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European Championships 2008

Congratulations to Spain who overcame Germany 1-0 last night in the final of the 2008 European Championships, held in Austria and Switzerland.

I saw quite a bit of this tournament, and feel that it was one of the best tournaments I’ve seen. I think the fact that as Europeans we generally know the teams and a fair amount of the players involved, compared to the World Cup where you have lesser known nations, gave the tournament a special interest.

Obviously without the British teams taking part there was not the same need to cheer on in hope, but instead you could enjoy the games for what they were.

Spain fully deserved their victory for their attacking flair. The fact that they only conceded 3 goals – 1 when fielding a mainly reserve team – shows that throughout the team they had quality players.

Holland looked as if they would be contenders, as did Portugal and Croatia, however they failed to live up to their group stage form, and bowed out in the quarter finals.

Whilst Germany did well to get to the final, they didn’t look as if they had too much flair, except for perhaps a couple of players. They are ruthlessly efficient, but I’m pleased that the winners were for once the most attractive playing team

Life Is Best At 46

I read a snippet in the Metro yesterday that stated life is at it’s best at the age of 46.

Insurers More Than have conducted a survey which asked when the typical Briton has all that they want – household gadgets, designer clothing and other prized possessions. Apparently these “must-haves” are worth more than £40,000…

Call me cynical, but I’m not sure I would want that much prized possessions – is it hype for it’s members to up their contents insurance values?

It’s happened!

I took a few days off from here to celebrate my birthday.

Celebrate, and also the fact that I was extremely busy at work, and also had something interesting to ponder over.

My party was good, and lots of friends helped me celebrate. And my actual birthday was good too – although I shouldn’t drink at lunchtime…

So I am now officially beginning my life.

Family – and a new arrival pending

I mentioned yesterday briefly about my family, so it’s time to introduce them.

I’ve been married to G for 6 years now. We met when she was visiting a mutual friend 12 years ago. We bumped into each other in the pub, had a chat, went onto a club, and slowly met up again a few times. I lived in Kent, she in Berkshire, so the trains and motorways helped our feldgling romance.

Our first official date was at a friend’s wedding reception – if G could put up with my friends then she could put up with anything. And things never looked back. We had a fantastic wedding, surrounded by friends and relatives from near and afar – G comes from Wales.

G is my rock. She understands me, I think, and allows me to have my whims. In return I promise not to push things too far with regards to sporting or social occasions.

Four years ago S came along. She is the apple of my eye, my little princess, and although mischievous at times, she is a very good girl. She is growing up quickly, and can’t wait to start school in September. She has been to nursery since 8 months old, and 5 of her friends will be joining her at school, spread over 3 classes.

A couple of weeks after S starts school, G is due to give birth to our new arrival. We can’t wait. Another mouth to feed, but a new play partner for S, in years to come. We always wanted two, didn’t want S to be an only child.

At the age of 40 I will feel old being a new Dad again, but I’m sure that my children will keep me feeling young as well.

Father’s Day

It was Father’s Day here in the UK yesterday, a day in which Father’s should spend lots of time with their loved sons and daughters. Although I did hear on the radio that it was the day Father’s should be waited on hand and foot – my wife wasn’t too impressed with that idea, stating what difference from any other day? I think she was joking….

 

We travelled Friday night down to South Wales to see my father-in-law J, and spend the weekend with him. My own father lives in Ireland, which is a bit far for a weekend trip when. Anyway, we had promised to take J out for lunch, his choice where. He’d heard rave reviews about a local garden centre’s food, so, much to our surprise, this was where we headed. Well, the food was quite good, generous portions, but not somewhere I would have gone out of my way to go to. Pleasant enough to eat if you are passing, or are looking for something in the shop around lunchtime.

 

In the afternoon I mowed J’s lawns for him. He’s getting on a bit and so every time I go down I like to help out in the garden. His son, M, is great round the house, and him and his wife pop in most days with some shopping. M is very handy and upgraded J’s kitchen and bathroom a couple of years ago, whilst J was on holiday, but he is no gardener. Which is fair enough. Thankfully I managed to get the lawns mowed before the rain fell, although only a little shower.

 

Sunday we had presents. My little angel S gave me the new Ben Elton book, Blind Faith, which I look forward to starting to read in the next week or two. Oh, and some sweets. We drove back to Kent after lunch, and it was upstairs to finish painting the spare room, soon to be nursery. More on that soon!

 

 

For the Female 40 (Plus)

As often happens, I’ve come across this site by coincidence – Fabulously40

Funny how when you start something new that you come across something relevant. Like if you decide you’d like to buy a new model of car, you suddenly see lots of them on the road.

Anyway, for the ladies out there, why not take a look and join as a member.

Life Begins @ 40

Tuesday 24^th June, 2008, marks the day that I become a fully fledged adult, as my friend told me today. Yes, it’s the big FOUR-O.

 

To be honest, I think, like most other birthdays, it will not feel any different. It’s only one day the same as any other. I realize it is a landmark, but that’s fine. I’m looking forward to it.

 

To celebrate the occasion I will be having a little get together, albeit on the Saturday before. I’m not one for big flashy parties, but I do think that I should mark the occasion. My youngest sister, of three elder sisters, certainly thinks so.

 

For some unknown reason 30 was a big deal. My life back then was fairly different. I had come through some tough times, but I think they were still fresh in the memory. And that seemed like a landmark – I was “only” 30 and felt that I shouldn’t have had to go through those times. Stupid, I know, but I have changed a lot since then.

 

I have my wife, Gill, to thank for pulling me through and giving me the stability that I craved and needed. She is my rock. I cannot imagine life without her. So Gill, thank you.

 

So, if life begins at 40, what will the coming weeks bring?

 

If you have any stories to tell of your 40^th, or have any words of wisdom, I’d love to hear them – please leave a comment.