A wee taster of the wedding - official photo's still some way off yet . . . (my camera has a wide angle lens - so tends to cut off a bit on the side - not always the bit you expect . . lol - you can always click on the link beneath the presentation.)
Wedding-Bali
Showing posts with label Sam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam. Show all posts
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Bali
Well here I am sitting at Glasgow airport - destination Denapasar Bali - off for three weeks - Holiday +
Sam & Hud are to be married on 2 June in Ubud Bali. Cathy & I set off this morning and as with all journeys it has gone without its mishaps already - considering we have only just arrived at the airport - we are not doing too badly. What has happened well I've forgotten my suitcase locks key and Cathy in her wisdom (actually my fault) decided to use my suitcase and I used hers - the wheels seems to have come off the suitcase. She has left already - we are travelling independently of each other and she booked from London nopt Glasgow - so her luggage is not going straight through - she has to grab it and run at Heathrow . . . mine I do not see until my arrival . . .she had me in stitches - I know I shouldn't laugh but the case was hopping along and then she has to rush when she arrives - I'm sure (and in fact hope) all will go well . . .
So Sam's wedding . . . a big event - Jessila and Arran coming over - 25 guests in all . . working on my speech (a long way to go yet) - I am really looking forward to it all and the time in the sun and the water . . . will be a watershed period for Cathy & I - see how we get on etc., - may find we have different approaches to life in general - who knows?
We have a week before and then a week after the wedding basically . . .
I am still with my utility company although I think the writing may be non the wall - will have to evaluate when I come back - at least 2 weeks work left on contract - and hoping for at least another short extension . . . abd then the job of my life!!! Lol . . . I don't know what it is yet . . . but it is just around the corner - I think . . . lol
All for now - I am sitting in the departure lounge . . . time to go . . the adventure begins!
Sam & Hud are to be married on 2 June in Ubud Bali. Cathy & I set off this morning and as with all journeys it has gone without its mishaps already - considering we have only just arrived at the airport - we are not doing too badly. What has happened well I've forgotten my suitcase locks key and Cathy in her wisdom (actually my fault) decided to use my suitcase and I used hers - the wheels seems to have come off the suitcase. She has left already - we are travelling independently of each other and she booked from London nopt Glasgow - so her luggage is not going straight through - she has to grab it and run at Heathrow . . . mine I do not see until my arrival . . .she had me in stitches - I know I shouldn't laugh but the case was hopping along and then she has to rush when she arrives - I'm sure (and in fact hope) all will go well . . .
So Sam's wedding . . . a big event - Jessila and Arran coming over - 25 guests in all . . working on my speech (a long way to go yet) - I am really looking forward to it all and the time in the sun and the water . . . will be a watershed period for Cathy & I - see how we get on etc., - may find we have different approaches to life in general - who knows?
We have a week before and then a week after the wedding basically . . .
I am still with my utility company although I think the writing may be non the wall - will have to evaluate when I come back - at least 2 weeks work left on contract - and hoping for at least another short extension . . . abd then the job of my life!!! Lol . . . I don't know what it is yet . . . but it is just around the corner - I think . . . lol
All for now - I am sitting in the departure lounge . . . time to go . . the adventure begins!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
London
HiyaWell I am off to London to visit Sam & Hud - supposedly an engagement barbecue - but it can be misinterpreted as I overheard my Mum telling my sister that she was not invited - you need to be invited before you can go . . . . It is actually because Hud's Mum & step father are here and so they thought they'll have an official engagement party - so they can meet some of the friends who might be going to the wedding and basically that is why I am going down as well . . . remember the wedding is in Bali after all so will be good to meet them now in case we need to discuss arrangements etc., - won't just be two voices so to speak - should make things easier - always makes a difference I think once you've met someone.
Well today I rushed through to Edinburgh for a meeting and then I couldn't find anyone - only to discover they were in Livingstone - Oops! had to jump into the car and drive through - of course I had never been to that office before - but we found it and all worked out OK in the end.
