My daughter..

Just wanted to let the world know that my first born, Myar Jane Arnold, arrived this snowy morning in Worcester. She was 9 lbs 13 oz .. she is beautiful!

Also the geek in me went out immediately and registered www.myararnold.com and secured her email address at google.. Twitter?? of course..

Why? Personal brand! Myar has just entered the world and its her future..

Why Myar? Myar is an anagram of Mary. Both Becky and myself had grandma's called Mary. Beckys nanna passed in June just after Becky told me that she was expecting. My Nan passed a few months later. We believe it's a fitting way to pay tribute to our mothers mothers.. However, neither of us wanted to call our first daughter Mary. So it had to be an anagram.

Why not Myra?? I don't think its fair to call our daughter after one of the Moors Murderers.Why not Mayr? or Ryam? or Raym? In all honesty, only Myra and Mary was found at behindthename.com , and Mya was close. Mya is a variant of Mia , and we just added an R to the end. In fact,  we will still pronounce it My-uh

Anyway, keep your eyes and ears out for more of what Myar is getting up to..

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The best news ever

I have some great news I want to share with you..

I am going to be a dad!

[gallery link="file"]

While we both found out from a pregnancy kit at the beginning of June, it was only on Tuesday this week that we went for the 12 week scan. The antenatal lady who did the scan, said that 'it' was 14 weeks and 4 days old.. and our expected due date is the 1st January 2010. The geek in me immediately thought of 010110 and binary numbers..

• 0101 1000 X


• 0101 1001 Y


• 0101 1010 Z

Perhaps the name should begin with one of those letters??

Its great news, and both us are really happy

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Losing this big fat belly

I have just spent ten days with my parents and family back home. Do you want to know what every single friend and relative said to me? 

"When you expecting?"

They were'nt talking about children. They were talking about me having a big belly. Now, I have been out the forces now for eight years. I have been to University, and I have been travelling. I now work for the largest IT company in the world as a Technical Consultant. I spend a lot of my time talking on my phone, and sat behind my laptop. On a day to day basis, I generally don't do a lot of exercise. However, I have been saying for the previous three years that I need to Get Fit and Stay Fit. 

I always thought my Body Fat was over 30%. After all if you take the standard test which is:

1. Work out your height in metres and multiply the figure by itself


2. Measure your weight in kilograms


3. Divide the weight by the height squared (the answer to Q1)

For example, you might be 1.6m (5ft 3in) tall and weigh 65kg (10st 3lb). The calculation would then be: 1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56. BMI would be 65 divided by 2.56 = 25.39.

If I followed this example, I am 1.8m tall, and weigh 100kg. This would currently mean 1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24. 100 / 3.24 = 30.9 . As the BMI Categories are:

• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9


• Overweight = 25-29.9


• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

I would be classed as Obese. ME?? OBESE! :(

However, I discovered a different site today. The CholestorolNetwork . Here you enter in your height, weight and sex. You then enter in your waist size and hips size. Finally you enter in your forearm and wrist size. After I entered my results in, it comes back with 24% body fat. "You have 52.7 Pounds of fat and 167.3 Pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water)"

Anyway, I know I have this belly. I have to do something about it. As such, from today and for the next two months, I am on a diet.

I will not drink any fizzy drinks. Eat any chocolate. Drink any alcohol. I will do exercise every day. 

I will let you know how I have done at the end of February..

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Happy New Year 2009

 Welcome to 2009.. Its traditional to have some New Year Resolutions set on the 1st day, and keep them... well try anyway!

I have published my New Year Resolutions here before - 2006 and 2007 - but I didn't do it last year! I also had some thirtieth birthday resolutions. They were all the same:

1. No More Smoking! 


2. Get Fit & Stay Fit 


3. Manage my cash 


4. Keep a life journal - keep it simple. The book How to Make a Journal of your Life is useful here.

In 2007 I added to #3 that I wanted to also manage my life better, with a little Getting Things Done, and added to #4 that I was going to keep a photo journal. 

