Jason André's Blog

The iPhone 4

2010-06-24T23:02:00.001+01:00

So it's been a while since I blogged. Blogging has frankly lost out to micro-blogging, sorry. Turns out I don't have much to say that can't be said in 140 characters and, if I'm honest, I'm not even sure that's all that interesting! Twitter has indeed stole my heart from you blog. Sorry! Now however seems a good point to blog. Today I took delivery of an iPhone 4. And here are my thoughts...

Firstly I'm excited. Like a child! I'd booked some on the off chance with O2. They are distributed by them on a lottery basis to business customers. We won. Good times. Upgrades were due, so no expenditure was necessary. O2's policy was bizarre. "How will I find out if we get some?" I asked the nice business manager at O2. "Well some iPhones will arrive in the post" he replied sagely. Turns out he was right. They did! Cue childish excitement and anticipation.

Setup was fairly painless. It seems to be gussied about the USB port than the 3G (honestly!), but once I sorted that it restored from my old phone fine. The iPhone 4 uses a micro-sim like the iPad, so had to go on to O2 to make the switch. Initially website was overloaded, but it worked eventually. And so about half hour after I started I had an iPhone 4, working and looking (software wise) rather like my 3G with iOS4.

First impressions - the new phones smaller (marginally) than the original. Initially it didn't feel right on my hand, but it fits well now. It is lighter, but I've never thought the old one was too heavy.

Overall the softwares faster and I'm sure the sync was quicker. I've not had a chance to try FaceTime yet, but normal call making was fine. Mail has support for two exchange accounts, which is cool.

Multitasking took a while to find, but the theory seems good. I couldn't see any apps that supported it particularly well, but it does making switching easier. I guess time will tell with future apps.

The camera initially seemed impressive, but that was such an understatement. The still camera is brilliant. I've taken some impressive pics already and the colour in daylight is very impressive. Te video camera is equally impressive and I've just downloaded the iMovie app which looks like a great addition. Altogether an excellent package for taking/editing/uploading. Watch this space for more uploads soon! Samples of the first stuff on my Flickr - http://www.Flickr.com/users/Jasonthejoker.

So far it's brilliant. Initially not the massive change that the iPhone 3G was from a "normal" phone, but it's a superb evolution of the product. How does that leave me for the iPad? Wanting more... There's no real one BIG reason for wanting the iPhone 4, but as a package it really works. I want more Apple! Steve - give us more!

More Excellent Apps for PDF Working

2010-03-26T12:27:00.002Z

I shared ion a previous post about the excellent guys at www.A-PDF.com That time it was for A-PDF content splitter, which is an excellent way of splitting large PDFs down based on their content. We use it at our school for distributing timetables. I've now found another excellent product for printing PDFs (and other docs too), which as you may be aware is a huge problem for large numbers of docs.

This product is awesome and very good value. Check it out. http://www.a-pdf.com/batch-print/

Well done developers

Gods voice and kids programmes

2010-02-28T09:49:00.001Z

I've come out for a walk with the dog. It's wet and horrid, but he needs excercise and I need some time to contemplete. I'm contempleting the challenges that come along with this walk with God. If we're Christians I think we think longer about lifes purpose. Not because we're fundamentally better than others, but because we're given a need to. "What does God want for me?", "Why don't I hear God?", "Why doesn't God answer?", etc. To me the only sensible suggestion is prayer. Give your time to God. Make your petitions. Listen for his word. If you don't hear? Try again! It's probably not your fault and believe it or not He IS listening.

So what did I get this morning? Well my heart was heavy, so I turned to God. He answered immediately! As soon as I prayed there it was. The voice of God in my head, saying:

"Chugg-ing-ton, chugger, chugger, chugger. Chugger, chugger chuggington."

Maybe I'll try again later!

Internet Presence

2009-09-05T20:00:00.000+01:00

I'm tired. There's no two ways about it, I'm just tired. I've been trying to work out why. It's not that I've been to the gym too much, it's not daily 15 mile runs, nor heat exhaustion or anything like that. I don't even think it's the current long hours or hard work. The main problem, I think, is a genuine struggle to get my internet presence right and to give enough time to this presence! I've got this blog, the Facebook page that will automatically be updated when I press send, I have Twitter, there's work learning resources, there's various forums, Flickr, MSN, Friends Reunited, Ebay profile, etc, etc. The list is endless. Now I flirt with lots of different ways of updating these. Twitter's good - there's an easy app on iPhone to do updates directly and the expectation is limited. I have however discovered a furtherproblem. This blog, which doesn't get the attention it deserves has reminded me of a good way of tracking it's use. The adverts! I get money for each ad that's clicked on. Now I'm certain this wont make me a millionaire, but just on the off chance, every now and then I've taken to checking. Just in case!

What if 3 million people suddenly checked out my blog and clicked an advert... Revenues would be massive... It's nto that unlikely... I'll just check! And so starts a new problem. AdSense was supposed to make a few pence from a few clicks when people came to read my inane ramblings. Now the very process of checking that is going to get in the way of my inane ramblings!

How will the world survive??? Perhaps we should start by clicking a few ads!

Adverts

2009-09-03T22:56:00.001+01:00

I've just managed to open up my Google AdSense account. That means money for clicks on adverts! Think that would be a good incentive to start blogging again! So come on guys take a look at some of those ads!

