keithslater.net

Going well

2008-01-15T12:46:00.000Z

It's been more than 2 weeks now and I'm still not smoking (and I've been drunk twice in those 2 weeks and not wanted a cigarette at all). So, once again I think I'm close to cracking it!

United won 6-0 at the weekend. What a second half! Ronaldo, awesome, the back 4, awesome. All it missed was a Wazza goal but as long as he's contributing I'm more than happy. In all honesty I reckon if he'd not had the virus over Christmas and had match sharpness back he would have got a couple.

Lastly, I asked Sam if she would like to move in with me when my landlady sells this place and of course she said yes (how could anyone resist my drunken naked dancing????). So, I reckon that will be spring time and 99% probable that it will be Ealing.

Christmas been and gone...

2008-01-03T18:12:00.000Z

So, that's it for another year. In all honesty I did have a great time, it just seemed to come and go so quickly. I went to see my Ma and Stepdad for a couple of days, went to see my lass for a couple of days and then all of a sudden it was NYE. I had a bit of a party for New Year (which only really got cleaned up by the evening of 2nd! Yes, it was a bit of a mess).

I've stopped smoking again. I'm into my 3rd day now and in all honesty I'm hurting right now but I'm very determined again not to be a slave to the drug!

Nearly 2 months...

2007-12-01T10:46:00.000Z

...and no updates. No excuses either, it's just something I seem to only get round to every now and then.

So, what's been going on? Loads I guess. English football, well the last Wembley game was a miserable affair, the players looking like they couldn't be bothered (except Crouch and Beckham), Gerard turning into the new John Barnes (plays brilliantly for his club, crap for his country). Let's hope we get someone who can inspire a team, turn a group of individuals into a great team and drop players because they aren't doing the business.

Went to see the Foo Fighters at the o2. A great night - probably number 3 in my all time concerts, after U2 in Vienna and Coldplay (Rush of blood to the head tour) in Munich.

Christmas round the corner. I've done 'nearly' all my shopping now so no need to rush into Oxford Street on Christmas Eve (I have had to do this before!).

Enough for now, I'll be back soon, I promise!

First time...

2007-09-16T20:27:00.001+01:00

...I ever won a game of golf. Well, I actually came equal first with 116 (which is not fantastic but
still a win). It's also my joint best score. All coming along nicely.

Quick update

2007-09-04T07:31:00.000+01:00

So what's new? Hmm. Had a good round of golf last weekend. First time out on buggies and it makes a massive difference, especially up some of those big hills! Hit 120 which is close to my best (still bad but if we could master the game in weeks it would be dull) and got my driver out for the first time in a while. Even if you hit a bad driver you're still likley to be 100 yards better than before whereas a bad iron shot you can be only 10 yards better off!

Having to get up earlier than usual to get to work before the congestion charge starts due to the wanky tube people going on strike. You know, there have been times in my career where I wasn't happy with pay or conditions but what did I do about it? I found another job. At no point would I ever strike, I think those people who do should be sacked, there are plenty of other people willing to do their jobs on the current pay / benefits. All these people are doing is causing chaos but then again I guess that's what they set out to do!

I have a big weekend coming up this weekend. England vs Israel at Wembley on Saturday and then The Police on Sunday which I'm really looking forward to. Oh - and we got Foo Fighter tickets!!

Prince, Wembley and Sincil Bank

2007-08-28T14:26:00.000+01:00

We went to see the small purple one and I have to say it was one of the best concerts I've seen. He had the crowd eating out of his hand it was very clear how talented the little one is.

Also went to Wembley mid-week for my first 'New Wembley' football match. Very good, awesome stadium but poor result. We should have won, same old story!

I then took my Dad to Sincil Bank to see Lincoln City at the weekend. From Wembley to Sincil Bank is a stark contrast but it was still fine fun.

Change of server

2007-08-15T10:16:00.000+01:00

That's my excuse for not updating for a while. Big thanks to Phil for the several years hosting this site and big thanks to Paul for providing this server so I can continue. :o)

Been bloody ages

2007-07-27T15:52:00.000+01:00

I know, I know. It's been a month again. So what have I been up to? Well, went to Live Earth - that was fun, been to see Keane at the o2, again lots of fun and a nice venue. Went ballooning, loads of fun!! I'm looking for somewhere that will let me go wing-walking but there's some crazy law that no money can exchange hands, not sure what that's about.

Great weekend

2007-06-27T13:28:00.000+01:00

Well, what a great few days. We arrived in Norway after 2 flights, stopping off in Copenhagen for a few hours. We then made our way to Bergen, a pretty little town but nothing like the town we were making our way to.

We arrived in Voss in the evening and quickly med up with old friends, new friends and, most importantly, the bride and groom. A few beers later and we were up to bed. The wedding the next day was beautiful. It was in the old church in the centre of Voss - the Vangskyrkja. After that it was champagne and pictures by the lake and a late night of drink and food.

