Tuesday, July 08, 2008
It never pays to be hasty....
So there I was, sitting in my hotel room in Damascus moaning about the lack of communication and making sweeping generalisations about organisation.
Idiot.
I think I have already pointed out how charming and courteous my hosts had been at the airport - it turns out they were considerate as well, assuming that after a delayed flight which finally arrived at 5.30 in the morning, I would want at least five or six hours of rest.
So at around 1pm the phone rang, and my hosts enquired whether I was now recovered and would like to attend a briefing meeting to discuss the conference and the role I was being asked to play.
A little later, I was picked up at the hotel and then given the five start VIP treatment from that moment on... I read my post below now and think - you ungrateful little so and so (at this point Dear Reader, those that know me will be thinking "not so little").
The conference itself was very interesting. My role was to help with the opening ceremonies, and to speak for a little while about the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and to comment on the changing role of PR in a modern world.
The highlight for me though was an amusing prelude to my time on the stage. As I was sitting in the front row waiting for the event to begin, a man was ushered into the seat beside me. I stood up to shake his hand and our host introduced me as Mr Kevin from CIPR and quickly moved on.
A short while later, I noticed a gaggle of photographers taking pics of me, and my new companion on the front row.
I leaned across and introduced myself again, rather more formally. "I'm Kevin Taylor, and I'm the President elect of the CIPR and we have helped to establish this PR Diploma course here in Syria."
"Very good," he replied. "I'm the deputy Prime Minister".
"I think the photographers are for you then," was my lame retort.
"Maybe after they hear you speak, they will be for you," was his charming answer.
So, firmly in my place, I said my piece and despite my performance, the event went off very smoothly.
Damascus is a fascinating place and a great mix of cultures. The old town was redolent in history - after all, it can claim to be the oldest continually inhabited city on the earth. The food was good, and the market (or Souk) was colourful, lively and interesting. I got the chance to go exploring briefly on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and at no time did I feel threatened.
The hospitality, kindness and consideration I was shown throughout my time there turned out to be first class.
A little more communication before I arrived would have been good - but I discovered that one man had tried to organise this whole event himself in about four or five weeks and - given the scale of the task - it is a small miracle that he pulled off a conference with some 300 delegates and an excellent line up of speakers.
So... no more jumping to conclusions for me... the blog below remains in place as a reminder to me of easy it is to open your mouth and put your foot in it... so to speak.
Toodle Pip!
Tails
Idiot.
I think I have already pointed out how charming and courteous my hosts had been at the airport - it turns out they were considerate as well, assuming that after a delayed flight which finally arrived at 5.30 in the morning, I would want at least five or six hours of rest.
So at around 1pm the phone rang, and my hosts enquired whether I was now recovered and would like to attend a briefing meeting to discuss the conference and the role I was being asked to play.
A little later, I was picked up at the hotel and then given the five start VIP treatment from that moment on... I read my post below now and think - you ungrateful little so and so (at this point Dear Reader, those that know me will be thinking "not so little").
The conference itself was very interesting. My role was to help with the opening ceremonies, and to speak for a little while about the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and to comment on the changing role of PR in a modern world.
The highlight for me though was an amusing prelude to my time on the stage. As I was sitting in the front row waiting for the event to begin, a man was ushered into the seat beside me. I stood up to shake his hand and our host introduced me as Mr Kevin from CIPR and quickly moved on.
A short while later, I noticed a gaggle of photographers taking pics of me, and my new companion on the front row.
I leaned across and introduced myself again, rather more formally. "I'm Kevin Taylor, and I'm the President elect of the CIPR and we have helped to establish this PR Diploma course here in Syria."
"Very good," he replied. "I'm the deputy Prime Minister".
"I think the photographers are for you then," was my lame retort.
"Maybe after they hear you speak, they will be for you," was his charming answer.
So, firmly in my place, I said my piece and despite my performance, the event went off very smoothly.
Damascus is a fascinating place and a great mix of cultures. The old town was redolent in history - after all, it can claim to be the oldest continually inhabited city on the earth. The food was good, and the market (or Souk) was colourful, lively and interesting. I got the chance to go exploring briefly on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and at no time did I feel threatened.
The hospitality, kindness and consideration I was shown throughout my time there turned out to be first class.
A little more communication before I arrived would have been good - but I discovered that one man had tried to organise this whole event himself in about four or five weeks and - given the scale of the task - it is a small miracle that he pulled off a conference with some 300 delegates and an excellent line up of speakers.