Big news - I bought a bicycle - started of small - not too much money we'll see how it goes and if I stick with it we can always upgrade as we go along rather than start of expensive and then not use it . . . lots of ride to work / green schemes at the moment - encourage you to spend quite a bit of money - more than you would normally - its a lease scheme actually - so I'm glad I went this route.
chow for now . . . starting a brand new Blog next week - more about that later . . .
Love
A
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Judi - Chinese New Year - Year of the Rat - Lent - Waitangi day?
Yes its the Chinese New Year - year of the Rat actually . . . but before we go there . . . some sad news - Judi & I have split up - It has unfortunately not worked out and I am saddened but we have now parted.
So yesterday 6 Feb was the Chinese New Year - New Zealand's national day and lent . . . . all on 1 day - wow! What next reminds me of an alingment of the planets - waited with baited breath but it came and went - and as far as I know nothing untoward or extraordinary took place.
I have just started 'Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini - (link to his blog) - I have seen the film (unfortunately - not that it wasn't a very good film) so I know the story - it is just the sequence that I don't approve of - i.e. would probably have preferred to ahve read the book first - but that normally means I don't enjoy the film - trade-off's - the book is very well written and has already won me over.
I am following the US elections with interest - the main interest is between Obama and Clinton - it is proving to be a neck and neck race - rumour has it Clinton for president with Obama as vice president - whether the two will speaking to each other by the time of the Democratic congress is another matter. (Lets not talk about the rumours of Blair wanting (I'll bet he does) to be the first European president . . . . lol.Cinema - I've started off viewing a number of new films:
No Country for Old Men (best of the bunch)
Sweeney Todd ( excellent - exceptionally well made - Tim Burton is the director - very clever and well made)
Valley of Elah (interesting . . . not as good as the other two.
Still working away at the Utility Co., - things have both slowed down and intensified strange as it sounds - now learning and integrating processes with the IT Systems - now realising the process documents do not always mirror or give the full detail of the steps involved in the IT systems. I will actually be conducting some of the Training myself now.
Whee - Shopping - been taking out membership of ACM - IEEE - BCS - full membership for each always wanted ACM membership as I have found no better publications than there's - in most areas of study. In going forward I think this will be critical / crucial for any PhD applications - Yes, I am still interested in persuing this and in fact found some this week which I intend applying for . . . in fact one closes on 12 Feb - so I'll need to get oraganised.
Rugger - went to the France Scotland 6 nations game - Scotland started of well but unfortunately faded - I believe the first France try was a forward pass - but they did score a fantastic try in front of Phil (who went with me - thank goodness it was cold as he had his England jerseyon under his cardigan . . . lol) and I. It was a good day . . . . just waited for ages for the bus afterwards.
Fabio Cappello is the new England manager and last night they had their first game under him - the first half they looked very mediocre - a good goal by Jenas and in the second half almost an identical move and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored . . . . the jury is out - early days - one striker up front the fans were losing patience until the goal was scored - a good equaliser by Switzerland . . . lets see how it all develops and how long the honeymoon lasts - on paper Cappello is the best manager but its the results that count.
As mentioned earlier my SA trip is just around the corner and I am really really looking forward to some quality time in the sun . . . .
Sweeney Todd ( excellent - exceptionally well made - Tim Burton is the director - very clever and well made)
Valley of Elah (interesting . . . not as good as the other two.
Still working away at the Utility Co., - things have both slowed down and intensified strange as it sounds - now learning and integrating processes with the IT Systems - now realising the process documents do not always mirror or give the full detail of the steps involved in the IT systems. I will actually be conducting some of the Training myself now.Whee - Shopping - been taking out membership of ACM - IEEE - BCS - full membership for each always wanted ACM membership as I have found no better publications than there's - in most areas of study. In going forward I think this will be critical / crucial for any PhD applications - Yes, I am still interested in persuing this and in fact found some this week which I intend applying for . . . in fact one closes on 12 Feb - so I'll need to get oraganised.
