Summer is a Comin'

I complained about the snow and now it's the heat. Blimey last night our house was like a sweatbox. Being the lazy git that I am, I couldn't be bothered to go out to the garden to take the cover off our air conditioner. Actually it wasn't that, we haven't fired up the air conditioner since we moved in, so I was convinced that it was gonna be a hassle, so that is why I didn't bother. Anyway, as soon as I was up and dressed this morning, I got the cover off and had nice cool air circulating through the house. Kosmo will I'm sure be appreciative when we get home. Talking of Kosmo, I think the time is coming to have him shaved. He's such a funny thing when we go to pick him up. Apparently he cries through the whole thing, ah bless :-)

Anyway short and sweet today. I've got some stuff I wanna get on with. Have a good 'un.

Missing England?

I love my life in Canada, but that doesn't mean there aren't things I don't miss from England. It's a given that I miss my family and friends, but it's the little every day things that I miss. For instance, my blog yesterday reminds me of the wild times I used to have. Now don't get me wrong, I don't miss sliding down escalators at 100 miles an hour, but I miss the social gatherings. Meeting new people through friends and generally broadening the circle. Admittedly most of this is the pubs and clubs in which I had such fun.

Also it's the really silly things I miss like Pie and Mash with lots of liquor. This is a predominately East End thing. It goes back to the days when a cheap food was needed for the poor. The pie is made from the cheapest pastry you can make and the meat in the pie is miniscule, but put it all together and it's really tasty. I'm often at home having a beer or out somewhere with the wife when the pang hits me and I wish I could get it here. It's been over 18 months since me last double pie and double mash.

A lot of other things I missed have slowly made their way across the waters as I've mentioned in a previous blog, including Marmite, Twiglets, Dandelion and Burdock, Homepride Cook in sauce Curry, English Mustard and even Walkers crisps, to name a few.

No matter what though, all the things I miss in England, I'd miss Canada even more. This is now my home and I love it here. After a couple of rocky years, my standard of living is way better than it ever was in England and with a wonderful wife, 2 wonderful children and two babies on the way, life just gets better and better.

Ooops I Done It Again :-) (the escalator story)

I've made many mistakes in my life and done many stupid (some may say idiotic) things. I'm not going to dwell on all of them, but highlight just one.

Working in the West End of London had many down sides, including the ridiculous travel times for me to get to and from work. Although it was only around 8 miles from door to door during the rush hour, it used to take me an hour and a half each way on the bus. The tube wasn't really an option as there was no station near to where I lived. You'd never drive to work as there was absolutely no parking. Actually there was some, but you had to pay something like 1 pound for ever 4 minutes. Or to put it another way 120 pounds for a working day, which would have entailed running out to the car ever couple of hours to refill the meter.

One of the great bonuses was there was a pub on virtually every corner. For people who haven't been to England, it is very much a pub culture. It's considered normal to go to the pub at lunchtime during the week, as is the Friday night get together. Basically everyone at work would choose the pub of choice and let their friends know we were going there. It wasn't unusual for there to be between 10 and 20 of us as the night wore on. One of the other customs that doesn't seem to have traveled across the water is the concept of a round. Everyone in theory takes it in turn to buy everyone else a drink. This isn't really practical when the numbers grow, then the group slits into their own huddles for which the round would cover. In general this works pretty well, although there's always someone who ends buying no drinks, managing to slip out just before their turn.

Anyway as always I'm sidetracked again. This night was just me and my mate Chris Lodge. I've know Chris for somewhere in the region of 10 years. We used to work together at the Loot newspaper, working in the Production department at night putting the newspaper together on Apple Macs (yuck). Originally we worked together and eventually (briefly) I was his boss. No I wasn't the crack you over the back of the knuckles kind of boss, I managed to get things done and still manage to have a pretty good time. Chris managed to really get into the IT side of things and ended up in the IT department. I eventually took voluntary redundancy from Loot and pretty much did my own thing for 4 or 5 months before getting a job at Systematic Marketing in the heart of the West End, where this story began (many moons ago).