So what am I doing this year? I reckon I'm going to stick to this list.. These are resolutions, and even though I have been attempting to do this for the past three years I think it will soon all come together!

Also going to start the Photo Journal again, but instead of doing it with Vox or Flickr I will do it over at Daily Mugshot instead. Using my phone, I can take a picture of myself daily and send it on over..

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100 Skills every man should have

Over at Popular Mechanics, there is a post on 100 Skills every man should have. Being a 33 year old man, I thought I should check to see where I am. How much do I know?? I have starred ( * ) all mine. 

Brains and charm are fine, but a real guy needs to know how to do real stuff. After months of debate among PM’s expert editors, here’s our lineup of essential skills, broken down in 10 categories for the competent man—plus 20 tools you need to own. Did we leave anything out—or included a skill you don’t think is worthy? Sound off in our chat, then take PM’s interactive DIY quiz to see how you measure up!

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My 2008 Resolutions

So this blog has been up and running for over three years now.. and originally I only used it for my travels round the world in my thirtieth year. I haven't really kept it up to date for ages, but now that its moved over to wordpress I hope I can ...

So why am I writing in July about Resolutions? Well I am just looking through my previous years resolutions. Thirtieth / 2006 / 2007 There seems to be a familiar pattern.

I only do four each year, and all of them mention:

• No More Smoking!


• Get Fit & Stay Fit


• Manage my cash & life better


• Keep a life journal

So what do I want to do right now?

1. Give up smoking - I try and I fail. I think its been about six times I have given up now, and every time it lasts about three months. However, I have declared my flat to be a non smoking flat. (Once the new kitchen is all fitted, and the front room has been painted)


2. Get Fit & Stay Fit - Again, I find this difficult. Its all about routine. Its all about sticking to a plan. When my kitchen is fitted, me and Becky want to do a routine of ONLY shopping for the week on a Monday night. Stick to the meal plan, and stick to a shopping list. Its not just going out running, but having a change of lifestyle.


3. Manage my cash & life better - Something I can actually do! Do you want to know how to do this? Have two accounts - one for your bills and one for spending.


4. Keep a life Journal - I love technology, but what I want is a private online blog linked to my laptop. Has anyone got any recommendations for journalling software?

I don't want to add any more to this list.. four is more than enough.

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Sicily 2008 - three days in Trapani

After spending three days in a B&B in Catania, me and Becks were fortunate to ask Angela (who managed the Catania City Centre B&B) to find us a nice B&B in Trapani. We had thought long and hard where we wanted to stay, and after dismissing Palermo, it was between Selinunte and Trapani. We discovered getting to Selinunte would prove difficult… So we stayed 200m away from Trapani Train Station at a B&B called Cortille di Venere It was well priced at only €48 per night, and was ideally situated in the old town of Trapani.

Trapani is a great base for the non-touristy east side of Sicily. There could be lots to do on this side of the island, but we didnt find it! We just spent three days chill-axing.. three days of slowly wandering round, having a few beers and lots more coffees, and smoking lots and lots of cigarettes.. I had finished the two books I had bought with me (Flashmans Lady, and Flashman and the Mountain of Light - Great Books!) and we were walking at snails pace round the town!! It was sooo quiet!

Anyway the next day we wanted to go to Selinunte, but my alarm was set for weekdays only and we didn’t get up till 11:30.  Instead we caught the hydrofoil across to Levanzo.. one of the beautiful Aegardian Islands. Only 450 people there, and its the epitome of peace and quiet.. When we got back to Trapani, we went out for a beer and some food. (but forgot to get some food..)

Sunday was my 33rd birthday, and I did find out the day before that everything was going to be closed, so with our hangover we went to the beach for the day.It rose to 35°C during the day, and we had to go and relax in the shade for the rest of the day.. I also discovered Brioche with icecream.. basically an icecream in a bun! tasty… That night we went out for a lovely meal at a new restaurant that had only just opened.

