The Blog 2007 (Part 2) Page!

Sunday 23/12/07 (2 more sleeps!)

Hello from the North Pole (well it feels like it!)

So much has been happening today, we have been running around like.... well, two very busy people who have lots to do and very little time to do it all in.

Today we got up and ready then went last minute Christmas shopping and got some treats for the snack box (kind of like an X-box, but with added chocolate). We then came home, and went to the grave yard and laid flowers for Janet, visited Robert, then up to the village to see Andrew and Leah. After there it was down to Blackburn to visit JP and Susan, then a whistle stop tour of Dave's new pad (Lorna hadn't been there before). Then it was a do or die mission into city centre Edinburgh to the Ibis hotel to pick up some prezzies that santa had shipped all the way in from the US of A. After then we raced home to have pasta and watch Elf, it was OK.

This whole week has been very interesting, I had my last night at 287 and although I am very happy to be heading back to be with my friends, I am also very sad to be leaving the team at 287. The Staff team there has some issues but a re very keen and happy to listen to new ideas. We took them to the DCCT on Monday night and they had a load of fun (as did the instructors) and we finished off the year with a fish supper night.

Lorna and I have both been working hard to finish of the house in time for the white bearded one's visit and as a special treat our new sofas that were supposed to come in early February, turned up on Thursday. Robert (and Sonis) were a great help and we took the blue sofas to the tip (we had tried very hard to give them to a charity, but no one wanted to come out this close to Christmas. In the end the guy in the tip asked what was wrong with them and took them away himself so I hope that someone gets some use out of them.

Went up to Aaron's on Wednesday night and had a shot of his new Xbox 360 (very sweet) and it was great just to catch up with Aaron and have a laugh.

I have been working hard getting Rachel's Webspace set up, so that has now been done. I am waiting on Ewan giving me the rest of the stuff I need to get her site up and running.

We recorded our Christmas message and you can watch it by clicking here

We also Have some new photos to share you can access them here

Massive shout out to everyone who is looking at the site, you guys are all legends.

I doubt I will be able to post another message before the big day, so have a great one when it comes and keep safe everyone.

 

Sunday 16/12/07 (X-factor result is in!)

Hello all,

This week has been very busy, Sharon and I were down in Halifax for our first big job. It was great to take Sharon away from the office, I think it was her first time traveling for business. We flew at an alarming time in the morning and flew back the same day, our parking tickets showed we had been away for 11 hours and 51 minutes, and we still had to get home from the airport. Our cabin crew was none other than Claire (previously from IF) it was great to see her, but she had no time to chat as she was very busy working. The Co-pilot was great cracked a few jokes and made us all laugh.

On Friday Sharon and I went to learn a new software package called coursebuilder, it is for rapid e-learning development and it is fab. I hope that Santa might consider buying me a few licences so that we can put what we have learned to good use.

Christmas is fast approaching and today I did the ironing as Lorna wrapped the presents. I could tell you what you have got for a small fee! We need to buy a santa hat so we can post a christmas message to everyone around the world, so I hope we can do that tomorrow or sometime soon.

Christmas shopping is done and dusted, I got the last few bits and bobs on Friday night (late night at ASDA!) So if you wanted Smartprice toilet roll then I bet you can't wait for christmas day.

Dave launched Purple Pages at work on the 15th, I am chuffed to bits for him as it has been quite a week. On Tuesday night after the gym I helped him move from Nicola's into his new flat. It is stunning and everything is new and shiny I know he will have a great time staying there.

I went to see Ewan last night, and I had to give him his christmas present early because it would not be possible for him to unwrap it at mum and dads. So look out for ewanjohn.com coming your way early in the new year. Aaron and I met up in Ewan's flat and it was great to be able to chat and have a laugh without having to rush home or do some DIY. Aaron was showing Ewan his new guitar and I sat like a cave man looking at a microchip when they chatted about the pro's and con's of the P-90 pickup (the only reason I remember the name of one of the pickups is because that is also the name of a rifle!). So after that it was back to Livingston to watch the X factor final. I am glad that the guy from Aaron's street won it, but I though Rhydian was better! (oooh I better not say that too loud otherwise I won't be able to walk the streets).

Sunday was spent doing the last bit of DIY in the kitchen (hanging the blind and the clock) so It was a work in progress when Mum came to the door.

Roddy is reported to be making an appearance sometime soon, so I will keep you posted on any information as soon as I have it.

At some point over the next few days I am looking forward to publishing my review of the year and my Don Awards for 2007.

Keep an eye out for updates to the L&D team, now that everyone has moved on. I will also have to change my boss to Steve White! (are you ready with that big bribe yet Steve LOL)

 

Sunday 9/12/07 (after two Christmas nights out!)

Hello all!

Wow I am feeling a little ruff (in da jungle) today. Lets just say I had two Christmas nights out (back to back) and I am glad to be alive. Today was spent fixing Dads PC and papering the kitchen. I know you lot don't care about my update you want to get to the bit where I tell you who was wasted at the night out and what everyone got up to, well as they say a picture tells a 1000 words, so you might want to check out the photos section and YOU MUST CHECK OUT KARIN MORRIS SINGING (a flash movie!) OH MY GOD!

I will get a better update up and running on Tuesday night but for now, enjoy the photos (and the movie! make sure your volume is turned up!)

Photos

Movies

Wednesday 21/11/07

A mid week update? what's wrong with me?

Firstly I am sorry Christine and Grant for not making it round tonight, time was well and truly against me.

Work has been annoying this week, so many fiddley little things to sort out and getting any type of momentum is nearly impossible. I did however find out that I passed my APM project managers qualification, so I am well chuffed with that.

