Extrovert!

Working in a pre-recession public sector was an odd experience. It attracted two main types of character into its employ. Those who will not work in the private sector because of their lefty, lofty and sometimes loony ideals, and those who can’t, either through severe ineptitude or idleness.

I was a much a fan of the former, but undoubtedly tinged with the latter. Like many, I turned up a frustrated & slightly confused graduate. Very much a lover of the moment, At university, I could on occasion be brilliant! Nimble of thought, I enjoyed debating with lecturers. A thrilling cocktail of adrenalin, wit and genuine interest, perfectly balanced climbing against the austere facade of the academic establishment. However, I was highly inconsistent. The finer points of Athenian Law seemed to pale into insignificance compared to the finer points of the opposite sex who were making my tummy go all funny in a new post-pubescent way. Freedom, drinking, loving and winning were what it was all about. I realise Æthelred the Unready is a key figure in medieval history, but Andy was Unready and staring me back in the shaving mirror.

Volatile, fragile unable to bottle things up, manifested a desire to exorcise pain through beer, music and bad decisions.

Back to the pre Tory, free-wheeling days of public funded employ. We had to find a creative way to dissipate our annual budget in order to qualify for the same remuneration the following year. Perhaps it was simple curiosity or the thought of fun, but far more likely pure narcissism on the part of one particular manager that led us to be personality profiled as part of a team building day. The science may be sound enough, I’m not sure. However, I struggled to see how learning about our own personality would help us in any way work better together. I have known me for many years now and am fully aware of my faults and try to hide them to work colleagues. Friends are rarely spared. I may have mentioned that the horoscope in the local paper may be a more cost effective way of moving our team forward. Nevertheless these were the halcyon before the credit crunch, where bankers were just ‘other people’.

In the spirit of the day, I decided to give the personality test my best. I was told it was impossible to cheat, which strangely reassured me. After half an hour if multiple choice, seemingly pointless questions I was finished, and awaited with excited hypocrisy, the results.

“You cheated!”
“How?” I replied, “You said, you couldn’t cheat the test!”
“Well, your results have come back. You are an off the scale extrovert!”
“I know!” I said. This seemed to irk him considerably. This usually unflappable, kindly middle aged man looked stumped. He seemed affronted and wanted answers.

He started to ask me questions about my youth and my education to see how somebody could end up like this? Being extrovert isn’t about being loud and aggressive (although I certainly can be), it’s a state of mind. You live on the surface, but are not superficial. I am attached to the pail that draws deep on a well of emotion (ohhh poncy). It’s a contradiction really, Outwardly strong: inwardly flighty and indecisive. Unusually terribly disorganised, but great when my backs against the wall. Overall, I wouldn’t change me. I just gradually need to improve.

My examiner started to try to justify his science by making slightly ill meaning remarks. “You haven’t moved on from my university mentality… You refuse to mature… You still live at home, don’t you see?... You refuse to accept your life as it is…. You will not move on in your life until you do!” I was not impressed!

Utter bollocks of course. He knows nothing about my circumstances, the break-ups, the opportunities I have been lucky enough to have been afforded. This blog wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for going to Canada. The only thing preventing me from lashing at this sweet middle aged creature (who I quite liked incidentally) was the obvious discomfiture writhing all over his face. So I played it a bit passive aggressive: I seem naturally suited to it.

A subtle defence against being patronised was needed.
“It’s because I’m an extrovert. I can’t help it you see!” There may actually be some truth to this.
“You have come back all this way to tell me that I am scientifically incapable of being me?” I said with a raised eyebrow Roger Moore would have applauded.
“Erm no but…”
“May I ask how long have you been doing this?”
“7 years”
“28.”
“28 what?”
“28 years, I have been doing me. Fully functioning with modest success.” I smiled.
He laughed, as I did which eased the slowly rising tension..

Being an extrovert can be great. A natural show-off with a plucky attitude and (I like to think) a sense of humour. However, I decided it wasn’t me with the problem. It was the public sector/charity environment. So I decided to move to where my troubles can be viewed as a virtue. I am now a teacher. It’s a place where my extrovertism can be put to good use. Kids like it when I’m silly, colleagues didn’t.