So... no more jumping to conclusions for me... the blog below remains in place as a reminder to me of easy it is to open your mouth and put your foot in it... so to speak.
Toodle Pip!
Tails
Saturday, June 28, 2008
I'm back... for a day or so at least
So after a long long absence from blog-land, I make a return - in the morning, rather than late at night.
Haven't you got better things to do on a Saturday morning, I hear you ask?
Well - not yet today. I'm writing this blog from a hotel room in Damascus, Syria. I arrived six hours ago in the early hours of the morning and I'm waiting for instructions that I despair will ever arrive, from my hosts - an international training academy.
I'm here, as Pres-elect of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, to talk about communications at their conference tomorrow; and congratulate some winners of a diploma accredited by the CIPR.
They do need help communicating - sweeping generalisation, I know, but true nevertheless in my, so far, limited experience.
I was invited out here early in May, but it appeared at first sight that no flights or hotel were involved in the offer. I accepted, booked flights and hotel, and advised my hosts when I was arriving and leaving, on which flights and my hotel details.
A short while after that, I discovered that my hosts had booked me onto the same flight... I now had two business class tickets to Damascus. I cancelled mine.
I was due to fly on Friday evening, so on Wednesday I tried to check out my booking online to see if I needed to supply any info as I had not flown with this particular airline internationally.
I couldn't find the booking online, so called - and yes - my second seat had also been cancelled.
I contacted the travel agent in Damascus that had made the booking; and they confirmed they had cancelled it, but it was OK, they had booked me another flight, business class, with Syrian Airways. The only thing was, this flight booking, made without any attempt to check with me, was for Thursday morning. I declined the offer; and pointed out that if I had not tried to check out my original flight, I would have been an absent passenger on a plane on Thursday and they would have paid for a ticket for no reason.
After an attempt to put me on a Friday morning, two hop, business class flight was also turned down; I was re-booked onto my original flight but now economy class as business was - 1: too expensive at the last moment; and 2 - Full anyway.
At Heathrow airport last night, I phoned my hotel in Damascus and arranged a transfer from the airport.
Of course, on arriving in Damascus, two people were waiting with signs bearing my name. One from the hotel I had booked. One booked by my hosts to take me to the hotel they had booked, again without actually telling me.
The two drivers argued briefly; I volunteered to go with my hosts (it seemed the polite thing to do) but was over-ruled. The greeter from my hosts was charm and kindness personified. He sorted out my bags; handled immigration where I found myself being ushered through the diplomatic channel no less, and took me to the car of my own hotel, saying he would alert my hosts - and other colleagues so that they knew where I was staying.
In fact, everybody I have met so far has been absolutely charming, eager to help and please.
I'm looking forward to strolling around the city (reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the world) and exploring some of the sights, sounds and tastes. I just don't yet know where I supposed to be, who I am supposed to meet, or how to contact them.
I have a couple of email addresses that I have sent notes to, but other than that I am in the dark. I do know the conference I am speaking at is tomorrow, in the morning - so there's time for this to all be sorted... and I'm sure it will.
In the meantime... I blog... and dear reader, I shall probably blog again later today or tomorrow.
Toodle pip!
Tails
Haven't you got better things to do on a Saturday morning, I hear you ask?
Well - not yet today. I'm writing this blog from a hotel room in Damascus, Syria. I arrived six hours ago in the early hours of the morning and I'm waiting for instructions that I despair will ever arrive, from my hosts - an international training academy.
I'm here, as Pres-elect of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, to talk about communications at their conference tomorrow; and congratulate some winners of a diploma accredited by the CIPR.
They do need help communicating - sweeping generalisation, I know, but true nevertheless in my, so far, limited experience.
I was invited out here early in May, but it appeared at first sight that no flights or hotel were involved in the offer. I accepted, booked flights and hotel, and advised my hosts when I was arriving and leaving, on which flights and my hotel details.
A short while after that, I discovered that my hosts had booked me onto the same flight... I now had two business class tickets to Damascus. I cancelled mine.
I was due to fly on Friday evening, so on Wednesday I tried to check out my booking online to see if I needed to supply any info as I had not flown with this particular airline internationally.
I couldn't find the booking online, so called - and yes - my second seat had also been cancelled.