We had a 40K battle with Tim, and I am glad to say that I won, and did so with a fair amount of a margin. I don't know what the odds were but I picked up 4 die and rolled 6,6,6,6 what are the odds? I don't know but If I had been able to do that at Cosford this year I would have won a car!

Dave is staying with us for a few days until he can sort something out, so he has been lending me movies to watch, but I don't have enough time to watch them, I think that Rocky cut into 30 minute chunks is losing something?

I would also like to add for the record that Louise McBride is a charming, sophisticated, beautiful and intelligent woman, why? because she told me to say that, I think that she is very High maintenance, but absolutely worth it! (please make cheque's payable to D. John)

Big shout out to Brian McCotter who graduates tomorrow with an MSc, I know how much this means to him and how much effort he put into it, well done.

I received an email today from a young Mr Ross Coutts.

OK Bedtime beckons so I am cutting this one short. Night Night

P. S. the sweets of death are called "Herbal". Who would live in Wolverhampton????

Sunday 18/11/07 (getting back to normal)

Hi!

This week has been one that I have really enjoyed, I am glad to say that all construction work in the Kitchen is now complete and all that is left is to have it plastered and tiled. It as been a fantastic struggle over 5 weeks long and it is fair to say that things did not go according to plan. There was one last issue, Jay (the joiner) cut the mitres the wrong way and ruined the wood that we needed to finish it off, so there was one more visit back to the house to have it finished. A few things have not worked out as I would have liked (drawers in particular) but I think it is looking great.

The other big new this week was the 2 day strategy event down in Leeds. I met and got to know the management team from the ID&SB OT model (of which I am a part!) and these guys were fantastic, we worked hard but got loads out of it and I will always be able to say that I helped to shape the strategy of the business. I don't know why but I had a hard time getting used to the idea that I deserved to be there rather than I had just taken a wrong turn and stumbled into a meeting that was going on. I had spent a lot of time designing a customer engagement model and put it on to visio and typed up some notes to hand out, I think that went down well. It has been an interesting few weeks, but this meeting event was by far the best time so far.

After work on Thursday the whole team (minus Linda, because it was her Dad's Birthday) went for a meal and had a few drinks, I loved every second of it, we were in stitches the whole time, and I shall never be able to think about Polly without having dancing tramps throwing eggs! We talked about loads of different things and ended up on children's TV, what a blast. I went up to bed and my sides were splitting with the laughing I had been doing. The Gang are a very interesting mix of people and despite trying to poison me with some bleech flavoured sweets I can't wait to meet up with them again. John Fitzpatrick keep a rolling joke going that would have pleased my dad no end, Polly was struggling to remember a film and John shouts "Julie Andrews, dressed as a nun" or later "The one with the Big scary shark" and even later he shouts "Tom Cruise, in a jet fighter".

It was great to come home on Friday, and walk into a house that didn't resemble a bomb site, and Lorna and I went round to Graeme and Lesley's, we had some drinks and chatted about the business and tried to look at a website that we want to work on, but it was down all night. On Saturday it was a trip to Ikea to buy nice new things for the kitchen, then Andrew popped over and we made the commitment to get back in to the 3 trips to the gym a week way of working. Today Lorna and I went for a massive long walk down the country park, and saw our Heron again (after a break of 6 months).

I also spent my GW vouchers on a squad of terminators and a squad of devastators

 

The Battle reaches it's climax

Kitchen facing west

 

Kitchen facing east

 

Lorna's first masterpiece

Wednesday 07/11/07

Cracking meeting with my new boss Steve, and some fantastic things to look forward to. He is the type of guy I can say "That's not going to happen, but how about this instead?" and that is a great position to be in at work. I am very sad to be leaving the IF L&D Team but over the moon to take the lead in this new team. After almost a year of uncertainty and worry I can finally say, GAME ON! I have already been hit with a few big bits of work, and I can say that for the first time I am looking forward to work in the morning. Working alongside Tim and Lisa Vannett is going to be fantastic.

Dave and I had an Epic battle last night with a 40K Game that lasted 4 and a half hours. In the end we had to call a draw, but it was the best fight we have had to date. A full review will be publish as and when I can.

The Kitchen saga continues and now the flooring has been bought I hope that the light that we see at the end of the tunnel is not the 8:52 from Inverness. Looks like things are improving for Ewan, but I will give you more on that as it comes my way (it is always second hand from Mum)

Rachel Hillditch completed that New York Marathon on 5 and 1/2 hours (I am thrilled for her, I wish I could run 26 Miles)

Sunday 04/11/07

Oh for another pleasant valley Sunday!

Thursday was a great day, up very early for the flight to Leeds and then in to West Bank for a meeting, I have a load of work to do for the Internal Comm's Website, but I am loving it.

Hello all, Lorna and I have been out Christmas shopping, and we are very nearly done, just 4 or possibly a 5th outstanding. The Kitchen still looks like it has been hit with a Laser Guided Bomb, but hopefully we will be sorted out next weekend.

Yesterday I taught Principles of Flight up at the squadron in the morning (it is a very hard subject), so hopefully my guys will do well in the exam on Monday night. After that I came home and spent a few hours painting my little guys, it was bliss to be able to have the time to do it.

Lorna was working and after she had finished we went and got a chinese and a DVD (Black Snake Moan!!!! Fantastic movie). We watched the X factor and laughed at the idiots, I love that guy Rhidian, All the way baby!

Today we spent 3 hours removing all the crap from the kitchen works to the tip, two full loads of Lorna's car and we just managed it! After that it was a case of B&Q,MFI,BHS,GW and a few other places to pick up some Christmas prezzies.

