All gone quiet

Blimey we've all stopped blogging....

On my part I suppose I've not had too much to say really, lifes going on and Emily continues to grow up and develop.

Had a nice weekend last week, with Emily's Uncle Andrew, Anuty Lucy, and Nana and Grandad visiting on the Saturday - I think she spent the day so excited she was exhausted and ill on Sunday. Should be some photos at some point.

Also landmark was the birth of our friends Colin and Marion's second child Joe, on Sunday.
I'm also aware that two tiny scottish people (maybe not so tiny now!) had a birthday on Saturday :o), so several nice events happened to close February.

Anywy to spice up my blogg I've had an idea I'm going to instigate a desert island discs feature where I post about a given tune, why I like it and its relevance in my life, probably one tune in a post over I don't know how many days or weeks. I may even decide on a luxury and a book to take with me too!

Heres my challenge to the other bloggers out there -why don't you try it too.....

I'm considering becoming Pastafarian

I suggest you all read this!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster
I especially love the section on corrolation and causality using the decline in the pirate population to the increase in global warming.....

Other than this I heard a top story from a colleage at work whos sig other mumbles "I'm the firestarter" in his sleep after a few beers. Hope I don't waffle on whilst snoozing, given my treacherous "internal jukebox" (a phrase stolen from either Cath or Dr Smith-Spark to describe the songs randomly playing in your head), and its current playlist of Hot Chocolates you sexy thing, the postman pat theme and the theme from Bergerace who knows what I'd be sleep singing. I'll leave you to ponder this disturbing scenario.

ILL

Missed work today recouperating from a bout of man flu that started yesterday afternoon. I started with aches, headache tiredness, feeling cold at the time so ended up in bed at 8.30. However Emily woke up at 2am wanting to "change nappie" and ended up keeping me up until nearly 4am. I eventually crawled back to bed shattered, and slept until 7.

Other things Emily- shes loving The White Stripes Seven Nation Army, she keeps requesting it on music on demand via our cable TV, so tonight I introduced her to The Clash, Rock the Casbah, so now Emily can say Clash, and Joe when Mr Strummers on screen!

Anyhow back to my illness, i spent the day on the sofa, drifting in and out of sleep under a blanket, catching up on 2 episodes of Generation Kill, a fab series on FX based on the diaries of a journalist embedded with the a US marine corps recconaisance company in the 2nd gulf war. Its gritty and feels realistic in the same way band of brothers /private ryan was made, and its by the people who made the US cop show The Wire that everybody raves about but I'm yet to see.

By this afternoon I'd snoozed through most of Carlitos way woke up and suddenly felt fairly good just mildly snotty, so its back to work tomorrow, snow permitting of course.

Gravest News

Sad day today another great rock and roll hero of mines passed away to the hall of fame in the sky, actually could definatly be the hall of fame down below in this case.

RIP Lux Interior, crazy, enigmatic, stylish front man of the Cramps. Apparently it was a pre existing heart condition, he was 60, although on stage he(like his contemporay Iggy) paid no heed to age. As a friend said its surprising he lasted so long as he probably was one of the true embodiments of the R&R lifestyle. For all of this he was devoted to his wife Ivy the bands guitarist and obviously his muse, and its obviously going to be a horrible time for her at the moment. Its funny The Cramps were on a list of bands that fans were voting for to play the ATP vs the fans festival in the UK in May. However Georgey via her LA connections did say last month it was unlikely as rumours were oneof the band wasn't well.

For those curious about the other rock and roll loss, last month Ron Ashton guitarist of Iggy and The Stooges died, leaving me a major regret, -I never saw the Stooges since their reformation a couple of years ago. Oh well at least I saw the Cramps a couple of times.