Excellent PDF Tool

2009-03-19T10:50:00.002Z

I;ve just found an excellent PDF tool. The guys at http://www.a-pdf.com have a few products to manipulate PDFs in various ways. Best for me is the PDF Content Splitter. This lets you choose a portion of the screen and split the contents based on the value of that area. So if you've got invoices for example you could split the file into one file per invoice number! Excellent work guys!

Download the program here

There's lots more tools too. Excellent work guys.

Twitter

2009-03-18T08:10:00.001Z

So I've started Twitting. It was prompted by Di, who had already started. I couldn't have her geeking ahead of me. It has me a little worried though - will my blog and facebook get jealous if I update Twitter and not them? Am I now obliged to tell 3 online services my innermost thoughts? It won't be long before the only thing I can fb/Twitter/blog will be the fact that I'm updating my Twitter/blog/fb!

The Big Weigh-In

2009-03-02T21:35:00.001Z

So having had a good game of squash tonight I thought it was time to jump back on the WII Fit (although you should never jump on the fit board - he gets very cross!) and check my weight - I wasn't confident. I have had a bad weekend and not been too good with watching what I eat over the last couple of weeks. Bravely I stood on the board, resisting the urge to increase the usual clothing compensation, and breathed deeply when he told me it had been 31 days since my last visit. He measured, told me I was leaning slightly to the right and eventually presented me with the BMI chart. Anxiously I watched the bar rise toward my previous BMI. If it stops around the same place I'll be chuffed, I'm not even sure that I'd resent a small increase. Mercifully the bar slowed and stopped short of the previous value. A quick click revealed avVery satisfactory, 6lb weight loss! Get in!

My new target is 7lb in 4 weeks. I wonder how I'd have done without the bad weekend? Have to put it to practise this time!

An Under-Used Resource

2009-03-01T15:44:00.001Z

Fresh air! Great isn't it? Freely available, good for your health, non damaging to the environment. The thing is though - we just don't use it. I'm out walking the dog at moment soaking the free fresh air. I'm a keen walker, I've got me boots on, a powerful stride going and only a slightly runny nose! Having said all this I haven't used the provaleage for months and I've even got a four legged friend that demands it! I think the world should wake up and start using it more. The birds are singing, the scenery's brilliant and even on an overcast day like today the world looks great!

This got me thinking more. The worlds use of the fresh air and country side is a bit like it's of God. There's plenty about that prophess to use it, loads that say they think they'd like it, but don't get time and the general image of someone that really does like it is of a spotty rambler with a stick. The rambler wears the sensible clothes and hiking boots because it makes the job better, not because the clothes male them who they are.

God is good for you, He's freely available and truth be told, you don't even have to wear the sandles! Give it a go - if you walk with God, I'm sure you'll be back for more soon!

SoulNet Retreat - The End

2009-02-08T21:34:00.001Z

It's Sunday evening and to all intents and purposes the retreat is over. We've still got tonight and tomorrow, so we'll probably use the pool again, but the teaching and worship events have finished.

I've had a blast! This was my first First-hand Soul Survivor experience and I've loved it! I thought I would - my early Christian life has been full of their worship, so it's to be expected. I feel refreshed, a new love for Jesus and a fresh sense of calling. I do feel a little down, but I think it's tiredness and the knowledge that there's no session tonight.

I am very excited about getting home though - go Jesus!

SoulNet Retreat - The Beginning

2009-02-06T22:54:00.001Z

We've ventured up the motorway, through snow, sleet and rain to refresh ourselves at Soul Survivors SoulNet Retreat 2009. We've just fiished the first session and it was brilliant! It was really good to enjoy some worship together and spend some time with God. Mike was very entertaining and I'm really looking forward to tomorrows session.

There were of course the inevitable questions -what is the purpose of the weekend, what does God want for each of us and, most importantly, what is the fascination with stupid hats? Seriously I mean what are they for? It certainly wasn't to keep us all warm!

I also noticed something else - youth worky types love the iPhone. There must be the highest density of iPhones in that room... Several of which I saw Facebooking this very evening!

Roll on tomorrows sessions.

Snow Baby!

2009-02-02T11:02:00.001Z

Today's a snow day, yay! We've been to the duck pond to make snow men and throw snow at Beckie. Zach got a snowball full in the face and following a short, very nervous, wait he laughed heartily! Good times! I suppose I should do some work really.

The First Weigh In

2009-01-31T10:31:00.002Z

So last night was the first weigh in. I was feeling confident as I feel thinner. Not significantly I just feel a different shape. WII Fit was generous but doesn't tell you the actual weight. It did however announce that I've lost a whole 2lb! Not significant I hear you cry, until you realise that I lady used it before Christmas. Not bad to be through the Christmas podge, lost it and lost 2lb to boot! Good times!

Good Day Bad Day

2009-01-29T15:06:00.001Z

Wednesday was part good day and part bad day. On the good side I started the day with a session in the gym. Bit of a run and a bit of cross training set me up well for the day. On the bad side it was Chinese day a school so lunch was heavier than it should have been. I think I may delay the weigh in for a bit!

Tomorrow looks to start well with a 7:30 gym session with Steve the Pirate. We shall see!

Ok Kebab Man

2009-01-27T07:08:00.001Z

Diet day two. No run this morning, but I've had a nice healthy bowl of cereal. Whilst I'm eating ice been listening to the news. Aparently some bids at the food standards agency have done some research into kebabs. They've discovered that in many cases donor kebabs are very high on fat, contain a mix of meat and aren't correctly labelled... Lucky I know now! I wonder how you get a job with them. It definitely sounds like they've been out for a beer and decided to do research on the way home!