Now it is a case of having dinner and then watching top gear and the long way down.

Dougie, sorry mate never got around to that but I will soon!

 

 

Tuesday 30/10/07

OK so lets be very clear about this, my life sucks like a dyson on steroids.

The Kitchen has been a disaster. Things don't fit, units still not here yet, units coming off the wall, leaks (and Carrots!), constant changes and a few other odds and sods. Net result is we have to live out of the microwave for the next 10 days, until the unit can be cut to take the hob.

STRESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On top of that I am in 287 at the moment and I just want to do the best I can then come home, but the way things stand I have to many things to do and not enough time to do them in. I spent the last 2 days doing my APM project managers course and.....well to put things bluntly I hated the course and the exam was even more horrific than the great Physics Hoo-Haa of '93. I am shattered, frustrated and more than a little unhappy tonight, but the only way out is through.

On the plus side...............NOTHING
On the negative side........EVERYTHING

Clicking here would be a bad idea!

Don's mood for today

 

Sunday 21/10/07

Hello all,

Today has been a bit funny, the weekend saw the start of the dreaded Christmas Shopping! Yes I know you might think that is a little early but by this time last year it was all done and dusted. So far Ewan, Rachel, Grant, Christine, Mum and Dad have all been taken care off.

Spent about an hour on the phone to MFI on Saturday sorting out the order that arrived on Thursday, so many things wrong, it is a complete joke. Ewan pointed out that if they did think right the first time it would save them millions in the long run! It was Sunday dinner at Mum and Dads today so we went through and picked up Ewan and dropped him of, got home in time to see Lewis Hamilton throw away the world F1 championship.

Things are getting to that cold wet and dark part of the year that I don't enjoy very much. I hate the fact that the nights are starting to get dark at around 18:00, soon it will be dark when you get up and dark when you drive home from work.

I wish I could go back to North Carolina it was warm and sunny!

Please check out the flash movies (Dan drives is special because that's the first thing he has ever driven!)

Click here to see the photos

Click here to see the flash movies

 

Monday 10/10/07 - The America Aftermath

Well after 13 months and £27,000 it finally happened, Lupus 30 (or XXX) actually happened.

Day 1

The Trip started early on the morning of Saturday and the Boss, Graeme, Cammy, Richard and Myself shared a minicab to the airport. BA had issued us with wrong tickets so we had a wait until we could get something sorted out. The ticket agent said you will have to phone and sort this out when the office opens at 8:00 (we took off at 07:00) so that was a good indication of how smooth things were going to be. The flight to London was uneventful and then we had a few hours to kill in Gatwick before boarding the 777 to the states. US immigration is a service not to be mucked about with and all the forms and visa's had to be filled in and checked by the staff before we were called forward. After an endless amount of checks and scanners we were collecting our luggage and stepping out into the evening sunlight. BAM! it was like getting smacked in the mouth with a shovel. After a short bus ride we ended up at the car hire place and waited on our 5 cars. The guy looked at how much luggage we had and laughed, we ended up having to hire 3 mini buses and a 7 seater to get us to the motel.

After a Mensa IQ test of fitting everyone and luggage into the busses we turned the ignition and away we went. Cammy was driving the 7 seater and took the lead I was last to go and followed the convoy into the darkening night. Before long I had a taste of the "Wacky Races" that is the hallmark of US interstates, people we under and over taking at the same time and then nearly crashing into each other as the both rejoined in front of me (Nice and relaxing) Also the 3.5 Ltr Super Duty I was driving had the turning circle of miles and a braking distance that could be measured in hours. Anyway after a hour and a half we got to the glorious "Days Inn" where we would call home for the next week.

The place was a shambles and despite having very clear instructions about who could bunk in with who, the hotel made a complete mess and we had to do it ourselves. After much mucking about we finally got to bed and were out like a light.

Day 2

We woke up at six and got showered and dressed then went into the canteen for breakfast, it was a site to see everyone make their own waffles. After breakfast, we got in our transport and drove to Pope AFB. After getting wrong directions at various gates, we eventually found our way to the correct gate and made contact with Ed who was our sponsor for the day. Pope AFB was having its annual "families Day" where family of the personnel stationed at the base could come and see it in action. We got to clamber about various aircraft and other bits of equipment (see photos). The temperature was about 30 Degrees C and I was plastering on the factor 50 sun cream (which worked a treat by the way, it just ruined my shirt). There were many different demos and hands on events to let us get to grips with the equipment, and the US Army also put in an appearance (via a mass Airdrop from five Hercules overhead). The day was fantastic and at the end of the day, we got to meet the Thunderbirds (the USAF Display Team) They were super special and had amazing attention to detail, in my opinion they were very very good, but I think that the Red Arrows are just as good.

After being on out feet all day it was time to head home and get some chow on the way. The Squadron stopped at a Pizza Hut, but as Richard does not eat pizza, I walked down with him to a Subway. We were served in seconds (being the only ones there) and we waited for an hour on the others being served at pizza hut. The drive home was "bad times" as we got ourselves convinced we were on the wrong road and kept turning around and trying a different route (we hadn't gone along far enough on the first road) it should have taken us about 40 Mins to get home and instead took over two hours. We arrived back to the motel shattered and stressed. I tried Apple flavoured Smirrinoff Ice and it was to become my tipple across the water.