One night after work, I think it was midweek, Chris came over for a drink and as always we went at it pretty much gung ho. We only blessed a few pubs with our presence, but that was enough. If I remember rightly the two pubs were just a stones throw from Warren Street tube station, which was handy as we could then jump on the tube, which would take Chris pretty much home and me within a bus ride of home. I loose track of how many beers I had, but suffice to say I was feeling pretty much wobbly by 11pm, which we decided was a pretty good time to head off home. I think it only took use about 10 minutes to get the the tube station and buy our tickets. Warren Street is one of those deep stations that requires 2 escalators to get down to the Victoria Line. Whilst on the first escalator I could feel a spark of ingenuity flash in my brain. It was late and I was tired and I didn't feel like standing much longer. "Wouldn't it be a good idea to slide down the hand rail, I could get to the bottom really quickly." I thought. Indeed when we got to the second escalator this is exactly what I did, and boy did I get to the bottom quickly. As I mounted the hand rail of the second escalator (wearing trousers so there was the minimal friction), I can remember calling to Chris saying "He Chris look at me!". I think I managed to stay on the hand rail for 2 or 3 seconds before the speed became too great to control and I hit one of the central blockers, that stop you sliding down the middle, between the up and down escalator.

I really can't remember much of what happened next, but I apparently bounced off the central blocker and proceeded to roll down the hard, cold steel escalator stairs. All I can remember was opening my eyes at the bottom, my head at the bottom of the lapping escalator. Of course was very concerned about my state of health. Or rather he would have been if he could have stopped laughing. I can remember eventually getting to my feet and using a few well chosen expletives before finally touching my throbbing head. This was when I discovered that there was blood pumping from my head. I realised this after I looked at my hand covered in blood. Chris of course was now really concerned. So concerned that when he heard his train coming, he flashed me a quick smile and said "see ya mate!"

How I got home I don't know. I was in real pain, but somehow managed to walk. I'm sure the alcohol in my blood was providing a certain degree of anesthesia, but every step was still painful. I think I finally got home around 1am and headed straight to bed. It was the next day that nearly killed me.........

I think I awoke at about 8am. I tried to get out of bed, but the pain was stopping me from moving. My main phone was in the living room and my mobile was in my jacket, also in the living room. Not to worry I though, my mate Mark had a key and used to come over to watch TV at my house while I was at work. He'll help me to get to a doctor or something. Needless to say he didn't show up that day. He finally came round a few days later, but by this time I had somehow managed to slide across the floor to phone work to let them know what happened. I finally called my brother and got him to take me to the hospital. Would you believe it no broken bones, but a dented pride and two crutches later I was back home. Everyone at work found this really funny and even I can laugh about it now. But back then I really thought I'd broken both my legs or something.

Moral to this story. Don't drink and slide.

What Will The Future Bring?

It's funny, although I'm now 36 I still feel like I'm 18 or 19. Many things have changed in my life and there's many more changes to come, what with 2 new babies on the way. I wonder what their lives will be like and what new innovations they will witness. I can remember when I was a kid, being frustrated because I wish I was able to driven. I can remember my Dad and me talking about how by the time I was old enough to drive, cars will probably self drive and probably be electric. Mmm look how much has changed.... Virtually nothing. Admittedly cars themselves have changed a lot. Our current car would seem like a spaceship if I'd have seen it when I was a kid. Probably the biggest change I have witnessed in my life has been computers. When I was 11 my first computer had 1024 characters of memory, that's about 7 times the amount of text I've already written. To put that into perspective the computer I'm typing this on has 512 megabytes of memory. In characters that's 536,870,912 or the text I've written so far times 2767375.

You only need to look at computer games and consoles to see how rapidly things have progressed. When I was a kid, we had a game console you plugged into the TV. It had 5 games to choose from, or rather 1 game with 5 different variations. You basically hit a square ball with a rectangular bat and had different obstacles depending on the variation of game. However this kept us amused for hours. The games have virtually life like graphics and are now so complex that it can take weeks to get the hang of them.

These are just two examples of the things that have changed quite substantially in my life time so far. I just wonder what my little ones will experience in their lives. What new wonders they will grow up with and what they will look back on with fond memories.