I contacted the travel agent in Damascus that had made the booking; and they confirmed they had cancelled it, but it was OK, they had booked me another flight, business class, with Syrian Airways. The only thing was, this flight booking, made without any attempt to check with me, was for Thursday morning. I declined the offer; and pointed out that if I had not tried to check out my original flight, I would have been an absent passenger on a plane on Thursday and they would have paid for a ticket for no reason.
After an attempt to put me on a Friday morning, two hop, business class flight was also turned down; I was re-booked onto my original flight but now economy class as business was - 1: too expensive at the last moment; and 2 - Full anyway.
At Heathrow airport last night, I phoned my hotel in Damascus and arranged a transfer from the airport.
Of course, on arriving in Damascus, two people were waiting with signs bearing my name. One from the hotel I had booked. One booked by my hosts to take me to the hotel they had booked, again without actually telling me.
The two drivers argued briefly; I volunteered to go with my hosts (it seemed the polite thing to do) but was over-ruled. The greeter from my hosts was charm and kindness personified. He sorted out my bags; handled immigration where I found myself being ushered through the diplomatic channel no less, and took me to the car of my own hotel, saying he would alert my hosts - and other colleagues so that they knew where I was staying.
In fact, everybody I have met so far has been absolutely charming, eager to help and please.
I'm looking forward to strolling around the city (reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the world) and exploring some of the sights, sounds and tastes. I just don't yet know where I supposed to be, who I am supposed to meet, or how to contact them.
I have a couple of email addresses that I have sent notes to, but other than that I am in the dark. I do know the conference I am speaking at is tomorrow, in the morning - so there's time for this to all be sorted... and I'm sure it will.
In the meantime... I blog... and dear reader, I shall probably blog again later today or tomorrow.
Toodle pip!
Tails
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Barcelona... what a show
The mobile world congress in Barcelona in February was quite an event for us. We had some 18 clients at the show and did good work for them all - we dominated the coverage on CNN and made some good friends.
After the show, the family joined me for a few days in the City and we did the sites - the sagrada familia, the nou camp, parc montjuic, parc guell were all pretty amazing.
And what a pleasure the public transport system was - fast reliable and frequent. Our apartment was by the old port and we had dinner one night in very old restaurant called Seven Portes. It was excellent and not spoiled by the spectacular tantrum thrown at the table next to us by a highly strung women having dinner with an older man.
They both looked expensively well dressed. He was American and I think embarrassed that we could understand the argument. She was European, spoke spanish and english pretty well but I don't think she was from either country.
He stayed very calm throughout the histronics. There was a marvellous moment when she was playing with her mobile phone and he asked for some sugar which she literally threw at him... he asked not to do that and to pass the sugar "like a lady" and then asked why she was playing with her phone - her flounced reply was that she was just "too angry to even look at him - this is all I can do."
We don't know what he had done - the tantrum seemed to erupt out of nothing, but it was theatrical, over the top and highly amusing, as long as you were not on the receiving end.
I enjoyed a tantrum free meal with my lovely wife Debbie as we celebrated her birthday and Valentine's day with a good dinner without the children.
Toodle pip!
Tails
After the show, the family joined me for a few days in the City and we did the sites - the sagrada familia, the nou camp, parc montjuic, parc guell were all pretty amazing.
And what a pleasure the public transport system was - fast reliable and frequent. Our apartment was by the old port and we had dinner one night in very old restaurant called Seven Portes. It was excellent and not spoiled by the spectacular tantrum thrown at the table next to us by a highly strung women having dinner with an older man.
They both looked expensively well dressed. He was American and I think embarrassed that we could understand the argument. She was European, spoke spanish and english pretty well but I don't think she was from either country.
He stayed very calm throughout the histronics. There was a marvellous moment when she was playing with her mobile phone and he asked for some sugar which she literally threw at him... he asked not to do that and to pass the sugar "like a lady" and then asked why she was playing with her phone - her flounced reply was that she was just "too angry to even look at him - this is all I can do."
We don't know what he had done - the tantrum seemed to erupt out of nothing, but it was theatrical, over the top and highly amusing, as long as you were not on the receiving end.
I enjoyed a tantrum free meal with my lovely wife Debbie as we celebrated her birthday and Valentine's day with a good dinner without the children.
Toodle pip!
Tails
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Rain rain.....
My God, will the ground ever dry out? We haven't been able to play a football match or even train at our home ground for three weeks. Matthew is stir crazy as a result.