Day 3

The next morning was an early start again, we had spent some time the night before getting our kit ready for the parade we were doing in down town Fayetteville. Lisa (from the motel) had shown me the correct junction the night before so we came off the road in the right place, but the route planner from the internet had us going all over the town which wasted another hour and a half. When we arrived, the sun was beating down on us and when we found the park, it was tiny. We were met by Paul Smith and as a Vietnam Vet he was there to represent the Vets community, he was a cool guy who rode a Harley and was very softly spoken. We set ourselves up and started the parade, the park is right next to a busy intersection and the roar of traffic made hearing the commands very difficult that coupled with the steep incline of the path made the march up the hill difficult. We were played in by Fanning on the pipes and she did an amazing job. After a short service we laid a wreath and had a minutes silence.

After the parade was over Paul Posed for a few photographs with us and then we crossed the road and went to the Airborne and Special Operations museum, which was fantastic. We were well looked after by Porsche and the rest of the staff, after a very enjoyable few hours we were on our way back to the motel to change. After we got changed in to our civvies we took a trip to the Mall, it was massive and everyone bomb burst in all directions. After a few shops I found that electronic items are cheaper by about a quarter, and basic clothing is cheaper by about half. Mr Nicol came out with a pair of nike trainers and a pair of timberland boots. The drivers were feeling very tired by this point and we made our way home for a dinner of Spaghetti and Meatballs. After this I went to Badger and Ricardo's room for some top drawer entertainment and more apple vodka.

Day 4

Tuesday Morning saw us up at oh deary me hours, and into our combat gear for the first time. A bus that was supposed to arrive to take us to camp lejune didn't arrive so we loaded up our wagons and drove across the state ourselves. We had printed of mapquest routes  and set off with high hopes, Cammy and I had been doing the lions share of leading the convoy started out again, we were fine for the first hour and then we came of the interstate and the map told us to turn right, and we did. After about another half an hour we pulled up and had a confab about where we were, it turns out that we should have turned left after the interstate and we were about 30 miles in the wrong direction. Leading the convoy you cannot help but feel responsible and I took that pretty badly, everyone is looking for me to drive and cammy to direct, but when you put your faith in autoroute or mapquest and it gets it wrong then you start to panic about all other directions that it gives you.

After what seemed like an age we arrived at the base and were taken to the mess hall (sounds of angels playing harps and flutes) WOW the USMC know how to do breakfast they were amazing. After breakfast we were taken to the barracks and threw out kit in and back out on the bus and were introduced to our driver, Cpl Parker. Parker was a great guy and were grew very fond of him over the next two days. He drove us to the K-9 Military working dogs compound for a display. These Marines were absolutely fantastic and were so laid back and cool the troop was very impressed. We sat on bleachers and watched the dogs find drugs and take down bad guys. The marines were justly proud of their dogs and you could tell that they were a very professional outfit that had saved the lives of hundreds of allied servicemen. Our squadron patch impressed the guys and I think they were given one as a thank you. I give them a copy of the site address so I hope they stop by and say hello. One of the female Marines had her arm in a bandage and it turns out that her dog had gone "up leash" and bit her (and I mean REALLY BIT HER) her arm looked a mess, but fair play to her she was hard core and was back at work doing the do with the same dog and no matter what you have to respect that.
I learnt loads about dogs in general that day and one fact that sticks out is the high pitch noise that the handlers made when the dog did something good (I think I captured it on a video clip) That noise pleases the dog (how I am not sure) and they get a kick out of hearing it. After the demo the team got a chance to interact with the dogs and they were fab, and just like other dogs they loved being made a fuss over.

After the display we got back in our bus (by this point renamed  FAB1 in honour of it’s driver) and it took us to the air station. We were shown the simulators for the V-22 Osprey, and got to fly in the CH46 simulator. I stood outside and took some pictures of V-22's flying around and then one of three of them together, it was a great site to see, and I hope that the pictures do this amazing aircraft justice. After the simulators we then went back to the mess hall  (again you need to eat in a USMC mess hall once in your life to see how good it is). We went back to the billet and got our gear squared away and our racks sorted for the night. Rich failed to kill a roach and it made good it's escape into his kit and under our bunk bed! We went up the road to the burger and soft drinks place and set down and had a coke, the next day was going to be the hardest of the trip and we all knew it.

Day 5

We awoke at 04:55 and were on Parade for 05:30, we were taken by poor parker to the mess hall and then to Camp Devil Dog. It was still dawn when we arrived and we got of the bus and assembled in the pre-dawn glow, we knew at that point that the day was going to be a scorcher. We were introduced to two USMC Sergeants and the took us over to the Land Nav training centre. We spent the morning learning how to use a prismatic compass, Protractor and all the different things that can effect map and compass work. These two guys were utterly fantastic and the effort they put into doing this lesson for us was top rate. Sgt Munzer and Sgt Vasquez two top blokes who I would have in my squad any day of the week. We had to go and do a 100 meter pace count to see how many steps equalled 100 meters (everyone is different, and it changes with stride, caution, left or right handed and others) my count was the magic number of 86. We had to then prove this by walking back through some woodland and I was bank on the money of 86. After this we had to shoot an azimuth from markers to a white pole. Again we were all on the money. We went back into the classroom and learned all about Concave and Convex, mag to grid / grid to mag conversion and reverse bearings. All in all this was a masterclass in navigation and I was loving every second of it.

