Journal Entries
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New York, New York.
Posted Jan 22, 2004
Well peeps... If you are bored by holiday photos switch off now cos this will be the verbal version of our trip to the good old US of A!
Flight first... security delays both ways. 2 and a half hours late leaving, no real explanation at the airport. 5 hours delay on return flight, difference being we got a meal voucher, a letter of explanation and apology from virgin, with an offer of 20% off our next virgin flight, which sort of tempered the frustration.
during our trip we stayed with possibly the nicest people I have ever met, Melanie and Glenn, Melanie I have known since a school exchange trip YEARS ago. Ate out a lot, one meal that sticks out was the japanese "habachi", where the chef cooks at your table. The chef we ad was so over the top it was great, daughter loved every minute of it!!
New York city itself was still amazing. We all had the ailment "tourists neck" by the end of a day gazing upwards at those buildings! But boy was it cold at top of Empire State! We walked out onto observation deck and it was ok to start with.. then when we walked around to the western side, we were hit with a freezing cold wind!! OUCH!!!! Could only stay out there for a few minutes at a time!
Went to a broadway show called "wicked" which is about wicked witch of the east from Wizard of Oz and how she got to be like she was. her life through childhood college etc. An excellent show... amazing cast. And a good story too, with loads of humour in it. its based on a book by the same name (author escapes me).
We also went to a Hockey game. I would recommend anyone to go see a game at least once in a lifetime. A fast paced sport with no apparent rules and loads of unecessary and spontaneous violence. 
Shame is the new Jersey Devils lost...
And for all you shoopers out there......with the exchange rate as it is Mrs Spike and daughter had a whale of a time in all the shoping malls. A pair of Levi's for £15? Sketcher trainers (daughter tells me they are "cool") for £20, they bought so much had to buy another bag to get it all back on the plane!
I did one thing I have never done before whilst away.. karaoke. nd having done it I know why I hadnt tried it before!! I knew i wasnt good at singing, I didnt realise I was tone deaf! Never again!! 
Also went past the "strip club" from the series "the sopranos". it is an actual table dancing club when not being used for filming, and no we didnt go in. Dont know why but Mrs didnt seem too keen!! 
maybe next time!!!
New Jersey has a bit of areputation in the states for being the armpit of America. Yes there is a lot of industrial development in areas but there is also great natural beauty to be found in the mountains and countryside. GO THERE AND EXPLORE!!!
I think thats about it. If I think of anytihng else I'll add it later.
Oh one more thing, Ground zero. Very moving place to go and just think and pray for a while, to whoever your god may be.....
Discuss this Journal entry [9]
Latest reply: Jan 22, 2004
BIg Metal Bird
Posted Dec 23, 2003
No I dont mean Bella Emberg in a suit of armour..
I mean one of Mr Bransons finest 747's, which will be bearing a precious cargo on Boxing day. Me, mrs Spike and little miss Spike going on hols across the pond to visit some pals who live just outside New York.
If MR Bin Laden and his pals behave, we will be back sometime in second week of January, no doubt mysteriously minus some cash and plus some weight. 
To one and all I wish a Merry Christmas and a peceful, prosperous new year. See you when we get back, as I dont think I will be internetting whilst away. 
Discuss this Journal entry [8]
Latest reply: Dec 23, 2003
YIPPEEEE!
Posted Nov 24, 2003
Well peoples, it has finally happened. The famed conservatory frame has finally been delivered to "chez Spike". And even better, some of it has even been put up today!
never know it might even be finished by 25/12 at this rate.
not much else to report i life at the moment. Going to a "do" this weekend though. my old team from work has invited me and mrs Spike out for their christmas bash (early I know, but any excuse for a p**s up).
Question is exactly how drunk do I get??
Last year I was soooooo badly ill I did the "never again" vow! but that was a year ago and all seems so distant now. Mind you I should be old enough to know better..... Will power of an amoeba thats me!
Discuss this Journal entry [4]
Latest reply: Nov 24, 2003
Away this week
Posted Nov 8, 2003
Hello folks!!
Just quick note to say that due to that inconvenience of the real world, and work I will not be around for a week or so.
Dont want to go to Essex for a week, but I suppose someone has to! (Sorry all you Essex peeps out there, but you must admit you dont live in the most picturskew part of the world!). Contrary to popular belief I will not be taking my white handbag, white mini skirt or mark three escort with me!! Thats reserved for days off!!
See y'all!!
Discuss this Journal entry [4]
Latest reply: Nov 8, 2003
Home/Life balance
Posted Oct 29, 2003
Well Peeps.... I am still here despite the best attempts of the BBC to stop me from getting on the site. 
I dont know if its coincidence but over the last week I have been working more sensible hours and have actually been home at reasonable time. You know, that rarity of a "family meal" where we all sit down together??? Well we have even managed a couple of those!!!
This sounds really trite and yukky but I have tried to explain how I feel in simple English, and for once have also made sure I listened properly too (one of my failings when there is loads going on at home).
We have both accepted that I love my new role at work and that it will mean the odd longer day, but also that when I am off at home we need to make the most of it and actually spend time together as a family rather than us all doing our own thing. Daughter was also in on this and I think appreciated being involved, listening to mum and dad discussing "stuff".
And without wishing to embarras self (which I will!!) this better communication also seems to have led to an improved life between the sheets.
Don't get me wrong, there will still be days when I will be late home unexpectedly, miss the play at school or whatever, but hopefully we can undersatnd each other a bit better now.
My advice for what it is worth "KEEP TALKING IN PLAIN, SIMPLE ENGLISH".
Thanks for the advice/help peoples...muchly appreciated.
for all!!
Spike
Discuss this Journal entry [6]
Latest reply: Oct 29, 2003
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Spike
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