The next day we took it easy, went up in the cable car and then watched the start of the Extreme Sports week, something that Voss is famous for with it's various extreme sports clubs, white water and cliffs.

The next day was grand. We trecked up to Jane's family 'log cabin' in the mountains and had a great day eating drinking and then a few of us canoed into the lake. The views were breathtaking.

We saved the best for last and did another tandem skydive. The scenery from 12000 feet was nothing short of spectacular. The jump was awesome and has definitely made me want to go back next year, both the take my AFF license and do the entire extreme sports week.

New Wembley...

2007-06-18T18:31:00.001+01:00

...is really quite awesome. See the pics below:

The view from the tube station down Olympic Way (Wembley Way).

Rich and the Hog early in the day.

The Hog and I.

The hills are alive...

2007-06-12T13:10:00.000+01:00

Mum and Chris came down this weekend. It was Mum's birthday so I had arranged a couple of surprises. First was Champagne Afternoon Tea at St. James' Restaurant at Fortnum and Mason. Mum thought that was grand and initially thought that was her treat. i then got the taxi driver to drop up us off at the Paladium and then handed Mum the tickets. She was dead chuffed. The performance was excellent as well and the props were awesome as well.

We went for a round of Golf on Sunday at Shendish Manor. It's a lovely course, a little demanding but with no real shocks. The thing is it's such a hard slog and a very physically challenging course. It's very hilly and the grass off the fairway is quite long! Still, according to the guys I did not come last (this would be a first) but I'm not convinced they marked fairly and let me have it, hmm.

Lastly, I've been filling in some surveys for the Metro newspaper - My Urban Life. Because of that I won a £20 HMV voucher! So, I went and got Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on Hd-DVD, very nice!

Golf

2007-05-20T21:07:00.000+01:00

I've been playing golf the last few weekends. I'm steadily getting better having played 138, then 128 and this weekend 118. I'm really enjoying it and today played some great shots, 2 from the tee onto the green and some good aproach shots. I'm also now using a driver and although a sfew are shanked a few are good as well. I'm going twice this weekend coming and very much looking forward to it.

Champions!

2007-05-07T19:02:00.000+01:00

I guess if you had asked me at the start of the season what I would be happy with then just the Premiership crown would have been the answer. Whilst I am very happy with that, having seen ho wthe team has played I believe they deserve more. Perhaps too many injuries to key players (particularly the defenders) and general tiredness undid us in Milan and perhaps a couple of new faces in the summer and we can challenge on all 3 fronts again. I've just been watching MUTV and an interesting fact on there. Since we won the treble in 1999, only Barca last year have won their league and the Champions League and they were knocked out the Spanish domestic cup very early on. Still, well done lads. OUR trophy is back where it belongs and we've still got the FA cup final to contend!

One more thing

2007-04-29T21:15:00.000+01:00

I listened to the football on the way up to Lincoln. At one point we were 2-0 down and Chelski were 2-1 up which meant it was only goal difference between us. By the end of the game it was 4-2 to us and 2-2 for Chelsea, meaning there is now 5 points and 16 goals difference. If we win on Saturday and Chelsea draw then that's it. I'm not counting our chickens but it's very, very close now. If we only win the league I'll be happy, anything will be a bonus.

A grand day out

2007-04-29T21:03:00.000+01:00

Went to visit my Dad and his Girlfriend in their new flat in Burton Waters in Lincolnshire. It's a lovely place where everything is based around boats. Some of the places had a mooring spot at the end of their garden, must be lovely.

So we went to feed the squirrels on Sunday morning. We went to a clearing in Hartsholme Country Park and waited. After about 10 minutes the squirrels started to come. They were a little tentative at first but were soon (literally) eating out of our hands. Then we met up with my Uncle Terry and went out on the boat, into Lincoln City centre and back. After a pleasant meal we went to look for the rabbits and found them in abundance - loads of them in a clearing. Of course they all ran into the hedges as we went past but they were very sweet. Anyone who knows me knows I have a particular soft spot for rabbits with 2 pet ones at home.

Another quick update

2007-04-23T16:09:00.000+01:00

Once again I've neglected the Blog. So, what's been going on? Well, Man Utd have been doing ok, it's really into the crunch time now and the next few weeks means everything. So come on you reds!!!

I started playing golf again. When I say again I actually played once when I was at Uni and that's about it. So far I've been twice in the last 3 weeks and I'm really happy with the progress I'm making. First week I hit 148 and this week I hit 128. I had a really dodgy spell in the middle of yesterday's game and I think it was just tension and trying to hit the ball as hard as I could rather than relaxing and letting the club do all the work. Once I'd realised this it was much better and I look forward to our next outing in 3 weeks or so.

Couple of updates

2007-02-13T12:39:00.000Z

Firstly, my job has finally been sorted out. I don't like to discuss work too much on here so I'll leave it at that. All good though.

Secondly, booked a few concerts. Kaiser Chiefs, The Who (Both at the Royal Albert Hall - part of the Teenage Cancer Trust week) and of course Muse @ the New Wembley Stadium!

