Long Time Since…

It’s been a long time since I blogged. A lot has been happening.
Not least that I was made redundant from my last job! Fortunately I started a new job today! I now work for Sx3 – Service and Systems Solutions Ltd in the Application Solutions Group as an R&D Programmer/Analyst.

Today was my first day in the new job. Everyone seems friendly enough and I got a good overview introduction to the systems from my team leader. There’s a lot to pick up, but I’ll soon get into my stride.
My last company, which I had thought had been taken over by Zendor, turned out to be still Eunite. Such that the powers that be were able to close down Eunite as unprofitable but keep Zendor running as a viable business, ‘trimming’ 37 jobs in the process. Lots of people (I think most) were able to find positions in the sister and parent companies, but some of us were out on our ears. Of course, as these things often go, it has turned out to be a blessing; in fact the kick up the bum I have been needing to up sticks and move on. It just didn’t feel like a blessing at the time.

In other news, my precious bike was stolen a few weeks ago, just at the time that ‘they’ decided to close down my local train station for seven weeks, and a couple of days after I’d found out I was being made redundant! Whilst the insurance company had me sorted out with a replacement bike within a few days, I haven’t yet ridden it in earnest. First there was the perceived lack of security at work: another bike was stolen the following week. Then when I decided to take the new bike out for a gentle ride I managed to break it! The replacement part only arrived this weekend.

A few days ago I had to say goodbye to some good friends who in truth I will probably not manage to keep in touch with, despite the best of intentions, which was much harder than I would have predicted.

I still have lots to write about: Patti Smith was awesome, a few dozen books reviews, considerably more new CDs, my complete lack of ability to contribute anything to WordPress for far too long, etc.
I shall try to get back into bloggin regularly.

Three-year-old dies from obesity

This story at the BBC is really scary, but not too surprising. Three-year-old dies from obesity.

Dr Sheila McKenzie, a consultant paediatrician at the Royal London, told the Health Select Committee: “In the past two years one child at the age of three has died of heart failure secondary to extreme obesity.”

The shocking case was highlighted in a scathing report on obesity by MPs which says too little has been done to tackle the epidemic.

It was only a matter of time…

Patti Smith Touring!

Today I received my ticket to see Patti Smith and her group at the Manchester Academy. It is almost 26 years since I last saw her live. She is my overall favourite artist of all time and I am really looking forward to it.
I’m currently listening to her new album Trampin’ which is really great. It’s quite a a return to her roots. Lots more poetry than some recent stuff.
I’ve also listened to Land 1975-2002 tonight, which is a great collection of her work.

Incidentally, Land was bought for me by Tank [this link contains strong language] (from my Amazon Wishlist) for fixing her blog [this link not suitable for children] a while ago.

Speaking of gifts, I received Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss on Saturday morning from Matt. Thanks dude.

Update: Hmmmm… for some reason the link to my Amazon wish list doesn’t seem to work anymore. This one does seem to work for me, though I’m not sure why the other does not.

Update: Amazon responded to my query and gave me a better link to my Wishlist. All working now!

One year Smoke Free

Wow! It has now been one year since I smoked a cigarette. I feel really quite proud of myself.
I know lots of other people have given up (Jan has been smoke free for about 6 weeks more than me), and lots more will do so, but I really wasn’t sure I could do it after more than one failed attempt in the past.
So, that’s no alcohol and now no cigarettes making Mike a dull boy! 🙂