When I was a kid... (Part 4)

My time at Garner Holloway was a real learning experience. I had keys to the office so was able to get to work around 5am and would often be there until 6 or 7pm. I also tried to get in at least one day over the weekend. You have to remember this was the early days of PCs, I couldn't afford to have one at home, so everything I did was done at the office. I was always buying magazines and books and tried to understand areas of computing that had no apparent value to me. I was a book junkie and anything I could get my hands on to fuel my hunger was quickly devoured.

Whilst at Garner Holloway I managed to be on the ground floor when Desk Top Publishing (DTP) came onto the scene. We used to publish a magazine called "Business Software Review" which was typed up on an antiquated word processor called WordStar. We then inserted control codes and sent the resulting file to a print bureau who produced long streams of bromide paper (gallies) from which we would cut and paste to make up each page. With DTP software we could compose the actual page on the computer and then send this to the print bureau. As the software/hardware weren't as powerful as they are today, we had to leave spaces for the pictures and have the printer insert them when the magazine got printed. I could see the benefit of DTP software and did pretty well learning the package we used called Ventura from Xerox. Ventura actually ran on a competitor to Windows called Gem. Not too many users will remember Gem, but it was very fast and very powerful, however the steamroller called Microsoft soon put an end to that. Ventura did eventually migrate to Windows and was also sold to different companies finally ending up at Corel, which if you didn't know is also here in Ottawa. Funny that innit.

Anyway during my time at Garner Holloway I pretty much coded, supported all the companies computers and did the page makeup for the magazine. I was there for about 3 years, but was getting unceasingly frustrated with my meager pay packet and also felt like I was treading water when it came to things to learn. I had a friend at the print bureau we used to use and in passing said to him that if he knew of anyone that was looking for someone to let me know. Anyway within a very short time frame he called me back and said he had a client that desperately needed help and could I go along for an interview. The position was as a Studio Manager and the wages were nearly 3 times what I was currently earning. I went for an interview and was virtually hired on the spot. I worked out my notice and started a new rung of my career with a company called Chilmark Creative.... to be continued.

My Weekend!

A rested weekend without the anxieties of watching the Sens rounded off with hopefully another lose for the Leafs, what more can a man ask for. I would say Pizza and beer, but I've got those as well and I don't like to brag :-) Anyway all is well with the world. Wife and babies are doing well, apart from a scare we had on Wednesday. Sherri was suffering some pains in her stomach which were bad enough for her to leave work early. The doctors suggested yet another ultrasound which we had later that night. We had an appointment with our OB/GYN on Thursday morning and she reassured us that everything was looking good and it was just her body preparing for a couple of little ones. Every ache and twinge makes us nervous, but we have to get used to this and just try to take it all in our stride. Easier said than done. We have another appointment on the 12 May, and another ultrasound around then, so it gives us another photo opportunity to look forward to. Anyway I'm off to enjoy the rest of the game. Go Flyers Go, just for this series anyway :-)

Happy St. George's Day!

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy St. Georges's Day. I must admit, head hung in shame, after my previous rant, I forgot to buy a rose and I can't find my flag, but I did remember the day and I have been kind of preoccupied with other things :-) Oh well they say it's the thought that counts :-) Anyway I shall be checking a few of the big UK sites to see if this St. George's Day is covered any better, a lot of interest has been raised in the last few weeks. Us English want to stand proud as a people in out own right and not be consumed with this need to be British or European. Anyway rant of the day over, everyone have a good day, I know I shall. It's Friday and I'm off to get my Timmy's coffee and doughnut before work :-)

They Think It's All Over......... It Is Now!

Ottawa Senators Stanley Cup 2004. RIP!

Vini, Vidi, Vici!

I'm sorry to everyone out there with no interest in hockey, but at this time of year the Stanley Cup is like the Holy Grail of hockey, consequently the whole city is riled up and it's very hard not to get caught up in the excitement.

I'm sitting here at work with my Sens shirt on preparing mentally for the game tonight, the deciding game in the battle of Ontario. It's been a real interesting series. When the Sens have won, we have done so convincingly. When we've lost we've done so without scoring a single goal. Toronto have had 3 shutouts in this series and that's pretty much unheard of. There's no doubt that it's going to be an intense game tonight, hopefully without major incident.