Bye Bye Fatty

2009-01-26T06:57:00.001Z

It's time for a change. I've been trying to lose weight for a while now, without much luck. Di's bought me a book by Bruce Byron (That guy from The Bill) which is all about his struggle to lose weight. For him the biggest motivator was a column he wrote for The Daily Mail health section. This meant his every move was scrutinised by the whole country, which in turn meant he couldn't fail because it would be so public. I don't have a column in the Mail. Nor do I expect to get one soon. So this is the best I can do. Anyone that reads this will be my motivation. Chances are that that's only my wife and my mum, but I'll give it a shot!

So it's 6:50am. I've just been for my first pre work run. I don't feel too bad, but then I'm not sure I want run any further for a while. I'll try and update this a few times a week to keep a running commentary!

Wish me luck!

How Do You???

2008-07-10T18:36:00.001+01:00

How Do You???, originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

We're currently going through all the "How do you..." questions with Joni. We have so far had, amongst others; How do you make a door? How do you make dogs? How do you make a light? How do you make some pasta? And the obligatory "How do you make a baby?"Today we had perhaps the most cute - Daddy, how do you get in the telly?So cute!

Look at Joni's New Toy

2008-07-08T13:27:00.001+01:00

Look at Joni's New Toy, originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Mummy thinks the chair is for her to feed Zach, but it's for me to watch beebies!

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I Don't Think So Mother

2008-07-07T16:19:00.001+01:00

I Don't Think So Mother, originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

So Di says "Aren't you having ice cream then?"

Joni replied without missing a heartbeat with a sideways look and a downbeat "Whatever!"

Can't wait for her to be a teenager!

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Zachariah Rees André

2008-07-03T13:07:00.000+01:00

Zachariah Rees André came into the world today. He arrived at 13:07, naturally, after a 5hr labour. Mum and baby are both very well. Joni is a little shell shocked, but is getting used to the idea of being a big sister!

New baby 20 wek scan

2008-02-13T20:07:00.003Z

We had our 20 week scan today. Firstly baby is fine, which is brilliant. Secondly baby is... wait for it... a Boy! We're very excited. I'm sure we'd be just as excited if it was a girl, but who knows!

God was definitely shining down on us this week. After a long wait for the scan the sonographer came out looking grumpy. When we got in their she turned out to be brilliant. Very clear, told us exactly what she was doing and checking as we went along. We were also really blessed because we happened to be using the only 4D machine they have at Addenbrokes, so we got the excellent 4D picture below. I think he looks handsome, don't you??? More pics on Flickr.

Missed opportunity

2008-01-17T07:57:00.001Z

Missed opportunity, originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

In the interests of encouraging the fair shared use of the new digital camera I don't, as a rule, take it to work. This is a shame because this morning I missed the opportunity to get a good picture of this amazing sunrise. Oh well!

Joni's New Train

2008-01-09T21:11:00.001Z

Joni's New Train, originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Joni has a new toy! The batteries not charged yet, so she doesn't know the full wonder, but she loves it anyway! Di will, I'm sure, tell you about the fantastic bargain from 'tinternet. Either way it looks like fun. I wonder if I can get one in "Jay size".

New Baby André

2008-01-04T18:18:00.000Z

We had our baby scan today. Baby number 2 is on their way. He or she is a little less lively than Joni was. Wonder if that means they’ll be a calmer baby??? We’ve been a bit less fussy abut telling people this time, so it’s probably not a surprise, but it’s wonderful anyway! Baby 2 will be lots of fun, but I’m certain lots of hard work… what have we let ourselves in for!

New Years Eve

2007-12-31T21:36:00.001Z

New Years Eve, originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

So it's New Year's Eve and we've been partying. We danced, we sang, we drank and then... Mummy and Daddy made me come home! Still it's nice and warm in bed now! More photo's on http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonthejoker

Flickr

2007-12-28T13:43:00.000Z

I've had a Flickr account for ages. I set it up to let me blog to this using LifeBlog on my Nokia phone. Since I got a new phone I haven't used it at all. Well now that I've got a new camera I thought it might be nice to use this for photo's rather than just the blog. I'll probably still add to the blog for the really good ones, but I'll be putting lots onto the Flickr account. Check it out, you can even add pointers to the pictures and (If you;re a geek like me) check out the shooting conditions/settings.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonthejoker/

Christmas Day Baby!

2007-12-25T20:20:00.000Z

It's Christmas day. We've done the cooking, eating, washing, unwrapping, more eating, drinking, etc. Now we're watching the second Eastenders of the day! Santa was good to us today. Joni got a bike, lovely Pepper Pig toys, dressing up clothes, Fifi stuff, clothes, and more, and more! Mummy and Daddy we're just as fortunate, bringing CD's, DVD's clothes and a spanking new camera! And so there's likely to be new blog posts with photo's... Lot's of new blog posts with photo's! For now here's a selection of the day's fun!

Pimp My Grinder

2007-12-25T17:00:00.000Z

You know the problem - it's Christmas day, there's people round and you've got to make coffee for 10. All of a sudden you realise you're a bit behind with your grinding! Well This most disastrous of occasions hit me today and the hand grinding of coffee beans is a slow process! I needed a solution and I needed it fast... I had to "Pimp My Grinder". Check out my bad self!

Blogging and Cool Websites!

2007-12-01T16:17:00.000Z

So it's been a long while since my last post. I've decided that I should blog more... I mean what could be more improtant than my opinion??? Seriously - there's lots going on in my life, and sometimes it would be cool to stop and jot down something about it! So from now on I'm going to blog more. I am also hoping to get a new camera for Christmas and perhaps that will spur me on to post some cool photos. We shall see!