Our last day, and again we wanted to go to Selinunte..  and again we were thwarted. The bus only runs at 6:55 and 12:35 and takes three hours.. it was not meant to be. Instead we slowly wandered Trapani, drinking lots of espresso, and taking lots of pictures…

Tips ‘n’ tricks

1. Guidebooks.. dont forget them!If you do bring one, get a decent one - Lonely Planet or Rough Guide


2. Its possible to go on holiday with just one cabin bag (article to follow) — just plan it carefully!


3. Be prepared for days of nothing… just sit back and put your feet up with an espresso

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Sicily 2008 - Three days in Catania

Me and Becks finally managed to get away for our first ever holiday together and we chose Sicily.

We chose to fly with RyanAir from London Stanstead, and as our flight was leaving at 06:05 we had to get the train the night before. Arriving near midnight, we settled down to relax in one of the cafes. I was soon asleep! Anyway, we finally boarded and were soon arriving to a beautiful, if slightly windy day at Palermo Airport.

Once we had got the bus to the capital city, and boarded a €23 train, we soon found ourselves wandering through the city streets of Sicilys second city, Catania. We were looking for our B&B, and Angela had given us some great directions so it wasn’t long before we found Catania City Centre B&B. We were given a very comprehensive review of the city and local tourist sights, and promptly booked a trip to Mount Etan the following day.

Mount Etna can be quite stunning.. unfortunately we went on a day with a bit of drizzle! However, we still saw some underground lava created tunnels, and one of the crators at 2000m .. no running lava though. Apparently, its worth going during the night if that is what you are after. Once we got back to Catania, we wandered round and discovered the Castle and also some beautiful side streets. We went out to a lovely fish restaurant that night as well, where we were ‘treated’ to witnessing the Sicilian version of illegal parking.. simply burn the car !! (oh and Manchester United beat Chelsea in the Champions league - it was down to penaltys) The next day, with a small hangover, we decided to get the train over to Taormina.

Taormina is Sicilys tourist town. As many Sicilians wanted to tell us, “You won’t see the true Sicily in Taormina” .. maybe, buts it a wonderful place with an ancient Greek Theatre, and it has great views! Anyway, we arrived at the train station and decided to go walk along the beach to find the way up to Taormina, as its situated on a hill… it wasnt until we had walked about 4km that we realised we had gone the wrong way, and at this point we got the bus to the town!!

It seemed to be full of a lot more tourists than usual, and we put this down to a cruise liner we saw in the bay earlier. One of the main sights we wanted to see was the Greek Theatre. It was only €6 for entry, and it was worthwhile. The history and the views are stunning. We wandered round for an hour or so, and I took a lot of pictures - see my flickr page - but soon we decided we had to explore the rest of the town. We headed down the Corso, grabbed overpriced beers and pizza and espressos, and before you knew it we were absolutely knackered and headed to go and get our bus home, which was slightly more expensive than the train there.

On Friday we decided to move on, and after putting the world to rights with Angela at Breakfast, we walked on down to the Train Station only to miss our train! Instead we got the bus, which was much quicker and we soon arrived in Palermo to catch our onwards bus to Trapani..

Tips ‘n’ Tricks?

1. Take some money before you go, only about one in five Sicilian cash machines let me draw money from abroad.


2. Learn some basic italian.. not many Sicilians speak English. “Parle Inglese?” … no


3. Learn to love espresso… oh my god! its great… and keeps you energised!


4. Take a decent guidebook.. Lonely Planet and Rough Guides both have there updated 2008 versions coming out two weeks after we got back from our own holiday!

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blog improvements

NOTICE: UPDATING PREVIOUS BLOG ENTRIES.. May result in reposting! Sorry...

What is it about bloggers and the constant need to improve the blog; content, layout, style, plugins and all other aspects?