The winner tonight will face the Philadelphia Flyers. That will be an interesting confrontation if it is us facing them, after our record penalty minute game of last season. Last year we also faced them and had a clean sweep 4-0 series. So as you can imagine, we're pretty confident if we can brush Toronto aside.

Time will tell. Go Sens Go!

Thank God for Fish!!!

Now I'm not talking about the little swimmy kind you have on your plates with chips on a Friday. I'm talking about the Senators savior Mike Fisher. Wow what a game last night. Things were looking a bit hairy when we conceded the first goal. The Sens weren't playing their style of hockey and it showed. However by the third period, we were battling hard and you got a sense that it was just a matter of time. And indeed into the fifth minute Chara came from round the back of the goal and turn to fire it on goal making it 1-1. This was how it ended forcing the game into overtime. The Sens were on fire, but couldn't get the vital goal past Belfour in the first of overtime. The second overtime started and I have to admit I was getting a little anxious. I needn't of worried. Just 1:47 into the second overtime, Antoine Vermette passed the puck across the front of the goal for Mike Fisher to slot into the net. Hopefully this shuts up the people who said the Sens don't have it in them. Apart from a very lackluster game 5, the Sens have truly been the better team. I can hold my head high as a Sens fan. We have shown we can up the ante when we have our back to the wall. Lets now finish this off in Toronto and show the Leafs what courage, determination and good hockey can achieve.

Could they be Boys???

We had another ultrasound today and everything is going really well. Baby 1 measures 1.95 cm and Baby 2 measures 1.92 cm. Both have a heartbeat of 162, which my wife assures me means we're having two boys, but I'm not convinced. We briefly saw the doctor and he said they are both coming along nicely. He was a bit concerned with the slightly slower heartbeat of Baby 2 last time, but he said that could have been because they were so small. Anyway we are off to our OBGYN next Thursday. We probably won't have another ultrasound for a while, but I'll make sure I put up the new pics we got today, over the weekend.

Not so Eagle Eyed!

Well the Sens continued there pressure cooker style of play and finally the top exploded resulting in 4 joyous goals against the Leafs 1. It's been a long time coming, but maybe the uphill struggle is finally over and we can take the last 2 games, we shall wait and see. Next game Friday. Let the battle commence.

Computers. It's What I Do!

For people who are not into computers, what I do can sometimes seem baffling. Not so much the hi-tech aspect, but the fact that I could gladly sit in front of a computer for days on end. It's hard to describe what computers are to me. For most people they are just a means to an end. A tool to help with every day life, like email, checking websites playing games. To me computers are so much more.

Many children love playing with Lego and extend this to become architects or civil engineers. Some children love to play with Gameboys or walkie-talkies, but begin wondering how they work and consequently take them apart.... further down the line they become electricians or electronic engineers. With me it was playing games on the computer. I played them solid for a couple of years, but got bored. I wanted to discover how these games were programmed. From that I wanted to program more serious programs, software that would solve real life problems. And you could say it's snowballed somewhat.

Now I love all facets of computers. I love to program them. I love to design things on them. I like to read about them. It's the power of knowledge that fuels me. I love to learn, love to extend what I already know. Many rock musicians firmly establish themselves, yet want to push the envelope. They do this by writing operas or symphonies.

I've been very much the fortunate victim of "accidental empires". I've been in the right place at the right time. My whole computer career basically started by me being fortunate to listen to the radio one Sunday afternoon. But it's not all luck. Fortunately it's not all hard work either. Actually let me correct myself, it can be very hard work, but when you enjoy something this much it doesn't seem like it. I'm always reading, always programming, always trying to think of the next killer application. Who knows, maybe one day soon!

Ouch!

Wow this page is starting to get a little on the overly long side. I suppose I should think about separating it month by month, but I must admit I'm a bit lackadaisical in that area at the moment. I actually have plans to implement my own blogging system, but again, it's just a matter of finding the time to do it. Didn't end up doing anything yesterday except a bit of shopping, tidying up the front lawn and watching hockey.

