2009 The End

What a ride! This has been the strangest year I think I’ve ever had. Lots of things changing – some for the good some for the… well, I don’t know. The year began a bit cold with some bits of snow here and there as usual. I had agreed to take on a new team at work alongside my existing responsibilities. It was quite a challenge but got to meet some new guys and see lots of new sites. After a few weeks changing and fixing process events started to get better for all and the work became manageable. This was when I was asked to step in as acting manager of South London. Off I went taking care of things in London with the engineers there. That was until we were placed at risk of redundancy back on June 4^th. This opened up a new can of worms for me thinking about the future and the vision that’s with me for the café. (Sublime)

Most my time from here was about considering what to do next. I have researched and visited so many places – attended seminars talked to so many people but finally made a decision in December to go with the redundancy and chase the vision. I have so many people in the community behind me and there are lots interested in taking part and making this happen. The council, youth forums and lots of interested Joe’s around town. My next decision about this is where? Where will it be? In Thatcham or on the Isle of Wight? That’s one question I’m struggling with. I ask God and I know he’ll guide me along the path. 2010 looks to be an interesting and exciting year on the Café front.

I can’t wait for things to get going. January should bring some key seminars and meetings to help me decide. When I finally listen to the Lord the answer should be put my way. I’m kind of struggling listening in to what he has to say at the moment – this can be fixed though. I’ll leave this here because that’s next year J

June bought the festival again, a great time had by all, although we missed a bit more of it than we should have. The group was slightly different this year that bought it’s own tensions. (couples not getting on etc.. I’ll leave it there) This year though the Friday night was blinding, we were a bit drunk to say the least – we had, had a few too many. I think I was in a worst state than my man though – he can hold his drink. We also had a new member to our merry band of IOW festival goers. Jenny – she’s cool.

I entered a competition at work and managed to win some VIP tickets to the V fest – so Michelle and I went along and had a great time, got to spend some time in the Mids seeing the family too. Michelle got drunk, I was sober and the geezer on the bus was a nightmare! “ yow mus be avin a laff” after every other word. Yam Yam!

Cycling this year started out great. Me with Terry took on the journey called the Thatcham to Tipton. It turned out to be the Thatcham to Redditch, but that was inevitable. What a ride though. I’m getting all fuzzy inside thinking about it. The weather was great, sunshine on both days. We started off on the Kennet and Avon canal in Thatcham and made our way along the Thames to the Oxford canal. The entire route with no map, just a GPS to guide us – the route on the Thames was hard with about seven million gates! No! eight million. A lot anyways. We crossed crown land, country paths, bridle ways paths and fields, seeing the best of the British country side. We made a stop over for a night in a small town off the Oxford canal. Stayed in a B&B that was run by an old couple, a farmer and his wife. The second day I felt a little worse for ware, my ass was grass. We plodded on to Morrison’s for food then hit the cycle routes through to Stratford then Redditch. The two days were brilliant, there was pain and suffering to the physical form but the achievement and time out with my Terry was the best. It’s one of those things you do in life that will stay with you. I really enjoyed the day at Terry’s house afterwards too, we taking Bethany to Morrisons for breakfast cool! Don’t know why but the theme tune to Wallace and Grommit just came to mindJ

July bought the South Downs again. I crashed and smashed my bike, cut and grazed I carried on. Michelle met me at half way with food and drink. When I was there the ambulance guys thought I needed attention because I was covered in blood. It wasn’t that bad though the sweat made it look worse. The ride was good, slightly different route with some de tours. I didn’t need the same amount of help as I did last year, I was better prepared. I did however help a guy fix his chain so he could continue the ride. My turn to do a good turn you see. Septembers Hills Killer was different too, Terry couldn’t make it. He stayed home with Samantha. Well, she was expecting their new baby after all. It seemed strange doing the ride on my own, never did it before.

All in all the year has been really wonderful year, so many things have happened and we have done so much. I’ve just realised too much to keep typing here. The tea’s cooking and needs my attention, it’s new years eve and the sisters are due at any time.

The climate is changing and the situation and interest in the issue of global warming is wavering, after the shaky deal in Copenhagen this year things need to change. The wave protest that Josh and I marched on in London may be repeated. If it is, we’ll be there. Trying to save the world… See, you too - can be a super hero…

What a special time this year has been though, I became more involved with the church and house groups, made new friends, new colleagues and am venturing into the unknown and a new career and direction for my life. Here’s to hoping 2010 will bring success in the ventures of me, my family, friends and community.
With Gods love amongst us it will. Have a happy new year.
God Bless..