The latest news from Ross Brunton http://www.brunton.name Copyright Brunton.name en-GB http://www.brunton.name/img/RSS-header-small.jpg http://www.brunton.name well...this will be a first, if this works, I will have my first and very own weblog! You'll have to let me know if you actually read this! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=1 http://www.brunton.name&guid=872941 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:05:03 GMT Well, I've managed to get this blog to do something! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=2 http://www.brunton.name&guid=191467 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:05:03 GMT well, you guessed it, I'm just testing this blog thing again now that I've got the speech bubbles in place too. We've jut put a blackout blind up in the bedroom so, all being well...a lie in is called for tomorrow! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=3 http://www.brunton.name&guid=633858 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:05:03 GMT Don't you just hate it when things go wrong? I've had this glitch for ages now with my iMac G4 whereby the mouse didn't work any time unless I was logged in, in safe-mode. Safe mode takes an eternity to load on that thing so I didn't wanna do that for long. Anyway, to cut a long story short, it started working, perfect timing too because I just got a virus on my PC! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=4 http://www.brunton.name&guid=159399 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:05:03 GMT God damnit! I've just been and set up my new PC, bought everything new for xmas and made it ready for Vista. Just got it running nicely and one of our friends sends an email fretting that she can't watch DVD's. I had a copy of PowerDVD so I did a copy for her to send in the post, or I would have done but Nero 7 expired. All I did was click into a forum and what happened? Bloody dialers, virus, torjan, everything, spent all night fixing it! Miraculously though, the problem with my Mac fixed itself at the same time, bargain! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=5 http://www.brunton.name&guid=266287 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:05:03 GMT Guess what...no, you'll never guess...My arms are growing again! I had begun to give up on my body building but Jake measured my arms today and they've grown! The last time I checked, they were 15.75" and now theyre 16.25"!! Thats incredible..OK, you're saying 'wow, half an inch', but it means a lot to me and it means I am still growing so...watch this space and stay with me on this, Ill post some pictures up in the gallery when I take some decent pictures! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=6 http://www.brunton.name&guid=745804 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:05:03 GMT Good god! It's not much to ask surely that when you ring a customer service snumber, someone might actually be able to help answer a simple question about logging into the website...NO, they cant! It took me 5 phone calls and as much patience as I could summon to get to the right person, turns out, their database is screwed! Sorted anyway. Finally! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=7 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=851575 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:05:03 GMT Sorry guys, it took me a while to work out how to integrate the RSS feed from my intial blog into my existing database. I've done it now anyway and you should find the blog now contains the r most recent entries and the RSS feed should display it all in it's entirity. I tell ya what though, that RSS validation thing is no mean feat! Tell me if I've done it wrong though OK? http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=8 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=586329 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:52:50 GMT Well...trying to get this sodding blog to work via RSS is proving to be a royal pain in the ass! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=9 http://www.brunton.name&guid=464132 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:46:51 GMT This is it! The feed is working and my blog is on-going! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=10 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=535475 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:04:49 GMT Guys, let me know if you think you would like to see pictures or other interesting images in this blog or if you would prefer just plain text OK? Send me an email via the website: www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=contact http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=11 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=331706 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:08:14 GMT OK, so this isn't strictly a blog entry but I didn't know if you would want to have a look at my body shots gallery (http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=body-1. If you don't thats fair enough but I'm trying to get bigger and since my arms have started growing again, I thought I would get the gallery uploaded again. You will need access permissions to see it though so let me know if you want to look and I'll sort that out for you. Gotta go, gotta go and buy mum a DVD recorder! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=12 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=691775 Sun, 29 Apr 2007 10:00:52 GMT It's happened, after spending a week off, doing my own thing, getting this site running, going to the gym, spending time with Jake, relaxing and sleeping, I have had to come back to work! This morning I made quite a prolific realisation - I really am not happy here any more. I think it will soon be time that I get out of this job. I get taken for granted and I don't get any more money for it either. I slig my guts out for nothing! Most of the time, I don't even get a thank you! On top of that, the beurocracy here is terrible. Aside from the experience I've gained here, I kee thinking 'why did I ever leave GMP'? I just don't know. Anyway, back to the backlog that can't be done without me! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=13 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=334500 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:29:51 GMT It's coming again, I didn't realise how close it was but good old 'tezza' told us on the radio this morning that, Eurovision is on this weekend! Probably the most camp, on-screen entertainment of the year, not to mention, have you seen Scooch?! What a bunch of screaming woofters! How hilarious. It's a catchy choon but alas, as politics rules (I hate politics), we wont get a vote as per usual but by the power of the Media Centre, we will skip past the cringe-worthy bits and get to the votes! Are you going to watch?? http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=14 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=532960 Wed, 2 May 2007 09:06:25 GMT OK, OK, I know...I've been really slack in filling in this blog so here's an update: I failed my theory paper on my final stage of becomming a personal trainer so the re-sit for that is booked on the 21st of June so wish me luck! I did however, pass my case study and practical so only one bit left, just means I have to pay 50 quid to re-sit! I've started prep work with Colin and Maggie at work for the move of 350 staff into a new building so we're in charge of the IP telephony for it and its a nightmare, I got a new fangled barcode reader tho (me and my gadgets) so that makes scanning in MAC addresses easier. I've had a cold which I'm getting rid of but means I'm off the gym for another week and I'm getting fatter so I'm not happy and I've been working on some websites I'm building for freinds. Other than that, what else?...Oh yeah,s tarted a PC roll-out for 290 staff which should take a month to complete, we got slated in the Eurovision song contest....erm...I can't think of anything else...my life isn't that exciting but at least you're more up to speed than you were! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=15 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=958044 Wed, 30 May 2007 07:44:57 GMT Flaming hell Im stressed at the moment!! There's just too much going on at the moment I dont know whether I'm coming or going! Not only is the roll-out still going on at work and I'm still desperately trying to fit in some revision for this re-set, I've got websites to build and I've got some annoying little things annoying me on my PC. I cant get my infra-red sensor to work my TV built in (Vista Ultimate) despite all the attempts by Hauppauge to help, they just seem to result in breaking it completely and having to make me restore it all again! Now I've got a problem that my bluetooth dongle I bought has stopped working! It was a bargain at a tenner from Aldi and I was using it fine with m new N95 to keep my calendar's synchronised and stuff but now it's just gone! I can't even get the MSBluetooth working again, it's doing my head in! I'm also supposed to be completeing my application form for a higher post at work and its taking me away from my revision...... http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=16 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=557864 Wed, 6 Jun 2007 19:31:55 GMT ...not only that but I have to go and see a dietician which I'm glad about because I can't seem to get shot of this 'padding' I have built up over the past 4 years. I've had a full blood work done but that found nothing unusual at all so it must be my diet somewhere. At least I started back at the gym on monday after having another cold. I'm there again tomorrow too doing Chest, Triceps and Biceps tomorrow. That's something good but I'm weak after being off te gym for about 2 weeks. What I want most right now is to pass this exam, its been looming over me and if I don't pass I'll have wates 3 years! Oh well....keep you posted! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=17 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=309516 Wed, 6 Jun 2007 19:35:09 GMT Unfortunately, there comes a time when everyone loses someone that they love dearly and the dont often realise how much they love that person until they're gone. I do realise how much I loved my nan, she died last Sunday and thewhole family is having a hard time of it but I wrote a little uledgy to read at her funeral which is on Tuesday. Please read this so you can understand how much I loved my nan...I wanted to say these words to try and express how truly magnificent my nan was and always will be to me, to do something special to commemorate her, to express how empty I feel without her and I got thinking about legacys and how people change the lives of others. Thats why I think were here and why people go on. I dont know about you but I believe theres more to us than meets the eye. Nanny had to leave school early and go out to work, to earn a wage to support the family. Nanny would tell me time and time again in our frequent chats, that she was furious that her mum wouldnt let her finish her education. She loved learning and would never stop. My mum, dad and sister always said, -how many 95-year olds do you know with sky TV, a CD player, HI-FI, DVD recorder and flat screen TV?