She finally managed to drag me out shopping today. I wasn't too keen to join the throngs of people looking for a bargain, but I was promised the ultimate treat - a latte and a slice of fresh carrot cake!
We caught up with friends for a quick lunch where little Josh proceeded to s#!t himself from top to toe. So much so that Deb had to go next door to buy him some clean clothes to change him into!
The joys of being 8 months old!
Chat soon,
DelBoy
Today's photo was taken in March two years ago on my birthday. We were on holiday in Egypt.
The pic was snapped as the sun rose over the Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve at around 5am. We were getting ready to dive on the 'Yolanda' wreck.
Chat soon,
DelBoy
Firstly, Happy New Year to all. I hope that you will all have a fantastic year and that it will be full of laughter, good health and happy times!
Now to the meat of the post. Instead of doing the 'Best of 2006' that has appeared in every newspaper and on every radio station in the UK since around mid-December, I've decided to do the 'Best of double-o seven'. Basically my plans for this year.
First thing in '07' is to get over this hangover from NY Eve 06. Ouch! 10pm and still suffering!
Let's start with January: Company Christmas party in mid-January. Us hospitality types always have late Christmas parties so that you office types can enjoy yours in December. After so many years in the trade, I'm quite used to it. And surprise, surprise, the theme is 'James Bond'. The first of many such theme parties I imagine. (Get it Bond - 007 - 2007?) OK, so maybe you're brighter than I give you all credit for!
The next big thing in January is my trip to South Africa. I haven't been home in 5 years and I can't wait. I am literally counting the days! 21 more to go!
In February, while I'm still in SA, my brother is getting married. The tight arse has finally decided to pop the question and settle down. Another highlight of 07!
March brings my birthday which means another short trip. This time the destination is Estonia. Tallinn to be exact. For those who don't know where that is (Cuz!), click here. It will be a 3 day trip.
April brings another holiday. A 10 day cruise around the Southern Carribbean. This will take in the islands of St Maarten, St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Tortola and the Bahamas. We also get to visit Miami and Fort Lauderdale while in the US. We will be travelling with all the in-laws and family: father, mother, brothers, sister.
April is also Joshua's first birthday! We will probably celebrate this on the cruise with the family and his little cousin whose first birthday is also in April.
For now, May is the quiet month. Nothing planned as yet. I'm sure I can come up with something.
June is when it all really starts to happen. On June 30, I plan to pack up and ship out. That's right, emmigrate! By mid-June our belongings will be packed, placed in a container and sent to Melbourne, Australia. On June 30th, we board the plane for New York.
The first week in July will be spent in New York. The 4th of July will definitely be a highlight. We then head north to Niagara and the falls. From there we're off to Toronto, on to Boston then back to NY. From NY we fly across to Vancouver for another few days, visiting Seattle, Vancouver Island and Whistler (where I hope to do some mtb riding!)
After Vancouver we will either head south to Vegas or LA (depends on the cash at this stage) before our final flight home to Melbourne.
This is where my plan sort of ends. From August I will have to play it by ear. Find a job, buy a house and a car. Maybe think about expanding the family a little more. Who knows.
An eventful and exciting year for us. Let's hope that it all works out.
Chat soon,
DelBoy
Well, it's photo time again.
Another Christmas photo, just to keep you all in the spirit for a little longer. Next week I promise something more exciting.
This is me, at work on Christmas Day, in my pub!
Chat soon,
DelBoy
Not long to go now. Today was really quiet at work. I also took a walk up to Portobello Road (to get some beer for Christmas Day), and even the market was dead. Well, after yesterday's chaotic day at work, I'm not surprised. We were crazy busy!
Anyway, I guess that this is it until after Christmas, so to all my friends, family and regular readers:
Chat soon,
DelBoy
Photo Friday is back!
I took this in Trafalgar Square in central London two nights ago. The Christmas tree on the right is donated to the UK by the Norwegian government every year as a thank you for helping them during WWII. On the left is Nelson's Column with a fountain in the foreground.
Chat soon,
DelBoy
After finally getting my internet back, I decided to catch up on some blog reading. Last night I spent a few hours reading blogs and writing comments. It was good to see what everyone was up to, how they were feeling and what they were getting worked up about.
Congrats to Buddess for becoming a double-aunt again! Wow! Good luck to Chitty and his hellish Christmas shopping and to Terri, with the new bike (awaiting the photos cuz!). Katt, keep on smiling. And if you have a bad day, blog about it. We do still read even if we don't always leave comments. Greg, enjoy the home-grown tipple. You may not find it next year when you eventually take the World Cup home with you again.
And to Kyknoord: I hope Santa brings you better presents than you are planning for your friends!
And to those that I haven't mentioned, I promise to get around to reading your blogs soon. I have a day off today, but the weather is perfect (cold and clear, 2 degrees) so I may get out there into the fresh air and do something.
Chat soon,
DelBoy
At last, some photos of the rugby in Dublin. OK, so we lost the game. But we're building for the World Cup next year. Isn't that right Jake?
Chat soon,
DelBoy
Well, that's what it feels like anyway. Without an internet connection for almost 4 weeks! But now I am happy again - with 8Mb broadband!! And a new look blog.
Where to start!?
Christmas is on our doorstep again. Last Saturday night we had our Christmas party with some of our friends. It is one of those nights where we try to get all of our group of friends together again. This year, two were missing.
We had great fun. Food was OK, but the service was great. At around 11pm we stumbled home and then Cheese & I hit the bourbon. At around 6.30am and a bottle and a half later, we decided that it was probably time for some sleep. Only Deb & Sim were still around keeping us company. The rest had faded.
More news to follow.
Chat soon,
DelBoy
I'm internetless... what is the world coming to! I feel lost. Helpless. Lonely!
Well, not really, but it's pretty frustrating not being able to log on and check email or bank balance or blog!
At least the coffee shop I'm sitting in right now does great hot chocolate!
Chat soon,
Del