So I said I'd been busy, but it might have been an exaggeration. For the last hour I've been looking at rubbish on t'internet. I have however found something very cool. http://maps.live.com has the normal maps, aerial photos and hybrid view. It also has a really cool 3D view. Checkout some cool landscapes with it in aerial view and it's very impressive.

Day Off

2007-10-24T09:27:00.000+01:00

I decided to take an extra day off today. We didn't get back from a mamouth Enfield tour yesterday until about 9:00pm and I really didn't fancy the journey again. (Obviously I didn't do a mamouth Enfield tour - I did a full day at work followed by a short Enfield tour.)

That said Joni is running around (Lovely though she is) and I really should do something with my day. Maybe I should have gone to work!

Hiccups & Rugby

2007-10-20T21:54:00.000+01:00

I've got hiccups*! It doesn't sound like a big deal, but I've had them on and off all day. It's getting to be slightly upsetting! Now drinking seems to fix them, but they still come back. The bigger problem is not the hiccups though... the bigger problem is that I can't help thinking - "I wonder if me getting rid of my hiccups made the England boys lose???" I don't mean it, there can't be a link, but it does make me grateful that I'm not superstitious!

I tell you what though... I'll be a bit more careful about ridding myself of the hiccups while I'm watching the Grand Prix tomorrow!

And as a final note on the rugby - I think it's important to gain a little perspective. In a modern world with crime, poverty, third world debt and climate change we have to consider the actual significance of winning or losing the Rugby World Cup. It's important to remember that it's not the winning or the losing that counts... What's important is that we beat the French!

*I think that's how to spell hiccups... Looks funny though.

Long Time Again

2007-10-07T07:07:00.000+01:00

So April was my last post. That's 179 days ago. Why so long? There is two main reasons... Work has been ridiculous, meaning I don't get the time anymore to do this. The second reason is that, like the rest of the world, I discovered facebook! So all of the time I could have been blogging I've actually been facebooking. So what has been happening over the last half a year???

Well Joni got naughty... Not really naughty, but she's definitely 2! She's lovely though and I prefer to think of it as spirited! Work continues, but we're making progress and moving the role forward. The house has changed slightly. We have a new bathroom, which is just about complete, and a few more slightly updated rooms. Joni has a new kitchen... which is very very snazzy. I'm also reminded that I have a loose "Z" key, meaning typing snazzy wasn't easy! Di has started working for HSI (See link on right). I've started the process of becoming a local preacher for the Methodist church.

Actually when I look at it it's been quite a busy 6 months. I think I need to sleep now it makes me feel tired. I better head back to watch Hamilton do the business. Hopefully you;ll get another post before next April!

Long Time

2007-04-11T09:13:00.000+01:00

Well it;s been a couple of months since the last post. We've been busy in the new house settling in and making our mark. We've just finished relaying the drive, which was long! Lucky we had Joni's help really! I'm sure there'll be planty more work to do though!

New Car Baby

2007-02-15T11:30:00.000Z

We did it baby, we bought a new car! Ironically it wasn't one I was looking at, because I thought they were too expensive... But it is lovely! I can't collect it until tomorrow, which is far too long to wait! I'm sure I'll survive though. I've been filling my time with reading the manual, downloaded from 'tinternet. So impatient!

It's a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 Elite. It's very nice! Definitely the poshest most grown up car I've owned... And I understand it goes quick too, not that I'd do that!

Ooh shiny!!!

Are You Rich?

2007-02-13T11:14:00.000Z

On Sunday we saw an excellent video from the Nooma series; Rhythm. I thought it was great, simple yet inspiring. Exactly what does God sound like??? Either way it prompted me to You Tube Nooma. There's loads of videos there and you could easily lose your day, but this one particularly made me think. Are we rich???

Makes you think...

No Justin You Need Some Playdough

2007-02-12T20:45:00.000Z

When Joni decides that Justin from Something Special needs a makeover, she goes ahead and does it!!!

Just a shame the TV gets in the way!

Snow Baby!

2007-02-08T22:36:00.000Z

So we got the day off! When a post starts like that, you know it was a good day! The photos below show that it definitely was!

Now the next bit of news is even better... School closed tomorrow too! Yay! Here's to long weekends!

Perseverance Pays!

2007-02-04T19:22:00.000Z

Well it's been 16 months and 17 days, but I finally got my way! We now have a 3 wheel pram. It's somewhat similar to mans desire to own a 4x4. I don't spend most days trying to push Joni across the Serengeti or trying to conquer the north face of the Eiger. I might though! And now I could try! I obviously have big plans for that there pram and maybe I'll post some on here. Until then I've got to try and work out how to fold this thing, or where on earth we're going to store it!

Snow Baby!

2007-01-24T12:58:00.000Z

Firstly, I'd like it known that I'm genuinely ill. I didn't take the day off to play in the snow and in fact when it came to it, I didn't have the energy for playing anyway! That said... Joni did enjoy the snow and she had plenty of energy for it!

She's so cute! Di did help a bit with the snowman though!

Panto's Back Baby

2007-01-13T16:39:00.000Z

We'll I've been to my first Panto rehearsal. It's a last minute stand in as the King and I thoroughly enjoyed it! There will certainly be more fun to come, I'm sure!

Freecycle

2007-01-08T21:30:00.000Z

It's the future! A bit like ebay, but no pictures and no money involved. I love it, rekon everyone in the world should do it.

http://www.freecycle.org

Do it!

