tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68931152011-09-12T00:17:10.991+01:00<br/><br/>Hi, I'm Paul, welcome <br/>to my world...Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.comBlogger2711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-45333316202914594642010-03-15T14:10:00.001Z2010-03-15T14:11:25.014Z

I sit in the corner doing my crossword. It's late (well, technically, it's really early in the morning) and after little sleep and a drive across the city, it's nice to have some respite. My wife's in the shower in the room next door, and the TV's on in the background. Occassionally I look up to see a woman going on about how people with poor credit ratings get ripped off, but mostly I focus on

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-58261310174526147162010-03-15T14:01:00.000Z2010-03-15T14:01:14.773Z

As a little update to my earlier post, I'm pleased to report that the independent TV man was able to fix everything without the need to destroy our house. On an unrelated note, if anyone can help me work out how to turn blogger comments on - simply clicking "show" doesn't seem to do anything, that'd be very much appreciated.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-86366668706960375462009-11-12T16:00:00.002Z2009-11-12T16:04:05.567Z

As you may have noticed, it's not often that I post stuff on here. The main cause being a distinct lack of free time (at least partly born of what happened two years ago! - 2 years, where did that go, eh?).However, I do feel sufficiently riled by recent events to post something now.We've just bought a new house. Abandoning our suburban home of five years (5 years, where did...) we've relocated

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-37296170801587503002009-05-07T13:59:00.003+01:002009-05-07T14:08:27.258+01:00

As you may recall, I signed up for Swiss Toni's Shuffleathon at the end of last year. I duly made and sent out my CD, which got a mixed review from RussL, and I waited for my CD to arrive.Then I waited some more, watching as everyone else in the draw received the CD's, whilst mine, which by process of elimination I knew was coming from Monogodo in the States, never arrived.After pretty much

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-68231312130813995082009-03-13T21:14:00.004Z2009-03-13T22:27:05.156Z

I'm not really sure how I feel about turning thirty. On the one hand, it's just another birthday. On the other, it's a change in the first digit and a zero, which has rather left me taking stock of where I've been and where I might be going.In the last decade, and in no particular order, I have:Met a girl, got engaged and then married in 40 degree heat (in the UK!)Visited Thailand, New England,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-33105827297159888502008-12-08T21:35:00.003Z2008-12-08T22:01:22.950Z

It's been a long, and unsurprisingly hectic, few months since I last posted anything on here. I'm pleased to say that our son has successfully survived the first year of his life with only one trip to hospital and no lasting damage (apart from the psychological harm inflicted by us as parents).Anyway, not only is it one year on from the dramatic birth, it's also time for Swiss Toni's annual

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-14378719555086840452008-06-12T14:11:00.002+01:002008-06-12T14:16:00.397+01:00

"Things seem to have progressed slightly quicker than we anticipated", I say down the phone. Standing over my wife, who is currently sat in the bath going through the second stage of labour (i.e. the bit where the baby comes out) I wonder whether we can still get to the hospital in time. We can't.The midwife tells me she's sending an ambulance and a community midwife round. Which is nice. I

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-44906664638312182062007-10-25T16:55:00.000+01:002007-10-25T17:19:36.413+01:00

So, having dispatched my meagre offering to Threelight, I waited for my Shuffleathon CD to arrive in the post, and last Friday it plopped on to the doormat with a reassuring thud. Tearing at the packaging, I found a nice letter from Cat apologising for any technical difficulties I might experience, and proffering up the following track listing for my aural pleasure.Girls Who Play Guitars -

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-72405444710209099022007-10-12T13:45:00.000+01:002007-10-12T13:50:48.117+01:00

With some post now getting through, I took the opportunity to post my Shuffleathon 2007 CD this week. No sign yet of it having arrived at it's destination, but I thought I'd set out the track listing here in any event, and then link to the review when it gets posted in due course.The tracklisting (cue: drumroll)1. This is a call - Foo Fighters2. Mr Brightside - The Killers3. Walk on the Wild

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-17850603882993023042007-10-04T15:41:00.000+01:002007-10-04T15:43:51.102+01:00

A warm 1000 Shades welcome to Smaller Than Life, the blog by occassional JonnyB stand in, and genuinely funny bloke Salvatore Vincent, who (by a handy quirk of fate) is ideally positioned to warn me of the joys that lie in wait, in about two months time.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-58285506372441620812007-10-02T14:41:00.000+01:002007-10-02T14:43:09.634+01:00

Despite largely keeping quiet about my musical tastes on here (and pretty much everything else in my life in recent months) I've signed myself up for the Shuffleathon 2007, which is being organised by Swiss Toni. The idea being that everyone's names go in a hat, and are drawn at random, and you then send the person you've been allocated a mix-CD with at least ten songs on, for their listening

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-53775652685941130432007-09-07T15:35:00.000+01:002007-09-07T15:38:45.012+01:00

Being resolutely English in many ways, I've never really been a big fan of all things French. Wine? I'd rather have something from the New World. Cheese? On balance, I prefer Wenslydale to Brie. Cities? Give me Rome or Barcelona over Paris anytime.Yet we stand on the brink of the sixth Rugby World Cup, and having long since accepted that neither England nor Wales (my wife's country of birth)