Anyway, these improvements are something I am doing for final improvements as I may close this blog down soon (in its current format anyway)
I feel I am paying for hosting, when its not important. The blog may go over to vox where I can have public and private posts. I find that I am not writing as much as I have done in the past.. I am no longer travelling, but just getting on with life.

I am going to move the rest over to Google. How? Well, as I am using Google Apps for your domain, I have a feeling in a few months then I will be able to host everything I want online with them. Photos / links / blog / homepage.. they already look after pretty much everything else for me (Mail / calandar / reader and of course search) Its only Flickr and de.icio.us that I also use.

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january blues

What is it about January, that makes me come down with sty's in my eye? That someone punctures my tyre? And knocks the mirror off my car? That my job just seems to increase in workload everyday with no chance of slacking? That my landlord STILL has not fixed the main light in my room? That my cat wakes me up every morning at 4 wanting attention, but because I am tired and I just want to sleep, she then scratches me? and then I can't get up to do my run?

I hate whingers.. my brother told me that I am "glass half empty type of guy", in other words pessimistic... One thing I remember from the army, was that they used to say that the soldiers aren't happy unless they were moaning! I liked that.. I think there is nothing wrong with moaning, but as long as you get things done, promptly and properly, then you can do it!

Anyway, Januarys nearly over now.. so roll on February!

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booley back home

Its the 7th January, and today I am starting a new life. Nope, not as a superhero but today I am starting to put a little bit more organistation into my day.

Yesterday, I went back to my old house which I shared with Zena and I collected Booley, my beautiful grey 11 year old moggy.. Shes wonderful! I asked Zena to look after her over the New Year and also whilst I was settling into my new house and getting stuff put together in my new room at my new place. Now I am in, then its time for Booley to come over. She was actually not enjoying the old house, as Zenas new housemate has bought her 1 1/2 year old male cat, which is very hectic. Booley was hiding in Zenas bedroom all day.

I helped them bring a wardrobe upstairs, and then Zee said goodbye to Booley, and she cried. I understand, and I have told Zena that she can see her again, so not to worry.

Anyway I am starting Photo365 today over on my Vox blog. All my pictures are going to be put up there and also on my Flickr page. I am going to take a decent photo everyday, and also take a picture of me in the same place. Go on over there right now and check out the first attempts!

Guess who its a picture of??

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Happy New Year 2007

Welcome to a New Year and new starts.. I just want to want to let you all know I had a great New Year weekend, and spent it with friends from Uni and Reading on a Canal Boat. 48hours of boozing and generally cruising up the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire!

I didn't feel particularly great on Monday, with a total lack of energy and complete loss of communication skills, but I feel a helluva lot better now!

So Resolutions?? Any planned? I do.. but then I do every year. Last years were similar to what I wanted for my life after thirty, and this years are extensions onto these as well.

So my thirtieth Birthday Resolutions were:

1. No More Smoking! - I have given up now since the day I got on my flights over here.. A couple of days I have really wanted a cigarette but I have kept up to it!!


2. Get Fit & Stay Fit - With a season ahead of me, I should lose this belly of mine, but I also need to get fit & stay fit.. sit ups.. press ups.. swimming..


3. Manage my cash - Those of you who know me well, know that I am terrible with my dollars.. from now on I will manage it so much better!


4. Keep a life journal - While I am away I am keeping a journal of my travels as well as this blog… I intend to keep this going..

And my 2006 Resolutions were ... exactly the same! So what am I going to do this year?

1. No More Smoking.. - I restarted smoking in November, as me and Zena were having troubles. But as its a New Year, and me and Zena have broken up now then I am stoppng again. My last cigarette was on the boat back, two puffs and I threw it away!


2. Get Fit & Stay Fit! - This is alwasy going to be a resolution for me. When friends call my JaidaFiveBellys its embarrassing. I am now living just three miles from work now, so there are no excuses not to run in. Plus I want to do this half-marathon in March in under two hours...