Dear Middle aged friendly man,
I’m mature enough to realise this ALL BY MYSELF!
I hope you’re happy. I am.

Yours sincerely,

Andy.

New Years Resolutions 2011

All situations are unique, everybody is different. Nevertheless, apart from turning 30 in July, I have no idea what's going to happen in 2011. I will certainly not be in the same job and I doubt I will be living under the same roof. When, where and with who, are questions that both excite & daunt me depending on what mood I'm in. The worst case scenario is nothing happens. To help avoid this, I have come up with some resolutions that are more of a lifestyle guide. Some could happen, some will and some I won't get close. However, if I at least give it a go, I should have some good after dinner stories to tell.

• Be more like David Niven.
• Become a qualified lead climber.
• Get something published in Private Eye.
• Play guitar in public.
• Make it onto the Queens speech (long story).
• Blog more.
• Move out.
• Finish a leg of darts in under 14 throws.
• Don't put back on the weight I lost last year.
• Get a permanent job.
• Stop asking, start doing.
• Speak more French.
• Be bold. You regret the things you do less than the things you don't do.

Drink less, eat less and enjoy more. All that jazz. Happy New Year all!

Snowday!

It's been a while loyal/random/drunk/lost reader. Apologies for the long absence. It's due to finally having started teaching. However, I am not as school today. Due to the inclement weather, I am sat in my dressing gown typing away at you (nice mental image eh?)

Being back in a new school has been interesting, tiring and a little bit deflating at times, but generally it's good to be back in the saddle. I have enjoyed being fielded the same old questions:-

• Are you French? (I get this a lot)
• Do you use sun beds?
• You got kids?
• You married Sir?
• You gay then Sir? (S'okay if you iz Sir)
• How do you spell GCSE RE?
• When are you leaving us Sir?
• You've got sommink inya innit? (another reference to being slightly darker skinned than the local populace)

A footnote on that last question. I only really noticed it when someone pointed it out to me, but a lot of the kids look very similar. Light brown/blond hair and blue eyes. Not exactly an Aryan super race, but worryingly easy to explain. Nobody ever seems to leave! Some of the staff are ex-pupils as are many of the Mums and Dads of the kids. If they didn't go to my school, they went to the rival school across the road. It does give the place a rather cosy family feel, bordering on the odd. I'd just be happier if they would reach out to extended family. Perhaps outside a mile radius of the school. For the gene pool's sake. I myself, with my swarthy skin and non estuary accent am regarded as a foreigner (I was born and brought up 12 miles away) and manifestly eyed with suspicion and mistrust.

Apart from one incident where talking about queen Elizabeth to year 8's & hinting at her lack of a husband. "what do people my age start to do?" "Retire?", the staff and kids have been great. I'm happy to be there and they're happy to have me. It's only a maternity cover, with very little prospect of being kept on so I have been applying for other jobs. My good friend Paul suggested sleeping with as many history teachers as possible so I can get continuous maternity cover. Laughingly I told this to my head of department this. Her earnest response was "you could do, but you'd have to get your timing right." Can nobody else see the flaw in this plan?

Moving on. I have a new love in my life. Lumps in all the right places but the harder I try the more difficult it is to get my hands on them! Mile End Climbing Wall is a great place! It was my good friend Ian's idea to do a weekend beginners climbing course there. As soon as the instructor saw me, he knew that I was ambitious, determined and likely to fall apart at a moments notice. And how right he was! I sit here and not climbing because I injured tendon in my foot whilst climbing, which means I cannot walk, let alone climb!

I still love it though and yearn to return. For beginners like me, it's an amazing core workout. I have to do my marking before I go, as my grip is so knackered by it, I can't hold a pen afterwards. I nearly had to sign out with a shaky X once, leading the wall attendant to wonder if I was actually literate.

It's very friendly down there and packed with young fit trendy looking people, so I provide a nice contrast. I am a bit of a minor celebrity there having landed myself the membership number 123456. Guy behind the desk said they staff had been talking about this magic member and shook my hand when he found out it was me. More famous as a number than for my climbing but I'll take what I can get.

