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Showing posts from 2010

Outnessness

Thought I would write about the way things went. Started the project for the cafe a while back, thought of ways of getting the community on board and went along some strange avenues to make it happen. Eventually a meeting was held , all kinds of folks were there discussing what to do for the youth of the town. My suggestion of a community based, managed and run coffee shop and Internet cafe went down very well. Over the next few months plans and ideas were put forward along with a suggestion that an old building in town be used for the venture - The Old Blue Coat School. That was it, it was decided the venue would be great and funding for renovation could be found. Another meeting - all the ideas were pooled together, I had the task of finding info for the business plan and was asked to put together a document of what the vision for the place was.... This I did.. A point came in the meeting were attentions were turned and I was asked what my intentions were.. Are yo...

Reading Arts : Felix Dexter - Multiple Personalities in Person

Reading Arts : Felix Dexter - Multiple Personalities in Person : "Concert Hall Felix Dexter - Multiple Personalities in Person Wednesday 13 October, 8pm Part of Reading Comedy Festival 2010 Critically acclaimed for his characters and performance on BBC 2's ‘Bellamy's People’ and the star of Radio 4’s ‘Down The Line’ Felix Dexter returns to Reading with his new stand-up and character show. '...the audience doubled over with tears in their eyes' - Observer 'Excellent explosive and exhilarating performer' - Guardian"

At Victoria and Albert

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This dude had a funny nose, I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate me saying that though.

Caffé Connect Over

Plans for an internet cafe in the Broadway at Thatcham have been thwarted at the final hurdle THATCHAM'S chances of having an internet cafe in the town centre have been thwarted at the final hurdle. Paul Bullock, of Park Avenue, was given planning approval just this month for an internet cafe which was going to be located in the Broadway at the redundant Samson and George estate agents building which closed down several years ago. However, just before renovation works were due to take place, the landlord of the building pulled out saying he was going to proceed with another company which was purely retail use. Now, Mr Bullock, who was hoping to have the internet cafe up and running by early November, has said that his dream of turning the building into community project was over. He said: "I feel quite let down. "I have wasted money on the application and fees on other things as well such as a consultant. "Maybe I should have signed the lease without planning permis...

Hills Killer

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The results are in, 4:56:14. 2010 Hills Killer Challenge. It was windy up on them there hills this year. A great ride out and a great weekend once again with my mate Terry. The fifth year of the doing the ride. The sun always shines. We tried Zorbing .. I feel sick thinking of it. Great fun even though you feel sick whilst doing it. I was sick! apparently the first and only to be sick since they had began. I doubt that though. Nothing to do with drinking a few pints the night before either. The game of scrabble is still a bone of contention between me and my sister. We play once a year on the 23rd December on a Gin night. Called Gin night because of the copious amounts of the stuff we drink in one night. Usually I never touch the stuff. Anyways, Scrabble! We thought we would give it a go with Terry playing too, I was way out there in the lead... :-) At least I was until Kay won with a sneaky score I helped her get. Doh ! Why did I open my mouth. Next year on Killers weekend we shall n...

Unconditional Love

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That's what the 'Hebron Dragon Slayer' gave us all. A hole has been left by our Sher Pei, Charlie. Rest in peace Charlie Boy. He died from lymphoma, cancer this morning. Eight years old, he would have been on 29th September - a great friend. Snored like a trooper and always sneezed boogers at me. He will be sadly missed by us all... He had a difficult life, setting records for pet insurance claims at his first vets. He had breathing problems, eye problems, ear problems and all sorts of allergies. After we had got him we found out that the Sher Pei bread have had recommendations from vets to be out bred. They are born deformed, some more than others but all a man made batch of animal cruelty. Don't get me wrong, Charlie was a great dog. It was such a shame for him - his ears were sewn up, two face lifts and his eye lids were removed. Made him snore, snort you with snot and cover you in slobber, lovely. Enough of the bad things about his breed. There are lots of good thi...

Lost Prophets

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It's began, Reading Fest - soooo cool...