3. Manage my Cash & Life Better - So I have added extra to this. My cash is sooo much better managed now (thanks to Zena). Its simply a matter of having two accounts. One to get paid into, pay all the bills and it also pays into a spending account. So I am going to save more money, but the most important is to manage my life better. Looking at GTD (Getting Things Done) and its something I want to have in my life, so I aim on starting this month and putting my progress into this blog!


4. Keep a life Journal and Photo365 - I am going to keep my blog running, I really enjoy writing to it! More people than just Friends and Family read it now, and I want to put more interesting things in as well! It will never be about work, apart from a general sense! I am also going to start Photo365 (linked to my vox blog  and my flickr page) which will be a photograph taken every day, also I am going to take one of myself, to see what a year does to me!!

So a few new things.. Photo365 and Manage my Life Better should make 2007 a much better year!

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home for christmas

So I am home for the Christmas Holidays now! I have moved out of my old house now, and moved about three miles from where I work (instead of the ten miles I was before). That means I can now run to work a few times each week, getting ready for my half marathon at the end of March.

So the house I am moving into is owned by Lee, a webdesigner. He bought the place some years ago, and uses the house as his office, hence the good rate I am paying for rent! I am going to be sharing the house with Alan, who works an early shift and is a snowboarder as well.

Another thing with the new house, is that Lee wants to put in some Home Automation. He has already got a gigabit network in, and is putting servers etc in place. It will be good to see how he gets his place all setup, as I really want to see how simple it is, as I really think Smarthouses are the future.. and I want to be a part of it!

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lack of posts

So has anybody noticed the lack of posts recently? I doubt it, after all I don't exactly write a blog as popular as techcrunch do I? Anyway, its been nearly a month since I last wrote, and its because I have been pretty busy at work. That and trying to find a new place. Why?

Well, sometimes relationships just don't work out.  Me and Zee have called it a day. We still love each other, but we realise that we just don't connect like we used to. So we are going to call it a day before we are at each others throats. I'm going to miss her so much.. She will get access rights to Booley, so we will still see each other around!

As a result I have been busy with Gumtree, easyroomshare and others trying to find the right house share. Its not easy, but I do have a viewing close to where I want to be on Monday, reasonable rent too!

Also went out for a run today. My 19week training plan started today! (only 4weeks overdue) LOL

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business conferences

Just back from my company's annual business conference. I had a great time, and finally met some of those I jabber too a lot. But at 31 and 1/2, I don't know if I am unlucky never to have attended one before.. or blessed! I mean its not as if I haven't travelled abroad on business before, but that was always actual work!

Anyway, this last week ABC Company (I will NEVER mention my company online, as I don't want to let anyone ever get me sacked if I mention a bad day!)  had our our annual Training / Kick off event in Tunisia. You know what? I loved it! It was bloody hard work, and I have never before spent 5/6 hours preparing for a ten minute presentation! But, the chance to meet those I assist and speak to regularly was amazing. It was also good to hear what the big bosses propose for us, as a strategy for the next few years.

Tunisian 5 Star hotels are not 5 Star, I would say about 3. The pool was lovely, if only I managed to get into it more than twice (one of those was a lunchtime, so I wouldn't fall asleep in the afternoon!), and the beach was only 200m away, with camels strolling about.. I ate salads all week, as the little meat I did eat gave me a dodgy tummy. And the room was alright, if only they woke me up when I requested an alarm call!

It wasn't all work though, and a couple of nights out were much appreciated. We had a night out in Sidi Bou Said on one night, and the final night was held in this gorgeous fifteenth century church, where a big gala dinner was in place for us all. Very enjoyable, even if I was on the rowdiest table in the place, the Scots sure know how to drink! :)

Anyway, I went on one run when I was there and it was bloody hard work. So when I got home, I thought I had better get that training plan put into my diary. My 19 week plan starts... yes, yesterday! I was meant to go out on a 30min run, but went to the pub for a roast and a few strawberry beers.. oh well, I will start tomorrow!

Promise..