However, since the course and before the injury I was making real progress. I bought some climbing boots, chalk bag and finger tape, so I at least I look the part. Being a man, I love the kit. I enjoy the ritual of squeezing my feet in the extremely snug boots and then doing them up as tightly as possible lacing all the way from the bottom (as I was told to). I don't care that the good flash climbers climb without even tying theirs up. I may not be very good, but at least I feel I might me. It does not matter what has been going on all day at work. When you climb you focus on nothing else. You are instantly transported back to being a six year old boy climbing trees. It's only the day after you're reminded you're almost 30!

Well it's a snow day so not in school. I shall leave you with the advice given to me by a deputy head in an e-mail this morning about what to do during the close down:

"This morning, Loose Women and Doctors Can I recommend Quantum Leap on ITV 4, also hoping to catch an episode of Diagnosis Murder or Murder She Wrote."

TTFN.

"Wingman"

A little verbal camouflage may be required here. I have a friend, let's call him... erm... 'Pope Ian', of no fixed abode, Leytonstone (yes that should do it). He's good to hang out with, his easygoing style puts you well at ease, even laughs at my jokes which is a bit above and beyond. Great company. However, he is also a magnet for acts of randomness, that at worst turn into an amusing dinner party anecdote, and at best have been life defining moments.

One such example I can recall, fits somewhere in the middle. Pope Ian had been out trying to buy coat hangers, when a young lady approaches from nowhere & tells him, not to buy his hangers as the shop down the road is much cheaper. Buoyed by this consumer advice, Pope Ian then asks the lady if she knew of anywhere local that had cheap Internet?

Roll forward 15 minutes, he's in her flat using her Internet and he hears the popping of a wine cork. Half a bottle later, her ex-boyfriend walks in. I get a phone call. They've all gone down to the local pub and can I meet them there because this is weird and he needs back-up. Sadly I wasn't much help as several jugs of beer later, all four of us ended back up their flat. We needed to escape, but how? We did it by performing the Lambeth walk (they were Canadian and asked us to do it. We felt cheapened by the experience), walking high kicks and doffing imaginary toppers towards the front door, closing it quickly behind us and back to normality. If this seems strange to you, you should have been there!

Anyway, back to the present day. Pope Ian is at a leaving do of someone he hardly knows. Gets talking to people he simply doesn't know and manages to get an invite to a housewarming party that not even God knows. From the very little we know about the host from her myspace page, we know that she is a Classical composer, Cambridge Uni then Royal Academy of Music, multi award winning international jet setter. Not his usual type you might say.

Far too afraid to go on his own (and I don't blame him) Pope Ian went recruiting for a Wingman! Someone who is witty, urbane, steeped in the classics and not quite as charming as he is. After several scores of rejections from more suitable candidates, I got the nod, as has... erm.... Tiberius Banks (yes that should do it). So tonight we're all of to a party where we don't know a soul and have no a clue what to expect. Nevertheless, I intend to discharge my responsibilities with my usual commitment to my friends.

What does a wingman actually do? More research was required. Wikipedia defines it as a role that "a person may take when a friend needs support with approaching potential partners. A wingman is someone who is on the "inside" and is used to help someone with relationships." No problem! I can do that. Just be nice remember to say nice things and don't talk to much (could be a problem actually).

But then I stumbled upon "Ode to the Wingman". Fantastic I thought, we have our own song!

This chick's rockin your bro' on the dance floor...

But she's towing an anchor

A junior investment banker

Who's talkin' 'bout herself and not much more, oh...

So buy her a beer, that's the reason you're here, mighty wingman

You're takin' one for the team

So your buddy can live the dream

Wingman...

Oh Sh*t! The Wingman is supposed to take out the 'Gatekeeper' isn't he....

This Wingman is grounded!

A note for my 18 year old self.

With thousands of students about to fly the nest and away to University I wondered, if i could go back in time, what advice I would give to my younger self to help me through that most daunting of transitions. I did this professionally in my last school for a group of sixth formers, but for myself, what home truths would I share?