Talking of hockey, this must be the most frustrating series yet. We're playing our hearts out, dominating the play, yet can't find a way past Belfour. If we don't get a goal soon, I'm sure it's going to be difficult for the players to hide the desperation in their play and that will not be good. Anyway the next game is tomorrow, let's hope we can tie the series before heading back to Toronto.

I'm a Poet and I Don't Even Know it :-)

Many years ago I wrote, what I consider not only the best poem I've ever written, but also the most biographical. It's funny now when I look back on it, it seems so bleak for someone so young, but it defines me at a time of my life that brings back so many memories.

Behind the Mask
If you see a clown before you,
Look behind his painted face.


For in his eyes you'll see despair,
And in his heart and empty space.


He's only trying to make you laugh,
For happy's the only way to be.


Reach out your hand to show you care,
For one day you'll find, that clown is me.

And for that reason I think it's time to dust down some of my old stuff and start to write some new stuff. I must admit apart from cards of one variety or another I haven't written any poetry. I suppose the main reason for this is I'm pretty happy with my lot and I was only every really productive when I was down or miserable. Although there were a few poems that were pretty funny. Here's one below.

Living in a Bucket
I'm a sandwich short of a picnic.
My four pack's minus a can.
My brain's a sail without any wind,
I am the unknown man.

I'm one brick short of a bungalow.
I'm a colt in a one horse race.
Meandering in a field full of elephants,
Watching the sun fall from grace.

I'm a sweet tooth not keen on chocolate.
I'm an unmanned orbit in space.
I'm a sprinter with a huge lunchbox,
And on that I trip not my lace.

I'm a 3 out of 10 man, apparently,
Which I hope will be rectified soon,
Laying down in a field full of elephants,
As the suns replace by the moon.

Hopefully that's given you a taste of things to come. I've got a few more ideas for the poetry side of the website, watch this space.

Hello, is there anybody out there?

Wow 3 days since my last post, I must have been really busy............... er, well, sort of. My first preoccupation has been the hockey. An excellent series, even thought it's tied at 1-1. The Sens have been stellar, we just need to find a way to get the puck past Ed Belfour. We'll do, especially seeing as we have home advantage for the next 2 games. Along with the hockey has been quite a few beers to keep my cheering voice well lubricated. I think I'll have the last couple of beers today with our Turkey dinner and watch tomorrow sans beer. I know, I know "that just isn't cricket!" I hear you cry, but sometimes a man has to do, what a man has to do.

Apart from that just lazing around mostly. Friday was a high point of inactivity. Watched a few Father Ted videos, which the wife found quite funny. Saturday we were out and about for most of the morning and then I came back to clear up the garage, as promised in an earlier blog. And yes I did manage to get the Christmas lights out of the tree out front.......... well most of them anyway. I would have got the top layer if I'd have had a stunt double, but the wife doesn't allow me to get into precarious situations, she knows what's likely to happen (remind me to tell you the escalator story) :-)

Yesterday was also the first BBQ of the year. Tasty honey teriyaki chicken and jacket spuds, mmmmm nice. Looks like I'll be wearing the Chefs hate a lot more in the coming weeks. Move over Jamie Oliver, there's a new kid in town and he doesn't have foppish hair :-) Today I'm gonna do some webdesign and maybe a bit of programming. As for tomorrow, who knows what it brings except the sun.

Go Sens Go!

Today is the start of something truly great in North America; The Stanley Cup Finals. I'd probably watched 1 or 2 NHL hockey games on TV before coming to Canada. It seemed OK, but I just didn't get into it. Fast forward 4 years and man do I "Get It!".

This time of year the whole city wakes up. Flags fly from cars, people have large flags unfurled outside their homes along with garden signs. We've even got Sens stuff chalked on our driveway. Our house is now a hotbed of fraught anxiety and nervousness. Why, I hear you ask. Well our beloved Ottawa Senators have a first round draw with our arch rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Historically we haven't done too well. On our last 3 outings with the Leafs we have failed to proceed to the next round. Having lost the last game of the season last weekend 6-0, also to the Leafs has many fans feeling very jumpy and not a little nervous, but as far as I'm concerned the season is over and we all start on a fresh page. When the Sens play to their abilities they are unstoppable. Yes I know I'm hardly unbiased, but you have to be a moron not to appreciate the artistry of Daniel Alfredsson. That the Leaf fans target Alfie with boos, even on home ice proves my point. As for Marian Hossa, how the ice doesn't melt under his lightening bursts of speed I'll never know. I could go on for ever, but I'll finish with Zdeno Chara, as do most of the opposing teams offensive plays. Nuff said.