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-70908368619596616592007-09-07T15:34:00.000+01:002007-09-07T15:35:24.752+01:00

In case you were wondering, I am still here - I've just been a bit busy, with a combination of the impending new arrival (suggestions for baby names all gratefully received), the other blog, work, and my growing Facebook addiction it's meant that I've not really had much time to blog.I would say normal service will be resumed shortly, but I doubt it will, unless by normal service I mean one post

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-82547040332593607252007-07-02T14:25:00.000+01:002007-07-02T14:26:49.401+01:00

Hearty (and in some cases belated) welcomes to The Last Bus Home, Our Man In Granada and Classy Bird to the 1000 Shades blogroll, coinciding nicely with the departure of previous favourites Casino Avenue, Our Man In Hanoi, Stressqueen and Excuse Me For Laughing.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-4364074832172142922007-06-04T17:17:00.000+01:002007-06-12T10:10:43.237+01:00

Not another post about a zombie movie - rather the amount of time left before my beautiful and amazing wife will go from being a family unit comprising of two adults and one cat, to a family unit comprising two adults, one cat, and a small human being.So far, I'm finding the experience of being an expectant father a bit weird really. I'm incredibly excited about the prospect of having a child,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-53746730610968788382007-05-11T13:57:00.000+01:002007-05-11T14:09:53.074+01:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to check out new zombie flick 28 Weeks Later, the follow up to hit film 28 Days Later. Now, there were two slight drawbacks with this, the first being that I don't particularly like horror as a film genre, and the second being that I hadn't seen 28 Days Later. Still, a free trip to the cinema wasn't to be sniffed at, so off I duly trotted.I don't

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-77554292888991511152007-04-13T17:32:00.000+01:002007-04-13T17:35:42.291+01:00

The Tuesday before Easter, I parked my car and went off to play football. In something of a rush, and having performed acrobatic movements in the car to change from my work suit to my football kit it would appear that I left several things strewn across my front seat.Returning to my car an hour and a half later, I was somewhat aggrieved to find that someone, no doubt keen to point out the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-10965381612458652872007-03-21T13:54:00.000Z2007-03-21T13:56:23.822Z

Having spent an entire season training (and in the process losing enough weight that hardly any of my clothes fit me properly anymore), I made my first start for my football team on Saturday.Thinking back over my football career, I've actually just realised that this was the first occasion when I've played a competitive eleven-a-side fixture. Ever. My only games for my primary school being a

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-17193668604232797012007-03-19T14:57:00.000Z2007-03-19T14:59:15.334Z

As you may recall, I've steadily been looking at ways to improve my health over the last 15 months or so. In January 2006 I gave up alcohol for a month, and in doing so transformed my approach to booze. During Lent last year I gave up having sugar in my tea and coffee, something which I subsequently carried on. Last summer, I joined a football team.As a result of these small steps, together

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-81570317522315919802007-03-16T10:08:00.000Z2008-12-09T04:23:07.914Z

It's official. The Fairy Godmother of blogging (his words, not mine) has decreed that I am officially funny (and not just to look at).So now you must go and BUY THE BOOK.Do it now, and then read my despairing attempts at humour, and contributions by a host of far funnier bloggers whose offerings will surely have you wetting yourselves with laughter. (Including 1000 shades favourites Crinklybee,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-23533848384724662072007-03-09T17:25:00.000Z2007-03-09T17:30:00.008Z

Over at Troubled Diva, Mike is doing his bit for Comic Relief by trying to get other people to write a book. If you are feeling inspired to do your bit for charity and have said something funny on your blog (and are British) then why not send it to Mike in aid of a good cause.Alternatively, you could just see if the idea comes to fruition and then buy the book.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-10188347974134637752007-03-06T15:48:00.000Z2007-03-06T15:52:10.858Z

As noted by my other half, we spent Saturday at the wedding of some friends from University largely fending off questions regarding our own family planning.Personally, I found being surrounded by a lot of men with swords slightly disconcerting, but in truth the wedding was clearly stamped with the mark of the couple involved, and I'm sure they had an excellent day (as did we - armed guests

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-46621967459958587572007-02-27T17:17:00.000Z2008-12-09T04:23:08.014Z

Today marked the end of an era, as I finally confined my car to the scrap heap.Gone is the car in which I learnt to drive, which ferried me to St James' Park from such exotic locations as Nottingham, Leytonstone, Guildford and Newbury. Gone is the car which came on the first holiday I went on with my wife. Gone is the car which has, on numerous occasions, carried five adults to its destination

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-52240894619333818762007-01-29T16:09:00.000Z2007-01-29T16:11:32.864Z

Over on excellent music blog The Art of Noise you can currently find me defending Radio 1 - quite what from, I wasn't entirely sure when I wrote the defence - although by the looks of it Damo and I appear to have come at the debate from largely the same angle. I'd urge you all to pop along, and join in the discussion.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-30971476305940684452007-01-26T17:22:00.000Z2007-01-26T17:23:34.204Z

I'm currently reading Untold Stories, by Alan Bennett - and excellent book, and well worth taking the time to read.Anyway, I was struck by the image of the situation in which I found myself on Wednesday appearing as a scene in one of his Talking Heads monologues.In this instance my head is pictured in a mirror, surrounded by blue LED lights, and looking similar to that of an actor's dressing room

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1166701608637199922006-12-21T11:45:00.000Z2006-12-21T11:46:48.666Z

Just a quick note to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2007.Normal service will be resumed sometime in January (by that, I mean sporadic posts interspersed by long periods of silence.)