After the lesson it was time to go to the practice course. Before setting off we were told to break open our MRE (Meals ready to eat, the US rations) these things were simply amazing. The best part about them is the flameless heater, you put a slash of water in the bottom of a pouch and pop your dinner in next to it and in 3 minutes bang your dinner is hot and ready to eat. The first meal I had was Chicken Jambalaya and it was good. The moment was upon us it was time to teat just how good we were at navigation. I felt that I should volunteer to be first as people would be looking at me to lead as the senior rank in the group, and my heart started racing and the pressure of getting it right took hold. I started out on a dead reckoning bearing and went for it. Within the first 100 meters I had to offset to get round an obstacle and use Graeme as a marker then did the offset and got back on track. The guys in my group must have been fairly confident as no one said much on the way. As I grew closer to what I thought was going to be the target area, my heart sank a little, according to the map it should be on top of a ridge, and I knew that climbing a hill would throw my pace count out. I arrived at the base of a ridge and went straight up the side 10,9,8,7,6,5,4, and then I saw it, it was right in front of me and after a huge distance across very dodgy terrain Bang I hit square on the head. The feeling of relief that I felt was unbelievable, after all the stress and worry of the last few months I stood and stared at a little white box on top of a stake in the ground and felt great, I felt like the old me again. Before a few seconds had passed the rest of my gang were on top of the ridge and started to muck around and take photos, but the feeling is one that I will cherish forever. After that the day was a bit of a blur I followed that directions of whoever was in charge and had a great day, it was hot sweaty and crawling with bugs but I didn't care. I had also found out that I had got the job I was waiting to hear about at lunch time so as you can imagine I was feeling great. That night we did a night navigation exercise and had another of the MRE meals, this time I took some film of it to show people what I am talking about.

We got back to our barracks and the sprits were amazing everyone was laughing and joking and the staff were just as pumped up as the rest of them. I fell asleep that night to the sound of laughter and stories about who had missed which turn and who had fallen into the swamp, it had been a great day.

Day 6

In the morning we had an extra hour in bed (we got up at 05:45) and got ready for the award ceremony. Lt Col Martinez came to do the presentations and we had set it all up. The Colonel gave us a speech about leadership which was great, and then he started to award the paws and stars. As is customary anyone completing their 5th deployment is granted a Black Paw patch and a permanent call sign so we all welcomed "Prime", "Dandy", "Tepid" , "Mustard" and "Badger" to the 5 star club.

After the award we packed up and headed back across country to the motel, this time we ignored the route planner and just retraced out steps, which worked on the nail and we didn't make any wrong turns (must have been the map training!). We stopped of and dropped the luggage and went to see the Airborne museum in Fort Bragg and then had dinner. After the excitement of the last few days everyone was shattered so we went to bed early.

Day 7

Back into blue uniform for the Friday, we went to Pope AFB again and met up with Ed, who took us to the famous "Flying Tigers" squadron who fly A-10's, we were shown around an A-10 and I achieved a boy hood dream of getting up in the cockpit of the plane that started it all for me. After we posed and took a few photos we were taken into the squadron and shown a briefing by the squadron commander "Oscar" it was very fascinating. Then he showed us some of the gun camera film of Close air support strikes in Iraq and Afghanistan, Alas that film is not going to be shown on you tube.

After this we were taken to the home of the US Air Force Special Forces, and I can say hand on my heart that I was absolutely bowled over by these guys. I had walked in expecting them to be all "we are gods you are weak mortals" but nothing could have been further from the truth. These guys went into detail about their job and their training and then went on to show us every single toy they had. The let us have a go on an air strike simulator and DCTT. I finally got to fire my M-16 A4 (Yeah !) Brian and I had a chat to one of the guys and he was so down to earth, I have include his picture to show you the amount of gear he has and the quality of his kit. Not only were these guys skilled in HALO, ATC, FAC, Mountain Survival, Scuba, Mobility, demolitions, Radios and a bunch of other things but they were so good about showing and telling us about it. Dan who had turned 17 when we were away, got his first drive of any car, and thanks to a request to the special forces guys it was in a Hummer. That’s the sort of guys they were. I would consider it a great honour if they stopped by the site and said hello. The captain (Stew) got the website address so if you read this please hit the contact me option.

After that went home I was shattered and shaking after the excitement of the last few hours the highlight of my trip was being able to talk to these guys and not be made to feel like a total failure. Why oh why can't our normal forces never mind our special forces be like that with us?

So after that we headed home and packed for the nightmare journey on the way home, and as the plane hurtled down the runway I looked over the state on North Carolina and I was very sad to say goodbye to all the friends we had made in such a short space of time.

Semper Fi      (Get it up ya!)

Click here for the photos.

 

Wow it's Wednesday 26/09/07

I am starting to sound like a broken record but the truth is that I have not had a second to myself. I have been working on three websites (the massive one for work, the black paw, and Rachel Hillditch's site) so its go go go. Only a few days to go until the trip of a lifetime to America. I am looking forward to it, but also the work that is still needed to finish this off is huge. I can't get over how much work Robert "Spanners" Robertson has put in to this trip and he isn't going. The mob don't have any understanding of the stress and grief we have, but I guess their time will come.

The big news is that Pat and Ronnie arrived safe and sound and we took them out for a lovely meal, I think they enjoyed it! I didn't have my camera so I do not have a photo, but I hope to get one next week - UPDATE they sent me a text message and they are safe and well and in Thurso! Mum had the Conner side of the clan over for Saturday Dinner, it was a great chance to meet up with Steven and Alison, Jude and Luke and Irene and Alex. Not content with one party, Mum and dad threw another one on the Sunday (I remembered my camera this time). Neil was back for a few days, and it was fantastic to see him again. I feel very sad that we don't get a chance to see each other very often, I think that's the first time in 4 years? Again it was great to see everyone (Especially Marc and Ben). I was trying to get them some conkers and I snapped the brach off (whoops!).

Aaron had Lorna and I round for dinner on Friday night and it was a great night, I am so pleased for Aaron, his house is lovely and he is no mean cook. I did the dishes, and got a little "happy" on strongbow.