Rugger - went to the France Scotland 6 nations game - Scotland started of well but unfortunately faded - I believe the first France try was a forward pass - but they did score a fantastic try in front of Phil (who went with me - thank goodness it was cold as he had his England jerseyon under his cardigan . . . lol) and I. It was a good day . . . . just waited for ages for the bus afterwards.
Fabio Cappello is the new England manager and last night they had their first game under him - the first half they looked very mediocre - a good goal by Jenas and in the second half almost an identical move and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored . . . . the jury is out - early days - one striker up front the fans were losing patience until the goal was scored - a good equaliser by Switzerland . . . lets see how it all develops and how long the honeymoon lasts - on paper Cappello is the best manager but its the results that count.
As mentioned earlier my SA trip is just around the corner and I am really really looking forward to some quality time in the sun . . . .
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
London in pictures; Travel; Exhausted; Sam & Hud; Floridita; Regent's Park
Oops - late addition - check this out The Wire - full pilot episode - very good - well worth watching - starts on FX channel - which I ain't got . . . ! anyway hope you enjoy. (you have to click on the here word in the write up - could have made it a bit more obvious - I think!
Photo's - me: Judi & I; Regent's Garden splendour of colour - link to full album at the bottom of this blog post; a couple of cartoons Steve Bell showing Brown with cannabis story; Blair & Bush as well as kids Zapiro from Mail & Guardian; Water Babies and scary frog supposed to be an enjoy your weekend grin . . .
Well the great London extravaganza is over - Judi attended her seminar on fertility - Sam & Hud moved into there new home in Ealing - and I kinda hung out a bit - have to admit a wee bit behind on my personal schedule although I believe I will make it up still.
So where did it all start - last Friday basically - left here about 14h00 drove down the station left my car there and caught the train into Glasgow - then caught a bus to Buchanan street bus station (I wasn't really in a hurry) - well bus was empty between Queen street & Central and then we somehow managed to pick up half of Scotland . . . or so it seemed - there was no room for any more luggage and I think every seat was occupied on the bus - I had a kid next to me, about 14 or so - asked me if I was just coming back from my holidays - explained I was off to London - he told me half his family lived there - didn't press him on that - his Mom was with him - could have been his sister - he had a dog on his lap that was panting the whole time - it was too hot to even say hello . . . an Asian chap with about 6 kids - a lot of elderly women another family - as I say it was loaded . . I got off - had to dig my suitcase out from underneath all the baggage . . Caught the 15h30 Citylink from Buchanan street - was quite empty really - turned out to be an express of sorts (not via Bellshill) anyway an uneventful journey - I did read The Big Issue and an interesting article - which I would have to say I agree with says Blair's other legacy - is Housing or should we say the lack thereof and the soaring prices . . . Now I am no economist but if I am selling something and it is a one of a kind it becomes priceless - with houses there are so few and an incredibly high demand the result is that people are prepared to pay over the odds for it . . . the question is why are there so few houses - is this natural has it just happened or has it been manipulated and controlled to the point that people are making much more than they should . . . I pity first time buyers out there it is a veritable minefield and parents are having to pu
t up with the pleasure of their siblings company longer than they had planned or in some instances hoped . . . Simple answer build more houses and lots of them - The States went through a very similar cycle - they kept on building there was no end to the demand - build them and we will come policy - well guess what it has turned the corner and now they have in excess of 1.5m homes that they can't sell . . .don't worry we'll never see that here - but I do think the market will correct itself - so what am I saying - another 3 years before we see anything happening - that's how long it would take to start building and get the houses on the market etc., - cash in while you can . . . of course I could be wrong - will prices fall . . . hmm now there's an interesting one - they could and they might - that all depends on what comes on the market and where . . .most larger cities are build up by about as much as they can be so you won't suddenly see 200 000 house come on the London housing market - so it won't make a major impact on their house prices - but I do agree with the article Blair has more than Iraq to answer for . . .