- Even 2 weeks ago, she was dreaming about a computer! Because of that nanny made sure she and granddad would do their best to put my mum and uncle through school and give them the chances that she didnt have. It was during mums education that my mum met my dad (who nanny later named superman because she thought so much of everything he did for everyone but always found time for her). Following Nannys example, mum and dad put Fiona and I through school and University and we both graduated. Now were both beginning to find our own ways too. All the while, nanny was there to support everyone and everyone else came first. Nanny did what she could to make everyone happy, be it regular chats on the phone, making shawls for the WI or family, playing with her grandchildren or even making a crafty cup of tea for the boy next door! As long as she made you smile, she didnt care what she said, I think thats why all the photos I have of her show her grinning like a Cheshire cat. Forever an optimist, I will always think of nanny when I here the phrases -I wish you the best of luck love-, -fingers-crossed- and -youve got to smile havent you?- She always waited, she always said when youve got time love, can you...? or Next time you get chance... and I always did what I could whenever I could for her no matter how big or small, after all, she was my Nan and nothing seemed too trivial or too much hassle, my nan meant the world to me and Id do anything for her. Our family has always been very loving and close and Im no exception, I take after my nan in many ways, its almost uncanny at times, being sensitive, emotional, wanting to learn new things I even learnt my money management skills from her! I definitely know she taught my mum, and my mum and dad taught me how to love and support other people. In many ways, Nanny was at the centre of everything, she was fussed over at Christmas, we always played her must have game of 24 spot dominoes, she was chauffeured round to mum and dads for Sunday dinner every week, she was always trying to be involved with the WI, there was no stopping her. Even if she lost 6 inches in height, had a stick or rattled from all the medications, never once did she let it get the better of her and she never gave in to any of it. She really is an inspiration to me and I can only wish I am as lively, alert and down to earth as she was if I ever get to her age. I know how much Nanny loved me. No matter how long I talk or what I say, itll never be enough to explain how much my nan meant to everyone but in my own little way, this is my tribute to the worlds best Grandma (she always did want to be called that but the term Nanny suited her better, younger, more... well, more nanny). Its not often someone comes along who I respect and am as proud of as I am my nan. Shes been through and seen so much in her life that I honestly feel belittled alongside her. Its rare someone as strong, determined and independent as her shows up but its even more rare when theyre as thoughtful, loving, warm and compassionate as my nan was, despite what life threw at her. I know these thoughts and feelings are also shared by my mum. Once, every now and then there is someone that comes along and by just being themselves, changes the world of everyone they see, speak to or touch, for the better. If it wasnt for my nan, our family and I wouldnt be here and I would never have had the honour of having her as my nan. I love you nanny. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=18 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=494055 Sun, 8 Jul 2007 14:10:27 GMT It's happened! I had the call today to confirm that I passed my final, theory exam for my Personal Trainers certification. I'm now a fully qualified, fully fledged personal trainer as recognised by the CYQ, QCA and I will shortly be listed on the Register of Exercise Professionals. Take a look at my website for the new business: http://www.premier-fitness.co.uk I know my Nann would be proud, she kept asking if I Had any news, now I have Nanny - I PASSED!! Only thing now is...what do I do with it? Time will tell... http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=19 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=64444 Mon, 9 Jul 2007 13:40:47 GMT Well, the funareal was yesterday and it was really really hard to go through with, the grief and distress suddenly hits you. I thouht I was dealing OK with everything but then it all came to a head. I did manage to give me eulogy though. Im extremely proud of it too. I was first of 3 from me, my mum and finally my uncle. I was on auto pilote reading it but then just as I got to the last paragraph, I came round and I started choking but I managed to complete it and I am thirlled in a way to express to the people who were there how much I love my nan. People came up to me after the funeral at the party afterward and said how brilliant my speech was, even my cousin Martin said that he could tell it came from the heart and it meant a lot that what I said mattered to other people too. I spent the rest of the day clearing up and tidying after people but then I just broke down again and if it wasnt for Jake being there I would have just been a mess. I think thats the first time that my Aunt has seen 2 men, family members, boyfriends, hugging in front of her. She couldnt say anything becaus she was taking my Nans great-granddaughter Elly out into the garden but she tapped me on the bum as she walked past which I took to be a gesture of support while Jake was hugging me. It was hard on my mum obviously and sister, I think even my dad found it hard but its done now and even while we were stood by the grave I felt as though Nanny was sill here, I still do, I think it will take some time until it really sinks in but Im going to continue talking to her and asking for her advice in my head, it really makes me smile thinking how fantastic she was....anyway, thanks for those who sent me their support. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=20 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=673385 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:24:15 GMT Im back in work now, have been for 2 days and its not that bad actually. Its been good to take my mind off of things even if I have had to repeat myself time and time again yesterday, so many times that I went home with a sore throat. In a way it was good to chat but in other ways I didnt want to. I think my mum and sister are dealing with it differently to me but everyone does, dont they? I had a nice hot chcolate in Costa too with Jamila and Jill today while another gayboy was sat opposite, I dont know if he was listening in or what but he kept staring while I drank my tepid chocolate made by yet another brand new, inept, team of staff in Costa Wolverhampton. Talk about utterly useless, I had to ask for a top up on my chocolate, it stopped 2 inches below the rim of the cup! Honestly. Well, not much to report, Im hoping to sleep better tonight having had an early night following a mile-long swim yesterday and yet failing to sleep at all during the night! Hopefully, having watched a film with Jake, Ill sleep better tonight...speak soon! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=21 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=469285 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:30:03 GMT This coming Tuesday will see our 4th anniversary together and I'm thrilled to bits. In gay terms that's easily a diamond wedding anniversary so all diamondgifts please send to... hehe I have to say I do think I'm lucky, not many gay guys get to meet someone they actually fall in love with and who stay monogomous. I was one of the lucky ones (and so was Jake!); we've been through a lot together and hopefully there is a lot more to come and a bright future together, however bleak it seems financially or career-wise at the moment. If there's any other gay lads out there who have managed to be together this long or even longer, it would be great to hear from you. Jake and I always like to meet new lads and make new friends so just get in touch! So, what do I have planned? Well, all I know is that it's a token present this year (cos of money) but we're going out for dinner and I'm hoping to pay for us to get to Prague later in the year, assuming Jake gets his passport sorted again! Keep you all posted! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=22 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=183983 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 11:21:08 GMT Good news...I think...From 110 applicants, I'm one of the last 9 who have been selected for interview. It's next Wednesday and I have a technical interview first and then a panel interview. God knows what will happen, I hope I get it, it'll be a promotion of sorts at work and it'll mean I can get a bit more money which is extremely needed! Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=23 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=518823 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:00:00 GMT Today was the day for the interview; a panel of 3 for the general interview and a panel of 2 for the technicalinterview. Apparently they're appointing 2 posts on the same scale but in 2 different teams; one of which I don't really want to work for. They said they will let me know by the end of the week whether I was successful or not, there was a lot of internal competition as well as a couple of external candidates....I'll post the news when I know. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=24 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=692965 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:55:17 GMT Well...they announced it to the department today that I GOT THE JOB! It doesn't mean much financially unfortunately however, I am on the next pay scale up which technically, I can earn more, just to start with, I won't be. Ill be staying in my current team and more or less doing what I do now but just with a bit more ranking. It's good news but unfortunately makes little difference to my plans and need to obtain a mortgage to buy the hosue I want to in order to relocate and star a fresh nearer to my family. Here's hoping though, you never know. With a bit of luck as my nan would say, that's all you need...luck. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=25 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=323904 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:57:36 GMT Well...for a while now I've been wondering about my pecs and that they didn't seem right. I have been to the doctor before and I've had tests done but nothing showed up as being unusual. Today I went back because my right nipple hurts like it has razor blades inside under the skin. The doctor (a different one) has said today that I have Gaenocamastia (not sure correct selling) and he has taken blood to check my Prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone associated with nipple, breast, mammory and milk stimulation. I've got to wait 2 weeks for the results to come back from the specialist unit at the women's hopsital and I'll see if there's something that need to be done. I'll keep you posted but it's not great news. As far as I'm aware, the only treatment for Gaeno is an operation on the pecs but I'll worry about that IF and when I need to. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=26 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=966070 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:24:39 GMT So, what have I been doing? Well, actually this week has been fairly busy. I was all set to strat a new training program in the gym on monday, was doing great too until I started my barbell curls, then something ripped in my back, that's what you get for rushing and leaning by mistake! I've consequently been off the gym all week and had to have a day off work. Im getting better but its not quiet right yet so I think this week will be all about CV, I am desperate to find a new gym buddy, loose some weight and get someoene to help me past my plateau in the gym. Any ideas, let me know. SO anyway, I have applied to a housing associated in Chester to try and get back there by moving into shared owndership accommodation, a new plot by the racecourse, sounds nice eh? Well, my mum doesn't think so, she went to have a look for me yesterday and I was heart broken. I had worked up to get there and then when she said it was small, all concrete and liable to flood I was devastated. Anyway, we're going to have a look for ourselves tomorrow after we've done the weekly shop. Otherwise, my 3 month old external hard drive failed, then incompetant City Link failed to pick it up for repair, I've bought some new drives for the Media Centre which Im currently trying to workout how to set up RAID on it so I dont loose everything again. Ill let you know how that works out. Im getting fed up of being ordered aout and spoken down to by a certain few people in work too. Its getting on my nerves so I've told my manager that I' sick of it and in no uncertain terms I've emailed one of them and said that I'm not going out of my way for them, she can get someone else to do it. Anyway, off to check how formatted this newdrive is, speak soon! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=27 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=310909 Sat, 8 Sep 2007 14:12:12 GMT Well, I've been meaning to have a bit of a vent about this for a while now...I work hard inmy department at work and I happen to think I produce high-quality, accurate work no matter what I do or how I do it. The other day, I got pulled to one side to be told off because of updating some doumentation at work. To cut a long story short, there are a handful of people at work who resent me and who have it in for me. No matter how or what I do, they seem hell bent of quashing everything I do and making me feel worthless! Ive got a meeting with one of them in the new year so Ill let you know how that goes but Im seriously upset about the whole ordeal, I just cant decide whether ot not to log a greivance! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=28 http://www.brunton.name/go/2007/index.php?page=rant&guid=864107 Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:10:10 GMT Well guys, Im sorry Ive been very slack updating you all recently so heres a bit of a synopsis of whats been going on....Well...the Gaeno tests all came back negative around November time, so that puts that all in the clear, it looks like I just have sensitive and a little bit droopy nips! I can work on that by shedding some fat and making sure I focus on lower pecs to build them up a bit. So, with that fact in mind and that which states that I need to improve my fitness and get more defined, Ive decided to focus on leaning down a bit in the gym so Im working on high reps, very low weight, low rest and max calorie burn. Also, Im doing 30 minutes of CV 4 times a week on top of my twice weekly, mile swim.....which brings me on top my next update...Ive joined a gay swimming team called the Moseley Shoals in Birmingham. We meet every Monday night and I get to swim another mile while Jake is seeing his friend. Quite convenient really! I found out about them just after Christmas. Christmas was difficult, it was the first one without my Nan, it would have been her birthday on Christmas eve too which was hard enough but also our families last cat had to be put to sleep on the same day too, she was 20 and the last in the line of 6 of my mum's best friends. It upset me more that my mum was devastated. Still, Jake and I went to mum and dads on Christmas day and it turned out OK...to be continued!!..... http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=29 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?page=rant&guid=787781 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:09:54 GMT ....So, I went to see my Nan's grave on Christmas day and I just broke down but Jake was there and I felt much better afteward knowing that she wouldnt want me to be upset. The rest fo Christmas was basically spent with family and thats always good, plus I got to see a friend called Mark for the first time in ages, still ended up being used as an IT guy to fix his wireless though! Still, it was great to see him. Then, Jake and I were off to Prague on the 6th till the 11th, it was stunning, (see www.brunton.name/?page=prague) and has to be one of the best time Ive had. Walked 45 miles in 4 days though which is a tad too much, lost 5 lbs though so all helps in the grand scheme of things! So, now, whats happening now? Well...I got thrown back into hell at work with the next phase of the project Im working on and thats going well but just takes all of my time. Im working on a content management system to sell to people as my little project to keep me out of trouble...other than that, just pootling now..Jake is doing dinner then off out swimming so....until next time...stay tuned! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=30 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?page=rant&guid=160113 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:16:01 GMT Well.... Ive done it...Ive had my you know what pierced! At 9:00 this morning, Jake and I made our way to Metalmorphosis in Selfridges in the Bull Ring, Birmingham. I wanted to get it over and done with and out of the way, Ive wanted one for years and have been thinking about it more recently. I had it done not only because I wanted it and I like them but becuase I wanted to prove to myself I can do something a bit daring, a bit out of the ordinary for me. We dont know whats going to happen tomorrow and I want to start doing things that I want to do and not regret. So, Dee was there to do the deed for me, Jake came in and watched the whole thing too. In all honesty, it wasnt that bad. Yes, it feels