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1165930749891254962006-12-12T13:38:00.000Z2006-12-12T13:39:09.906Z

Casino Royale - a name which, for Bond film lovers, previously sent shivers down their spines, and vague flickering memories of David Niven, Peter Sellers and Woody Allen. Now, it's Daniel Craig (moody and ruthless), free running, torture and betrayal.In short, the new Bond film is a triumph.I'll try not to spoil the film for those of you intending to see it, but like every Bond film it's fair

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1164908231186572562006-11-30T17:34:00.000Z2006-11-30T17:37:11.186Z

A hearty welcome to Bline in the Meadows, the latest addition to the 1000 Shades Blogroll, from the only Swedish Nottingham blogger that I'm aware of.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1164907954046701672006-11-30T17:31:00.000Z2006-11-30T17:32:34.076Z

The other week saw the two of us head down to Leicester to watch the Leicester Tigers v London Irish rugby game. Having cycled to the station, we boarded the train and attempted to find seats. The train was packed, with the usual Saturday traffic swelled by fans travelling to see both rugby and football games in Leicester. However, we found two seats round a table that didn't have people

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1162990796313083972006-11-08T12:57:00.000Z2006-11-08T12:59:56.330Z

There's a line in Rudyard Kipling's poem If which says something about meeting the twin imposters of triumph and disaster and treating them just the same.Well this week that contrast was brought home to me in a very real wayFirstly, on Saturday, the football team I play for crashed out of the Nottinghamshire FA Saturday Minors Cup on penalties following a 2-2 draw with a team who we were clearly

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1162827179814434962006-11-06T15:31:00.000Z2006-11-06T15:32:59.833Z

The last week has seen me lose all patience with on-line ticket sales systems.Last Friday, I attempted to buy tickets to see The Killers play live at Nottingham Ice Arena next year. According to the Ice Arena website, the only way to get tickets was via their online system. All well and good, you might think. Only when I tried to do that, their system crashed and crashed and crashed and in the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1161706751791765742006-10-24T17:17:00.000+01:002006-10-24T17:19:11.806+01:00

Those of you with memories of my days contributing the odd story to my University student magazine, and in particular my penchant for doing so under a nom de plume, I'd just like to make it clear that I'm not moonlighting as a Guardian sports writer.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1160666228043530212006-10-12T16:16:00.000+01:002006-10-12T16:18:30.896+01:00

I promised you a report on my progress (provided I didn't shin an own goal costing us the match) and so it's only fair to deliver one.The game was played on a somewhat questionable pitch (big holes, including one that needed to be filled in with the aid of a mound of earth and a shovel prior to kick off) which had a bigger slope that St James' Park and with the added complication of a strong

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1160140258372643022006-10-06T14:06:00.000+01:002006-10-06T14:10:58.400+01:00

As you will no doubt recall, having joined a football club, I suffered a pre-season injury set back.Despite a concerted effort on my part to exacerbate the problem, I'm delighted to say that the injury has cleared up and I've spent the last few weeks training hard in an effort to get myself back into contention for the first team. After a particulalrly brutal session on Tuesday night (the email

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1158922057915863772006-09-22T11:46:00.000+01:002006-09-22T11:47:37.933+01:00

Four and a half years ago, when I didn't even know what a blog was, I lived in London. At the time I did a job that required astonishingly little effort on my part, and paid me rather well, but didn't challenge or excite me.So, with the support of my significant other, and a large bank loan, I quit my job, and enrolled on law conversion course.Four years, two diplomas, countless exams, two years

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1157978685743327282006-09-11T13:42:00.000+01:002006-09-11T13:44:45.776+01:00

Five years ago today, my wife and I had walked from our new flat in Leytonstone in to Walthamstow to buy an aerial for our TV and a TV Licence.As we walked from shop to shop, the news was slowly filtering through that the world had changed, and the defining moment of our generation was unfolding, as we walked the streets of East London.Ultimately, we found ourselves sat in a pub, watching BBC

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1157032180074000102006-08-31T14:46:00.000+01:002006-08-31T14:49:40.096+01:00

Apparently, today is Blogday 2006, and to celebrate this auspicious occasion, each blogger should draw people's attention to 5 new blogs.Swiss Toni has been gracious enough to link to me, and in the spirit of international togetherness I would like to point you towards:Crinklybee - If you aren't already reading this, you bloody well should be. Jonathan's recent four part guide to his son's

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1156515324940850222006-08-25T15:13:00.000+01:002006-08-25T15:15:24.963+01:00

According to my desk top calendar, there is an 8 step strategy to adopt if trapped in a lion cage:1. Do not runPresumably because this will startle the lions, and they can run faster than you)2. Watch for signs of an attack (e.g. low growl, eye contact and a lashing tail)Well duh.3. Find a defensive tool (move slowly, pick up anything within reach e.g. water bowl, bench, anything else)Ah, the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1156429302622049542006-08-24T15:20:00.000+01:002006-08-24T15:21:42.643+01:00

