Friday, wonderful Friday. - 12th August 2011

Week two of TOWIB.

Wow, what a busy and stressful week it has been!  I have a University assignment due in next week, but since I will be on holiday then, I’ve had to get it done a week early.  This has been no mean feat, with critical analysis reports to write, some complex mathematics, and a truck load of reading.  However, it is all done now.  I just need to work out how to save my Star Office 9 document into a .doc format that will be accepted by both the Uni system and my tutor.  I’ve got tonight and all weekend for that though so I won’t stress too much. 

It feels nice to have it all done.  Now I can concentrate on getting into holiday mode and getting everything ready.  I will admit that I am taking some materials to do a little bit of research for the final assignment of this course.  It is due about 3 weeks after we get back, and looks pretty intensive.  I’m sure I will be able to fit a bit of reading in between sessions in the pool with my family.

I’m intending to hit the gym a few times while we’re away.  Anything that’ll boost my fitness for the HACK is an advantage.  We are all inclusive on holiday, so I’ve got to be careful that I don’t pig out too much.  I’ve been pretty good over the last couple of weeks and have noticed a slight reduction in my weight. 

My daughter had her 2 year check this week, and was scored at either being right on track or achieving over where she should be.  I felt oh so proud when my wife called on Monday to let me know the results!  She and my wife have been taken for their 2^nd visit to Peppa Pig World today by my Wife’s parents.  We took our daughter there for her 2^nd birthday and she loved it.  To say she is a bit obsessed with Peppa would be the understatement of the century! 

I’m sure everyone has seen the televised footage of the atrocities that have taken place across our country this week, and I will get to that a little later.  First, I want to talk about the amazing documentary that we watched on Monday about the dissection of a Sperm Whale.  Inside Nature’s Giants is the programme’s name, and they have dissected some incredible creatures, from a giraffe to the dual dissection of a Lion and a Tiger.  Anyway, the Sperm Whale was spectacular!  The poor creature had starved and subsequently become dehydrated (whales only take on water from their food, they do not drink the sea) and ended up on the beach on Kent.  Not wanting to let a rare scientific opportunity escape, the ING team swooped in and spent just over 24 hours really getting to grips with the creature and showing us how it functions.  Did you know that the Sperm Whale got its name from the Spermaceti that is contained in its head?  No, neither did I.  It is a waxy material that solidifies when the whale wishes to dive and then melts again when it wishes to resurface.  This is the stuff that is found in cosmetics and lubricant, and it really does look like sperm.  When the scientist on the show cut the whale’s head open, I thought maybe she was operating at the wrong end!

Right, now back to London and the riots.  My cousin lives in Clapham Junction with his girlfriend and I was very relieved to get a reply text from him on Tuesday to say that they were fine; even though the rioting was right outside their door. 

This all seems to have come about after a man (with a gun), was shot by police in London on Thursday 04^th August.  There was a protest outside of the local police station on Saturday, and then somehow it turned into mindless rioting, looting and murder. 

My hearts goes out to all of the innocent victims of the riots and looting.  In particular to the families of those who have lost their lives.  Things appear to be improving now, so lets hope the recovery is fast and London can soon return the great capital that it was.

I am taking part in the Hampshire HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) on 11^th September 2011 for the NSPCC.  If you would like to sponsor me please visit www.justgiving.com/rick-keates1

Friday 05th August 2011

Hello World!!

This is my first blog entry so my apologies if she appears a little rough around the edges. 

Welcome to The Only Way Is Bognor!  Also known affectionately as TOWIB!  This blog is going to serve as a new technological avenue for me to explore, or a new bandwagon for me to jump on, if you will.   

I have been reading a lot of blogs recently as part of my Open University degree in Computing and IT.  Yes, I am that much of a geek!  Bear with me though, because none of these blogs have inspired me to do much more than switch off my laptop!  However, I discovered this week the blog of comedian/writer Richard Herring - ‘Warming Up’.  Richard has been writing a daily blog since November 2002, and with some 3000 odd entries under his belt, he is what I would describe as a bit of an expert.  A blog is designed to be something akin to a diary.  Somewhere where the author can voice their personal opinions on topical matters, or any particular random thought that may enter their head.    

Taking inspiration from Richard Herring I have decided to try and write a weekly blog of events and musings that take place in my little world.  I’m quite a busy chap, what with being a husband to my gorgeous Wife, Daddy to my equally gorgeous Daughter, a full time transport manager, a part time Uni student and I’m also training for this year’s Hampshire HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids), so I should be able to find one or two things to talk about each week.    

The HACK is organised by the NSPCC and covers 21 miles of the

South Downs Way

.  I took part in the HACK last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.  My fitness levels were not brilliant, but I dragged myself (and my rucksack) around the 21 mile route in a very respectable time.  Just over 7 hours if memory serves!  I also raised a decent amount of cash for a great charity, which made all of the pain (and there was plenty) worth while.  I decided to take up the challenge again this year to help raise some more funds and awareness, but also because I loved the experience!  I love the outdoors, and get huge enjoyment from donning my walking boots and a rucksack and heading off for a long walk. 

If anyone reading this (if anyone does read this) would like to help my fundraising, I have a Just Giving page for the HACK, please visit it and donate whatever you can afford.  The NSPCC depends on charitable donations to keep them running, and the work they do to protect innocent children from abuse is invaluable.  www.justgiving.com/rick-keates1

That’s it for my inaugural blog.  I have plenty to waffle on about, so please come back and check for updates. 

You can find Richard Herring’s blog ‘Warming Up’ at http://www.richardherring.com/