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running

I think I was a little hasty today. A colleague told me about something happening in Reading on the 25th march 06... Do you want to know what I did?

I signed up for next years Half Marathon.. yes, 13 miles of running the grey and wet roads of Reading. Put it in your diary's, so that nearer the time you won't mind me asking you to contribute towards my registered charity JezArnoldBeerMoney

Any regular readers here may remember that one of my 30th birthday resolutions was to get fit. The others were keeping a journal (still do here..), stop smoking and manage my cash better. Well, most of those are going great! Obviously the get fit needs some work, as my belly is starting to remind me of Gazzas mate, five bellies!

So I have a 19 week training plan, which involves a lot of running and a lot of recovery, and I aim to do the race in less than 2 hours! I am extending the plan to 23 weeks, as I want to make sure I finish the bloody thing. A few of the people at work, are doing it as well... So there is no way I am letting them down!

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snowboard crew

So a week after I had caught up with old friends in Worcester, I was seeing the ex-members of the Yellowsnow Snowboard Club in Richmond. One of my best friends at Uni, Kate and her boyfriend Mike have decided to upsticks and live in Tauranga, New Zealand. Good for them! They are loving life there..

Along with Mike and Emma, Sherman and Matt and Ben, was Gary; Mikes brother in Law. I had never met Gary before, but hes a top jazz musician, from Chicago! Even teaches little kids a little music. Top Bloke!

It was good to see everyone! I get on really well with the snowboard crew, and miss our holidays! I organised one of the Holidays one year, when Matt was Yellowsnow President. In fact, thinking about who was there, was a veritable Who's Who in Yellowsnow! Mike Rhodes - First President. Matt Walder - Second President. Me - Second Holiday Organiser. Mike Edwards - Third President. Sherman - Third Holiday Organiser. Ben Lloyd - Fourth President... wow! Oh and the girls of course!

I missed my train, and arrived about 15minutes late at Smollenskys, a gourmet burger bar in Richmond, SW London. After a few beers, we all headed to this great little bar where Emma's sister worked.. We all chucked in £20, and didn't worry about drinks all night.. SWEET! All in all a really good night, and at the end Me, Mike and Kate went back in a taxi to Fulham.

Early doors the next day, a bit of brekkie and we all met up again in Richmond for some Wagamamas at lunchtime. Everyone else was raving about it, but I thought it was a bit pricey, and a little standard! Made some ninja stars put of paper, and headed down the Thames to test them out on the ducks! Don't worry, when a paper Ninja Star hits a duck it doesn't even fly off... London Ducks are just too hard!

It was really good to see Kate and Mike again, and it will be a while before I see them again! I am going to keep up with all the boys though. Shermans off to do a snowboard season in Mount Snow, Vermont, USA. Matts living in Brighton, working for Snowboardclub.co.uk, and living with one of my brothers friends! Mike and Emma are living in London, working for Event Management/Marketing agencies, whilst little Ben is a Broadcast Engineer in Southampton! KEEP IN TOUCH!!

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cowboys and indians

Lewy and Laura were having a party back home in Worcester on Saturday, and as I haven't been home to see the boys for a while, I thought I'd better go and show my face before they forget what I look like!

It was down the Tops. What a place.. I did actually go back there a few years ago, when I was younger it was pretty much a local for me. I didn't go down there for a few years, but when I came back to live at home for a year before I went traveling, we went down there. Nothing had changed, but I asked Steve and Lewy anyway.. They looked at me with surprise in there eyes and said, "What do you mean? they've changed the bloody curtains!"

Anyway the party seemed to be a success, Cowboys and Indians theme and everyone made the effort.. Well, everyone I knew! As happens with your friends, there were a few new faces but it was my old mates I went back to see.. Saw Dicky, who I haven't seen in a fair while, and Matt and Andrea and baby Holly. Shes three. First time I had seen here... I am just too slack!