One week after announcing my late bid for footballing stardom, I'm sick as a parrot having picked up a knock in pre-season, which is likely to leave me kicking my heels on the sidelines for a couple of weeks, and must make me doubtful for our opening league fixture against Cambridge Knights on 3 September.Basically, I turned my ankle in training last night (having already felt a twinge in the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1155819020234749472006-08-17T13:47:00.000+01:002006-08-22T14:08:05.563+01:00

Flying in the face of the preceding 27 years of evidence, I've joined a football club.Now, I'd never describe myself as one of those people who was ever much cop at football. My playground years were spent being one of the last left standing against the wall whilst teams were picked. My competitive career being restricted to 45 minutes in the primary school first team, and a run out for the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1155818729222255642006-08-17T13:43:00.000+01:002006-08-17T13:45:29.246+01:00

Last night saw the official launch of my new book.Well, it saw the official launch of "Wor Al: A Fans Tribute" in which I (along with fellow bloggers Ben and Jonathan) express our appreciation of the finest striker any of us have ever seen playing for Newcastle United. (For more ramblings on Newcastle Utd by me and Ben, look here, and expect a review of the book launch party on Crinkylebee sooner

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1155732044395381882006-08-16T13:40:00.000+01:002006-08-16T17:19:02.880+01:00

Taking advantage of the aforementioned break from work, we took a trip to see the RSC perform the Tempest in Stratford upon Avon.It's been ten years since I last went to Stratford, and the place hasn't changed at all, with the blend of tourists from all over the globe fusing nicely with the dedicated theatre crowd who emerge at night and dress smartly. We forgot to do the whole smart thing, and

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1155731997274220562006-08-16T13:38:00.000+01:002006-08-16T17:19:52.163+01:00

Having just spent some time away from the office (on holiday, rather than in hospital, or at her majesty's pleasure) and consequently away from the internet, I realise I've missed the boat slightly, but I'd just like to add my support to Girlwithaonetrackmind whose life has somewhat transformed in the last couple of weeks since you became the latest person to be stung by a journalist (in this

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1155731919183715332006-08-16T13:37:00.000+01:002006-08-16T13:44:13.410+01:00

So Long, Dental Plan is the latest addition to the 1000 Shades blogroll, which conveniently coincides with the disappearance of Pentup Digital Fury which has gone to join the great blogroll in the sky. Apparently the author likes dogging and listening to the radio, although not necessarily at the same time.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1152284735440271022006-07-07T16:04:00.000+01:002006-07-07T16:05:35.470+01:00

On Wednesday, at 10.29 am the power in our office went out, taking with it the phones and the email.Hands up all of you currently thinking that this would bring a few hours respite and would be welcomed.Now factor in that no power also means no internet, no lights and no air conditioning and it becomes a slightly less appealing prospect.I can honestly say that not being able to work, when I

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1152015821198310092006-07-04T13:22:00.000+01:002006-07-04T13:23:41.220+01:00

A hearty 1000 Shades of Grey welcome to fellow Nottingham bloggers Swiss Toni and Lord Bargain, two of the people behind excellent football blog Cheer Up Alan Shearer (where I am currently displaying a complete inability to predict the outcome of football matches - a fact which will no doubt delight Ben.)

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1149090804911031372006-05-31T16:47:00.000+01:002006-05-31T16:53:24.950+01:00

To celebrate the forthcoming nuptials of a friend of mine, I found myself mountain biking around North Yorkshire on Saturday.Now, with having a car and an office job, I've not been on a bike for several years now, and have done no exercise of note since I did this a couple of years ago, so it's hardly surprising that I wasn't really looking forward to the day.Having slogged my way along several

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1147448439462305822006-05-12T16:40:00.000+01:002006-05-12T16:40:39.463+01:00

Having recently returned from Thailand I've a whole bunch of stories to mention, so will try and get them all up and running as I have a moment.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1147448397581187182006-05-12T16:39:00.000+01:002006-05-12T16:42:16.080+01:00

Bangkok is famous for it's traffic. The concept of driving in Thailand is one that filled me with dread, as anyone who has been must surely testify. Whilst the roads are all marked in to nice lanes, nobody takes any notice of them - and five lanes of traffic on a three lane road is not uncommon.Getting around in such traffic can be a nightmare, particularly during the busier parts of the day.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1147274350078840742006-05-10T16:16:00.000+01:002006-05-10T16:19:10.096+01:00

In the absence of me putting the finishing touches to my recent holiday post that seems to be forever in draft, or ranting about plagiarism (something which seems to be on the rise in the blogging world from what I can gather), I give you this joke (first heard on Radio 5 Live on Saturday).How are John Prescott's recent shenanigans like a piece of flat pack furniture?Two dodgy screws and the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1144768177871987072006-04-11T15:37:00.000+01:002006-04-11T16:09:37.940+01:00

Disastrously, my chair has broken. The wonderful shiny new chair, which I had lovingly constructed and molded to fit my posterior through months of use sadly wasn't up to the task, and one of the castors split in two.Rather than get a new castor, I'm to have a whole new chair, whilst my old faithful friend is sent to the great chair graveyard (or the bin as it is otherwise known).After a few days