On more cheery notes I have worked from home a bit this week, managed to achieve a fair bit and take an afternoon as holiday today to play in the snow with Emily. We built a rough and ready snowman, with a snowhawk!!!
We then came in and had a lovely home made shepherds pie ,ta Cath, watched a bit of telly, listened to the test match on the radio, and then put Emily to bed via the bath. Big news here is Emily is now sleepig in a bed and after first night nerves seems happy enough cuddling up with Bobby the monkey, teddy bear, Miaow the cat and label ! yes label, a red flannel with a washing label that Emily likes to hold! whilst either Cath or I read her Goldilocks and the three bears.

Anyhow bed now beckons

toodle pip

Saturday

Currently the entire Carter clan are sat if a vegative state in the living room. We seem to be run down, and tired. This is not surprising given that Emily has been getting up during the night for the last week or so, and then trying to get up at 4 or 5 am because shes wide awake. Add to this our snottiness level, and we have a mass douvet day. Of course me having a night out last night hasn't helped either ( a birthday at work, -Thai food and a real ale pub, yum, although I was home before 11).

Emily fact of the day - she loves The White Stripes 7 nation army video, she dances to it rather excitedly , and no other White stripes tunes seem to have the same effect. See didn;t object to Elbow either, but no dancing.

We have rented the Dark Knight to watch this weekend so once Emily is asleep I'll probably nod off in front of that this evening.

Arrrghhh

Rubbish day at work!!!! issues with a test I really needed the results of today, meant that I had to raise an investigation , heap more work on to a colleague, and just make home in time to put Emily to bed. Emily as it turns out doesn't appear to be too well, shes incredibly disturbed in her sleep(I've just been up there soothing her), Cath and I hope its not an ear infection, -she seems susceptable to them, and they really upset her.

On a positive note Emily surprised Cath earlier. During Emilys bath Cath was showing how when you pour water on the flowers on the teletubbies bath island they open, Emily then went on to say lots of flowers, Garden....... which sems a very big logical association (proud Mummy and Daddy moment). I think we may have our work cut out keeping up with Emilys development, whilst watching our actions and language over the next year or two, it seems she picks things up very quickly.

Other happenings been scooting around on e bay seeing how much tickets were going for the Specials reunion gigs, I've been watching for that for ages, then missed the on sale day whilst attending a conference...grrrrrr

Still I'm seeing Eagles of Death metal with Chris, and The Supersuckers are playing Nottingham in April. I'm considering the ATP festival probably the Breeders curated one although the Jesus Lizard play the one the week before .... choices choices also means I need a posse of at least 4 people as all 2-3 person chalets are sold out... in fact Brett interested? Throwing Muses are playing with the Breeders......does depend on cash flow as we need get £640 together to pay for the chalet and gig tickets for four in one lump, ouch.....

Sure there will be more interesting gigs this year, I'm giving the Glasvegas/Whitele Lies NME tour a miss as it will be full of flavour of the month types, who go to whatever NME says is cool. Shame as Glasvegas were good in Nottingham last October. Anyway time for bed, night night all.

Bouncing

Just sat downstairs listening to Emily on the baby monitor- shes supposed to be having a nap but shes bouncing up and down in her cot singing Everybody wants to be a cat from Disneys Aristocats. I've a feeling the nap won't happen today!

The Carters had a trip to Nottingham centre yesterday, a jaunt around M&S (incuding the 10 pound meal for 2 deal= Gammon, dauphinoise potatoes, Profita rolls and a bottle of surprisingly decent red).

I took Emily up to the market square where we spend a happy 20 mins or so watching the various fountains and water features, with me pointing out the difference between a fountain and a waterfall. Meanwhile Cath was having a look in various stores for Emily clothing etc.

Update on the radio Emily- Bob the Builders song now!!!

Nothing too much else to report.... no music purchases yet this year, - although I've heard good things about White Lies - Album out tomorrow, and at some point I should pick up Block Parties third album. Been looking at the recent Sisters reissues there are a few tracks on some of the expanded CDs worth owning although it looks like you can buy individual tracks on Amazons new MP3 service. Was looking on E bay and some of the 90's UK goth stuff was being sold by someone in Russia for 20 quid a disc (Suspira etc) I may have a look see if I have anything to flog from this era, if thats the going rate........Other than that I must remember to put the Cures Kiss me.... on my i pod, and at some point buy the Faith expanded edition.

