Hard work and perseverance pays... We hope!

We are coming to the end of 2011 and what have we achieved and what is left to be done? For me and my Fiancee, this is year was about change, taking risk and compromise. Even when things looked bleak for the country and competition was rife out there, we still succeeded. Sometimes faith along with hard work pays off. Taking responsibility is key to success and this is where a lot of people fail. Far too many people expect the government to take full responsibility for the current economic climate and complain too quickly when things do not go according to plan. Far too many people complain about certain issues such as the countries deficit but when asked to take a cut themselves from lets say their pensions for the greater good of the country, they do not want to do this. They want the economy to get better but are not prepared to contribute. Very sad indeed!

For us as a couple, things are going well and continue to get better. However, there is always a feeling as I'm sure many feel, a risk of worsening economic climate. It's ironic to hear that the Greek government wishes to allow it's people to approve the recent 100bn euro bailout offered. It is clear that the government of Greece wants one thing and its people another. It's quite clear that without the people's will, no government can achieve its' goal. This is the very worrying thing and this is what will not make the bail-out work. It is a very gloomy outlook for the Euro and maybe for the EU.

Greece was offered a referendum on wether to accept the Bail out or not. The UK however was not offered a referendum to amend terms or to leave the EU. I can understand why a government would not want to risk a sensitive time in the Euro right now but it has fundamentally denied its people the opportunity to voice its preference and wish. This is not a clever move. Even seeing Nick Clegg vowing not to allow changes to the EU terms is suicide as currently his party is 8% of the UK vote in the poles. It seems a lot of minorities are shouting loudly at the moment and expect to get their way, Unions, protesters and even looters.

It's a difficult time for many but people need faith and to understand that you do not need to accept what happens around you in order to succeed. We proved this when both of us were facing redundancy and competition from many other unemployed people. Our own initiatives in succeeding with indirectly strengthen our economy. We don't need to solely rely on our government or certainly not Europe! ;)

Hot and Bright masking the Cold and Dreary?

I cannot help but feel I or we are in a middle of an equinox. On one hand there is positive energy fuelling inspiration and overcoming challenges and obstacles. On the other is the threat of destabilisation and anxiety. Am I talking about just me or everyone. I feel it's both.

It's been a challenging, inspiring and successful year so far for me. The circumstances of the general economy has made things much harder but has been a feel of real achievement because of it. Hard decisions had to made and compromises galore. I cannot tell you how many different choices I have had to make and adjust to get here.

It is nice and hot in London already and it is only 8am. It may break the 1985 record to become the hottest day on record. I will have to sleep through it as I've just finished a night shift, but hey! It always seems to be a nice day when other things are gloomy. It like someone trying to balance things out to make things easier.

Reality has it however that things may not be so bright soon. Economic wise, health wise and we could also be facing a heavy winter. Well only time will tell how we all deal with this. I know however that with bad comes the good so hang on in there!



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Location:Featherstone St,Islington,United Kingdom

A battering to the News Corp empire, So what?

So. Did anyone see this coming? Not really. News Corp, an empire with a reputation of being untouchable. News Corp had a lot going for it. It already until now missed potential damage and got away with it. It was ready to take over the remaining share of BSkyB to become an unstoppable force In the whole media world, in the UK at least. It says a lot when even an MP such as Vince Cable was ready to bring Murdoch down. Was it really that strange how he was exposed in expressing his personal aim and then shifted to another parliamentary sector? Hmm.

It was a massive risk for News Corp to take with the continuing hacking of individuals devices and voice mail at the time of great opportunities in convergence for the company and especially when it came close in 2003 to being found out. The newspapers are only 12% of revenue for the company so not really in business terms a risk worth taking.

So what now? It can only get worse as during the investigation process there is bound to be more scandalous practices. Did Rebekha know what was going on? Of course she did! How does a leader not think on where these remarkable leads were coming from for such sensitive and private information?? Quite clearly someone is protecting the escalation of the issue leading to the Murdocs themselves! let us not forget that the actual information supplied could have been state or national secrets, potentially risking the security of the country. Risking individuals lives such as the royals whereabouts!