Classic!

2007-01-06T10:33:00.000Z

I foudn this dhtml version of Lemmings... Truly a classic game!

http://www.elizium.nu/scripts/lemmings/

Enjoy!

All Quiet Here

2007-01-02T13:27:00.000Z

It's been a while since I posted. There's two reasons for this; Firstly I've been really busy and secondly I've got a new phone and haven't yet worked out how to blog from it! Well I'm working on it now, so hopefully it wont be long and I can start posting proper again.

Christmas was good, today is my first day back at work. Joni was excellent fuin, although I think she's a bit overwhelmed with the amount of presents she got! There's a video of her enjoying her presents here. Thanks to Di for the expert editing.

I'm off to find more work to do.

Hard Work and Treats

2006-11-20T22:51:00.000Z

Well it's Ofsted week. I was at work until 9:00pm today, well tonight I guess. Kind of ironic that I get home from a 13hr day and get my laptop out! Still I thought it time to add somethign to my blog. In truth I'm excited because my new mobile phone should be delivered today. It's an Orange SPV M3100. Got the whole windows mobile thing, so I'm looking for some neat toys.

I;ve got the TomTom ready to go, just hope the GPS works with the new phone ike it did with the old. I want to look for a desktop charger as well, but all in good time. For now I'll stick to some free software from www.hubdog.com for blogging easily. I'll miss the ease of LifeBlog, but hopefully HubDogs offering will be as easy to use.

I better get off to bed, long day tomorrow!

So Surreal

2006-10-19T21:23:00.000+01:00

So Surreal
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Nuf said

Mum's Birthday

2006-10-17T18:33:00.001+01:00

Mum's Birthday
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

It's mums birthday today, so Dad and I thought we'd give her the best present ever... A couple of hours off! We've fed the ducks, now we're exploring the gardens. Lots of fun!

Flickr

2006-10-17T18:33:00.000+01:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Who Needs A Puppy?

2006-10-17T17:42:00.000+01:00

Who Needs A Puppy?
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Who needs an Andrex puppy, when you have a daughter?

Scary!

2006-10-07T13:51:00.000+01:00

Scary!
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Picture paints a thousand words!

London Zoo

2006-10-07T11:55:00.000+01:00

London Zoo
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is at London Zoo. Joni, Mummy and James standing in front of the giraffes.

Katie Diana Player

2006-10-06T19:42:00.000+01:00

The beautiful Katie Diana Player was born today at 11:44am, weighing in at 7lbs 15oz. Mummy and baby both fine, recovering well in hospital.

Comedy Genius

2006-09-23T12:02:00.000+01:00

Well it's been a good month or so since I blogged. It's been a busy month, lots of stuff to do at work. We're in Haverhill at the moment, and there's definitely an appeal to moving out here - a whole house for less than an Enfield flat! Anyway, what with us being modern folk with our technology and laptops, Di has found a gem in the form of this song... Enjoy...

Sheila's wheels song

Ashton Court Estate, Bristol

2006-08-07T16:54:00.000+01:00

Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is me at the top of the Ashton Court Estate in Bristol. Mum and Dad keep getting excited because I'm trying to stand on my own two feet. Aunty Sally says she'd be overjoyed if I learnt to walk in Bristol. I don't know what all the fuss is about myself, I think I'll just enjoy that they of Bristol for a while.

YouTube and the JCB Parody

2006-08-05T13:55:00.000+01:00

I recently found YouTube. It's a video sharing site and to be honest it's mostly rubbish. People who think their lives are interesting enough for others to want to watch a bit! (Can't understand that, how self involved do you have to be to think that people would be interested in what you;ve got say on the interent?) Anyway, where was I??? Oh yeah stumbled accross this great JCB song parody. Now I love the original, but I think this is a fair take on it!

New Face Pack

2006-08-05T12:10:00.000+01:00

New Face Pack
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

I do like dairylea sandwiches, but it makes a much better face pack! I must remember to tell mummy!

I'm So Tired

2006-08-05T12:07:00.000+01:00

I'm So Tired
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

It's all very well daddy rushing around to get the car fixed and take me to Flames Castle, but it's tiring me out! I have had fun though, I just hope Daddy hasn't forgotten my lunch!

Market Boy

2006-08-01T10:26:00.000+01:00

Market Boy
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Last night we went to the National Theatre to see Market Boy. It was an excellent show, with a superb 80's soundtrack. I thoroughly recommend it! The dialogue is occassionally course, but acceptable in context. Give it a go!

First day of our holiday

2006-07-31T10:44:00.000+01:00

First day of our holiday
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is it. I've finally got some time off work. We're supposed to be doing stuff on the house, but it's much nicer to sit in Starbucks! Joni has already whacked the mug into my face and chipped a tooth! Today I had a cappucino with hazelnut syrup. I'm planning to try a new variation every day of my holiday. Don't tell Di though! Oh wait... She reads this sometimes. Oops

Novelty

2006-07-28T00:06:00.000+01:00

Novelty
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Thu 27/07/2006 22:26 Novelty I'm on my way back from a market research in Oxford Street. It was fun, interestingly enough it was all about blogging from your mobile, which I'm doing now! The picture's a novel advertising approach, but I guess it's not that interesting.