So there I was on the Citylink bus reading my Blair article - something about him just grates me - anyway enough of him . . . Arrived at Waverley to catch the bus for Edinburgh airport - and pray why am I leaving from Edinburgh as we have our own airport - somewhat
scarred by a 4x4 - well this was because it was easier for Judi - we went to Rome from Prestwick - OK Ryan air don't fly from Edinburgh - Hey were going to South Africa in march next year from Glasgow - so only seemed fair - caught 17h30 bus - is anyone reading this . . . lol - or thereabouts and we had ages to wait as our flight was only 20h40 - when we arrived they wouldn't even take our luggage - shooed us away - told us to come back later . . . . - anyway found an amazing bottle of whisky whilst doing my rounds - Glenmorangie - 100% proof - very special as a house warming present - cost a fortune - money doesn't matter in these instances - I think she was suitably impressed . . . eventually arrived in London about 22h30 - had to then make our way to the tube - had to change at Leicester Square -could have gone straight had I known Russell Square was actually closer than Euston -oh well arrived @ Tavistock at about 00h15 or thereabouts - I had a fancy new suitcase - cost me £9.99 - I should have known - turned out to be rubbish - to be fair I had 
a hell of a lot in it - but if anything should have been more stable not less in my mind??? - anyway it had a hole in it before we even arrived at the hotel . . .
Next day up early-ish - down for breakfast - for some or other reason we were both very thirsty - rushed for the juice and ugh - not only was it warm - it tasted watered down as well . . . ugh! - I was not impressed - expected something nice and cold - what a shocker. Food - OK - service bad; I was nearly knocked of my feet by a waiter who just carried on walking ???? - it had its pluses - main one being location - it was really in a great location - Judi could just walk to her seminar - we could also easily walk to Covent Garden; Soho; King's Cross; Piccadily Circus etc., so that is really its main feature - next time I'll book into Holiday Inn - you know what you are going to get - Tavistock was just a bit jaded - clean enough - fine in that respect. We had a corner room - overlooking the square - I could not sleep properly - with all th
e traffic - 24 hours a day - also seemed to be a main route for ambulance; fire brigade; police and anything else with a siren - would wake up in the middle of the night - with loud wailing noises from whatever was passing . . . it was very hot which meant I had window open which made it worse . . . vicious circle.
Anyway - took a quick walk to see where Royal College of Physicians was - near Regent's Park - Park Square East - and we were pleasantly surprised that we were only 10 minutes away - spent the day in Regent's Park - went through to Soho afterwards then for dinner that evening - Floridita - 100 Wardour Street - Floridita, the amazing new addition to London's restaurant scene. Floridita is all about passion for life… authentic charm… authentic exhilaration… authentic Cuba!
With a live Cuban band every evening, Floridita is the number one live entertainment restaurant and bar in the heart of the capitals West end. I must say it was
fantastic - food was great - we managed to get a special Sam is a member of a club called Top Table - ended up costing us an arm and a leg - I had to go the full hog and have a cigar afterwards . . . which made me a little ill for a while - but not as ill as some people . . .lol - a great evening was had by all.
Next day went through to Sam & Hud's new place and hung out with them - Judi joined us later we just sat outside and had a few drinks and pizza . . . Judi was exhausted - so was Sam . . .
Monday - I studied - and in the early evening Sam joined us we all went to Nando's - which Sam paid for then back to the hotel and a fair
ly early evening . . .
Tuesday I started coming down with something - not sure what - I was exhausted - felt unwell on plane - slightly nauseous - pains all over - short of breathe - which has carried on for most of the week . . . straight to bed when we got back to Judi's place . . . up early - caught Citylink - slept most of the way when I got home I was exhausted and slept most of the rest of the day . . . its only today Friday that I have started to come right again - having said that woke up yesterday Thursday and could hardly walk - when I went to sleep my ankle was fine - woke up could hardly walk on it . . . .???? This evening I have toothache - I have been forced to have a glass of whiskey . . . medicinal purposes, I assure you . . lol - Oh well that is more or less my week - been struggling to do my uni work - kicked in OK today but it has been a struggle concentrating . . . what
do you think of this RockYou photo collage - not sure I like it so much any more . . . only two links to share with you - firstly I am including one of the photo's of he water babies form last week and now let's see - Oh yes Swan upping - another side of life again . . . and then something else I came across which includes an amazing first photo colour-wise - anyway you be the judge . . . International News Photo's
Would the week be complete without a link to Harry Potter of course . . link courtesy of Hafsa who sent it to me . . . thanks - waiting for my copy of the book to be delivered on the morrow . . .
