I need to get my mouth sewn up.

The 1st day of the new year!!

It would be rude not to start with a 'happy new year, ' although I'm sure a lot of people will be sick of seasonal platitudes and will be relishing a return to normality. Personally I am always ready to resume my life after Xmas, and this year is no exception. Whilst I have had a nice time with my family, and the break from work is wonderful, I am now itching to get on with the rest of my life, and seeing if I can  make the changes I so desperately want to. More of that later, but for the meantime, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!.

New year's resolutions are easy to make, and so hard to stick to. If I had lost the 2 stone I had planned to each year,  I would be at least minus 6 stone by now.  That makes me sound like a complete wastrel but I have never managed to get my weight down to a level I am satisfied with. I am currently just under 14 stone having been as low as 13 stone 2 lbs in June 2008. My target has always been 12 stone,  but I have revised that to 12 and a half stone which is more realistic. I am hoping that writing a blog will help me although that is dependant on getting your attention, and you following my progress. So, I implore you to stay with me as I try and get down to 175lbs!

Weight loss however isn't my only ambition for 2009. I have a number of objectives;  some of which are linked, some overlap, and some stand alone. And central to all of them is to write. Whether it is this blog, or on my football team's website, or for my local free newspaper, 2009 is the year in which I want to become a writer. And to be a writer means one thing; writing stuff. I am hoping that the discipline required to write here each day, or as often as possible, will help me achieve my ambition. I will expand on this further in the coming weeks and months but for now I am happy to announce to the world that I want to be a writer, and I am motivated to do whatever it takes. So, if I strike a chord with anybody who reads this blog, please comment, advise, offer constructive criticism, whatever. I would be most honoured to hear from you.  

That's it for today as I don't want to babble on for too long. I just wanted to start my blog and today I have. I am genuinely excited at what lies ahead and I have much to say. And, once again, happy new year to you all!