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1144764755701349152006-04-11T15:08:00.000+01:002006-04-11T15:12:35.720+01:00

Sweepstake time in our place last week, in anticipation of last Saturday's John Smith's Grand National (not quite as classy as it used to be, is it?)Now, my problem with sweepstakes is the fact that I never win. I always blindly give away my money and promptly draw two clapped out old nags who already have one hoof in the glue factory yard, so it was with some hope that I drew Innox and Royal

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1143562473018392932006-03-28T17:12:00.000+01:002006-03-28T17:14:33.033+01:00

Those of you with memories for such things will recall this post and this post, in which my employer treated me first to the stick and then to a degree of carrot.Well, last week I had my latest appraisal, in which my future, following the expiry of my fixed term contract in the autumn, was discussed.The conversation went something like this:Them: "We like you"Me: "..."Them: "We think you've

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1142961263135524522006-03-21T17:12:00.000Z2006-03-21T17:14:23.150Z

A hearty (and belated, for which I apologise) welcome to The Quiz Blogger, the latest addition to the 1000 Shades Blogroll.Plenty of incredibly tricky quiz questions to ponder, plus the occassional rant against society from everyone's favourite former housemate.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1142259463425532312006-03-13T14:16:00.000Z2006-03-13T14:17:43.426Z

Regular readers will be aware that we've had a cat for almost a year now. Throughout that time, as she's tentatively ventured in to the outside world she's done so seemingly unable to work the cat flap.Now, I don't blame her for this, surely the idea of running straight into what appears to be a plate glass window is a foolhardy one. She won't get any change out of the patio doors, so why should

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1142259372182242022006-03-13T14:15:00.000Z2006-03-13T14:18:16.933Z

According to my desk top calendar, it was on this day in 1877 that 19 year old Chester Greenwood of Farmington Maine received a patent for an "Improvement in Ear Mufflers". Chester went on to make a fortune supplying his Champion Ear Protectors to soldiers in World War I.A mere 102 years later in a hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne I was born.Truly a monumentous day.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1141664903257859352006-03-06T17:03:00.000Z2006-03-06T17:08:23.276Z

No, not the latest in my series of contributions to the excellent A-Z of Music feature on The Art of Noise, but rather the way in which I spent last Monday evening.With Opera North in the vicinity, it seemed an ideal opportunity to double the number of Opera's I'd seen, and so it was that I watched La Boheme.Admittedly, I'm hardly the most cultured individual, but equally I'd like to think I've

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1141237066225799172006-03-01T18:16:00.000Z2006-03-01T18:17:46.240Z

Today is the 1st of March, St David's Day and also Ash Wednesday.Being the first day of Lent it's time to try and take my new healthier lifestyle to the next level. Having given up alcohol for pretty much the whole of January (the knock on effect of which is that I've seriously cut back how much I drink) I've now resolved to give up sugar in my tea and coffee for Lent.Now, I realise this may look

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1139584223370995362006-02-10T15:04:00.000Z2006-02-13T10:06:38.803Z

Four jobs I've hadHearse Driver (Changed my relationship with my father for the better)Steward at Reading festival (I got to see bits of the festival for free!)Students' Union Vice-President (I got paid, so it's a job - no sniggering at the back)Conference Officer (Second worst job I've ever had)Quite an eclectic mix really.Four movies I can watch over and over Withnail & I (My boys, my boys...)

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1138716586340204122006-01-31T13:51:00.000Z2006-01-31T14:10:45.300Z

I've just noticed that I'm the second most popular outgoing link on Troubled Diva, courtesy of Mike's listing of local bloggers and probably as a result of me thinking of a name for this blog which starts with a number.So if you've come this way courtesy of Mike, or are just passing through anyway, I'd like to wish you a hearty HELLO!Hopefully I'll get round to regaling you all with stories of my

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1137577900068485962006-01-18T09:48:00.000Z2006-01-18T09:54:40.033Z

As part of my healthier lifestyle in 2006 (cue mocking laughter from all around) I'm currently not drinking alcohol.This isn't intended to be a shock move in which I never drink again (far from it), but after recent experiences in which excessive alcohol, or mixing wine (particularly red wine) with anything, lead to me spending several minutes on my knees in front of the porcelain throne, it

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1135172797535934062005-12-21T13:38:00.000Z2005-12-21T13:46:37.546Z

Credit where it’s due to Jonathan, Mike and Stressqueen for this particular meme, which I picked up on. The idea being to describe each year of your life using the same number of words as years of life.The challenge is certainly one that I enjoyed; I hope it all makes sense.One - Fluids.Two – Climb Fireguard.Three – Broken leg Trauma.Four – Notts Flats nursery school.Five – Tonsils out – evil

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1134578290303097642005-12-14T16:36:00.000Z2005-12-14T16:38:10.306Z

9 medium onions10 tins chopped tomatoes6 tins kidney beans4 large carrots10 mushrooms4 kilos minced beef12 beef stock cubes1 refill packet of coriander1 refill packet of mixed herbs1 refill packet of cumin½ jar of chilli powder¾ bottle of Worcester sauce2 tubes of tomato puree1 tube garlic puree2 packets of frozen peppers1 spoonful of sugar4 kilos couscousNo, not my normal between meals snack,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1134578156929109162005-12-14T16:31:00.000Z2005-12-14T16:35:56.930Z