Photo's - me: Judi & I; Regent's Garden splendour of colour - link to full album at the bottom of this blog post; a couple of cartoons Steve Bell showing Brown with cannabis story; Blair & Bush as well as kids Zapiro from Mail & Guardian; Water Babies and scary frog supposed to be an enjoy your weekend grin . . .
  |   |
Well the great London extravaganza is over - Judi attended her seminar on fertility - Sam & Hud moved into there new home in Ealing - and I kinda hung out a bit - have to admit a wee bit behind on my personal schedule although I believe I will make it up still.
So where did it all start - last Friday basically - left here about 14h00 drove down the station left my car there and caught the train into Glasgow - then caught a bus to Buchanan street bus station (I wasn't really in a hurry) - well bus was empty between Queen street & Central and then we somehow managed to pick up half of Scotland . . . or so it seemed - there was no room for any more luggage and I think every seat was occupied on the bus - I had a kid next to me, about 14 or so - asked me if I was just coming back from my holidays - explained I was off to London - he told me half his family lived there - didn't press him on that - his Mom was with him - could have been his sister - he had a dog on his lap that was panting the whole time - it was too hot to even say hello . . . an Asian chap with about 6 kids - a lot of elderly women another family - as I say it was loaded . . I got off - had to dig my suitcase out from underneath all the baggage . . Caught the 15h30 Citylink from Buchanan street - was quite empty really - turned out to be an express of sorts (not via Bellshill) anyway an uneventful journey - I did read The Big Issue and an interesting article - which I would have to say I agree with says Blair's other legacy - is Housing or should we say the lack thereof and the soaring prices . . . Now I am no economist but if I am selling something and it is a one of a kind it becomes priceless - with houses there are so few and an incredibly high demand the result is that people are prepared to pay over the odds for it . . . the question is why are there so few houses - is this natural has it just happened or has it been manipulated and controlled to the point that people are making much more than they should . . . I pity first time buyers out there it is a veritable minefield and parents are having to pu
t up with the pleasure of their siblings company longer than they had planned or in some instances hoped . . . Simple answer build more houses and lots of them - The States went through a very similar cycle - they kept on building there was no end to the demand - build them and we will come policy - well guess what it has turned the corner and now they have in excess of 1.5m homes that they can't sell . . .don't worry we'll never see that here - but I do think the market will correct itself - so what am I saying - another 3 years before we see anything happening - that's how long it would take to start building and get the houses on the market etc., - cash in while you can . . . of course I could be wrong - will prices fall . . . hmm now there's an interesting one - they could and they might - that all depends on what comes on the market and where . . .most larger cities are build up by about as much as they can be so you won't suddenly see 200 000 house come on the London housing market - so it won't make a major impact on their house prices - but I do agree with the article Blair has more than Iraq to answer for . . .So there I was on the Citylink bus reading my Blair article - something about him just grates me - anyway enough of him . . . Arrived at Waverley to catch the bus for Edinburgh airport - and pray why am I leaving from Edinburgh as we have our own airport - somewhat
scarred by a 4x4 - well this was because it was easier for Judi - we went to Rome from Prestwick - OK Ryan air don't fly from Edinburgh - Hey were going to South Africa in march next year from Glasgow - so only seemed fair - caught 17h30 bus - is anyone reading this . . . lol - or thereabouts and we had ages to wait as our flight was only 20h40 - when we arrived they wouldn't even take our luggage - shooed us away - told us to come back later . . . . - anyway found an amazing bottle of whisky whilst doing my rounds - Glenmorangie - 100% proof - very special as a house warming present - cost a fortune - money doesn't matter in these instances - I think she was suitably impressed . . . eventually arrived in London about 22h30 - had to then make our way to the tube - had to change at Leicester Square -could have gone straight had I known Russell Square was actually closer than Euston -oh well arrived @ Tavistock at about 00h15 or thereabouts - I had a fancy new suitcase - cost me £9.99 - I should have known - turned out to be rubbish - to be fair I had 