Right off now seems Emily is not going to sleep so Caths bring her down, therefore time to put the laptop away.

Followers?

Just a quick thought, how do you increase your follower numbers / know if anyones reading this? I've been having dillusions of being like Ghandi, - buy this I mean having lots of followers :o) (I am only joking, my egos not gone all Kevin Peterson yet!)

Emily is 2

Emily's birthday, so shes had another haul of pressies including a keyboard with a microphone (future karaoke star?) and a visit from both sets of grandparents. We have a had a lovely day Emily was thrilled to see them and appears to have had a great day. Cath as usual provided lovely grub and a cake on a credit crunch budget, (feeding 7 and making a cake for 15 quid -beat that ready steady cook!)

So back to work tomorrow and then a weekend of flat pack furniture for Emily's room awaits although we plan to catch up with Colin , Marion and Erin this weekend.

Happy new year

Ok I'm a bit late. S0 2009 is here, and 2008 condemned to the annals of history- all in all a good year, Emily has grown in every way from a cute baby to a lovely little girl, with her own character, which is 99% lovely and 1% minxy which is definitely a trait from both parents. During the year we have watched Emily's vocabulary increase exponentially which means I now really have to watch my own use of language.

Other highlights- the new kitchen- phew blood sweet tears and diminished bank balances later we have done it -all except the bizarre under counter lights. Also seeing some of our mates again including a lovely couple of nights out in Sheffield in November, but also seeing Dok, Jane, Brett, Cath and Emma (well I did- and we must get both family's together soon!) and the Bouchers in September.

Went to a few great gigs last year, in no particular order My Bloody Valentine (at the fabulous Roundhouse), Fields of The Nephilim, Reverend Horton Heat, Glasvegas, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Hayseed Dixie to name a few. Looking forward to Eagles of Death Metal later this year and possibly the Jesus Lizard, I wonder what other reunions will occur in 2009? I'd like another PWEI one, or a Gaye Bikers on Acid reunion would be good if they played the album Stewed to the gills.

2008 saw Rotherham united leave Millmoor their ground since the 1920s I think , due to the alleged greed of the land owners and the rent they wanted for the ground. The club are now playing at Don Valley stadium in SHEFFIELD which isn't right both in terms of location and format of the ground which is too big and has a running track separating the pitch from fans removing the intimacy enjoyed at Millmoor. Hopefully the town council will now get its finger out and build the stadium its promised for years!

Work for both cath and I was tough, Cath's due to organisation changes (I'll say no more!) and mine due to a change in my focus and some increased responsibility which was hard to grasp given the specific projects time lines. I'm hoping I've picked up a lot of new skills and am better equipped for 2009.

So for 2009 whats to look forward to- well Emily is 2 next week! its the year of Cath and I's 10th Wedding anniversary - doesn't feel like 10 years but when you look back at things that have happened (Emily, house buying, ending Dissolution etc) the timeline unfolds a little.

I think as a family one of the key events was the death of Cath's grandma, "Mama" or "Daisy" as she was known . I can only comment on my thoughts which obviously are not a fraction of Caths, but I found it a time of mixed blessings. Since meeting Cath we watched the decline of a formidable force of nature -the bedrock of Caths family. Towards the end Mama was in a home to relieve the pressure on Caths Mum, Uncle and cousin Jack. It was never nice visiting her there compared to her lovely welcoming terrace house, and seeing the fading of Mamas memory's was still more saddening. The funeral however was a touching affair, I was honoured to have been asked to read at the service, and see the bizarre priest in action (some of his comments were incredibly odd). Its the first family funeral I have attended as an adult, having missed the funeral of my Grandparents on my Dads side during my teens (I regret this now). It did have some plus's it was nice to see the family together, and I hope it allows Marion and Tom to start and enjoy their retirement and maybe get away to Ireland, Italy or wherever this year without any worries.