Further to one of my previous posts, I now bring you this monstrosity.The house down my street has been well and truly thrashed by a house about half a mile away. In the world of light polluting, I nominate this house as King. Anyone able to do better? I particularly like the pine wreath that surrounds the entire front door - a bit like the horseshoe over the winners enclosure at Aintree.Funnily

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1134577856627019622005-12-14T16:29:00.000Z2005-12-14T16:30:56.640Z

Happily, you'll now also find my musings appearing over on The Art of Noise, as I contribute to their ongoing A-Z feature. Having missed the boat with A and B, I've so far discussed the merits of Crowd Surfing and Dancing, with Echobelly due to follow shortly.It's the brainchild of a number of bloggers, all of whom are well worth a read in their own right, but pleasingly together under one roof.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1132588760418766142005-11-21T15:54:00.000Z2005-11-21T15:59:20.430Z

Now I'm a big fan of Christmas, and really enjoy advent. However, I've always tried to resist the commercialisation of Christmas, and in particular the need to bring it forward so that its starts (at least in the eyes of some retailers) in early October.Imagine, my surprise when I realised that the occupants of a house down my street had reached such a state of excited fervour that their desire

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1130507301672967042005-10-28T14:45:00.000+01:002005-10-28T14:48:21.683+01:00

Why is it, that since I got a camera phone, I keep having to suppress the urge to take photos of wholly inappropriate stuff and send it to people I know?I haven't yet given in to the temptation, so no pictures of hands or elbows or any other part of me has winged its way through the airways (and certainly no pictures of the produce of my digestive system), but is it only a matter of time?Is this

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1130428165774172432005-10-27T16:47:00.000+01:002005-10-27T16:49:25.786+01:00

Had the terrible news that one of my friends has breast cancer this week.The fact that it's incredibly rare in women under 30 is unlikely to be of any comfort I would have thought. Sadly, the first doctor she saw about it told her it wasn't cancer meant that rather than catch it early things have worsened.What do you say to someone who now has this to deal with?I'm sorry - doesn't really begin to

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1129825870626212742005-10-20T17:29:00.000+01:002005-10-20T17:31:10.626+01:00

A quick welcome to Pete, who has finally joined my blogroll after an age in which I've kept thinking "must add Expecting to Fly" but never got round to it.Better late than never, that's what I say.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1129825707170574982005-10-20T17:25:00.000+01:002005-10-20T17:28:27.176+01:00

Those of you with good memories will no doubt recall this post in which I detailed the basic thrust of my last appraisal, when I was told to up my game or else I'd be out of work this time next year.Yesterday, I had the follow up meeting which went something like this:Them: "We're really impressed, you've responded in the way we had hoped, and we want you to keep doing it."Me: "Hurrah!"So it's a

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1128609094826876002005-10-06T15:30:00.000+01:002005-10-06T15:31:34.833+01:00

To say I'm back from my holiday, which hopefully I'll have time to tell you about later. I notice that England appears to have become cold, wet, miserable and dark in my absence.Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife – who was taking her first breaths 27 years ago today, and without whom my life would be immeasurably poorer.

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1126772687101228072005-09-15T09:20:00.000+01:002005-09-15T13:41:35.436+01:00

A few years ago, I read an interview in a magazine with a sportsman, which included the question: Which sports commentator would you want to commentate on you having sex?It's a question I've always thought slightly intriguing given the options available.Consider the possibilities:John Motson - Always thought the array of stats that Motty has at his fingertips would be slightly unnerving.Sample

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1124352453137580382005-08-18T08:53:00.000+01:002005-08-18T09:07:33.180+01:00

Obviously I'm now doing my best to turn myself into the world's greatest employee – so haven't had much time to blog. On the upside, I have had a pay rise (albeit an annual, we give everyone in your position this much, kind of pay rise).The problem with this new found zeal for work is that so much has happened over the last few weeks that is worthy of blogging. England's cricket team have

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1122537645852279172005-07-28T08:58:00.000+01:002005-07-28T09:00:45.856+01:00

Keen eyed readers may have noticed I haven't posted anything on here for almost three weeks. Obviously this is a far from ideal situation, unfortunately I was appraised in work and have been working my arse off ever since.The reason for my increased zeal is that my appraisal went something along the lines of:Them: "We like you"Me: "Good"Them: "We think the work you've done is good"Me: "Good"Them:

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1120745023811649412005-07-07T15:02:00.000+01:002005-07-07T15:03:43.816+01:00

Had planned to blog about loads of good stuff today – London winning the battle to stage the 2012 Olympics, seeing REM and the Zutons in concert last night (sadly I arrived too late to see any of Idlewild's set).However events in London have rather taken the edge off things today, and I've been far more worried for the safety of everyone I know down there. Events have prompted me to send text

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1120581725991445792005-07-05T17:38:00.000+01:002005-07-05T17:42:05.996+01:00

Andy Warhol famously commented that every person will enjoy 15 minutes of fame in their lifetime.Looking back over my twenty something years, I appear to be accumulating my minutes in a piecemeal fashion, rather than the concentrated burst of a Big Brother evictee enjoying their week of fame before they are usurped by the next freak out of the house.Tallying it up, I'm sure that for Warhol's

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1120474913069829712005-07-04T11:59:00.000+01:002005-07-04T12:01:53.730+01:00

Saturday, saw Live8 dominating the airwaves, and led to a small degree of tension in the 1000 Shades of Grey household, with my parents visiting and intent on watching the cricket on Sky, however we still managed to catch a large chunk of the action from Hyde Park.Whetting my anticipation ahead of my trip to see them on Wednesday, I though REM were outstanding, although quite what possessed the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1119871656629335542005-06-27T12:26:00.000+01:002005-06-27T12:27:36.630+01:00

Anyone know why there is suddenly a massive gap appearing between the Title and Content of my most recent blog post?