Becky is working far too hard for her exams but will not be told to take a break - you can only admire her commitment and I hope she gets the results she deserves.
Meanwhile, Debbie and I are in holiday planning mode. We have a lot of complications this year, and some opportunities.
As I have the best man duties at Mac's wedding at beginning of August, I'm going to need to be around then, and also in mid-to-late-August for exam results for both Becky and Matthew.
The second wedding of the year is Chris in France at the end of August and we'll want to go to that, but not to have our main holiday late in the year.
Because both Becky and Matthew do exams this year, they also finish school early so we can go away before the rest of the school kids break up for summer and that means slightly cheaper prices.
So, the current thinking is to go away in mid-Juy - after Mac's stag weekend and be back a week before the wedding.
But that only creates the question of where? We don't really do the Greece, Spain and the summer fun stuff... the USA is a potential but becomes expensive... so Italy is the current favourite but our only experience of the country has been short breaks in Rome and Venice - places we have really enjoyed, but not two week family holiday destinations.
So, we've been scouring the net and checking out destinations such as Sardinia, Sorrento and Amalfi... but it looks like we are going to go a little further south down to the Cilento coast where the national park is close to what looks to be a fairly quiet area. we've picked a small apatment complex near Castellebate and are just checking the arrangements with the owners.
Could be all booked in the next couple of days - very exciting.
Toodle pip!
Tails
Becky is working far too hard for her exams but will not be told to take a break - you can only admire her commitment and I hope she gets the results she deserves.
Meanwhile, Debbie and I are in holiday planning mode. We have a lot of complications this year, and some opportunities.
As I have the best man duties at Mac's wedding at beginning of August, I'm going to need to be around then, and also in mid-to-late-August for exam results for both Becky and Matthew.
The second wedding of the year is Chris in France at the end of August and we'll want to go to that, but not to have our main holiday late in the year.
Because both Becky and Matthew do exams this year, they also finish school early so we can go away before the rest of the school kids break up for summer and that means slightly cheaper prices.
So, the current thinking is to go away in mid-Juy - after Mac's stag weekend and be back a week before the wedding.
But that only creates the question of where? We don't really do the Greece, Spain and the summer fun stuff... the USA is a potential but becomes expensive... so Italy is the current favourite but our only experience of the country has been short breaks in Rome and Venice - places we have really enjoyed, but not two week family holiday destinations.
So, we've been scouring the net and checking out destinations such as Sardinia, Sorrento and Amalfi... but it looks like we are going to go a little further south down to the Cilento coast where the national park is close to what looks to be a fairly quiet area. we've picked a small apatment complex near Castellebate and are just checking the arrangements with the owners.
Could be all booked in the next couple of days - very exciting.
Toodle pip!
Tails
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Who'd have thought it!
I've just read that my good friend Chris - who first introduced me to the art of blogging - will be the proud father of a little girl later this year... http://www.mostxlnt.co.uk/diary/
Congratulations to Chris and Delphine... that's a wedding and birth to celebrate this year...
And the wedding reminds me that I must call Alex... We're going need to pay another visit this year...ooh the hardship, the wine, the good food, the tennis and the sunshine. Life's terrible.
Meanwhile in the freezing cold, windy and very wet UK, the countdown is on for our annual shindig in Barcelona. About 18 clients in tow this year, so we'll be busy boys. Next week we have our pre event media social. We used to call this event a burns night bash, but the times they are a changing... now we are in some swanky soho bar sipping cocktails and eating fancy nibbles... what's wrong with beer, haggis/neeps/tatties, and a half dozen whisky chasers. And don't call me grumpy... or old. I'm just a traditionalist (who happens to be getting older and grumpier).
Last week, I went on two day strategy planning session for the CIPR... during which I revealed the existence of this blog... which is really only for me and a few close friends and family.
One other participant vowed to track it down... which would be pretty easy if she remembered... I drank far too much pernod and poured amaretto down her throat in not so subtle way of covering my tracks...
Only time will tell
Toodle pip!
Tails
Congratulations to Chris and Delphine... that's a wedding and birth to celebrate this year...
And the wedding reminds me that I must call Alex... We're going need to pay another visit this year...ooh the hardship, the wine, the good food, the tennis and the sunshine. Life's terrible.