Anyhow. I don't need to explain which way this will go. I would however say to think about the consequences this may have on other things such as the political landscape, the style of news papers to come and for the satellite tv and communication service sector. Will it be be better or did we really depend on Murdocs Empire to keep the industry innovating? One thing is clear. It has all changed from now on.

Whilst I worked for Ofcom, it was clear to me how sensitive it was to take on cases involving News Corp. Reducing the wholesale price of Sky movies for example took years of consulting and planning due to the fear of a legal revolt at the end of it. Will this be the case in the future? I hope not. No organisation should be able to apply such a pressure to a regulator. It gives them a clear and unfair advantage over other companies. Stifling competition which is only bad news to you, the consumer.

I didn't see any possibility in stopping the BSkyB takeover during this government. The Conservaties like Labour with the Unions need to be on News Corps side. To my relief of such revelations ( but not with what they actually did to the individuals ), the regulators and the government now does not need to fight as hard against News Corp. It is likely to be able to provide all the evidence it needs to justify its decisions. Remember also that News Corp has major shares on broadcasting, journalistic and communication sector in many parts of the world. Could this also spark a revolt that can change the landscape in those countries? Fox news in the USA is one of them and has a direct link with the Republican party, it has a heavily weighted influence over it.

A change is coming. I hope it is a good one!




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Location:London

Fairwell to the 20s!

So it's time for me to say goodbye to my 20s!

Many fear about the thought of turning 30. Not me! Many will even say that it is just a number and nothing changes. It's different for everyone so no-one is right or wrong. For me it is not a fear. For me it is a good way to help with closure. Out with the old, in with the new! A new chapter just like many see it with a new year, new home or a new job. A point in time to be able to reflect, on what's learned, on what's lost and what's gained.

My 20s felt like a strange time. How can I say this when I have not got a lot of comparison yet. Well, I'm just making what maybe a naive assumption that I've gone through a difficult, challenging and somewhat confusing time in my life.

I started my 20s at a very different place. I was in University, going through a boom in the economy and New Labour was in power. Steps, Britney Spears and generally Bubble pop was the only thing you heard, well me any way. It was a time where you were encouraged to take advantage of credit as it was virtually interest free and you didn't have to pay for music as you used Napster to download your music. Broadband was the next big thing and Poly Phonic Ring Tones was a must. These were the good times. Like anything that can be taken in abundance at first has a painful consequence to it in the end. It has a price!! The debt from all that credit to getting used to having those adventures and lifestyle depending on it soon came to a bitter end.

I found it hard to face reality towards the mid of my twenties as I didn't understand why I was "being punished" as I was actually only doing what others did and what my society encouraged me to do. It was a sour pill to swallow. I honestly felt hung over towards my mid-twenties that is only clearing up now. The biggest and most challenging aspects of my twenties came from debt, relationships, work and even health. Trying to deal with just one aspect alone can be quite daunting for anyone in their 20s. It's not likely that anyone in their 20s would have been prepared for it either.

I look back now on the last day of my twenties and don't look at it in a negative way. I am actually quite please and proud of the journey. Some adults will not face the challenges and hardships that I and many others I'm sure in their 20s have faced. To me that is a loss to them as I honestly feel that I was lucky to have learned from my mistakes at an early part of my life. These events will only make the path I chose to take from here on a challenge, an adventure and not a burden. I have still a lot to learn and experience I know but I end my twenties a more certain, stronger, calmer and happier individual than I did at the beginning of my twenties. I found London, a good Career path and most importantly my Fiancee!

So, goodbye to the 20s, it was an experience I will never forget! Let's see what challenges and adventures my 30s will bring! :)

Now the fun starts...

Many find living a budget quite a shock. Those things you took for granted not at your grasp whenever you want anymore. How will you live? Will u be happy? What happens when that new IPhone comes out?

The truth of the matter is that you can do it, more than you think. When you are forced to a budget you find that you can find things you can do without or find things you can still do but cheaper. At first it is a shock but it's even a more pleasant shock when you find out how much un-necessary things you are paying for and can do without. The key I think and have found so far is to put things in perspective and try to realise what really matters and what the priorities are. If you can afford them then you will be happy, even a sense of achievement if you accomplish it.