Difficult day

Woke up feeling ill, interview at 10.30 on the Island. Didn't do too well, missing some core skills. We shall see the outcome next week. Good side though, Reading Music festival next. Guns N Roses tonight :-)

South Downs Done 2010

Was a rainy start making things a little damp... Oh no, is it gonna rain all day? of course not :-) Morning was mild, little bit of rain at lunch then glorious sunshine. It was ace. We had an early start, 5:30ish to get on our bikes at about half six. It was knackering - had Terry with me this year, someone to chat to on the way round.. Happy Days Next year we'll be back, raised a bit for the heart foundation and burnt out our legs for a few days. I've made a promise to myself to maintain the cycling through the winter this year, it's been a hard slog to get over this years winter. I put weight on that I can't get shot of.. Oh well keep on plodding on... The Hills Killer is September. Bring it on!

Friday

Job application online today. Return to work Monday after a slow time on the contract.

Camp 102 new tent

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Well nearly new tent, finally got it put up after trying it inside out, doh! Good ride here, a few mistakes on the final leg where we went into a private prep school instead of down a bridle way. Weather is good. No noise after 10, you have been told... Time for me to chill out, I've been so wound up the past few days- constantly having to say sorry to the folks I upset, that's everyone. I don't know what's up with me. I should pray, stillness may be the way to find the answer... God bless

Thought I would share this website with you...

Hi Hope you're enjoying the sun, rain, sun, sun, rain, sun today J I've been using this site for a while and today they clocked 2 billion minutes with reading the bible. I find it really great - maybe you will too... It's all free and you can load it on your phone too (that's me) http://www.youversion.com/ happy days... Paul.

South Downs - Ride to fix broken hearts...

It's here, I'm in not so tip top condition, but I'm gonna do it anyway. 65 miles on the South Downs to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.. Please sponsor me! That's because it's a really good cause and the clever research blokes are going to make a real difference to the lives of those living with heart problems. Folks who have lost a loved one from heart attack, stroke and all those other heart problem thingies... I once knew a boy who lost his Dad from an unexpected heart attack... His life took a long time to get good again... He lost friends, family, respect and made some pretty bad decisions... He needed his Dad to be with him... I feel a bit naughty.... that's my entire address book ;-) Lots of Love,  God Bless Paul original.justgiving.com/paulbullock2010

Blondie

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Please, please girl no new stuff... You're good as you are...

Biffy

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AaaaargghHhh Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Crowded House

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It's only natural. It's bow time ... Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Festival Day 2

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Paloma Faith... Wow they're loud. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

New York

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Inspire you ... Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

JayZ

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What's uup??? Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Still florence..

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:-) Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Florence and the machine intro

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Who are they? I dunno, tell you later.... Happy bow time :-) Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

oh yes, it's here.

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On the way to the festival on The Isle of Wight. Here goes for a third year... Happy days....

Good morning at Camp 101

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Well, that was not too bad after all. A bit damp this morning from the condensation of three of us. Was good, we all slept well and woke at 9, so we even got a lie in. After wash and toilet time, coffee, lots of it. Josh needs to do his water run. ;-) The sun is shining and warming us up. Breakfast is Pot Noodle and the remains of the bread, we'll pack after that and go for a ride, the long way home. Shhh don't tell the boys. Missing church this morning, looks like the Lord is here right now, the sun is glorious. Amen Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Teatime done at Camp 101

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Well that was good, sausage, bacon and boiled eggs followed by Tiramasu or Trifle or Yoghurt. I had the Tiramasu option, yum. Sitting back now relaxing with home made indian pale ale. Ben is chilling and Josh is playing with the kids down the field - the neighbours. I must say, the caravan folks up the field all fence them selves away from us in tents - each other too though. I don't get that! It's still a good way to spend some time. Very happy and relaxed. Shame Michelle didn't come! Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Camp site

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Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Base Camp 101

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Our first camping trip with the bikes. Josh has never camped, let's see how this goes, so far so good. He's towing the trailer for the water run and has already made the tea, he's cooking on the BBQ next. Looking forward to this, weather is great, it's quiet and beautiful. What a great way to spend an afternoon. I'll let you know how the night goes. Father, son's and the great outdoors. Off exploring ... Ben is building something ... Err what the ..... Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Getting Married

It's happening.. I need to sit back and tell myself that.. Sitting here at VM DMC being at the beck and call of a manager, I 'm waiting for some good working instructions on what he wants me to do.. All he need do is say and I'll get on. I'm quite capable at this Cable TV stuff. Anyways, killing some time while I'm waiting I'll drop some thoughts into the blog. A lot is happening and things are getting a little scary but, very exciting. Really - Very exciting... pBullox Ltd is setup and is embarking on it's first venture. An internet cafe and coffee shop, (see many previous posts) The premises is found and the lease is being sorted by the solicitors, I really want to get the keys by my Birthday. It's a big ask - who cares, waiting is a waste. We have some equipment and bags of ideas, the legal stuff will be got through and by the end of July we should be feeding, drinking and connecting... wow a slogan has just been born. The name of the internet cafe an...