Today we got the news that the Operational Training Review results will be delayed for a week while they sort out the managers posts. This is bad news for me, as I won't find out before I go. I remain hopeful but as the days drag on, the strain is starting to show in the team, it is not a fun place to work at the moment.

 

Starting to find out more about my Digital Camera

 

The Douglas Side of the Clan

 

 

Monday 17/09/07

Hello all, I am sorry about the lack of updates, but as I am sure you are aware things have been "a tad busy" of late.

OK so the news! The slabs got laid by two guys who did it as a homer, they made a fantastic job of it and had all the toys to get it right (I only wish I made £50 tax free an hour each!). The shed has finally arrived, and it is huge (and empty for the moment) but soon I am going to get it tricked out and put any of my painting stuff out there. The Job front is not as clear as I would have liked. We were told that our team of 26 is to go down to 9 (and 2 managers) so things are tense. Us level 3's are on a hiding to nothing because the 9 roles that we have in the team are all level 2 roles anyway. I have applied for another role, so I should find out in a few weeks if I have managed to get that. All in all work is not a fun place to be right now and everyone is so jumpy and stressed.

The other big news was Lupus Oracle was on this weekend. It was a NCO tactical training event, and we certainly did a lot of training and teaching. I did a lecture on Leadership styles and Techniques but you can never be sure how much of it sunk in. The weather was very bad, with driving rain and strong winds making our shelters blow about and everyone being miserable. It is a huge testament to the guys that they kept going through it all and were willing to complete the main exercise despite having to make a weather abort call.

This was the 7th Lupus, and this was the first time we have had to make an abort on an exercise, we pride ourselves on the toughness of our guys, and their abilities but to risk there health and safety for no reason would have been stupid.

The Jury is still out on the performance of a few individuals but there might be a few closer to earning the much coveted black paw DZ patch. Colin Wardle came along as an observer and I hope that he had a good time, I think that he is going to be the first person from another unit to gain a paw and star, I hope that this is the start of better times to come.

Robert (Lorna's Dad) got another little dog last week. Sonnus (or Sawdust as he has been called) is a wire haired Jack Russell and he is 8 years old and a rescue dog. He arrived last Wednesday and has been an all round "good dog" all week.

Last week my army of Storm Wolves took to the table top and wiped the floor with Tim's Eldar, to be fair my guys had a points advantage but it was still a learning experience for us both. It felt great, and with the shed here I am going to be spending more time getting things right and making an army to be proud off.

Auntie Pat and Uncle Ronnie arrived last night they are here for a few weeks, and I hope to pop in and see them tonight, Its been years since I saw them and I am looking forward to being able to update that side of the family.

 

Wednesday 05/09/07 (Arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)

OK so I have had it up to here with

a) The @ symbol on my PC being replaced by the " symbol
b) Tradesmen, who are all worse than useless
c) The road works on the A8000 (that I was stuck in for 2 hours this morning)

I think we are going to have a bash at laying the slabs ourselves. The Original guy quoted a million pounds (OK so it was £360) The second guy never phoned back and the third guy is away playing golf!

This is the end, I am feeling like the guy in "Falling Down". Work is tragic at the moment, people who are usually upbeat are now sad and low. We are hoping that the big announcement will happen by the end of next week. Fingers crossed because we are all going nuts.

 

Sunday 02/09/07 (September? won't be long 'till Christmas)

Howdy!

The day after the Wing Training Day! Firstly I want to say a massive well done to my guys who romped home at the drill competition yesterday. I watched the whole competition and although the general standard was very high, Livi were by far the best. Not only did the mob bring home that trophy, they also scooped the Aircraft Recce trophy and also came 2nd in the robot games.

As for the rest of the world, well after the war game on Wednesday night I wanted to get back into my mini's but I just haven't had the time. Work continues to be a very strange place with people applying for jobs anywhere they can. I was asked to consult on a big project for the business on Thursday and Friday and I helped design a system that everyone in the organisation will use on a daily basis, it makes you feel very proud.

Looks like I will be heading down to Leeds on the 18th for a few meetings, so I will let you know how it goes.

There has been talk of the christmas night out and it will be the last one as the IF training Team, so I was hoping that it would be a formal dinner like an officer's mess dining out night.

This week saw the announcement that Dougie Kemp is leaving the team. Dougie has been part of the team since the very beginning and has been great to work with over the last 7 years.

Wednesday 29/08/07

Hello everyone!

Well a lot has been happening over the last few days. Lorna and I have been trying to find someone to fit our kitchen, and we might have it sorted out. The same for the slabs.

Work has been stop start and stop start, but I am not complaining. Today I learnt' how to add inline css styles to a front page document, no where near as well laid out as dreamweaver but there you have it.

I had my first war game tonight, and it was fab. Dave read out the rules and Tim and I fought to the death. In our first battle I was victorious (Yeah me!) and then things got serious. The last battle was a stonker and in the end I was left with one Marine against 5 'nids but with nerves of steel he held out and killed them all.

OK bedtime.

Sunday 26/08/07

OK Yes I know it has been two weeks since the last update.

I AM VERY SORRY!, I WAS KNOCKED OVER BY A SUPER VIRUS AND HAVE HAD TO REBUILD MY PC FROM INSTALLING WINDOWS UP.

Now if we can just let that issue lie, and move on I have some shouts to do.

Wee Marc, I heard that you were in hospital, and I hope everything is OK and that your mum and dad are looking after you. Chin up little dude, why not send me a nice picture of yourself and I will put it on here for everyone to see.