Meanwhile in the freezing cold, windy and very wet UK, the countdown is on for our annual shindig in Barcelona. About 18 clients in tow this year, so we'll be busy boys. Next week we have our pre event media social. We used to call this event a burns night bash, but the times they are a changing... now we are in some swanky soho bar sipping cocktails and eating fancy nibbles... what's wrong with beer, haggis/neeps/tatties, and a half dozen whisky chasers. And don't call me grumpy... or old. I'm just a traditionalist (who happens to be getting older and grumpier).
Last week, I went on two day strategy planning session for the CIPR... during which I revealed the existence of this blog... which is really only for me and a few close friends and family.
One other participant vowed to track it down... which would be pretty easy if she remembered... I drank far too much pernod and poured amaretto down her throat in not so subtle way of covering my tracks...
Only time will tell
Toodle pip!
Tails
Friday, December 28, 2007
Where have you been? I've been here... where have you been!
OK - so I remain a dreadful once in blue moon blogger... but let's face it, the quality's not up to much when I do, so why complain.
First things first - compliments of the seasoning (geddit chris?) to both my readers. May 2008 bring much joy and happiness to one and all.
And now for an update - business is booming; family is blooming; and I seriously need to lose some weight!
On the work front November saw me visit Macau - the Asian las vegas, so they say. Well it is and it isn't... but it probably soon will be.
You see, the main island is dominated by large hotels with lots of smallish casinos within them. The hotel I stayed in - the Lisboa - had at least six or seven casinos within, but no bar! Even in the casino you could not get a proper drink.
And that is partly explained by the fact that for the Chinese popping over to Macau by ferry, gambling isn't a bit of fun... it is a serious business. No frivolity or alcohol required, it is about trying to win money. They really were soulless places and the very opposite of in your face, let's put some theatre into it Vegas.
However, over the bridge from main island to the cotai strip lies a sad but enormous future. It's called America. The Venetian hotel has landed on the cotai strp and it is probably twice the size of the one in Vegas. You could have put Reading town centre inside the hotel - prepare yourself: 3000 guest suites; 300 shops alongside the "indoors on the third floor" Grand Canal. 30 restaurants on site - including the obligatory irish bar. And, wait for it, 16000 staff on duty. It was big.
But despite the cavernous casino floor, and the theatres ready for shows... it was still full of chinese men gambling seriously and lacked the spark of Vegas.
However with an MGM Grand and a couple of other Vegas implants currently going up, I expect the atmosphere to gradually change as Americana takes over.
At work, we also underwent a name change and became the CC Group. You can check us out at www.the-cc-group.com
On the personal front, things are good. The kids remain a delight. Matthew at 6' 2" now looks down on most people but especially me, Laura is growing into a very nice young lady and Becky remains full of life and spirit. They are all very different but great fun to be with and we have had a super time together at Christmas.
Debbie remains the love of the my life and I can't believe my luck.
Of course at Christas we saw other family members - my two grown-up daughters, Emma and Lucie came across, and mixed in happily with our three and their cousins - ranging from 13 to 20 in age. Watching Emma and Lucie play trivial pursuit with our kids and their cousins was a real treat - they were ten of them around the table and they had an absolute hoot.
Debbie's Mum spent Christmas with us, but went home today. My parents arrived Boxing Day and are here for another day or so. We also saw Debbie's brother Andy and her sister Ann with husband Steve.
We had 20 people in the house yesterday and it was a great day. We drank Pouilly Fume and Champagne - as well as quite a lot of old speckled hen bitter.
So that's you all caught up. 2008 awaits - I have a feeling it will be a very good year.
Take care one and all,
toodle pip!
Tails
First things first - compliments of the seasoning (geddit chris?) to both my readers. May 2008 bring much joy and happiness to one and all.
And now for an update - business is booming; family is blooming; and I seriously need to lose some weight!
On the work front November saw me visit Macau - the Asian las vegas, so they say. Well it is and it isn't... but it probably soon will be.
You see, the main island is dominated by large hotels with lots of smallish casinos within them. The hotel I stayed in - the Lisboa - had at least six or seven casinos within, but no bar! Even in the casino you could not get a proper drink.
And that is partly explained by the fact that for the Chinese popping over to Macau by ferry, gambling isn't a bit of fun... it is a serious business. No frivolity or alcohol required, it is about trying to win money. They really were soulless places and the very opposite of in your face, let's put some theatre into it Vegas.