I guess the most interesting thing is a whole platform full of one workers and not a single clue about why there's no Enfield Town train, or when there might be one! Still, I'm on the train now so I suppose it's ok. Not so ok for the woman opposite me who is trying to explain over the phone to her boyfriend that the train really was delayed and that she did in fact tell him she was going out. I can certainly vouch for the 2 bottles of Rosé she says they've had by the smell. In fact as I write she's explaining that "they" had just a quick hug... I'll be honest it doesn't sound good for either of them. I don't fancy her hangover to be honest!

While we're on people spotting the obvious looking Jewish bloke did get off at Stoke Newington and the bloke in the overly weird suit looks like he's going all the way to Enfield Town. I have one final question in my mind; who is finding it more difficult to concentrate on anything other than her phone call, me or the bloke sitting next to me?

Life, love and blogging

2006-07-21T17:16:00.000+01:00

Life, love and blogging
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

I'm on the train, on the way to pick up the car in Stamford Hill. I've suddenly realised, that I haven't blogged for ages. I guess my new job keeps me busier than the last! It's summer now though, so perhaps i'll get more time! Good one!

Career Choice

2006-06-17T14:37:00.000+01:00

Career Choice
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

It's easy this computer programming Dad. Now give me your phone, I think I've learnt a new trick!

CitiLink Are Crap

2006-06-05T18:59:00.000+01:00

It might be libelous, but i have to get it off my chest - CitiLink are crap! Having made the journey Hoddesdon (What a stupid place for a local depot!), on route to which an igorant twat had flipped his car (I hope he's ok, by the way), I was presented with a partoicularly ridiculous looking hippy... The Bill Bailey look only works on Bill Bailey an he was NOT Bill Bailey! Once this neanderthal had made his way out to the depot and grunted all the way back with my package (An excellent new car stereo I presume) he asked for ID. "Do you have any ID? [Grunt, murmor, limp]". Well as it turned out, no I don't have any ID, why would I have any ID, just to visit that moron???

The long and short is this... I drove home... without my stereo! So now I will have to wait until tomorrow, which upsets me... I had other things to do tomorrow. For now I will have to make do with this description.

And worst of all??? Every day I get more and more like my Dad! Especially when reacting to things like this!

Back at the park

2006-06-02T15:43:00.000+01:00

Back at the park
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Well we're back at Trent park, this time we had to bring mummy though! A nice family day out! Bit bumpy in the car park though, dad should have kept that off roader!

New Car Again

2006-05-27T16:36:00.000+01:00

Well Di finally "won". The Frontera is just too expensive to run and in truth it's not that fantastic on the motorway and it's not easy to park and its... You get the point. Enter the new car... Well what will it be??? After much thought we had to make a decision. Jason wants a Volvo (Good family car, reliable, solid built, not so common), Di wouldn;t be seen dead in one (Big and boxy). Eventually Jason Manages to convince Di that the v40 isn't bad and sets about finding a cheap 1.

Well today I've picked it up. It's a 1996 P Volvo V40 2.0. It's black and has 155k on the clock. The upside? £820. The downside? It was in Lowestoft. The drive there was long. Dad drove in the BMW, which is comfortable and fast, but still ahs to stop for traffic! The new car is gorgeous, it's clean, nice to drive and best of all has cruise control!

In truth it's very very nice. Not the most exciting, but it's cheaper to insure and currently tells me it's pulling 30mpg. Pretty boring I hear you scoff, but I am a family man now. also it's got a 2.0litre lump, so it's not slow!

Well I'm sure you'll hear mroe about it soon.

A Man In A Room With A Pocket

2006-05-02T07:41:00.000+01:00

This is a nameless man in a nameless room... I can tell you however that it's a custard cream he is retrieving!

Our New Garden

2006-04-30T17:54:00.000+01:00

So this is our new garden. It's lovely... rather annoying as we can't walk on the grass yet, but it looks lovely. Roll on the next barbecue!

Swing It Baby

2006-04-22T14:31:00.000+01:00

Swing It Baby
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is me in my new swing. It;s lovely out here!

Got The Part?

2006-04-17T09:45:00.000+01:00

Got The Part?
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Just tell me dad... Did i get the part in the Narnia sequel or not?

All Done

2006-04-15T17:37:00.000+01:00

All Done
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Here it is, the finished deck. It'll need some furniture, but it's looking good! I think I can return to work, happy in the knowledge that my time off was well spent.

Nearly there!

2006-04-15T16:51:00.000+01:00

Nearly there!
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

I haven't been being slow... I've only just started working on it again. Been doing the bedrom the rest of the week. Anyway, the frame is now and for the deck. Does look a bit big though!

The Finished Article

2006-04-15T14:28:00.000+01:00

So this is our finished bedroom. I had to finish it before Di would let me do the decking! I think you'll agree it was worthwhile though! Such a relxing room now! Joni likes it too... unfortunately she'll have to get used to the idea that it's our room!

Who takes after her mummy?

2006-04-13T18:08:00.000+01:00

Who takes after her mummy?
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Does anyone recognise this scene? Forward 25 years and she could be her mum! That's a new, clean, carpet by the way!

Work in progress

2006-04-13T15:00:00.000+01:00

Work in progress
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Thu 13/04/2006 15:34 13042006 This is our bedroom. The walls are done and the carpet is ready to lay. Watch this space!

Rain Stopped Play

2006-04-11T14:16:00.000+01:00

Rain Stopped Play
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is my new deck frame. Coming along nicely I feel. Unfortunately rain has stopped play. No fun! Still shouldn't take long to finish now. Yay!

One Baby Band

2006-04-08T19:00:00.000+01:00

One Baby Band
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Don't tell mummy, but I don't think she'll impressed when she opens her guitar case tomorrow and finds me in there! Still it could be worse I could be holding a spare microphone!