Also going to a friend's wedding in Norway in June so have booked a week off and will have a good look around, take a tent and get on with some extreme sports!

Quote of the week...

2007-01-28T21:28:00.000Z

...from Clarkson to Jamie Oliver - 'You know Jamie, sometimes you do look a bit 'special needs'. I was rolling about after that.

Also, Jermaine Jackson - 'Kindness is a strength'. Great wisdom from a very quiet man.

All a bit dull really

2007-01-28T09:33:00.000Z

Nothing much has happened recently. Work, work, work. I have a few weekends and gigs lined up though. First Massive Attack, followed by a weekend in the forest of Dean. In summer I have Muse @ the new Wembley which I can't wait for. Now that I have a properly registered / licensed car I can hopefully get some more use out of that this year as well.

Doing well so far...

2007-01-09T19:25:00.000Z

...although the swear box has a few quid in it. I have definitely cut down though and it's a good thing. It is making me think about what I say for sure.

I haven't had a drink so far this week. I know it's only Tuesday and although I don't want to stop drinking I do want to get more control over my drinking. I'm a proper all or nothing drinker. I won't drink unless I know I'm going to get drunk and I'm not happy with that any more.

I'm also making a definite effort to recycle more. It should be easy for me as in the basement of the flat we have recycling bins into which we can put cardboard, paper, tin cans and bottles (plastic or glass), so it covers most things. Every little helps!

Better than last time...

2007-01-05T15:25:00.000Z

...I've managed to update within a few days this time. Not that I have very much to report. Hmm, work, United 6 points clear, Celebrity BB has started - that's about it for now. Dull life eh?

Once again...

2007-01-02T11:33:00.000Z

...it's been a long time since my last post. Christmas has been and gone. I spent Chrimbo at my parent's with them coming to see me for New Year. It was all quite quiet but lovely all the same. I feel a bit partied out now though having been drinking the last 3 nights! A few nights in will solve that problem.

New years resolutions? Just a couple. Last year's was to stop smoking and it's been more than a year since my last cigarette! So, to this year's...

1. Less swearing!
2. More compassion
3. More activities that don't involve drinking
4. Get my AFF license

That should do for now.

Happy New Year!

One last thing...

2006-11-12T12:32:00.000Z

...my poor little hamster died while I was on holiday. RIP Lina. Mum's oldest cat Sprite died too, 16 years old is not bad for a cat though! Sad but we are all sentient being and as such only one thing is for sure, we'll all move on...

Been a while...

2006-11-12T11:56:00.000Z

...since I last posted and a lot has happened.

Firstly, I guess a bit of filling in on my holiday is required. Well, Bangkok was delightful. I missed out all the bits the west has 'messed up', like Patpong and the Khao San Road and concentrated on the Thai bits. The palace, the temples (how many?), Ayutthaya and I did Muay Thai on the last night (well, I watched not participated!!).

From Thailand it was on to Australia. 2 weeks went sooo quickly. A few days in Sydney including trips to Taronga Zoo, Watson's bay, Blue mountains and the wonderful Featherdale Wildlife park where you can stroke the Koalas and the kangaroos / wallabys.

Then onto Melbourne and picked up the car to go the Great Ocean Road. Great it was indeed, we had a lot of fun there and the scenery is just stunning, some of the best I've ever seen. From there to Philip Island and the Little Penguin Parade and then back to Sydney for a couple more days.

Hong Kong was last on the Itinerary and I have to say was a little disappointing. You step outside and you sweat, immediately. Even though it's hot and very humid you can't see the sun for most of the day because of the polution and cloud. It's great as a shopping cenetre but not much else.

So, all in all a great holiday. As with most fun holidays it seemed to come and go so quickly but all the memories are there. All the photos (about 900) can be found in the usual place, here...http://community.webshots.com/user/slaterka.

Since I came back I've thrown myself into work, earning a promotion within 2 days of being back. I'm now head of operations. We start integrating with the parent company very soon and will move to Borough which isn't so bad.

I'll try and keep this updated more often, although it's tricky with my hectic life. ;o)

Made it...

2006-10-02T10:37:00.000+01:00

...finally. It was an interesting journey. Firstly we were taxiing to take off and the pilot told us that we had a problem (broken weather radar antenna) that we had to go and fis. So went back to the terminal. The captain said it would take between 60 and 75 minutes to fix and we would get away quicker if we all staid on board so we did that. It was getting hotter and hotter and when it was all fixed we taxied out again only for the French girl sat next to me to faint. Everyone rushed around of course and she seemed better...until she started being sick during take off and of course nobody could move and do anything about it.

We finally arrived in Bangkok and from the people who picked me up from the airport to the hotel staff to the tour guide I found today they've all been lovely. I went to see the grand palce today, along with the reclining Buddha and a trip along the canals, feeding fish and visitting the floating market. All wonderful, had a great day.

Here's a typical image of the grand palace. I would post more on webshots but the service provider I'm using deems it as personal (and blogger isn't?) so I can't get to it...