Many through the country like us are having to face the reality that a shrinking or slow growing economy translates to a not so better living standards for everyone. The important thing to remember is that this is not forever. Think of it as you riding the storm. At the end of any storm, as you know there is a calm and things settle down and the sun comes out. This is what will happen for you.

I am in that scenario now and have had to do the necessary cuts to allow us to ride that storm. I know however that once I am back at work I will be in a much better position. Most probably in the best position I have ever been in. So to me the challenge has it's rewards on the long run and that the short term pinch is exactly that, short term.

There are many things you can do even if you don't need to cut like I do. Simple things like shopping around for your utilities and bulk buying the food shopping. The biggest saving a working professional in an office like I did is to bring in a packed lunch. I used to spend £3.75 on a boots meal deal. I thought that was a bargain. Look at the following figures and see for yourselves that it wasn't really a good deal.

£3.75 x 5 days = £15
x 4 weeks = £60
x 12 weeks = £720

So that's £720 pounds a year. More than enough for an iPad!! You could easily halve that by making your own food.

Some other tips on getting the most from your pound.

If you have to buy the product, try to get it on-line. You can easily compare the prices using google's shopping search. You can also find tonnes of voucher / promotional codes that people post on the Internet that can often give you 10-20 % off. You can also get cash back for a lot of the purchases you make on-line. There are several on-line cash back companies but the best I found and the most reliable was www.topcashback.com. You can also try to collect nectar or club card points that can be converted to vouchers for all-sorts of purchases.

So there you have it. I can give tips for saving until the cows come in but I'm sure you'll find them as I did. Good luck with your savings and I'll keep u posted on my progress.

Good night ; )


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Location:Beckenham, London

A world without Osama Bin Laden, finally!

Many of us would had known of his death today. Many waiting for such a long time for something that seemed never to happen. I woke up to the the headlines this morning, not in shock but to a welcomed surprise. It did seem like all hope was lost to what seemed like a mammoth of a job. Almost 10 years but it finally happened!

It brought back a lot of memories. I was working like a few of my friends were in America during the run-up to the event. I can remember it quite clearly, even the emotions at the time. Working at Ocean City in Maryland. I remember when starting the 4 months adventure to pass the twin towers as we traveled with Greyhound to Ocean City. I remember thinking to myself that I will finally get to see you both in a few months time. Little did I know then that all I would see would be a skeleton of the Tin Towers as you see in the photograph above.

I was woken up to the disaster by my friends at the time in Vancouver, Canada a day after we arrived. I was woken up around 5 :30am and remember thinking that what I saw was a fantastic but sick movie that was going to come out. It took a while until the realisation that this was actually a terrorist attack. A shock that lasted not hours but months ahead.

Yes, I ended my trip in New york but to a totally devastated one. I remember seeing all the American flags around but it didn't have the normal sense of power feel to it but of clear sadness and anger. I took my camera out and tried to capture a story of what I felt and saw. A country, a world shaken by something so un-comprehensible.

Almost 10 years on.... A difficult time already for many countries already coping with the credit crunch and disasters that have already happened this year. However, a silver lining has appeared. Victory for America and hopefully some closure for the families that lost their loved ones to the senseless attack. A new dawn perhaps to prove that you need some faith to work through these times. Hopefully today will be a beginning of a revived hope for many .......

A nice break, just what is needed at times

Sometimes a break from the norm is just what is needed.

I left London a few days ago on the train with my partner to spend a few days with the family in Caernarfon. I have been working as much as I can on marketing myself, CV reconstructing etc and to see what's out there. A few jobs applications sent but it is a bit slow. It is what was expected if I am to use the same formula I have done in the past. However, I know that a new formula and approach is needed as there is little jobs and much more competition.