Belfast day...

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Ferry across the Mersey... On my way to Belfast. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Goodbye number 3

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The day had to come I suppose. A sad day, my motorbike had to go. I just didn't use it as much I should. The pedals call me more than the revs. A nice guy bought it- I think he'll have fun. I'll wait til my mid life crisis to happen before I get another. Then again, I think I had my crisis when I bought no3. Happy days, life goes on so, Goodbye number 3... Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

AMAZING LOVE

Midlands, but more important Telford.

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Pictures from our weekend in the Midlands seeing friends. Had a good ride out around Telford and down to the Ironbridge. It's been a long time since I'd been there. Last time was with Toby hiding away from the work at the Caf e near the bridge. Happy days... Was good to see Jo, Chris and the family.. looking forward to July... Did you know the sun always shines in Telford? I'd write more but have been told to "Come Here" by her in doors.. Out :-)

National Day

Yippee...

Happy Easter

Again

Not sure if this is the right decision but I think I owe it to all to give it a go. The boy has done a runner again – he was grounded for not eating his vegetables at tea time, or so he says. Actually he was treating folks in the house with contempt and rudeness. So, he was grounded. That’s neither here or there though. He didn’t come home last night and refuses to do so. The Police were called as usual and they did there thing. Today (Saturday) they spoke to him and called Michelle. They said to her maybe she reconsiders the grounding and maybe he will come home, right now he’s not returning. This is the seventh or eighth time this has happened and things have gone too far. The last time this happened I spoke to him and asked him to make a decision to stay and live by the house rules or leave. I have reminded him of the agreement and it has worked until now. It appears when he can’t have his own way he rebels and, pardon the French... gives us a good slagging. This time it’s differen...

Lent

Lent

South Downs 2010

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It's back, I'm back... For yet another South Downs challenge. This will be my third year attempting the ride. The past two have had their own set of problems. Back in 2007 I couldn't compete because of my heart condition was giving me problems. 2008 bought pain, suffering because someone didn't train enough... ! doh! Finally 2009 was good, I made it - Just about. Crashed on the hill down into Queen Elizabeth park.. Ouch! The bike was smashed - crank smashed, Me smashed... Never mind. This Year I have a new bike, a new drive to get this done faster and more efficient. I mean no crashes. I'm soo looking forward to it. It's one of the best weekends in the year. My beautiful wife becomes my roady... A real team effort. Partners in crime will not go a miss. If you fancy it come on, sign up... It's a great place and a great ride. Plus you get the added bonus of raising money for the (IMHO) number one charity in the uk. Back to the blurb.... Come On! Sponsor...

Offer accepted

I sent my offer for a business on Sunday night. It was accepted today. Cafe Piazza in a new build are of Reading. An up and coming community centered Coffee and Sandwich shop. Over the next few weeks I will get the legals signed off and things put together. This place has potential to build and become great. I'm thinking of a charity to support and going fair trade. Plans, plans, plans - now I'll be in a position of more knowledge to help out with the internet cafe project in Thatcham. Defining moments are like intersections in our lives - they give us an opportunity to turn, change direction, and seek a new destination. They present options and opportunities. In these moments, we must choose. And the choice we make will define us! " (UCB Word for today 22nd Feb 2010)

On my Travels 4

I made it. (430 miles from home) Scotland is a very beautiful place. Hills and Mountains with snow on top. Ace. I'm in the premier lodge over looking some water. It's connected to the sea, not sure which sea though! :-) probably the North Sea. I'm looking forward to seeing a bit of Edinburgh. Work tonight at 12:00. Get that over and done with as quick as me thinks... Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

On my Travels 3

And then there be men is skirts. I'm in Scotland! KFC has smaller portions... What the !?! :-) 88 miles to go.. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

On my Travels 2

Ten miles past Blackpool turning. The Lake and it's raining ;-) Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

On my Travels

I'm going past Wolverhampton. Ay iy, gooin to Scotland. Heading for Edinburgh.