• Mum will cry when she drops you off. Be prepared because crying is contagious
• Don't worry so much. You will be good at this.
• Yes, everyone else seems to be having sex. Get over it.
• You leave uni two stone heavier than when you arrived. Learn that your eyes are bigger than your belly.
• Don't start smoking. It's antisocial, horrible and it's a bugger to quit, which you WILL do!
• Never ever in your Greek History seminars call out "it's all Greek to me" when you don't understand something. Academics are not known for their sense of humour.
• If you decide to fall in love, go for it. Just remember never to alienate your friends, as they're the people who will help you pick up the pieces again when it all goes belly up!
• Always keep a little bit of yourself private. You'll need it. Probably in your second year to fall back on when times are tough.
• Never use the condoms the University gives you. There is a reason they are free.
• Don't compare yourself to other people. It's impossible for a start and you never know how messed up they are.
• How people perceive you and how you perceive yourself are often two very different images.
• If a woman gives you nice big hints that she likes you, don't freeze and be all prudish because you're a coward. No man ever went to the grave saying he wished he'd snogged less women.
• Try as many sports as you can. Especially skiing, become Club Captain and win club of the year at the AU dinner. Because I bloody well enjoyed that moment.
• Be yourself, choose you're own path and walk tall. People will respect you for it (As long as you don't go all weird then people will just talk about you behind your back)
• Share everything but if you do be prepared to loose it all. It's replaceable anyway.
• It doesn't matter that you don't really like clubbing. Some people are just like that.
• Be brave. Try new things. You're young enough to bounce back. If I tried the same again, I may go crunch.
• The secret to women, is a mystery. I don't know the answer and anyone who says they do, is a charlatan and lair and deserves your pity.

Have fun the class of 2010. Jealous? Well I have done it twice now, and it's about time I got a proper job. Good luck one and all x.

The Father, Son and the Holy Pope.

Father and Son. Paul and I

I have a confession to make. For the schadenfreude I am about to relieve myself of, may Ian have mercy. The story goes something like this. When we met up for our weekly darts night a couple of weeks ago, he greeted me with the sad news that he had split up from his girlfriend. I hit my head against the wooden panelling of the pub in shock. I know how keen he had been on this young lady. I really felt for my friend.

However, the shock subsided and was replaced with a rather warm feeling of solidarity. You see both Paul and myself had become single a few months before. We have played a lot more golf together as a result. Paul can always be relied upon in a dark hour to hit some balls or play darts with. However, I felt there was one man missing. The warm feeling was knowing that "we've got him back, the Holy Trinity is reunited". Only until the next one comes along of course, but that will do me. We can split cabs now, stay out late and generally make merry at weekends. Bloody selfish I know, but what the hell, I didn't split 'em up, so I intend to take full advantage.

Two words came from Ian that sing like a choir of Angels in my ear. "Gentleman's retreat!" A weekend in the Brecon Beacons with some of the old Canada crew and a few hand picked special guests. Seven in all. All boys. Not loud, shouty, aggressive boys. People whom I know well, shared a lot with, respect and who are bloody funny. I have not laughed so much on a weekend for a long time.

Intrepid explorers.

Plus when boys get together, we get adventurous and a little bit silly. As a result our waterfall walk gave us both stunning scenery, a magical insight into the inside of a waterfall and double pneumonia. But we didn't care. Got back to the hostel, got showered and got a curry! No complaining, just jokes that next year we should do a city break as we marched soaking wet back to the car park.

Ian and Paul.

It just seemed as if all the moon and the starts had aligned themselves for a weekend of good clean wholesome fun. One that took my mind right off my own petty worries which I needed shaking from and returned me healthy, happy and contented. Now don't get me wrong. I love spending time with women, very much so. Especially on the sofa with a bottle of red and a good rom-com. I hope those days are not too far off again. But I also know that some of the group are already pairing off and settling down. Sometime soon, we won't all be able to saunter of to the mountains at the drop of a hat. Myself included. I'm a teacher! So if this was a last big hurrah together, than thanks for the memories boys. You were there when I needed you.

All change!

Attempting to blog during my PGCE year was, as you can see, a complete failure. Luckily, my teacher training was not. By god it's been a hard road with plenty of bumps and scratches along the way, but enough highs to prove that it is the job for me. One third of a masters degree and an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating at the end of the course has helped me finish on a high.