So, I went home for a little break before getting back to the what feels like a never ending job hunt. Luckily this break included good weather. It is normally miserable when I go home until the last day. It felt like Caernarfon tried its best to keep me away so I don't return for good. This time however, it had it's arms wide open to welcome us. The first day after traveling was spent walking from Caernarfon to a little village called Llandwrog. We walked almost 6 miles in perfect weather and was welcomed by my Nain (grandmother in Welsh) with a cup of tea and some homemade cakes. It was nice to catch up and felt good to have the exercise.

The following day which an even better, sunnier day, was spent walking up the side of Cwm Pen-Nant which ended quite high in the mountain ranges overseeing Snowdon. Many photos were taken. It is so easy to forget how beautiful the area and I couldn't believe how complacent I was as a youngster with so many adventures I could have taken. Well, this is all likely to change as I grow older. Of course there are many benefits living in a thriving city like London but the hidden treasures in North Wales cannot be matched. For me, it is much better having North Wales as a holiday and chill out spot than to live and work. Career wise for me would be very limit in N Wales. The many trees, marshes, lakes and caves were a magical time spent. Paul, my partner from London found it an experience and a half!!

By 11 pm however, I realised that I had left my windows 7 phone on top of the mountain. Not ideal!! Other's felt it was near impossible to find it now and just to claim a new one by insurance. I felt however it was possible to find it and a challenge I was more than up for! The next day we drove to the other side of the mountain and made our way up on the side. It was a hard walk up but o was driven by the determination to find the phone. We managed to get the top ( Paul and I ) and walked over the tops to reach where I sat and find the phone. Just near the spot where I sat I met an English couple who were enjoying the view. I told them I was looking for the phone in which they clearly didn't believe I could find it! Paul continued to talk to them as I looked around and in less than 2 minutes, I found the phone! Paul and the couple were amazed I found it!! Lying there just where I left if, no battery left. Mission accomplished!

That very same day Paige ( my niece ) had an egg hunt in the woods. I think the photos I took showed how magical those woods at Coed Helen are. We as children used to play there all the time. Many happy memories!
We had a barbecue later which we obviously appreciated after the work Odense climbing the mountains.

So that's it. Today we're on the direct train to London. Paul is asleep next to me and I'm obviously typing away this blog. Back home soon and getting ready to find that dream job and to move home in a few weeks time.

Hwyl am y tro!




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Location:On the train back to London

What now?…….

 

It has almost been a week since I returned to London from Sydney. It’s a bizarre feeling! Trying to click from Holiday mode to Work mode has not been automatic and it is a very confusing situation. I had a fantastic time and the 5 weeks has ignited the flame I needed to help with the next challenge in my life, moving on to a new career and building a new life for me and my fiancée. The tan may be fading but the memories are not and luckily I came to the breaking of Spring in the UK with nice warm weather to help me adapt.

What next?

The good thing about my return is that I am kept busy. Challenges await and need to be faced. The next career step will not be an easy one but it is certainly not impossible. It is a time of cuts, competitiveness especially the public sector which I left. Do I continue with the path I took? Do I stay in the Public Sector?

Stage 1 – Read, Read, Read

The first stage is to learn and read as much as I can. It has been almost 8 years in one sector so it is more than likely that it has taken it’s toll on my confidence, identity and my ideology. It is time to wipe the slate clean and start all over but not forgetting the positive ( even the no-go negatives ) experiences and skills that have been learned and gained.

The first stage is to re-discover me and figure out my personality type. Some of this may have come apparent with my last work and discovered whilst on holiday but this is the first stage to help with knowing where to place my energy and what type of work with bring out the best in me.

                          

The first book is “Do what you are” which is a book about Personality Types. I have just completed it and would highly recommend it, even if you are not looking for work it may just help you spice up your current work. It helps you recognise your strengths, your weaknesses, preferences and explain why you do the things you do. There’s no right or wrong here. If you don’t embrace how you are it can limit progress and cause frustration and stress. Developing and balancing your strengths and weaknesses will help you thrive at work and make you in the end, much happier at work! Have a go! My code was ENFP. After you read the book you will understand!