However, over the bridge from main island to the cotai strip lies a sad but enormous future. It's called America. The Venetian hotel has landed on the cotai strp and it is probably twice the size of the one in Vegas. You could have put Reading town centre inside the hotel - prepare yourself: 3000 guest suites; 300 shops alongside the "indoors on the third floor" Grand Canal. 30 restaurants on site - including the obligatory irish bar. And, wait for it, 16000 staff on duty. It was big.
But despite the cavernous casino floor, and the theatres ready for shows... it was still full of chinese men gambling seriously and lacked the spark of Vegas.
However with an MGM Grand and a couple of other Vegas implants currently going up, I expect the atmosphere to gradually change as Americana takes over.
At work, we also underwent a name change and became the CC Group. You can check us out at www.the-cc-group.com
On the personal front, things are good. The kids remain a delight. Matthew at 6' 2" now looks down on most people but especially me, Laura is growing into a very nice young lady and Becky remains full of life and spirit. They are all very different but great fun to be with and we have had a super time together at Christmas.
Debbie remains the love of the my life and I can't believe my luck.
Of course at Christas we saw other family members - my two grown-up daughters, Emma and Lucie came across, and mixed in happily with our three and their cousins - ranging from 13 to 20 in age. Watching Emma and Lucie play trivial pursuit with our kids and their cousins was a real treat - they were ten of them around the table and they had an absolute hoot.
Debbie's Mum spent Christmas with us, but went home today. My parents arrived Boxing Day and are here for another day or so. We also saw Debbie's brother Andy and her sister Ann with husband Steve.
We had 20 people in the house yesterday and it was a great day. We drank Pouilly Fume and Champagne - as well as quite a lot of old speckled hen bitter.
So that's you all caught up. 2008 awaits - I have a feeling it will be a very good year.
Take care one and all,
toodle pip!
Tails
Sunday, October 21, 2007
bad few days for the english...
First the footballers stumble... then the rugby boys... then Lewis gets himself a box full of neutrals and the world championship is gone.
It's never easy being an England fan, but it's not always this hard.
It's been a magnificient rugby world cup though and the highlight for me - despite England's run to the final - was the france vs new zealand quarter final.
I was lucky enough to be at the game in Cardiff and the atmosphere and intensity was quite something. What a night.
I'd spent the previous few days playing some beautiful golf courses in south wales (note - not playing beautiful golf) and had been staying in the same hotel as the All Blacks... some of those boys are pretty big and marvellously toned... some of them, just pretty big.
Sitting in the steam room opposite the scrum half Kelleher, I couldn't help but notice the size of his biceps... they were like my thighs. being tackled by him would not be for the faint-hearted and he was one of the "small" ones.
Meanwhile, things are good at home and work, and we've recently become a two driver family as becky passed her test last week. I guess now the worrying really starts.
Still - I now have a new option post the company christmas party... to walking, bussing and taxi-ing, I can now add - calling becky and asking her to collect me... now that's progress.
The next couple of days sees me at two different awards ceremonies, hoping to pick up a prize for our work launching a service called MusicStation. Think we will be the outsiders at both events but it is good to get the shortlisting. Wish us luck,
toodle pip!
Tails
It's never easy being an England fan, but it's not always this hard.
It's been a magnificient rugby world cup though and the highlight for me - despite England's run to the final - was the france vs new zealand quarter final.
I was lucky enough to be at the game in Cardiff and the atmosphere and intensity was quite something. What a night.
I'd spent the previous few days playing some beautiful golf courses in south wales (note - not playing beautiful golf) and had been staying in the same hotel as the All Blacks... some of those boys are pretty big and marvellously toned... some of them, just pretty big.
Sitting in the steam room opposite the scrum half Kelleher, I couldn't help but notice the size of his biceps... they were like my thighs. being tackled by him would not be for the faint-hearted and he was one of the "small" ones.
Meanwhile, things are good at home and work, and we've recently become a two driver family as becky passed her test last week. I guess now the worrying really starts.
Still - I now have a new option post the company christmas party... to walking, bussing and taxi-ing, I can now add - calling becky and asking her to collect me... now that's progress.
The next couple of days sees me at two different awards ceremonies, hoping to pick up a prize for our work launching a service called MusicStation. Think we will be the outsiders at both events but it is good to get the shortlisting. Wish us luck,
toodle pip!
Tails