Christine was 21 (again) last week, so Lorna and I took her out for the day to the toy museum in Callandar. I think she had some fun so it was a good day out. We also met up with JP, who is doing well (and needing a haircut!). The other big news is that Lorna and I have bought a kitchen, so we are now on the hunt for a good chippy who can put it in for us (If that's you then let me know). We also went out for dinner on Saturday with Mum and Dad, Ewan would have been invited but he never answered his phone! it was fantastic, and Lorna picked up the tab because she is rich.

Was at Asda on Saturday morning to do a bag pack for squadron funds, and the public were very impressed by the standards of the guys, I was chuffed to bits and very proud of them. The big chair will be going back to Brian soon, as his dissertation is nearly complete. It is a shame because I have enjoyed my time at the "big desk", but I will welcome him back just the same.

Plans for the trip to America are a green light after a 7 hour session by Brian, so even though he is off, he has still been working like mad behind the scenes.

Work has been ace last week, I was given the job of building a website for the ID&SB Learning and Development teams. I woke up looking forward to going to work every day. I was very sorry to hear that I am losing my role as IT L&D Consultant, after 12 months the role is now out of scope for an Operational Training Team, and my job will be picked up by a HR Bod.

Big thanks to Nick D for all his help with tricky Javascript issues, you rock!

The new routine in the gym was further expanded today with 2 new delights (Hammer Curls and Vertical Shoulder Extensions)

So all in all it has been a busy 2 weeks and it looks like it will get a lot more busy before it gets quiet again.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Don

 

Sunday 12/08/07

The replacement update!

Hello all, I guess you might be wondering if you are going nuts? yes there was an update posted last Thursday but the web host had a little bother and it vanished in a puff of smoke! so you are stuck with my faulty memory and some pictures.

We have spent the last two weeks doing nothing but DIY, and jobs around the house. You know all those horrible "I will get around to it, someday" jobs? Well this was the time to do them.

Loads of jobs including

• Painting the carport (7 years overdue)
• Fixing the leaking tap (they don't make washers for those types of tap any more so I had to improvise, 2 years overdue)
• Building the bookcases from Ikea, all 3 of them
• Building the DVD tower from Ikea
• Pulling the kitchen apart, scrubbing the whole place with wire wool and bleach (thank you Kim and Aggie)
• Lifting the vinyl in the kitchen and having new non slip stuff laid
• Re flooring the bathroom with hardboard sheets and screwing them down with 200 screws (ouch!)
• Cleaning out both the civvi wardrobe and the green wardrobe
• Dismantling the old sideboard unit and taking it to the skip (not easy)
• Going the charity shop with 6 bags of stuff from my house
• Cleaning out the computer room (what joy!)
• Shredding the last 5 years worth of everything (took all day!)
• Moving the living room into a new layout
• Clearing out under the stairs
• Going to countless garden centres to look at pitiful garden sheds (total waste of time)
• Climbing a ladder to paint the last of the pipe work on Lorna's house
• Transporting the balance of Lorna's stuff to Livingston
• Replacing light fittings and the like all around Lorna's old house
• Moving Lorna's 2 + 3 seater to her Dads house
• Taking loads of bags to the dump and charity shop from Lorna's house
• Installing a clothes dryer in the garden (which is fab)
• Clearing out the old heater cupboard
• Re-paneling the wall to cover the wholes left by the old central heating system (a very hard job)
• Fitting a new ventilation grille in the hall way
• Re-connecting my 5.1 surround sound

Fun stuff that we did on Holiday

• Went to the cinema to see Transformers (excellent!)
• Went to the festival to see Brendan Burns (Very Funny)
• Went to Hamilton Toy Museum, and had a walk by the river in Calander
  
• Went to the opening of the Art Show in Balerno (Mum and Ewan both had works for sale)
• Completed Lego Starwars
• Watched and reviewed loads of films
• Went to Jan and Terry's for a Barbecue

So as you can tell the time was very well spent and I am looking forward to going back to work to get a rest. We did a load of other stuff but I can't list everything. I was very happy with the amount of work that was done in the house, because now it is all starting to come together. I have also started a new training program in the gym and it is nothing like anything I have done before. I am hurting in places I have never hurted in before so I guess that is a good sign. Looking back on that list, I am not doing it justice but I think that you get the point. Lorna's Birthday is on the 16th so I am all prepared for that.

OK now some pictures

 

The base layer for the new floor

 

I think I can see a space!

Dad used to have this game, and he still has it in the barn "Somewhere?"

Ewan and I used to have one of these, a plastic midget sub

Action men before he became "Metro sexual" Not a roller blade, or gym outfit in sight (Although the "Space Ranger" suits were pushing it)

 

Yes, it had loads of old model railway stuff in it (no doubt Dad will tell you that that paint was the wrong shade or something)

 

 

This photo was taken for Grant (spot the little Mini on the right?)

 

Had that one, and that one, and that one etc etc etc

The "Lorna" Doll, a Sindy

 

Does this guy have the best job ever? Mr Hamilton (and his wife) run the museum and they were lovely people, please go to their place, you will not regret it. Thanks!

 

 

Ewan and I standing in front of his work, I was very proud, and as a bonus I loved the painting.

 

 

Ewan's "Saints". A very funny picture, but I had to make it small so people can't steal it.

 

 

Mum did this sketch of James Joyce, it is fantastic.

The Tree House at Jan and Terry's

 

Aaron gives it licks on a graphite guitar (inside the Tree House)

 

Thursday 02/08/07

He is back!

Well I am very sorry for the delay in posting this update but the truth of the matter is I was away with the squadron, and being in the armpit of the world I didn't have access to a PC to give you all an update. The deployment was a very interesting one, meeting old friends and making new ones. Special mention must go to Brian, Dougie, Colin and Gav who were a joy to work with during the week. Its a shame I can't record the "Banter" between us last week, it was priceless. We were not in the bomb dump as we were last year and my heart sank when I was shown the area that we had to "play" in. After walking the ground and kicking around a few ideas we made a workable programme and kicked it off.