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1119871063847376572005-06-27T12:14:00.000+01:002005-06-27T12:18:56.073+01:00

Having spent last Tuesday evening taking in the sunshine and the cricket at Grace Road, I spent a very pleasant Sunday afternoon at Trent Bridge enjoying the Twenty20 game between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Sadly Notts managed to chuck away a decent first innings total through some pretty rubbish bowling which was savaged by Yorkshire opener Ian Harvey.Despite the early surge in the run rate,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1119870851899623412005-06-27T12:07:00.000+01:002005-06-27T12:14:12.300+01:00

Rain lashing down on them, caking them in mud, and washing away tents in the process: it can only have been the Glastonbury Festival. Hopefully, Ben, Del, and Phil survived with nothing more than a slightly wet pair of shoes, however I can't help feeling that Phil's decision to leave the wellies at home, and Ben's mistaken weather prediction may have contributed to their own downfall. Still, at

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1119535354982846822005-06-23T15:01:00.000+01:002005-06-23T15:02:34.983+01:00

Exciting events in the 1000Shades household, as our new Sofas finally arrived this week (not yet checked for their ability to withstand blood spatter).It makes such a change to be able to slump in front of the TV and actually be comfortable while we do it. Turning into a couch potato has never felt so good! It also means we can afford to have more than one person stay without compelling someone

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1119535228999380882005-06-23T14:53:00.000+01:002005-06-23T15:00:29.016+01:00

Whilst I've been busy in work of late, I've still managed to come across this blog. I can't help to admire the guy who has really taken on a challenge and a half; I only hope he's already got a book deal lined up.I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate JonnyB, who is going to become a father.Speaking of JonnyB, he's one of several of 1000Shades favourite bloggers taking part in the

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1118749665595475832005-06-14T12:45:00.000+01:002005-06-14T12:47:45.596+01:00

What if the prosecution hadn't let Janet Arvizo testify? What if Michael Jackson had been subject to cross-examination? What would the woman with the doves have done if Jacko had been found guilty of any charges? Questions we'll never know the answer to.Was the defeat suffered by the Lions on Saturday the wake up call they needed to sort out their complete inability to recycle a rugby ball? Was

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1118749537790535552005-06-14T12:42:00.000+01:002005-06-14T12:45:37.796+01:00

Saturday saw me spending time in the company of some bloggers (including Del and the author of Pentup Digital Fury (who is currently without an internet connection hence the recent silence)) and non-bloggers. A trip to finally see the latest and best of the three Star Wars prequels was followed by a meal in Wagamama and a night on the beers.Sunday was spent recovering from a particularly feisty

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1118232197405104132005-06-08T13:01:00.000+01:002005-06-08T16:34:39.403+01:00

Just like Del, we've finally had a telephone line connected to our house. Or should that be reconnected – the previous owner seemingly taking it upon himself to cut us off from all forms of telecommunication (TV aerial, phone line, etc.).Happily, this has allowed us to fund Rupert Murdoch's latest trip to the supermarket and subscribe to Sky. We now have access to clear reception on all 5

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1118232097364634472005-06-08T12:58:00.000+01:002005-06-08T13:04:37.860+01:00

Bath was everything people had told me it would be – crammed with beautiful Georgian architecture and tourists in equal measure.In the event that you find yourself there, I can strongly recommend the free walking tours of the city provided by the Mayor's office, far more informative and with additional health benefits compared to one of the bus tours offered.The most amusing sight of the visit

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1117536802101635062005-05-31T11:49:00.000+01:002005-05-31T11:53:22.103+01:00

Having packed her bags, and even arranged for a chauffeur driven car, we've sent the cat off on her holidays.Well, we put her in her carry cage and drove her to the cattery (which is the same thing). Funnily, she was happy to walk straight into her cage this morning, which was definitely a good thing, as the thought of trying to cajole her into the cage, and then get her to the cattery on time,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1117536573008075372005-05-31T11:47:00.000+01:002005-05-31T11:49:33.013+01:00

Sat outside the tip at 7.50 am on the Saturday morning of a bank holiday weekend is an incredibly depressing experience. More unnerving is that we are third in the queue (that's right, there's a queue – who would want to get to the tip even earlier than we did?).Still, we finally dispose of our old kitchen, which has been sat piled up, inviting covetous glances from passing arsonists outside our

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1117025559530285402005-05-25T13:48:00.000+01:002005-05-25T13:52:39.536+01:00