Moving on I'm sure I've missed stuff but here's hoping in 2009, that Cath and I have better years at work, Emily carries on to being the fabulous little person she is, and that family and friends all have a good year.

Oh and my new years resolution- A little wine influenced but I have resolved to consider the potential and possibilities of hats..........

Another Christmas hurrah!

Well there goes another one! And again its been good. Emily was spoilt by everyone, she had a nice xmas day but did get a bit over excited so much so we staggered present opening over a couple of days. We spent xmas at home with just me Cath and Emily, Cath serving up a top dinner although my choice of sausages in bacon was poor (went for quantity over quality)too much fat and gristle (tesco you should be ashamed).

So pressie wise I recieved some much desired CD's, interesting books, a magazine subscription (top one Bouchers!) and a share in the laptop i'm using. Technology wise I've had a frenzy recently what with buying an Ipod touch and upgrading my mobile phone to a samsung touch screen.

We visited my parents on boxing day and had a lovely time sadly I did not see my Grandparents due to my Nan having flu, and us being careful about Emily. Today we returned from the in laws again was well fed and watered, Emily had a great time and we got to catch up with my siser in law Anne-Marie who we don't see often enough. We even briefly saw her other half Del for 5 mins! Was nice to sit back and have beer delivered to me by Mrs Doyle (the mother in law) whilst watching Sky sports (test cricket hurrah!) with Tom.

So now its DIY time - Emilys room needs rejigging so IKEA beckons this week! Wish me well.......

Hello again, so finally starting to feel festive, this week we finally released a batch of raw material to production, and luckily the final product batch is not to be tested until after the holidays giving me a bit of breathing space. We had a Christmas pub lunch today and did secret santa, I did rather well a bottle of Hendersons relish, and 2 yorkshire cookbooks!

I think my colds clearing, sadly I cancelled DJing my deptment xmas bash, as Emily had kept us up the night before and I felt dreadfulwith the cold, I always have mixed feelings about this event as its hard to judge a bunch of pissed chemists musical taste, but I did miss doing it as it would be the first time in ages I've DJ'd.

I think we are now 99% christmas present sorted, and I'm now planning Emily's bedroom upgrade- a real bed and Ikea wardrobe that hopefully will last into her teens (PAX range its ace).

I've got my end of year review tomorrow- not sure how it will go I've achieved some key stuff but at the expense of other objectives. Oh well Emilys awake best go.

Just a quick hello to say we are all still ok , butbusy busy. I'm typing this on our new laptop (check the technology boom- I've bought a 32 ipod touch, wow, finally apple tempted me).

I've been away at a conference in Edinbugh, part organised by top mate Georgie whos becoming a maor player in our field of science!

Had a nice time good presentations, top food- ever in old reckie go to Roti a posh indian restaurant on Morrison st. Rogan Josh lamb shank, haggis pakora, fabulous -it was posh indian grub served in a very swanky restaurant, not a cheap and cheerful curry house. Of course plenty of beer too, ended up drinking with two Irish guys and boy they could drink!!!

It was good to get home by Friday evening I missed Emily and Cath a lot, made me think of Pete B out there in Libya.

Anyway my baths run

Ian

5 day mamoth post

Sorry things have been quiet, we have been up to my Mums to visit them, Sheffield and catch up with old friends.

On Thursday we arrived and after no more than a few minutes Emily was happily settled with her Grandparents. We were fed an excellent lasagne and then we started the process of getting Emily to sleep whilst geting ready for Cath and I's first night out together without Emily since 2006, whilst Mum and Dad keep there ears on the baby monitor. Eventually Emily settled and we were dropped off at a freezing tram stop to catch the tram to Sheffield city cenre, and Sheffeld Acadamy (of which we found out about an hour before hand our friend Richard Hunter is now manager- more later) where Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds awaited us. Upon arrival whilst waitig for a beer our first familiar face appeared -Ju, who was there on his tod as great mate Jase hadn't made it into the venue at that point. We had a good catch up ordered several beers and then showtime!