            

The next two books focuses on mental strengthening and of course, the reconstruction of your CV, Cover letters, Interview Skills and Networking. The two books above, Coaching yourself to a New Career and Job Hunting and Career Change for Dummies are ideal in preparing yourself in your Career hunting project. I will be starting on these books early next week which should put me in a strong position to start the next stage, Searching and Applying. Interview skills and competency tests will be the third stage, these do not need to be dealt with at the early stages.

So, that’s the plan! Follow me to see how it turns out. It could be successful or a complete flop but the important thing it to keep positive, focused and to enjoy the challenge!!

Hot hot hot!

So it less than a week until I return to the UK! Times has flown but I feel I have plenty of stories to tell, plenty of photos and plenty of videos!

Today I am at Surfers Paradise, not too far from the Gold Coast. I'm spending the weekend here with Kirsty Barrow. She used to work with me at Ofcom and returned here not too long ago. She's been great but I think she is not happy today as I think she caught my cold that Melbourne kindly gave me!

I came to the beach about 10 am and been here since. Don't think I can take anymore of the sun, it is well hot! Any more and I'm sure I'll get heat stroke!! There's hardly a cloud in the sky and it is blue and crisp. Loads of palm trees about but it does have a British holiday resort feel here like they do in Spain. I wouldn't say it was as bad as that though! Lol

I'm just at the Surfers Beach cafe and take away now and just had a big breakfast without the bread! Ready for the rest of the day now. A few more photos and videos would be could. I might even attempt to go up the Q1. Kirsty is at work until 3 and it's 2:45pm now so plenty of time to kill.

The people here are a bit different to Sydney. They seem a lot less confident and there's much more tourists about. It's like people can't believe it is so sunny and not sure wether they should sunbathe or not! Very strange!

OK, better get off this now and make the most of my last few hours at the Gold Coast!

Ciao!


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Location:Cavill Ave,Surfers Paradise,Australia

Sydney so far.....

Well, I'm rolling into my third week in Sydney. Time is flying but it also feels a lot has happened.

The first two weeks was about getting to grips with the place. A lot of walking, a lot of sunbathing. Having time to work out and eat healthy too! You might think why? You're on holiday!! It's not like that here. It is soooo easy to be healthier and fitter. You stand out if you don't. That's true to Sydney so it could be different at other places.

The first day I arrived at Sydney was wet. Quite funny really as I had left a very wet Heathrow. The big difference though was the temperature and humidity. You really don't mind if it rains here, it's actually quite refreshing and many people don't bother using an umbrella, except me thought! Lol















Everything seems to be in walking distance here. A good thing really as the transport system is a bit behind London standards. Never thought I would hear myself say that. It is a good system never the less and has some stunning views as is goes over Sydney Harbour Bridge seeing The Opera House and the city as you enter the central area. The city is very clean and very well planned. I cannot believe the amount of good shops they have and in abundance. The Australian staff are very friendly in the shops but are a little indifferent in the restaurants. I've been told this is down to being paid well and not working for tips. No incentive to go that extra mile!! Lol

Beaches are excellent and quite unique here. I've only visited two, Bondi and Coogee. I have a few to visit before my trip ends. The beaches are surrounded by good facilities. Washing and hydration free and easily accessible. The waves are crazy at times and very spectacular. Many suffers are here and it looks very cool!!

So far, I have taken limited photos in terms of variation but this will change as I get to know where everything is. This week will definitely be the one that has more variation.

Clubs and pubs I have no idea yet but again this will change soon.

So there we have it. The first few weeks in a nuts shell. Many activities planned including The Gold Coast so watch this space. This place has character, the weather is amazing. It is a very addictive city!! Let's see where this adventure goes next ; )
















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Location:Albion Ave,Paddington,Australia

Coogee Beach

Day 5.

So I am lying on the beach writing this blog. 32 c , loads of people having fun all around. Sun is shining and the sounds of the waves intense! Andrew and Katy and their friend are cracking the waves. It'll be my turn shortly, some sun bathing first to condition my skin : )

Andrew does not like sunbathing so he thought he'd kick loads of sand on my chest to try and encourage me to get into the sea. Nope! I'm staying here for a bit. : )

There are loads of topless girls around, strangely has no impact on me! The lifeguards however are hot as hell!