I haven't managed to come through totally unscathed. My relationship with my long term girlfriend didn't make the end of the year. I threw myself into my work, loved it, but could have taken it easier and made more time for her. I'm no martyr, more selfish, I enjoyed my work. I had to, I would not have made it through otherwise. I relied heavily on my fellow PGCE students for support and who I know will continue to be friends and crutches during our NQT year.

The PGCE is over now. Time has been given back to me. Time for reflection, time to open back up to my family who found it difficult to relate. Time to repay old friends, have a beer and conversation again rather than just sitting like a shell shocked zombie, nothing much to say just throwing darts with a half smile. Time to think, play guitar, visit places. Perfect!

Well yes and no. I have been out a lot, seen old friends and made new ones. This has been great fun. I have found new interests and had the time to research them a little in my constant quest and unquenching thirst for knowledge. I enjoy this, so don't think that I haven't been, but I find it hard to enjoy things for enjoyments sake. I like to have a purpose. I don't start work until October. It feels very distant. There I know, is my purpose but at the moment I feel very detached. It's everything to me. I'm just not very good at being just... me!

Basically I am a shit louche. I have lead a very charmed life and struggle with the fact. Bloody useless. I should give it up and give it so someone who deserves it more and would make better use of it.

Do I sound down? Not a bit of it. Time has allowed me to get fitter than I have been in the last 10 years, I'm down to a light heavyweight and my brain is as sharp as a tack, sense of humour fully restored. I just think to much. So much so, that I forget what I have actually achieved in the last 12 months. The kids that thanked me for being their form tutor or teacher, the merits, praise for students who went for it and got it. The look on my year 9's faces last period on a Friday when I had them in the palm of my hand looking at the First World War and the genuine thanks and respect from the colleagues I worked with.

"Come on then Andy, upon reflection with all things considered, had it all been worth it?"



Of course it bloody has!

Barking Rugby Club's 'Gentleman's Dinner'

Morning all,

Last night was Barking Rugby Clubs first annual 'Gentleman's evening'. Basically a fundraiser for our rather impoverished little club. Money spinner it was too. £35 quid per ticket, plus an extra fiver each to take part in possibly the worlds worst value raffle (first prize was 2 tickets to the edf cup final, and second was a bottle of wine)

Nevertheless, we arrived in good time and Dad & I secured our place at the bar. We have always considered ourselves as outsiders at the club. We have never played and we don't own a club tie (which were much on display) Although we do attend almost every home game, as well as the occasional away fixture. Therefore, when Bob (former president) showed us to where we would be sitting, he said he knew us because he hadn't seen out faces before, we were a hurt. Although he was warm friendly and wished us a very happy evening, it didn't do much to diminish out 'outsider' status

As we sat and introduced ourselves to people we had questioned during the recent AGM, we were again asked if we were new to the club. 6 years probably is new to most of the people at the table. Most of them were original Park Modern old boys.

Nevertheless the food was agreeable, simple and plentiful. The £20 whip per person, helped to keep the conversation flowing as dad and I attempted to ingratiate our self into the heart of the old guard.

Being a 'gentleman's evening', I was a bit worried that the entertainment might get a bit too alpha male for my tastes. Strippers and alike. We knew that Jason Leonard and Jeff Probyn, both former England front rows, were going to be there and would probably do a bit of banter. But what unfolded was a simple and joyous evening of much laughter and merriment.

They kept it simple. After dinner when we were a well oiled and willing audience, Jeff Probyn stood up and gave one of the funniest after dinner speeches I have ever heard. It wouldn't have mattered if you know the people he was talking about, he was just funny. He finished his set with a bit of a drinking masterclass. Pint followed by Pint, then wine and port all under a minute.

(Jeff Probyn just before his spectacular drinking finale)

Jason, not the consummate performer that Jeff is, stood and answer a few questions put to him by Jeff. He answered with real heart and honesty. His talk was short and he allowed us re-engage with the cheese board.

We chatted rather drunkenly with Bob again and then phoned mum to see if she would pick us up. Dad's offer of making her a cup of tea when we got in miraculously worked. He than accused me of having bare faced cheek in asking mum to come and get us. Never mind the fact that it was him that demanded that I called mum in the first place.

Dad then proceeded to try to get into the wrong car, to which the woman in the silver Ka seemed to thankfully find amusing.