The weather was unbelievable, I got sun burnt on the second day and only taking the necessary actions stopped me from peeling and going down. We had a room that used to belong to the US Security force, and it had a jukebox and a pool table for the down time sessions. We tried to pass on as much as we could in the short time we had available, but that proved to be difficult, some of the delegates were not switched on enough and there was no real leadership in the NCO team (at the start of the week at least) We learned the hard way that we should have kicked of with some team building games. The social side of the camp was OK, but being a flight commander I was working from 07:30 (after breakfast) to 21:30 which although that left a few hours before the bar shut, I went back to my room and squared away my kit and admin for the next day. The one exception was the last night where everyone went over to the bar and had a great time, playing bar games I am going to try and post some clips so look out.

The one surprise for me was getting up, it has been such a long time but I was over the moon to get the chance. Had a very wet but lovely flight and did some long overdue aerobatics. Again I have a video clip so hold on to your lunch and look at these.

It is a lovely place and it was nice to share it with some great people. On that note a large thank you to Marie who sent me some of her photos so I could include them. I spent 2 hours waiting for the perfect sunset photo for the photography competition at work. I want my entry to be called "All along the Watchtower" and I think you will be able to work out why. After returning home in the time machine, Lorna and I went out to dinner with Mum and dad and Chris and Edith. We went to Kushis in Mid Calder it was divine. I had the chicken Chasney (I AM THE ONE AND ONLY) Braw! After dinner we went back to mum and dads for some coffee and a chat. The rest of this week has been spent working on the house and clearing Lorna's house. Loads of DIY and trips to Ikea and the dump. All in all I have to be happy with this weeks work, but I am hoping to have some time off and do a little bit of painting in the week ahead before gong back to work.

Right enough of my blabbing if you would like to see some pictures of Mach please click here

I also added some movie clips about the drinking games you can check these out here

Wednesday 18/07/07

Hi,

Sorry there was a lack of a post on Sunday, I was very busy fixing the toilet. Seriously that is not a nice job, but needs must and all that. Lorna's uncle Robert passed away on the 14th and the funeral is tomorrow. I hope that this is the last time I have my suit on for a while.

The long dreaded Operational Training Review was briefed out to us on Tuesday, or rather the timeline was. I am looking for a E-learning manager role, and I hope that there will be one created. I will keep you posted on that score.

Still on the look out for some reviews, some are promised and never delivered (another glass Donna?). Other than that I have been sorting out some kit for Mach and getting my "Nutty Bars" looked out. Brian and I are heading off in the time machine so it looks like we will arrive about 12 hours before we leave.

We have a new neighbour! but I haven't seen anyone yet, Aaron is hoping for a single girls who likes guitars (not sure about the chances)

Friday 13/07/07 (Its another Friday the 13th!)

Hello all,

Just a small update today, Lorna's house sale has completed and she is over the moon! (I tried to tell her that what WE want is a) a New PC b) a New Car and c) a PS3 - I will keep you posted!)

We took a trip down to Mum and Dads on Wednesday night and went for a walk around where I used to play as a kid, it has been years since I did that and it felt great to remember all the adventures.

Rachel has asked me to design and build the website for her business, so first things first we have registered the domain name www.howtobeyourself.co.uk and we have some rough ideas. The big news is this is the first update with Dreamweaver CS3 so I will sign off now and test that it works OK.

 

Tuesday 10/07/07

Roberts Birthday (Happy Birthday!)

I popped along at lunch time to see Lorna's dad Robert as it was his birthday (I bought him some string as mice had eaten his old string and 50 fat balls for the birds). Lorna's House went on the market yesterday and It sold in 8 hours, fantastic news.

Jill from America sent me a big long email about herself and husband (and the two girls) so I will update that under family tonight. Thanks to those of you who are writing a review, if not why not. (Please don't bother about barry trotter, I couldn't care less HE DIES IN A WATERSKIING ACCIDENT!).

I had another session about my ankle today, then went to the gym for the first time in a few weeks, so it hurts like hell but there you have it. A big thank you to Andrew who came along with me to the gym, because we need each other to keep motivated.

Gregor has a dog called Rosie (a Jack Russell bitch) and he sent me a picture so I could put it on here and you would all go "Awwwwwww look at the little doggy!"

Sunday 08/07/07 (well if that's the weekend, I've had it!)

Hello,

This weekend was a change from the norm. On Friday night I was shattered after work so I came home and had a sleep, something I have not done in a while. When I work up I went through to Lorna's and painted the spare room. Don's top tip for this week is B&Q value roller and tray (£2.00) did a fair job, then at the end in a farmfoods carrier bag and in the bin, job done. On Saturday we woke up and went to Falkirk to see my uncle Cam. He has a shop in the Howgate, and makes Scottish clocks. I wanted to ask him about producing resin based models, but the news was not great. After a Burger King (yeee ha!) we came home and went to bed (again). I had been up making the new flash intro to the site the night before. I went out for a pint with Aaron, Andrew and Michael. It was great to go out and about again, but I fear I am just getting to old for that sort of thing. After a few (to many) drinks I sent a text message to Lorna "Hi baba senn frew a tax onw" which if you can't work it out was "Help come get me!". This morning we got up and I drove Lorna to see her Uncle who is very ill in little france (ERI), Home in time to see the grand prix, then moved all the furniture around in the bedroom. We have the film Last king of Scotland to watch, so look out for the review soon!