Right, down goes the iPad! Sea here I come! Ciao!! X


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Location:Arden St,Coogee,Australia

Sitting down in SushiRoll

Let's get this out straight away my feet are killing!! Lol. I am not used to this much walking but can't help it with this beautiful weather and lovely city.

I went to Hyde park today, yes you heard! Hyde Park. No, I haven't teleported back to London. It is not like Hyde Park in the London. This one is tiny but very quaint. Loads of lush trees that embark over the path ways. It feels very magical when you walk down the path, very relaxing!

There was a very respectable war memorial building at the entrance of the park. At the end is a very quaint water fall. You'll see what I'm taking about when I upload the photos.

Once you venture back into the concrete jungle you get to Liverpool street. The tall sky scrapers like buildings puts you in an ore. The buildings are very clean and the shops spotless. And almost everyone u pass is super fit. It really makes you want to be healthy. It also not expensive unlike home to be healthy. I have worked out every morning with an intense work out just to try to catch up with them, lol.

Right now I am in SushiRoll. I had a crab sushi sandwich which was just lush! Again you'll see the photo soon. It was full of colours and taste, yummy! Green tea to finish it off. At this rate you'd think I was in Asia! Well, give me a chance. I'll have to see what the delicacy of Australia. Kangaroo balls?? Eww!! Lol


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Location:Liverpool St,Sydney,Australia

Left Hong Kong ..... now entering New South Wales

What a journey?!

I have no idea how my elderly parents managed to do this journey. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving it but on a long journey like this you REALLY need to have some sleep! I find it hard, unlike some to sleep in a seat. I do envy those who are able to sleep flat on business class but I do not envy the price tag!

Landing in Hong Kong was strange for me. I am used to the Western feel of varying countries. The first thing I noticed landing in Hong Kong was the mountains to the side. They did not look like our mountains! Lol. Very strange but true. Ours look quite rugged even butch compared to theirs. Theirs look like they we shaped to their own taste, they actually look oriental. They actually looked like what they do on films. I always thought in films that they just CGI'd it or something. It looked very magical. It was very misty outside but China is as I've been told to suffer from pollution or it could just be their type of climate. Very strange as I thought it would be more like that in the summer not winter.

So.. I think I managed to cheat the Jet lag!! I didn't sleep to Hong Kong. I deliberately had as much sleep as possible when it became midnight Sydney time. Hopefully when I land there in an hour I won't feel the desperate need to sleep!!

Andrew (My brother) and Katy (His girlfriend) will be picking me up from the airport and dropping me at theirs. A quick shower and clean up then to the shops I think. My headphone socket decided to break again and I'm sure there is no AKG stockists around Sydney. : (. Sunglasses and a micro chip for my iPad. Did u really think an ex-Ofcom worker would be ditching his IPad due to roaming charges!! ; )

Not long now .... let the adventure begin : )


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Location:Flying over Queens Land

On the way.....

It's 2:38am UK time and I'm not tired at all. Most of premium economy troops are asleep and it is a very weird environment to be in. Very peaceful, dark but 80s club lighting kinda ambience. All I can hear is the roaring of the jet engines. I could easily put in ear plugs but that would just take away the experience which I should be sponging in.

So I'm here sitting near the isle, no fear of needing to wake anyone up to go to the toilet and feeling very independent. I've just paused "the social network" film. I guess that this is why I'm writing this blog. Inspiration if you like.

Those moments of leaving London edging further and further away. Those emotions of leaving your loved one calming and the excitement of what your ready to face ever increasing.

Emotions are strange things. They can be wonderful and evil at the same time. In Time terms however it can be very distracting. The emotions of worrying about getting your tickets without problems clouding the reality that you are just minutes of saying goodbye to your loved one and not going to see them for a while. The moment that ticket is in your hand and the baggage is handed it in the feeling dawns on you like a bombshell! A hug and a kiss and the walking away. The last wave and then in a split second they're gone. Reality sinks in.

YOU are going on an adventure of a lifetime!!




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Location:Russia.... Somewhere.....