When it comes to the Sens, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'll be there to the end no matter what happens. Every minute willing them on. Every minute hoping we show the rest of the teams who we are and what we are capable of. I'll love my team no matter what happens. I am a Sens fan. Go Sens Go!

England coming to Canada!

I've been in Canada for over 4 years now. In all that time, it's funny how many of the things I loved have slowly made their way across the water. One of the most surprising things (that it wasn't here much earlier) is tea bags. Now many Canadians will say "hey we have tea bags". Yes there's tea bags her in abundance, but they're all bloody orange pekoe. If I wanted a bloody orange in my cup of rosie, I'd put it there my self. Now I managed to get used to a supermarkets own brand of English breakfast tea, but now I can pretty much walk into any grocery store and get Typhoo tea and sometimes even good old PG Tips. Another thing I really missed was Marmite. Yes I know, some people out there are going "Urrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!", but I'm in the love it camp. Again I can now get this in most supermarkets, albeit in a tiny jar :-(

Now close to where we now live, a small shop has opened that amongst regular candies, sells a selection of English stuff. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw Twiglets. These are savory snacks that look a bit like twigs with Marmite on them. Also I picked up a box of fruit gums. They even nearly secured Lucozade, but apparently one of the additives illegal in Canada, so no joy there :-(

Anyway this store is called "Pete's Sweets and Treats" If you happen to lived in the Barrhaven area of Ottawa, they're on Strandherd, but leave all the Twiglets for me.

SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, ARRRRRGH!

If there is one thing that is getting royally on my nerves it's SPAM. No I'm not talking about the pink meat in a can that is also very nice as a fritter, I'm talking about the receiving of email that was not asked for. I'll be honest if it was in any way of interest to me that wouldn't be half as bad. But I must categorically state, I do not need it to stay up longer, be bigger, harder or have trouble satisfying the opposite sex. I don't need micro remote control cars and I definitely do not need to watch two university cheerleaders getting jiggy, although I'm sure they are very talented. I just want to be able to open my mailbox and receive email that is from friends or from people with whom I've been dealing with in the past. In one of my email accounts I must get around 100-200 crap email a day. Now I'm using some cool software to try to circumvent this, but still I get 10-20 a day that slip through the net. If only we could calculate all the time wasted and send a monthly bill to these companies sending out SPAM. When will they realise that people are sick of it. Sooner or later the worm will turn....... don't say you haven't been warned SPAMMERS.

It's Bloody Freezing!

Yes I know I keep mentioning the weather, but I am English aren't I. I have to adhere to that age old stereotype. "Toodle Pip and hurrah. Would you mind passing that scone and cup of tea please dear boy. It's very cold weather we're having, don't you think?". Anyway it's -22c today after having 9cm of snow yesterday. Yes I said snow. It's the beginning of April and I thought we'd seen the last of the snow. Anyway I was the dutiful neighbor and didn't shovel mine this morning at all. Wouldn't want to get up the noses of the Joneses. I'm hoping that this weather is winters last attempt to piss me off.... I can hope can't I. At least it's a short week this week. A nice 4 day weekend coming up. I've got a few things to do around the house including take the Christmas lights of the tree outside, tidy up the garage, weather permitting and sort through my books in the basement, but apart from that I intend relaxing. Gonna pick me ups some beers and just mellow out.

May I introduce to Baby 1 and Baby 2!

We went for our first official ultrasound today and things are progressing nicely. At present our babies are officially called Baby 1 and Baby 2. They will be renamed soon to Baby A and Baby B.

From what I understand the most prominent one becomes Baby A. Baby 1 is 3.3 millimeters long with a heartbeat of 118 and Baby 2 is 3.1 millimeters long with a heartbeat of 107. Our doctor, Dr Leader is happy with the way things are progressing and sees no reason for us to worry. We are going back in a couple of weeks for a final ultrasound and then being referred to an OBGYN, in fact it's a doctor we have dealt with before, so we are very happy.