It made me realise its good to have some great friends around. I have been lucky in my 31 years to have some great friends. Its important to understand that you need to spend time with them. Don't forget that.

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xbox360

So whos got an xbox 360 yet?? Or are you waiting for the PS3 or Nintendo Wii??
I have had mine just short of a month now, and I can honestly say that Call of Duty 2 and Project Gotham Racing 3 are two amazing launch titles... just can't stop playing them!!

My feeling is that Microsoft are starting to do a few things right for once.. I know that everyone loves to hate M$, but in my eyes they are doing great!! They have this amazing console out, that should kick Sonys a$$, and they have also developed one of the best phone software out for a long time..

Microsoft Smartphones.. I just got myself a new contract with Orange and have picked up a M3100. I'm going to link to CoolSmartPhone.com here, as they did a first class review on it recently (as did el Rego) ... "It's packed with features. You name it, it's got it. Push email, ultimate connectivity, video calling, camera, flash, Bluetooth 2.0, 400Mhz processor, slide-out keyboard and it runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 (Pocket PC), so you've got mountains of software available to download." one thing it was missing was MSN Messenger. If you want the WM5.0 version, then expect to pay £10.99.. but the WM2003 version works just fine...

Anyway, I am going to go a little more techy with my blog.. if you don't like it then let me know in the comments. Don't worry I won't be too boring, just a few notes on some toys and stuff!

One last thing ... my xbox360 gamertag jura55ik find me and try and beat me (you probably will...)

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Bestival

Last weekend I went to Rob da Banks Isle of Wight festival, otherwise known as Bestival.

8-11th September on the Robin Hill Country Park, I can honestly say it was amazing! It was great to catch up with my uni friends, and make some new ones as well!! Lets make some noise for OJ & Pegs, Jimmy & Lanners, Chrissy & Daisy, Finchy, Paula & Kate!!

Didn't think the weekend was actually gonna happen at one point, when I was stuck for two hours in traffic on the M3, but I was soon in Southampton.. Met up with OJ & Pegs, and Frenchy in Bedford Place and once we got all my stuff in the car we headed to the Ferry.. and what a queue awaited us...

That was the only queue though, and before you can say, "she sells seashells on the seashore" we were in the Bestival carpark and getting our lovely yellow weekend passes. Zero Mobile phone signal though, with my new phone burning the battery up :(  and not knowing where everyone was, we hung near the entrance until we met Daisy, Paula and Katy who took us to the campsite, and we got set up. Lanners & Jimmy soon rocked up, looking worse for wear, and we headed into the festy for some friday night shenanigans! I soon lost everyone near midnight, and headed back to the tent for a kip, ready for a big all dayer on Saturday.

Bestival has a fancy dress theme every year on the Saturday, and this years theme was circus. That was until they realised that a lot of people get spooked by clowns, and it ended up being a free for all! We just wandered round all day, sampling the booze and music and food, until we all headed back for a little kip and then get ready for the fancy dress parade at 6. Great plan, apart from the fact that we all woke at 7.. Me, Jimmy, Lanners, OJ and Chrissy all decided to go as Ooompah Loompahs. We had already seen some that day (who looked terrible ..NOT) and our painters suits, green hats, orange paint and spraypaint on the overalls made us look the biz! We soon headed for Fat Tuesdays tent, where we proceeded to have an ace night, which didnt finish till 7am.

I woke feeling like hell, and was in a daze all day long. The only thing going for me was the weddings at the church, as well as Pimms. Queued for 1/2 hour for some bloody cash, and just generally felt terrible.. Headed out again that night, this time without any sleep, and I was just not coping. I think its something to do with being 31.. Anyway I headed back at 11:30, back to my bed!

The morning just saw 9 unhappy campers get up, and pull some tents down.. then out and on to the ferry. I was home and clothes in the wash by 3pm.. I had an amazing weekend, it was really good to see old Uni friends again, and I reckon that Bestival will be on the tour next year as well as Glastonbury! More photos HERE

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