Our Gorgeous Joni

2006-04-07T16:44:00.000+01:00

Look at this slideshow my wife made of our gorgeous baby Joni.

Create your own video at One True Media

Good Party Dad

2006-04-01T22:08:00.000+01:00

Good Party Dad
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is my gorgeous daughter asleep in her pram. No nothing unusal there, except in the background you can see my disco rig... Mid flow!

Not sure if I should be offended!

Sleeping Baby

2006-04-01T10:03:00.000+01:00

Sleeping Baby
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Look how gorgeous she is! All peaceful and sleeping. I guess all that treasure any exploring is tiring!

I think early morning sleeps are the future... I wonder if they'll catch on in the workplace?

The Wrong Pyjamas

2006-03-27T18:59:00.000+01:00

The Wrong Pyjamas
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

No Daddy, these are the wrong Pyjamas! I think there may be a sizing issue.

New Office Furniture

2006-03-23T16:24:00.000Z

New Office Furniture
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

So this is my new office furniture! Johnny 2 PC's eat your heart out!

Boredom

2006-03-22T11:51:00.000Z

There's no two ways about it, today's training session is boring... luckily I have my laptop to entertain me!

Ooh, I think he asked a question!

Sharing The Workload

2006-03-20T19:18:00.000Z

Sharing The Workload
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

I've worked out the answer to my heavy workload. I need to share it out. So Joni, obviously offered her help. She's taken a look at the figures and has concluded that the numbers tell us the following; Year 11 results are Ga and Year 10 are Ca ca ca. Now I'm new to the job, but I think that's all positive! Next week she's doing a server upgrade! That's my girl!

Good Morning... Though not the best start!

2006-03-16T07:57:00.000Z

Good Morning... Though not the best start!
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

So this was the view awaiting me this morning. Now I like a challenge, but there's only about 4 inches either side. So now I'm waiting for my bastard neighbours to get their arses off to work!

I hope this isn't a sign of the day to come!

The Beach

2006-03-11T15:01:00.000Z

The Beach
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Sat 11/03/2006 14:09 The Beach This is us on Kessingland beach, in the snow! Not a little bit of snow you understand, but a lot! And it's very cold!

Check out the new office!

2006-03-06T14:39:00.000Z

Check out the new office!
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Mon 06/03/2006 14:35 Ooh shiny! Isn't it lovely? Busy day, more later!

First Day At (New) School

2006-03-06T08:23:00.000Z

First Day At (New) School
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Mon 06/03/2006 08:02 Smart So this is me all ready for my first day in the job... Looking strangely like I did on my first day a Kingsmead! I hope I enjoy it as much!

Working On The Chain Gang

2006-03-05T14:56:00.000Z

Working On The Chain Gang
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Sun 05/03/2006 14:46 Painting Princess Well Joni is safely off with Nanny, doing whatever it is that grandchildren do with their grandparents. While she's having fun we're here painting. This is Di putting the finishing touches to the wall. All good fun!

There would have been a picture of a new socket in the kitchen, but Di says that's too dull. All about priorities I guess!

Last Day

2006-03-03T10:16:00.000Z

A list of things I won’t miss:

The sound of servers

“Sir you broke my password”

“I was just sitting here pressing flowers when the computer broke itself”

Printer jams

“Can I plug my laptop in?”

“Can I have a laptop?”

“Can I have a new laptop?”

“Can I borrow a laptop?”

“Why can’t I plug my laptop in?”

“Why can’t I have a laptop?”

“Why can’t I have a new laptop?”

“Why can’t I borrow a laptop?”

A list of things I will miss:

The staff

The students

The sound of servers! (Hey it’s comforting)

It’s sad to be leaving but there are new things around the corner.

I'm Gonna Miss This Place!

2006-03-01T11:43:00.000Z

Well I think it’s finally hitting home. I only have 3 days left at Gladesmore! It’s a bit sad really; I’m definitely going to miss this place. It’s a great place to work, nice people and a generally nice atmosphere. Obviously I’m looking forward to the new challenge and meeting new people, but that doesn’t stop me missing these guys.

Maybe it’s the solvent cleaner I just used making me light headed, who knows?!? I suppose I should get on with some of that work I’ve got left to do!

Check Out The Pictures

2006-02-27T21:55:00.000Z

Check out the new pictures of Joni on my website.

The Amazing Back Tracking Husband

2006-02-27T21:12:00.000Z

Once upon a time there was a house in which 4 people lived. It was a happy house, full of laughter and intellectual conversation. Occasionally the inane chat was disrupted by the a discussion. Every now and then these discussions would become somewhat heated. Take for instance the curious topic of "Cabbage, Cabbage, Car"*. An innocent enough discussion you might think, but when you have two arrogant mathematicians in the household it can easily get messy!

Well here comes the crunch... On one hot summers day (It probably wasn't hot and it certainly wasn't summer, but I'm sprinkling some fairy dust here!) we were having a conversation about Lent. A certain young lady asked a simple question "How long is Lent this year?". Well as you can imagine the young arrogant scamps looked at each other and laughed... "Well we guess it's 40 days, it always is!"

"No, when I was young I gave up chocolate and it was definitely longer then 40 days!"

"But it runs Tuesday to Sunday... That's always the same amount of time. It can't change from year to year."

"What about leap years?"

"Still Tuesday to Sunday."