Look at the Island

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Here I am once again going to the island to look for business opportunities. Not too sure it's right for the plan but what the heck. Give it a go with nothing to lose. I may check in later. Just killing boring ferry time. I was asked if I could prove finance today. Would cash do? ;-) Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Meet No 4

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Trek 8000 First hardtail I've owned. What a bike! Weighs 21Lb and absolutley flies. Up hills is so much easier than the Giant, not too sure about the light weight inner tubes though, punctured at 3 miles. Happy Days... South Downs here we come... :-)

Cafe Latte

Hi me dear,   The Lord has spoken!   Cafe Latte is going to be sold. Not yet - they are dealing with paper work. However, this means I can't take the place on. Brenda has signed it over to her daughter and she will be selling up... A mortgage was never part of the plan - it may be in the future but not yet.   The search will continue... The cake stand will find a home. Will the Island be part of them... I don't know. I'd like to think so.   Chin up.. (I'm talking to myself now can you tell?)   See you soon... Love, Paul

Hi, I'm home

What a welcome! Back from a week working away waiting for 'er in doors to get back. The door opens, in runs the boy... "hello daddy, how are you?" and gives me a big hug. Behind him I hear " hello, WHERE ARE THE DOGS". "Outside" I say. I put them outside because they're suffering with stinking mut sindrome. When I walked in today the hall was the first room stinking, then I open the kitchen door and 'oh Boy' minging! What else can you do to get shut of the stink. I put the dogs out with their carpets to run in the fresh air, then mopped the floor and cleaned up with some nice smelling stuff. Now, I don't know what I did wrong. I go in the kitchen and there she is loving the dogs... I should know where I stand eh! What a great home coming, I had such big ideas of happiness and all that soppy stuff, I thought I had got my head clear after some time away. Maybe I have. I've not kicked off even though I've been treated with such c...

Choices

Trying to plan the next steps is proving somewhat difficult. I made the leap to leave the cable company – the only thing I really know. Now, I am faced with decisions for the future that are the right ones for the plan. The life plan that is. I suppose I'm writing this to do the usual and empty my head of thoughts. Thing is, this is really a prayer. I'm looking for help with some decisions because I'm really struggling. It's all very exciting but scary at the same time. I have these moments of clarity within the mess that is my brain but, straight away these fill with doubts and worries.  Father, put me right? I know I shouldn't worry, you have got my back. I know I should walk through this with you and listen to what you tell me. It's all so hard though. I need my mind to quiet and to have some real direction. I know you'll help me make the right decisions for us all. Café Latte has been on the phone, I reckon she was thinking on her fee...

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Getting on with the year...

Well that's my first week of unemployment over and done with. Woke up this morning wanting to go out to town - with no buses and only having a motorbike or broken push bike to choose from, I felt quite stuck. The car has gone back to the fleet people and the job has just, well, gone. What to do? How do folks get on with unemployment? I'm bored. Have just cleared the snow on the drive, the neighbours drive, the footpaths and the road. It gave me something to do for an hour. I've been waiting to hear from some guys about doing some contract work down in Reading. This has been delayed, whilst that's delayed I have been offered more work to get me going. I took it whilst the chance was there. So, unemployment has ended. I've now got the work to keep me going whilst I sort the plans for the cafe. I'm still undecided on where, what and when. It should come clear this week after a steering group meeting. The venture will either fit my ideals or will fit and not be in ...

British Heart Foundation - View Event

British Heart Foundation - View Event : "65 miles off-road demanding rideKnown to many as the toughest off-road bike ride in the UK, the South Downs Way Randonnée is not to be missed in 2010!What’s the route? The 65 miles starts at Winchester and finishes at Devil's Dyke Brighton. On finishing all bikers will receive a medal and a free t-shirt.Anybody that loves off-road biking and wants to push themselves and achieve that feeling of triumph, has to apply for this year’s ride! Perhaps you’ve done the 65 miles before and want to beat your personal challenge or you did the 35 miles in 2009 and want to step up in 2010, whatever your reasons don’t miss out on this superb tough ride.Anything else I need to know? • This ride is only suitable for experienced off-road bikers. • There will be opportunities on route to fill water bottles and to buy food and drink. • Numbers are restricted so we strongly recommend you pre-register before the event to save disappointment. • Minimum age 18...