Suffice to say maybe the best set I've seen them play in terms of back catalogue although the Abattoir blues tour in 06 (or was it 05) sounded amazing with the gospel choir.

Songs played (not complete) included We call upon the author, Lazarus dig yourself, The Mercy Seat, Deanna, Tupelo, The Weeping song, The Ship song, Stagger Lee, Nature Boy,Red Right Hand, I think in to my arms and Jack The Ripper were played too.

Great gig although it was nearly cut short by Nick Cave falling of the stage during Nature Boy, which gave Richard H a bit of scare i fond out later as a similar incident involving Ian Brown in summer lead to a short gig and ugly scenes.

During the gig we met up with Mark Jackson, bumpedinto Coupey and Di and arranged to meet Pip and Step who were in the balcony aterwards.

We made an attempt to go for late drinks near the venue however it just shows how old we all are as no body knew a venue that was open late on Thursdays, otherthan studenty division / west street. So we went home and raided Mums fridge. Unfortunatly we were awoken in the middle of the night by Emily so I disturbed night was had by all.

Friday say early us all rising and me feeling a bit rough. We had plans though- today Cath and Mum had concocted a plan to go to Holmfirth- yes that Holmfirth of last of the summer wine fame. It appears theresa knittingmecca there (a Rowan discount shop apparently) so off we went on a freezing morning to wander round a cold Yorkshire town, with Cath searching for kniting, Dad pointing out TV landmarks and me feeling hungry. Eventually managed to get pie and peas down me, and Cath managed not to buy the shops stock before journeying home for a well deserved nap before dinner at my Nans (who makes the best Yorkshire puddings in the world).

Friday night saw us make another attempt at a night out in Sheffield this time with me driving. Plans were for a meeting in a quiet pub with friends to chat, but as Emily settled quickly we managed to pop into see other mates who were attending Pete H's newish lady's birthday bash. Here we managed to see Pete, Rob T, Coupey and Di again and have a chat before heading off to the Red Lion.

Upon walking in we saw Pip straight away- who could miss the hair, and saw that Step and Nailsey had bagged a table. Top surprise though wa the unarranged presence of Richard H in the pub on a post work drinks thing. Darren and Sue arrived not long afterwards as did Andy B and a good chatting/ catch up session was had by all. We were even joined by people from the previous pub at around 11. Just like old times at Collegiate cresent on Thursdays or the NMB on Tuesdays.

One interesting idea was th idea raised by Rob and Pip about the od Epitaph Dissolution mob getting together for a one off night just for fun. Its a thought thats crossed my mind too although I ave to say the music would have to be not focussed whats cool / popular with the current goth scene as really none of us look like goths anymore and I guess we don't really keep up with the scene. Ideally it would be aight where the DJs play sets of music they love to a hopefully appreciative crowd. I'd like to say no requests but I'm not sure thats fair if we charge entry -which we will have to do to cover a venue/PA hire. Anyhow theres loads more to think about before its a goer but well watch this space.

To close an excellent Friday Cath and I hit a drive through Mcdonalds (all that we could find open) after dropping Darren and Sue off at home.

Saturday brought a hectic morning packing , collecting cakes from my Nan and heading to Dave Nails and Julies new house to meet their children George and Oliver. We had a top time it wa soooo good to see them, and meet two great boys, with a fantastic Thomas the tank engine collection too! Its a nice house as well, with loads of potential, and nice to see that Dave and Julie have succumbed to the charms of suberbia like us.

Arrival home via foggy roads didn't take too long and Saturday night saw Cath make a brilliant curry and I watched the film Black Book about a WWII female dutch resistance agent which I enjoyed, although Caths comment everytime she looked up from her knitting was that there was either violence or nudity on screen which isn't a true a reflection of the film, honest.