The conversation continued. Suffice to say it ended less than fantastically. Said lady thinks that said men thinks she's stupid. Said men are split down the middle, one knows his girlfriend is going to be upset, other probably doesn't mind too much but assumes he is right.

Well it's coming on to two Lents later... The young lady is married and has a gorgeous daughter. One of the men is married to that gorgeous lady. The other said man is curled up in shock trying to fathom out the meaning of this link.

The conclusion, in short, is this...

Diana... I am sorry. You were right.**

You see... I can say it. It took a lot of inane writing, but I said it. I almost feel better. Who'd have thought it - Lent, 44 days.

Would you like to reconsider giving up Crunchies now??? It's not just 40 days you know!

*Cabbage, Cabbage, car is another, very long, story! Ask Diana.

** I am unreservedly sorry, but in a way we were right, the length of Lent never changes. Why two post grad maths students couldn't count to 44 is however, beyond me!

The aftermath

2006-02-26T10:26:00.000Z

The aftermath
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Sun 26/02/2006 10:09 The aftermath So here's the aftermath. I don't know how well the mud will show on the picture, but it looks very cool in the flesh! Suppose I'll have to get it washed at some point.

Off Roading Baby

2006-02-25T17:21:00.000Z

Off Roading Baby
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Sat 25/02/2006 16:23 Off Roading I've discovered the ultimate reason for visiting the in laws. It's not the wonderful dinners, or the tea, or the breakfast in bed or even the wonderful company. The ultimate reason is the abundance of byways. Today I have done just two, both of which were fantastic!

I think I'll have spend a bit longer on them next time... Can't wait!

Family Day Out

2006-02-25T13:02:00.000Z

Family Day Out
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Sat 25/02/2006 12:55 Abbey gardens This is the André's, Rees' and Players at Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds. Doesn't it look like fun? Joni has had her first English Tea Room experience! More importantly I think my new baby might go off road later!

The House Is A Changing

2006-02-23T22:09:00.000Z

So the house hasn't changed dramatically recently. There was the excessive amount of work involved in the understairs* change and new fusebox, which is a lot of change, but that's been it for ages! Anyway, we have finally started moving again. Thanks to Ben and Joe there have been a few changes today... starting with the architrave and extending to the new lights in the kitchen. Hopefully we can get that floor back down soon and the house will be finished! Obviously getting the floor down will not be the last thing, but it might kick us into gear!

Well that's it for now, I'm pretty tired after all the house work. Hopefully we'll get some house pics up soon!

*Under the stairs is a bit of a confusing term as James Player explained; When Di asked him to put his coat in the cupboard under the stairs he looked at her, went quiet for a while then cocked his head to one side, before sympathetically explaining an undeniable truth... "But Aunty Narna, you haven't got any stairs!"**

** In James' defence I must say that the confusion occurs regularly; One day when Di was explaining to Neil that the cupboard under the stairs had been knocked through he too looked sideways and said "But you live in a flat! You don't have stairs!"***

*** To clear up the confusion let me explain, we live in a conversion... There are stairs to the people who live upstairs. There has to be stairs, otherwise their flat would be very difficult to get into! Hence they have stairs, but incidentally no cupboard under the stairs, and we have a cupboard under the stairs, though obviously no actual stairs! It sounds like a badly worded maths problem, along the lines of "As I was going to St Ives..."

The Big Sleep

2006-02-21T08:12:00.000Z

The Big Sleep
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Well at 6.30am this morning my alarm went off and I turned over. Slowly I realised I hadn't got up in the night to settle Joni. I was in fear for my life. Casually I turn to Di and venture0he question "did, erm, Joni, er, wake much in the night?". I left out the implied "'cos she didn't wake me!".

"EVERY HOUR!" comes the stern reply. Followed shortly by "nah, I'm only kidding, she hasn't woken at all!"

There are two lessons to learn here; firstly, Joni really is the best baby, because she's learnt to sleep for a long time! Secondly, if someone lives with me for long enough, they too will blur the boundaries between comedy and actual conversations! I must be a bugger to live with!

And the picture? Well that's just Joni showing her Daddy that she is getting bigger!

Lost and Found

2006-02-20T10:25:00.000Z

Lost and Found
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Sat 18/02/2006 17:50 Lost and found I promise this baby hasn't been abandoned! Doesn't she look grown up in her push chair though?

Widow Twankey

2006-02-06T16:33:00.000Z

Widow Twankey
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

This is me as Widow Twankey. This is the first night, so I need a little practice with the lip stick, but I'm sure I'll get there!

Thanks to all who came and watched, I had a blast. In fact I'm not really sure if a good Christian fella really should enjoy dressing up as a woman quite so much!

Thanks also to Di and Joni for their patience while I rehearsed. Oh well, guess I'll have to give the skirt back soon!

New Fusebox

2006-02-03T15:57:00.000Z

New Fusebox
Originally uploaded by Jasonthejoker.

Fri 03/02/2006 15:52 Beautiful new fusebox. It might not be the most exciting thing, but it means a lot to me. Thanks Ben and Joe.

I've Got a New Job

2006-02-02T00:37:00.000Z

Yep it’s true, I’ve got a new job! I’m going to miss Gladesmore dearly, but I have an opportunity that can’t be missed. I will now be moving into management! Yes, 24 and moving into management! I can’t really claim credit, it’s certainly an opportunity presented by God, for which I am very thankful.

My new role will be that of Data & Communications Manager at Lea Valley High School. It’s closer to home, pays more money and presents several new career challenges, not least of which is management of 4 staff. I will be starting in around a month and am thoroughly looking forward to it!

More news here soon.