Got home. Had that cup of tea, and as is par for the course on such drunken evenings, Dad and I had a Jam session on the guitars, as I forgot the chords and him the words. Didn't seem to matter though.

Time for bed said Zebedee!! I awoke at 6.30 this morning with a bit of a sore head and an empty wallet. Success for us and certainly a success for Barking RUFC.

(dad Mentoring Jason Leonard OBE. Dad is on the right)

Hello everyone,

It's been nearly 3 years since I last blogged. At that time I had just returned from Canada. My last post was a quick summary, a thank you and a reflection on being home, before I signed off. The intention was always to carry on blogging. To use the blog instead, to keep in touch with the Canadian friends I left behind as I continued to enivitably stumble through re-adjustment, jobs and relationships.

So why am I back now? Well, I have done facebook and twitter. None of them are quite as pure, quite as personal and in depth as a blog. I hope Blogger doesn't go the way of friends re-united (Billy no mates).

Secondly, I no longer want to treat the blog as a shrine to Canada. The hangover has gone on long enough. It's time to continue the story.

Thirdly, I may finally have tomething to say. I'm changing my career. I'm off to do teacher training at Roehampton. My passion is History, and I think that the energy I have for something I actually know a bit about, will hopefully rub off on future generations. Changing the world one child at a time. Foolish idealist.

A lot has happened in the last few couple of years. Holly, hobbies and hopes are all new. But more of in later posts.

It's not always been easy, but there has always been room for fun.

So lets have less of this in the future.

And more of this.

Ciao for now.

Home!

Yes I'm back home safe and sound after living in Canada and my travels around the USA. To be honest my feelings about being back are mixed. After contemplating this with Ian, and e-mailing Liz who is still in Vancouver, we decided that Vancouver was only the stage, and a very beautiful one at that. However, it was the people who make the play, and so before I start posting about the cities, stories and creepy old people that I shared hostels with on my travels, I'd like to say a quick hello to the people I have sadly left behind.


Those sweeties at Worksafe threw Daniela and myself a surprise leaving do. I was certainly suprised. I had three days left to work. I waer my t-shirt with pride. Nobody in London has a clue where it's from.


They gave us a wonderful photo album, full of photos of our adventures with work and signed by all the department. This was so wonderful. It is certainly my favourite souvenier from Canada. It's full of people I admire and respect saying nice things about me. Who wouldn't?

The other great thing bout worksafe is at every opportunity they tried to feed me. As you can see, being away from home for so long, I had all but wasted away, but those plucky heros t EDS kept me going. I had to. There were binders to be built!

For those of you not familiar with the Uber one, here his Laura looking lovely in the early evening sun at Bridges on Granville Island. This was my official leaving do! Although there are only photos of about 5 people, I can assure you there were at least 6, including Lisa and her husband and Christine, my manager. Natasha and Deanna, were never in doubt, but some of the fellow Bunacers turned up in suits. I would have expected no less.

Daniela and Simon doing that great party trick of whipping off your underwear with your clothes still on. Not really. Deanna, kindly bought Daniela, Simon, me and laura sone Canada underwear. And Yes Deanna it DOES glow in the dark.


Good luck in South Africa Daniela. Good luck in Langley Deanna.


Watch of updates about the trip. Next post will be Seattle, the land that air conditioning forgot.

Goodbye!

Well, my time in Canada is up. I am writing this post very quickly ($1 for 12 mins) to say thank you and goodbye to all my friends back in Canada, at Worksafe and to the other Bunacers we left behind.

I'm in a hostel in Seattle at the moment and very nice it is too. I'm very excited about my rail trip across the States and this will be the reason for my lack of posts over the next few weeks.

The hardest goodbye of all was to my lovely girlfriend of 10 months Laura. I know I'm going to miss her badly because I already do. You have been there with me almost all my time in Canada and have been instrumental in making it probably the best year of my life.

Thank you xxx.

Calgary. And just to think I've raced with "Eddie the Eagle" Edwards!

Down town Cowtown!
I have always had a bit of a fascination with Calgary, ever since I heard about the 'Calgary Stampede'. I have a bit of a fascination with cowboys, so 'Cowtown ' was definitely one on the list.