a hell of a lot in it - but if anything should have been more stable not less in my mind??? - anyway it had a hole in it before we even arrived at the hotel . . .Next day up early-ish - down for breakfast - for some or other reason we were both very thirsty - rushed for the juice and ugh - not only was it warm - it tasted watered down as well . . . ugh! - I was not impressed - expected something nice and cold - what a shocker. Food - OK - service bad; I was nearly knocked of my feet by a waiter who just carried on walking ???? - it had its pluses - main one being location - it was really in a great location - Judi could just walk to her seminar - we could also easily walk to Covent Garden; Soho; King's Cross; Piccadily Circus etc., so that is really its main feature - next time I'll book into Holiday Inn - you know what you are going to get - Tavistock was just a bit jaded - clean enough - fine in that respect. We had a corner room - overlooking the square - I could not sleep properly - with all th
e traffic - 24 hours a day - also seemed to be a main route for ambulance; fire brigade; police and anything else with a siren - would wake up in the middle of the night - with loud wailing noises from whatever was passing . . . it was very hot which meant I had window open which made it worse . . . vicious circle.Anyway - took a quick walk to see where Royal College of Physicians was - near Regent's Park - Park Square East - and we were pleasantly surprised that we were only 10 minutes away - spent the day in Regent's Park - went through to Soho afterwards then for dinner that evening - Floridita - 100 Wardour Street - Floridita, the amazing new addition to London's restaurant scene. Floridita is all about passion for life… authentic charm… authentic exhilaration… authentic Cuba!
With a live Cuban band every evening, Floridita is the number one live entertainment restaurant and bar in the heart of the capitals West end. I must say it was
fantastic - food was great - we managed to get a special Sam is a member of a club called Top Table - ended up costing us an arm and a leg - I had to go the full hog and have a cigar afterwards . . . which made me a little ill for a while - but not as ill as some people . . .lol - a great evening was had by all.Next day went through to Sam & Hud's new place and hung out with them - Judi joined us later we just sat outside and had a few drinks and pizza . . . Judi was exhausted - so was Sam . . .
Monday - I studied - and in the early evening Sam joined us we all went to Nando's - which Sam paid for then back to the hotel and a fair
ly early evening . . .Tuesday I started coming down with something - not sure what - I was exhausted - felt unwell on plane - slightly nauseous - pains all over - short of breathe - which has carried on for most of the week . . . straight to bed when we got back to Judi's place . . . up early - caught Citylink - slept most of the way when I got home I was exhausted and slept most of the rest of the day . . . its only today Friday that I have started to come right again - having said that woke up yesterday Thursday and could hardly walk - when I went to sleep my ankle was fine - woke up could hardly walk on it . . . .???? This evening I have toothache - I have been forced to have a glass of whiskey . . . medicinal purposes, I assure you . . lol - Oh well that is more or less my week - been struggling to do my uni work - kicked in OK today but it has been a struggle concentrating . . . what
do you think of this RockYou photo collage - not sure I like it so much any more . . . only two links to share with you - firstly I am including one of the photo's of he water babies form last week and now let's see - Oh yes Swan upping - another side of life again . . . and then something else I came across which includes an amazing first photo colour-wise - anyway you be the judge . . . International News Photo's Would the week be complete without a link to Harry Potter of course . . link courtesy of Hafsa who sent it to me . . . thanks - waiting for my copy of the book to be delivered on the morrow . . .
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