More Family Birthday's

Yesterday it was my Nephew George's 12th birthday, George is soon to follow in the long line of Kuk Sool black belts within our family with his hopeful promotion to 1st degree in June.

An interesting fact that I've just worked out, that within our family we have (including George) twenty black belt degrees (dahn's), with respect that's twice as many as Kuk Sa Nim!

Today it's my daughter Rachel's birthday, she's 24. The things that I remember most about her birth were the following;

(a) it was an extremely hot day 22c (b) I nearly missed her birth due to my wife's three hour labour (c) I nearly fainted due to all the excitement.

Best wishes to both George and Rachey!

Ali's Birthday

As I've probably mentioned before, family birthday's in our household are always quite an important occasion and last week it was the turn of my wife Ali.

Although it's always important not to give-away a ladies age, what I can say is that Ali was born in a very significant year. To give you a small clue, it was the year that the England football team last won a major international trophy.

To celebrate her special day I'd planned for us to spend a night away at our favourite Countryside Hotel and an evening-out at the the Theatre Royal in Norwich. Overall it was a lovely weekend and we both enjoyed ourselves very much.

Talking of birthday's - my special birthday is approaching very quickly and Ali has arealdy told me that she has planned to take me away somewhere special, it's a place where we can relax and enjoy each others company.

Doesn't that sound inviting!

Friends 50th Birthday

Yesterday it was one of my old school friends 50th birthday, so I decided to surprise him and go to his place of work to wish him a 'Happy Birthday.'

We got to talking about how he actually felt to reach the grand old age of fifty and both came to the conclusion that we thankfully didn't feel (or act) our current age.

My 50th birthday is also fast approaching, in July to be precise, however I have many friends that live locally that will reach this milestone before I do. So maybe there's a chance that I can ease into maturity gently after everyone else, without creating a lot of fuss or attention.

I have to admit though, I'm really looking forward to this significant birthday and want to embrace it fully with vigour, energy and vitality.

Actually - Isn't what this whole blog is about anyway?

Rock On!!

Special Occasions

If you're a regular visitor to this blog you'll have noticed that my family like to celebrate our 'special occasions' in style.

Ali and I decided that we wanted to give our son Jason, something memorable to celebrate his 21st birthday, something that he'd never forget.

So last Tuesday (2oth Oct) we travelled from Ebbsfleet International to Paris, through the Channel Tunnel by Eurostar. Two hours after boarding our train we arrived in the French capital and I have to say this was one of the most stress-free ways to reach Europe.

We stayed in a very impressive hotel in the Madeleine district of Paris (not too far from the famous Champs Elysees.) With many bars and restaurants in the vicinity, as well as all the designer shops for the girls.

Of course no trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the many famous sites including The Louvre when it rained and the Eiffel Tower when it was particularly sunny.

Having been to Paris before in the springtime, I must say that visiting Paris in Autumn was a truly magical experience.

Many artist's, poets, musicians and writers have been inspired by the beauty and elegance that Paris holds and I know Jason will hold a fond memory of this most marvellous city, hopefuly for many years to come.

One Year On !

Today it's my 49th birthday, (thank you for your for the card PSBN Jon - I think you're the only one who actually reads this blog.)

Just to remind anyone else who may be reading, the main reasons for me starting this blog 12 months ago, was because I was feeling very down in the dumps, overweight, tired and very sluggish.

Of course much of the above was down to a string of events that had previously happened to me, such as the passing away of my father, my daughter leaving home and my wife suffering with the 'empty nest syndrome' my whole life had taken a considerable down-turn.

So, one year ago I decided to try to do something about it. So I started writing, exercising and dieting as a kind of therapeutic outlet and I have to say that over the past year it has helped me tremendously.

Thankfully my head has now emerged from those dark clouds and a new 'MD' has emerged. Here's the picture to prove it. (Minus 15lbs in weight)

Happy Birthday Rachey

Today it's my daughter Rachel's birthday. (16th May)

She is 23 and despite having a difficult (last) year she is returning back to her former self. Her boyfriend James has taken her to London to see the Lion King at the theatre. After that they're heading off to a special venue (it's a secret so I better not mention it yet) for an evening meal.

Tomorrow evening we shall be celebrating her birthday at the Westleton Crown near the Suffolk Coast with the family.

So have a wonderful birthday Rachey.

Ali's Birthday

As many of you know I'm blessed to have a gorgeous wife called Ali.

Today's it's her birthday and I just wanted to share with you, for those of you who take time to read read my blog my thoughts about her....

She inspires me

Keeps me on track - when my ideas are crazy

Looks after our kids 100%

Pays attention to the detail

Is such good fun to be around

Makes me laugh.... when I'm feeling down

Walks every step alongside me

A mentally tough lady with a soft warm centre

She's balanced and focused

Composed, Elegant, Gorgeous


Happy Birthday Ali x