As a very generous birthday present, Laura had paid for the flights, leaving after work on Friday night and returning early before work on Tuesday morning (that was to be a long day). After work on Friday I had a few hours to kill and so, I with a few carefully selected work colleagues went for a drink or 4 in a local boozery, and after a good oiling, I met up with the lovely Laura who refused to talk to me because I had shaved my beard off. (Don't worry, it's back already).

We had an easy flight into Calgary and took a cab to the hotel.

Next morning I awoke to silent treatment from Laura as my beard had not recovered overnight. It was not until that evening that a thick enough shadow had developed that she recognised me as the man she wished to spend all eternity with. (isn't that right Laura?)

Anyhow I persevered, and Laura and I went to the Calgary skytower. Again we ascended 100's of feet just to look back at the ground again. The views were very good and it gave us a good perspective of where everything in the city was.

The one thing it didn't do was give us any idea of was, where any one was? Cowtown was deserted all weekend!

Some of this may be due to the major repair works that were being undertaken in the C-train, which meant that we had catch replacement bus services all weekend. Hey ho. Apart from that, we had no problems getting around all weekend.

On Saturday afternoon we went to a Calgary Stampeeders vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders game. I sort of understand the game. Calgary won! There was a streaker and a fight in the male toilets. More like English football than any other North American sport I have seen.

Look closely, and you can see the Streaker. Not even my zoom lens could have saved this one

After the game we went to this very cool pub for dinner. Laura watched this couple on a first date in the corner. She expertly described the psychology behind the moves and gestures. "Why then" I asked, "was our first date such a disaster?

Next morning we got up (Just) and headed to Calgary Zoo. Not only is it a zoo, but is also a prehistoric park and Gardens. Therefore, for our first hour we just saw models of dead animals. It was a relief when we realised that there were also live animals at the zoo.

I'm not usually a big fan of zoo's, but this one really impressed. I have a soft spot for bears after Living in Canada for so long. I also love the lion hat!

The Monday was, Heritage day in Alberta. (BC day in BC) and so we trotted off to Heritage park. Heritage Park is a wild west version of the Beamish museum in Northumberland. It's bigger too.

The Canadian Calvary were out in full dress to entertain us with a great show of horseman ship, in very hot weather.

A whole pioneer village had been rebuilt, with original buildings being taken down from all over Alberta and reassembled at the park. Each building had a Historian who could tell you all about all the stuff inside and about the history of the house in general. Laura actually gave a lesson to one of the staff by, describing how a turn of the century (1900, not 2000) ice ream maker worked. Laura's Mum still uses one!!! Thinks haven't really moved on all that much in the south!

The really cool bit, is it has a huge old steam train, carriages with three working train stations.

The train took us to the carnival area, where turn of the century rides, made me feel sick after my corn dog.

There was also an old paddle steamer that took ferry cruises, but we just didn't have time to do it all.

I flew back the next morning. I was up at 3.30 am. I made it until 4pm. Then I had to go home and sleep. I head a really great time. By the end of the trip, I couldn't get Laura to be quiet!

It's a funny old world!

Confession!

OK OK OK, some of you are being awfully sweet, but in fact (hard to believe I know) the picture below is not of my body. Glen, is the kind gentleman responsible for the photo. He's a friend of a friend at work. Tattoos are not my cup of tea, but I just thought I'd see how many of you fell for it.

Not many!

Why have a six pack when you can have a barrel???

Mum Won't be Pleased

It's my last weekend in Vancouver and I'm a little sad about that. I have had such a great time here, that the petulant child in me really doesn't want to leave.

This trip is however for a year only, and I have new and exciting challenges to face at home. Even before I get there I have a month long rail trip coast to coast across the United States. It's only when you write it down and look at it that you realise just how fortunate I am. For that, I am grateful to my loving family, (who have always supported me in nearly all of my hair brained schemes) and to my friends (who occasional join me in them).

I wanted a permanent reminder of my time here, something that will stick with me long after the memories fade. I though this was spot on!! I hope you like it.

In other news, it's been a great day for the Bull sisters. Laura had an interview with he Education Institute and got instantly accepted. All while Lydia received 5 A*, 4 A's and 1 C in here G.C.S.E. results. Many congratulations to you both.