Sunday say me work for a few hours and also help out with some hand print pictures Cath and Emily were doing.

Right I can smell dinner which is ranch style chilli ! so I'd better go.

Almost there !

Almost finished the documents I have been working on. A few bits to tidy up tomorrow and I'm there I think. Anyway tired so thats todays entry.

toodle Pip!

(adopt geordie accent) Day two in Ians Blog

sorry way old joke there!

So day two, and we are now wireless -finally purchased a wireless router and Smithy my Cisco qualified mate set it up whilst I did nothing much! We went to the new Tesco Home shop 5 minutes away to buy it, the shops kind of Argos crosssed with Tesco Extra minus food, - looked ok but the car park of what used to be a dead retail park was packed. Queues to get in and out, people gesticulating over spaces etc, sure it will die down though.

Emily went to a birthday party-first one shes attended we were having the "what if she is the naughty one"nerves as shes approaching the terrible twos (not that she is normally naughty at all ). I suppose she does have her moments, however I picked up a very proud Mum and happy daughter afterwards. Apparently Emily had been lovely at the party. In fact all of the kids there were. Cath felt pleased to have observed a little of the interactons that the kids from Emilys nursery have. It appears they are all good friends and play together really well.

Smithy arrived at lunch time regailing tales of the Carter USM gig in Brum last night, even EMF were good according to him (hmmm doubtful), although due to a flat battery at Keele services he missed Vileevils (ex PWEI) which was a shame.

Talking gigs Cath and I have our first night out together on Thurday since Emilys birth, we are seeing Nick Cave in our old stomping ground of Sheffield , at the Academy. This was a new venue to me, until I realised its the old Roxy, a place we used to go on Mondays when we first met to attend the mostly awful rock night, mainly to flyer our goth alternative night, and for the odd Goth track that was played / generally to hang with mates and drink cheapish beer. Be interesting to see what its like.

Any way nothing more to say really so more probably Monday/ Tuesday as Andy is visiting tomorrow.

Ok- the first day

So here goes my first day bloging. Its been a tough day/ week, works really hectic at the minute theres a deadline to meet and problems keep multiplying the nearer i get to the deadline. It feels never ending to be honest. I know what you are all thinking -"whats new its like this for me, and it probably is" but i'm struggling as its a new project, new type of medicine and an area I've never worked in before (no experience at all) and a phase of development I've neer worked in, and yet my responsabilities are the most I've had and I'm writing a submission to european authorities. I felt like quiting yesterday ( financially I can't! so don't worry) , however I dashed home in time to catch Emily just as she was heading to bed, and was greeted with such joy, and with a run, cheer and a huge cuddle that my spirits lifted hugely, couple that with a measure (or two ) of Jamesons, an infrequent atempt at cookery (chicken breasts stuffed with cumberland sausage wrapped in parma ham, a la hairy bikers) and I was rebuilt enough to face today. Other than that things are good, Smithy offered me a ticket last night to see Carter USM, EMF and Vileviles (ex PWEI) at Brum academy tonight, but had to decline due to money and feeling knackered, right choice given I feel aseep at 10 for a while tonight. Smithys visiting tomorrow so it will be nice to see him and Emilys Uncle Andrew( my bro) is visiting on Sunday which should be fun, I think hes going to be so surprised at Emily now. Also Cath is taking Emily to her friends birthday party tomorrow (first one)!

So theres the news from here, time now to catch up with the Libyan crusader, the geek bloke, and the two uber Mums.

First post

Ok here it is a milstone for me, Mr " No I don't do facebook I have friends in real life!", my first blog post. I think as I've got a bit older and times more precious its become harder to keep in touch with people via the usual routes. Specific apologies to any of our Sheffield friends who Cath and I keep saying we need to see (and introduce them to Emily) but time doesn't seem to allow it.

Anyhow I've broken the ice heres a post and now its back to work....more on this later!