Happy New Decade

Its not just a New Year starting tomorrow its a new Decade and I've been thinking what has changed during the Noughties.

Well I know exactly where was at midnight to see the new Millenium in, no I wasn't celebrating anywhere I was actually at work. A few of us were ordered to be there in case the Millenium Bug struck at midnight and all our automated systems started to go mad. Of course it didn't happen it was just the Government scaring everyone but what the hell I got paid some serious money for attending.

Well since that evening we've seen and learn't a lot about our politicians, lets remember it was the lies about weopens of mass destruction from Tony Blair & George Bush that took the country to war in Iraq.

In the last 10 years though the world has changed especially with the terrorist threat to such an extent that I wonder every time I get on a Plane if I'll be getting off at the other end. Since the tragic events of the Twin Towers, London Subway, Madrid railway, etc the world doesn't seem quite as safe as it should be. There seems too many people willing to kill and maim others in the name of their own fanatical beliefs.

Of course the threat of terrorism isn't the only thing that we now fear, there is of course Global Warming and changing climatic conditions. Personally I don't know enough about the real facts some are convinced but others question their theories. What I do know is that the last decade I've seen the pictures from Thailands Tsuamni, Hurricane Katrina & many earthquades floods a famines shown on my TV screen. Maybe it is Global warming, maybe it is just the way the earths cycle works, who knows ? The one thing I do know is that nature is the most powerfull thing on this planet.

For me I've spent the decade trying to lose weight winning some battles losing some, probably had to settle for a draw with a must do better this time. Seriously the new year is always a good starting point so here I go again.

My life has changed a lot for a start I was given the opportunity to retire at 50 years old through a decent redundancy package, reckon thats good and I'm quite prou I've been able to eran the chance. Its a good job I'm not working in some ways because my parents are getting elderly and need a lot more help (especially Mum whose disabled) so now I've time to do more.

Its a decade that I made a decision to travel more, always liked travelling but been single always made excuses not to do so much. Loved it though been to some great places, met some really nice people and plan to do more without doubt.

Talking of meeting people its been the decade of the internet and sites like this where of course I've met even more fantastic people. Some have come & gone but some have been friends a long time now, some I've been lucky enough to meet.

Of course it was the decade I found love then sadly lost the person I loved, its it me hard I know. They say "its better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all", I'm still working that one out.
In fact its a decade I've seen quite a few people pass away, friends, ex work colleagues, relations, etc. Too many to mention but they are all in my thoughts.

As for ups & downs I can look no further than my football team who started the decade looking to conquer europe only to see 2 relegations, bankruptcy, selling all the assets (players, stadium, training facilities), points deductions, numerous owners & managers, play off misery, etc. In fact its mainly downs but at least the corner looks to have been turned now, this is the best season for a long time.

Anyway I'm sure everyone has their memories & thoughts about the last 10 years but we should all look forward to the next 10 in the hope the world becomes a better place. Whatever happens I'm sure we'll all have more good & bad times but lets hope its mainly good as lifes adventure moves forward.

So friends "Happy New Decade" to all of you.

Getting ready for Humbug

Well its that time of year that most people look forward to, yes it'll soon be Christmas. Before I go on I'd like to wish all that read this a very Merry Christmas.

Personally for the first time in my life I'm not looking forward to it, to be honest I'll be glad when its all over. Of course like everyone I'm expected to be seen to enjoying it but I just don't feel like celebrating, going to parties just wish I could hibernate while Jan 1st.

I've still got to do the traditional things, the tree is up, the cards are sent, the relatives will be entertained but I ain't gonna enjoy any of it.

The first half of 2009 was going great and my life was on the up, but since I lost Jane to that terrible illness I've felt lonely and Christmas is not the time to be lonely. I know it may seem strange as I've been single many times at this time of year in the past but it seems so different this time.

Of course Jane would be last person to want me feeling like this but I can't hide my emotions its how I feel, 2009 is a year that really broke my heart.

Anyway I need to look to the future and hopfully 2010 is going to be a good year, not sure what direction I will take or what life as in store for me but thats part of the adventure I suppose.

So take care my friends, again I hope you and your families have a fantastic holiday period and next year is great for all of us.

Physical wreck

Reckon I've pulled of torn a muscle in my leg, its inside my thigh and really hurts when I stretch. I did it playing TT last thursday right at the end of the match, we were playing the doubles and only 3 points from finishing when I stretched for a ball and felt it. It wasn't too bad, I actually thought it was a bit of cramp so was able to finish.
Anyway at the weekend I've been away playing for Yorkshire Veterans and it went again in my first match. Maybe I should have packed in but to be honest while I was warmed up it was manageble but I could feel a sharp pain evertime I stretched for a forhand shot.
I managed to play all the team matches and we did well in our division which was expected to be tough. We won one, lost one & drew two of our team matches. Individually I managed to win 5 out of 8 singles (two of my defeats in a tight 5 set games) and 3 out of 4 doubles.
By the end of the weekend my leg was really sore partly due to the injury but partly due to normal wear and tear of a hard weekends play.
This morning I'm walking ok but if I have to stretch its quite bad, it was really painfull putting on my socks.
I have two more TT matches this week then thats it while after Christmas, they are on Wednesday & Thursday this week. They are nowhere near as tough as the county matches and hopfully I should get through without extending myself too much.

On top of that I've got a cold coming on, not too bad at present so I hope it clears quickly.

Bring it On

Yes the big match is on, the mighty whites are off to play "The Scum" on Jan 3rd.

We eventually saw off Kettering 5-1 after extra time, totally dominated the match and could easily scored double figures but still went in 1-1 after 90 minutes. In fact as the teams entered the last 15 minute period it was still level and looked like going to the dreaded lottery of penalties. However our substitutes came up trumps with two goals from American Mike Grella and one from the man from Congo Tresor Kandol. Our top striker Jermaine Beckford sealed it with a 5th.

So now its the match of hate, Manchester United on their own turf, really can't wait. Sure they are two divisions above us and are clear favorites but miracles can happen and we live in hope. Even if it goes to the form book I'm sure we'll give them a good run for their money. Putting it into perspective their top earners are on more money than our entire squad but who cares this is going to be our day.

The fans hate each other with a passion, the atmosphere will be electric and I expect a sell out crowd of around 80,000. They are supposed to give us 15% of the capacity so should be around 12,000 Leeds fans making the trip across the hills plus a few that get tickets in the home section (done that before myself, gotta keep your gob shut though and sit on the hands, lol).

Although it would be great to beat them on their own turf it would be just as good to draw and bring them back to our place, even their manager reckons its one of the most hostile atmospheres he has been to.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_United_A.F.C._and_Manchester_United_F.C._rivalry

The "Wars of the Roses" will never end.

England versus USA

Well my American friends I've just watched the World Cup draw and our countries will be playing each other in next years finals in South Africa, I'm talking Football (thats Soccer to you).

We were both placed in group "C" along with Algeria and Slovenia. Actually with two going through to the knock out stages I reckon we could both make it with England top of course.

The big match takes place on June 12th in Rustenburg (Wherever that is).

Other groups put some fancied teams together such as Brazil, Ivory Coast & Portugal in group G which is already been called the group of death.

And not forgetting my Aussie friends I see you are in group G with Germany, Serbia & Ghana. Reckon you have a shout in that one especially with possibly two Leeds players in your squad Patrick Kisnorbo & Neil Kilkenny. In fact if you are runners up and England win ours we would meet in the last 16.