It still hasn't quite hit me yet, I'm still just in awe of it all. I have to admit, seeing those little babies inside fills me with such excitement and an eagerness to have them pop out and into my arms. I'm excited but still a little scared. I've waited for this many years and just hope I'll be as good with them as I'd always dreamed.

Science is a truly wondrous thing. We were not only very fortunate to see our babies, along with many of their measurements and vitals, but we also actually able to see their little heartbeats. Baby 2 is a little bit of an awkward one (obviously a boy) and wasn't able to hang around for a photo opportunity, but Baby 2 was more than happy to oblige. The little white spec you can see between the two cross hairs is actually the babies heartbeat. We were able to see it pulsing away quite merrily. Apparently the babies will double in size within the next week to 10 days, so from our next ultrasound we should have some more great pictures.

Sherri is coping very well with it all. She was a little concerned that she didn't have any morning sickness, but the doctor just said "lucky for you :-)". She could still end up with a bought in the next few weeks though. She is however feeling and looking great, except a little tiredness, but that's not surprising. Every visit we make to the doctors brings us closer and closer to holding babies in our arms. Life is good!

Ultrasound Today.

Well today is another exciting one. We go for our first official ultrasound. Although it may be too early, we're hoping to see at least some heartbeats, but even if there is nothing just to see those two little black masses will be a comforting thing. Also it will be nice to get another picture to bore everyone with :-) Anyway time waits for no man, got lots of work to do before I leave early today. Turrah!

When I was a kid... (Part 3)

I muddled for a good few years playing with all the computers I could get my hands on. I managed to finish school and even went to college to study electrical engineering. I did one year, of a 2 year course before realising it wasn't for me. I was even offered an apprenticeship with the company that wired the Tower of London, as an electrician, but the thought of doing some wiring outside in the middle of winter was not my cup of tea. After finishing college I ambled around, knowing what I ultimately wanted to do, but having no idea of how to do.

Anyway I was listening to a talk radio show one Sunday afternoon, when I heard someone plugging something called the Camden Itec. This was an information technology centre for school leavers to brush up on their IT skills and even get the possibility to get a job at the end of it. You didn't need to poke me with a sharp stick, I was on the phone the next morning and managed to get accepted soon after. This was probably my first exposure to real computers, if you can call them that (machines with big 8 inch floppy disks). It was also where I was introduced to a programming language called dBase, but more of that later.

The idea of the Itec was that you spent 4 weeks in each area, Software, Hardware, Office Skills and General Studies. Then at the end of that you specialised in one of the areas. I started in Software and spent the majority of my time there. I can remember spending some time in Office Skills, where they teach you how to type. You had to follow this chart of light bulbs and press each key as it flashed. This was accompanied by a tape with a voice that said "A, Now. K, Now, etc.". Anyway after a couple of days the tutor told me not to bother continuing as I was already way faster than she was aiming for :-) After that I pretty much spent all my time in software.

I felt very at home at the Itec. So much so that I was even helping the staff to teach others in the software department. I'm really not trying to be big headed with that statement, even though it does sound a bit pretentious. I really loved computers and devoured every book and magazine I could find. I would have slept there if I could.

Anyway I was at the Itec for about 7 months I think, before getting the opportunity to go on a work placement. I secured a placement at a small software/publishing company called Garner Holloway. It was meant to be a 2 week placement, but they offered me a job and I never went back to the Itec. It's funny, I know you shouldn't talk money, but my first real job paid 3,900 pounds per year. I can't believe I lived on that when I look back. Whilst at Garner Holloway I really managed to learn the ins and outs of dBase. dBase is a database programming language and the first system I was given to maintain was the accounts system that the company used to do all it's books. Now this was really scary, but slowly and cautiously I managed to weave my way through the code and begin understanding how it all worked. At Garner Holloway I was fortunate to work with some very big clients, including Lloyds of London and Hill Samuel, which back then was just mind blowing. Remember I was only 17 and all this was just like a dream for me.

That about wraps it up for now. Next time I'll mention my first look at Desktop Publishing (DTP) and my first real computer.