Confirmation arrived today by email that Jens Lehman's heroics in goal for Arsenal, and in particular his penalty save from Paul Scholes which sent the FA Cup to North London, also sent the Daily Telegraph based Chumpions League Title to me (sadly I only managed to finish inside the top 32,000 in the country, so didn't claim any actual prize money).Whilst one carries prize money, an old trophy,

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1116846019926688932005-05-23T11:56:00.000+01:002005-05-23T12:00:20.610+01:00

After a pleasant weekend visiting my in-laws, we returned on Sunday afternoon, armed with all manner of tools to enable us to fully prepare for next week's visit (but sadly no bunting).Right, I thought, time to connect the Tumble Dryer.So it was that I, armed with an elongated drill bit, began drilling holes in the wall of my shed. (Obviously it's my shed, as the man, all things shed-related

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1116585394560786252005-05-20T11:33:00.000+01:002005-05-20T11:36:34.566+01:00

40 weeks ago, my Fantasy Football Team started a journey that ends on Saturday in Cardiff.Obviously, the idea of Fantasy Football is that you pick a brilliant team of players, and through the use of cunningly judged transfers you climb your way to the top of the heap and pocket £50,000 courtesy of the Daily Telegraph.Sadly this prize is probably beyond me now.However, with only one game left to

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1116420185121882152005-05-18T13:38:00.000+01:002005-05-18T13:43:05.156+01:00

Building a public transport network in any major city is clearly meant to facilitate one thing and one thing only. People might argue that this is easing commuters into work, or consumers to shops, or kids to schools, but really it's drinkers to pubs.Needless to say, this very fact is advertised on the Tram Company's website, and has been given the approval of those nice bearded men at

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1115998714554460522005-05-13T16:35:00.000+01:002005-05-13T16:38:34.570+01:00

Having slogged our guts out over the bank holiday, I finally finished the intricate gloss work on our small bedroom this week. Good job too, as the man came to fit the carpet on Wednesday.It looks great. Despite his doubts about the size of carpet I ordered, it fits beautifully(Sample quote from him: "How sure are you of your measurements?" Me: "Over 90%" Him: "Is that all, I'll charge you if

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1115374155512639032005-05-06T11:07:00.000+01:002005-05-06T11:09:15.516+01:00

So. Very exciting. Peter Snow. With his swingometer. Jumping about. Showing us. Where. Our votes were going. Breathless. With excitement. And talking. In a staccato fashion.And that was just after Sunderland South had come in.Always enjoy election night coverage on the TV. Perhaps it's because I've only been entitled to vote since 1997, but for whatever reason I was glued to the TV last

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1115208373917738242005-05-04T12:59:00.000+01:002005-05-04T13:06:13.926+01:00

Twelve months ago, I opened the doors to 1000 Shades of Grey, and ventured into the world of blogging.Since then, I've posted about a wide variety of things including: naming a cat; touching another man’s penis (metaphorically speaking) and running 13.1 miles for charity.I've also started up a second blog, with the help of Ben, and moved all my ranting about Newcastle Utd over to it.I've met

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1115131596530049672005-05-03T15:45:00.000+01:002005-05-03T15:46:36.533+01:00

Yesterday, taking advantage of some free tickets that came our way, we went to watch Nottinghamshire CCC take on Glamorgan in a one-day cricket match.The sun shone down, the hard work of the weekend was behind us, and we sat in the glory that is Trent Bridge and soaked up a fascinating game of cricket, which reached a climax when Notts needed 18 to win off the last three balls, and managed to

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1115121771599367482005-05-03T12:59:00.000+01:002005-05-03T13:02:51.603+01:00

Over the course of a weekend, wor lass and I managed to either spend or commit ourselves to spending a small fortune in the space of 6 hours.On Saturday, we awoke to glorious sunshine and the prospect of a long weekend stretching out before us. So what did we do with our time?Well, firstly, we took advantage of DFS and their half price sofa sale. Cheap furniture? For sale? On a bank holiday?

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1114605512239677462005-04-27T13:36:00.000+01:002005-04-27T13:38:32.240+01:00

It arrives.It's in a box, but it's here, safe and sound. Now I just need to put it together.Abandoning all pretence of work, I spread the pieces out on the floor, and slowly begin to attach them to one another.When it is done, it stands majestic, proudly surveying the whole of the office.Despite being a relatively junior member of staff I have a new chair. It's leather and truly magnificent.The

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1114605365733409332005-04-27T13:34:00.000+01:002005-04-27T13:36:05.733+01:00

I went to buy petrol this morning on my way to work.Not an uncommon occurrence, and hardly worthy of note, you would think.This morning, I left the house in plenty of time to get fuel and get to work on time. I drove to Asda and pulled up at their automated petrol pumps. I got out of the car, and inserted my card into the machine. My card was accepted, and an automated voice told me to insert

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6893115.post-1114434435501003372005-04-25T14:04:00.000+01:002005-04-25T14:07:15.503+01:00

Big week this week, in the 1000 shades household.Like Jonathan I've moved into a new part of the office, sitting with knew people in a different department and with an inferior view out of my window. What it does mean is that I now have to learn a lot of new information very quickly and pick up work that has been part done by my colleague (who has to do likewise with work I've started but not

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04247955697414914365noreply@blogger.com1