So I guess this means I am the black sheep of the family now. By the end of the trip, I'll be jobless, homeless, and skint! I know Mum can't wait to have me and my guitars back home!

I'll be back soon! Promise

Why I'm glad I went to Seattle by Andrew Bull aged 25.

Laura reasoning with me that I should go to Seattle.

Me enjoying a beer at the Baseball

Laura after after the Mariners Team talk

Spot the ball competition

That market place in Seattle. What's it's name Simon?

Seattles origional poo pipe.

The Space Needle.

The worlds first ever Starbucks

The view from the top of the Space Needle.

A better view from the Space needle.

I have been on the road a lot recently. I was away for three weeks with Mum and My sister Laura, touring around British Columbia, Alberta and then Alaska on the cruise. So what better than the very next weekend to go on a weekend break to Seattle???

Rest and relaxation by the beach in Sunny Vancouver I hear you cry?? Well maybe, but after some gentle persuasion from Girlfriend Laura, I decided to get the bus after work on Friday and join her in Seattle for the weekend.

I got the bus after work and arrived in Seattle about 10.30. The bus dropped us off in a less desirable part of the city near the space needle. Laura met me there with considerable relief that I was now there with her. We got on a couple of buses, packed with baseball fans and headed out to our hotel. My head hit the pillow at 12am midnight.

Next morning we got up for breakfast and went to the front desk to get some change for the bus. The lady behind the desk, saw two impoverished adorable young things, and offered us free tickets to the Seattle Mariners v's Boston Red Sox game. Some guy couldn't go so he just left the tickets at reception. Off we toddled. Laura was able to call the game for me because it is a wee bit different to rounders you know. He has me sort of hooked on it actually.

Back to the hotel for dinner and a fine nights rest.

Back up next morning, and we're off to town to go on an underground tour of Seattle. Seattle is built on a flood plane. Surveyors at the time knew this but had a penchant for wading twice a day. It took only 30 years to realise that this wasn't good for a whole host of horrible reasons.

So, they decided to build the city one floor up. Early photos show pedestrians on the sidewalk 14 feet above the road below with carts and horses. The entrances to buildings were built on the second floor of buildings to accommodate the planned rise in the sidewalk.

This eventually happened, Manifestly an underground city emerged. Bars, vice dens thrived in this darkened environment. The tour itself was made by the guides who took us around. Their blend of History and humor illuminated what in reality was the basements and foundations of buildings.

After that we toured around the Market and saw the first ever Starbucks. Who would have thought that in less that 40 years, Starbucks would be more powerful that Britain.

Then we went up to the Space Needle. The views are very pretty, probably even surpassing the views from our own Harbor centre. I'll leave it for you to decide!

I've been around round round.....

Dear reader of character and taste,

I'm so sorry it's been a while following up with updates on the blog. The problem is that I have been so busy trying to make the most of my time left here in Canada, that I forgot to designate time to actually tell you about it. I have only spent 1 of the last 5 weekends in Vancouver. I only have 3 left!

So, now that I have a little time to let the dust settle, I will endeavor to let you know what has been going on.

Posts to follow are:

1. Seattle. Laura who was already in Washington State, invited me down so we could enjoy the city together. We had a huge slice of luck, which changed our plans for the weekend, and did some other touristy stuff as well. So stay tuned for that one.

2. Works Hawaiian BBQ: A work social that ended in heartbreak (I ended up singing and loosing to the Germans at Bocci)

3. Cowtown (Calgary): Just got back yesterday. Had a fun packed three days with Laura. We packed a lot in. There will be full nudity in this post (I'll explain all in time, It's OK mother), so pregnant women or people with heart conditions may want to consider their own sensibilities before viewing.

Unbelievably, I have heard nothing but praise for my playing and singing at the Works BBQ (I have kept the e-mails as proof....Doubters!), so I have been encouraged to get back catalogue cut to disc and distributed. Here exclusively for 'Nextquestion' fans, is a sneek preview of the artwork to the cover to my new album "Unplugged".

There are as yet, no plans for a DVD.

Love to all,

Andrew. xxx