like youre having the 'umberella' test (guys who have had STD screenings will know what I mean) and thats a prolongued feeling while the guide tube is ligned up in your urethra, then Dee said, take a deep breath for me Ross, the second I did, she quickly pushed the needle through the understide of my tool just beside the frenum and into the guide tube. That bit felt like the worst toothache youve ever had, but concentrated into a tiny spot on your tackle. As soon as that was done and I sat up, the pain started to subside. By the time we had left the Bull Ring, there was no pain, just a feeling that I needed the loo! No blood at all came out in the salon but having walked into town, had my hair cut and come back, all there was, was a small 1cm patch in my boxers. Desperate for a wee by this point though, I had to sit down and have a go-ouch! Like having soap burning your pipe-worse than the needle in fact! Now, Ive started to bleed a bit but I did what I was told and bathed it in some salty water for a bit and now theres a bit under my foreskin but generally I think it looks worse than it is. Im going to drink like its going out fo fashion to keep it dilute and site round and let it air now...if youre morbid and want to monitor its healing progress, the link is www.brunton.name/?page=pa youll need a password though so ask OK? Ill keep you all posted! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=31 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?page=rant&guid=717286 Sat, 9 Feb 2008 13:14:17 GMT Well...Its 11 hours after the fact and having said theres been no blood..there is...not much but its enough to drip from my tackle. Ive had 3 burning wees but now Im catching the drips of blood! Ill salt wash it again later, that should keep it clean. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=32 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?page=rant&guid=983764 Sat, 9 Feb 2008 18:04:53 GMT Well...today Ive had no blood at all so far, still stings a bit but I think what Im feeling now is the sensation of the ring tugging on the healing skin inside the end of my tackle. It doesnt hurt, just a scratchy sort of feeling. I had to keep getting up in the night though to pee, was annoying every 90 minutes but so far so good! Im keeping it clean and it seems to be doing OK! New pics for day 2 are on the page: www.brunton.name/?page=pa stay tuned! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=33 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?page=rant&guid=774173 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:44:19 GMT Well...its day 7 now since I had the PA done and its going OK I think. I had a horrific day on Moday night, I went for a pee in the middle of the night and was half asleep as you do...I thought (with the light off), 'that looks a bit dark for my pee'...turned the light on and froze...there was blood everywhere! I dont mean a little, I mean, the sink was lined with fresh blood, there was blood on the floor, blood on my hands and I was dripping about 3-4 drops of blood every second. All I could do was cup my hand under my tackle, run into the bedroom and wake Jake. He talked me down off of the ceiling and convinced me to try and relax, so I finished my pee which cleaned it a lot, then soaked in a saline solution for a few mins. After drying it, I just stood and waited....I went white, I think all my blood went to my tool but eventually, about 30 mins later, it stopped. Having thought about it, I think I must have got hard in my sleep (like you do every night, or I do anyway) and knocked it with my arm in my sleep, woke up and went to the loo. Anyway, since Tuesday, theres been no more blood. Ive been bathing it and keeping it dry and slowly but surely, the discomfort is easing off. I can now safely say that I think Im doing OK and so far....Its been worth it! I love looking at it and talking about it and Ill take more photos this weekend for the gallery page. I think my todger is getting used to it now too, its not trying to hide so much! :o) http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=34 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?page=rant&guid=705031 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:41:25 GMT Well, you're looking at it...the new site is getting there...Ill keep you all posted! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=35 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=385693 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:58:16 GMT Well... just to let you know, the blog is now working again and is online as before. Let me know if you have any problems. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=36 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=663675 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:06:00 GMT Well...it's happening now; This week, Jake and I met the mortgage people from LLoyds TSB and completed our application for the mortgage to buy my Nan's old house. Now that's been done, I think the ball is rolling to buy the house and move. I went for my Occupational Health check at my new job and met my new boss and the team and was given the all clear to work there so that's something else which is done now too. Having done all of this and come this far I thought it best now to hand in my notice at the University. So, on the way to the gym yesterday, knowing my boss was working at the Walsall campus, I decided to take her my notice and fill her in. Im going to work for a month but have the final week as anual leave which is owing to give us time to settle in to the house and get some things sorted. Jake and I are off to B&Q today to have a look at cheap light fittings to replace the ones we're taking with us and other things so....it's all go! I'll keep you posted! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=37 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=588572 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:09:18 GMT Hello people...I've not written for a few days so I thought I should give you all a general update on life this far...First off: move: well....The valuers have been in touch and should be going to see the house on Tuesday next week so that C&G know the place exists, it is what it says it is and that it is worth what they've been told it's worth. Until then, I don't know any more than you. Jake and I are making preparations to move, I've enlisted the help of everyone at work and now think I have enough boxes to move an army! I'll start packing some things over the weekend so that Jake can take some of the stuff with him when he goes for an informal chat at a possible job in Chester. Once we hear back from C&G, we can then get the solicitor on the case and actually buy the house. Once that's done, we can start doing work in the house before we move in and actually start moving things to the house from ours...as yet, we can't! Second: Car: Still can't find a car, I've been looking in the Auto Trader and on the web and can't find any small cars that are suitable,a round 750 quid, small, under 1.2L, cheap to tax and insure like Saxo, Fiesta, Corsa, KA etc, if you know of anything let me know. I'm going to try and convince my friend at work to sell me his Saxo, so wish me luck-without it, I won't be able to get to my new job and this is what's stressing me out more than anything at the moment! Thirdly: PA: It's all still healing well...no more blood, no pain or discomfort but I still don't have that bit of 'give' that I've been told to wait for before I can go up a size...It's annoying because I don't like the small 2.2mm thing that's in at the moment. I want to go up bigger, the next one is the 3.4mm. I think anyway. I'll keep you posted. Those who have access can see the progress by going to www.brunton.name/pa OK? Well...I think that's all I can think of for the minute. I've started saying my goodbyes to people at work, emailing those who have been kind to me or supported me while I've been here, seems strange but I know that before I know it, it'll be time to leave and I will forget people so I'm doing it now while I can think straight! Tune in next time for the next thrilling installment! :o) http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=38 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=47165 Fri, 4 Apr 2008 11:56:02 GMT Well, we've started the move. Dad came down with his Estate car yesterday and we loaded the entire contents of the hall cupboard as well as some boxes which I had already packed as we finally received the written mortgage agreement from the mortgage company! It took its time but now we know we can have the money and they know the property in Chester exists, the move had begun. Having spent the night at mum and dad's after going for a double celebration birthday meal and moving party, we came back today. The nicest thing was, when we walked in the door, in the letterbox was a birthday card and a letter from our neighbour, Brenda. Upon opening the letter, we read the words 'if you were coming over to tell me that you're leaving, please don't'. Nice! Well, we were going to, but we were going to give her some wool, explain why we're moving, where to and welcome to her to come and visit any time she liked but now, instead, she put me in a mad mood, upset me and now we're not going to go and see her. We wanted her to be the first to know officially for a number of reasons, not only because she is our closest friend here. Anyway, we're giving the hallway cupboard a clean and we've dismantled the shelving in there ready to load it back up with packed boxes so we can then begin on the other cupboard. There's a lot to do and it already feels sad to be leaving, even though we're here for a couple of weeks, haven't got a removal date yet or begun any work in the Chester house. It needs to start sometime though and if we're going to do this all on our own, we need to be organised and so as much as we can, even though it means we'll be living in a very empty flat for a couple of weeks. Mum and Dad are stopping by again next weekend to take another car load of boxes to Chester on their way back from London and I will start emptying and tying up ends at work. I finish on the 25th so I'm hoping we will move that weekend. I've got a sack truck ready and things are coming together, my main concern is Jake hasn't found work in Chester yet but we need to desperately. I'm hopefully getting my car this week or maybe at the weekend next week, I'm not sure, it depends when it's finished in the garage, it need some minor work doing but at least I will have a car then too. It's my birthday tomorrow, Jake is taking me shopping in Birmingham and hopefully I'm going up a size on my PA, I'll write more tomorrow about that but at least I've got something to look forward to and Jake and I get to spend another day together. It was nice though doing some work in our new garden before the meal last night, Jake was outside while I washed my hands and it felt very homely and comfortable, finally, something which we can call ours and that we can truly spend money on and make a difference, I know my Nan out have been over the moon seeing us in the house yesterday. I know she would. I still miss her to bits though. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=39 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=633252 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:13:02 GMT Well, it's my 28th birthday! What have I been up to? Well, the usual, got up, opened a couple of cards from people who remembered, had breakfast and then got dressed. Jake took me into Birmingham to get my presents so, being green, we got the train and got into town around 10:00. I woke up at 6 this morning because I was so excited for what was to come. The highlight of my presents, yet the most inexpensive, was the gift of a new, bigger, thicker ring for my PA. We had to pay in some money and stuff beforehand but it was good to get to Metalmorphosis in the Bull Ring again, they're a good bunch, Dee is the star. Anyway, little did I know what I was letting myself in for next! Having had a look at the choice of jewelry, I would have chosen the horse shoe style for my new ring but that was only in a 4mm, Dee didn't have the stock and she wasn't sure how much give there would be when I took my trousers down. So, off we went with a 3.2mm ring and a 4mm horse shoe into the treatment room and I got laid down while Dee got ready. She said, it might pinch a bit so try and stay relaxed...pinch! More like make you hit the roof! I laid down while the easy bit was done; Dee took my old 2.4mm ring out and put it in a little souvenier bag for me. Next step was to push a stretching taper rod into the hole. Thank God Jake was there to hold his hand, that's all I can say, my god it hurt! It was worse than having the initial pericing done! I looked up after it was in to see a steel lance poking through my manhood, not as scary as you would think actually but then came more agony as Dee kindly said "I'm not going to do it slowly Ross, I want to get it in and done quickly to spare you the pain, I'm definately going to use the 3.2mm". No sooner had I said "OK", Dee instructed me to take a deep breath and breathe out hard, just as I did, she pulled the rod out and pushed the new ring through. Man, that was sore! It really, really did hurt. It took a good 5 minutes before I could stand up and it took about another hour or so after that before it started to disappear. Thankfully, I got to spend some of Jakes money buying a charcoal grey hooded top with red embroidered logo from GAP, a grey cardigan from Debenhams, some socks and a Cargo trousers from TK Maxx and a jacket potato for lunch! :o) By this point, the pain had gone off and the excitment had gone so I realised how tired I was from waking up so early. We had a bit more of a wander about then decided to get the train home. So, having got in, Jake decided it was time to hand in our notice on the flat so we sauntered down to the housing association and sorted that one out. The solicitor is sorting out the mortgate for the move to Chester still, there's some things we need to sort out about the mortgage and valuation etc but I'm sure we will get there, and that's about it really. Unfortunately, because of the new wound, I won't be swimming again tonight which is bad, I feel like a right fat slob at the moment but I'm so tired I just dont think I have the energy anyway so, I'll be having an early night. If anything else happens, I'll let you all know but till next time...watch this space! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=40 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=555255 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:18:41 GMT Well, as you all know, I'm supposed to be starting my new job on the 6th of May. It takes 90 minutes by bus or 75 minutes by train to travel 11 miles. To me, that's mad. So...as you may or may not know...I was looking for a car. Casually, I asked a lad at wrk (Colin) if he was selling his, jokingly! Anyway, to my surprise, Colin said he was looking to sell it and buy a new one; he wanted a Citroen C3 (I think). Anyway, there was some work to be done on it, the indicator didn't work properly and the airbag was whinging about something or other and the Citroen garage in Wolverhampton said it would be about 200 quid to fix. OK we thought, Colin said he would knock his price down that amount and Ill buy it from him. We booked it in later that day, low and behold, the price had jumped from 200 to 900 quid! I thought 'what the hell?!' and rang the garage myself. Basically they said, they had taken it apart, diagnosed it needed a complete new airbag system, new central locking and a new indicator, they said they had mis-quoted us for the wrong parts. I told Colin, I wouldn't be able to afford it which ticked him off something chronic having put a deposit down for his new car and everything, theyy said they would have to charge him 85 quid just for looking at it! I rang the garage and told them to forget all of the odd bits like the new aerial, hub cap etc, I'll do that myself (not be averse to tinkering with cars). The woman said, it would still cost 495 quid. I got off the phone and spoke to Colin again and suggested I pay 200 as before and he pays the rest. Being the fantastic catch that he is, he agreed and we booked Chutney (his name for the car not mine) in to be done. Midway through the day, we had heard nothing and Colin needed the car this evening to get to Coventry. The woman at Citroen assured me it would be done and they would halve the inspection cost if we booked it in. Colin went bollistic with them, he needed the car and they still hadn't done it come 16:00. That in mind, Colin went off on one. To cut a long story short, not only did we get the repairs done, they came in a tenner under budget, we had the inspection fee halved, they fitted the new aerial for free, put a new remote locking unit in free and valeted it! How fantastic is that!? Maybe sometimes it pays to be arsey and persistent! All going to plan, i'll be driving my new car on Monday, I'll let you know how it all goes! I would like to point out, Colin, if you read this.... you're one in a million (shame you're straight)! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=41 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=989272 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:02:37 GMT It's here, the moving date is almost upon us. We've decided to up and move this weekend so the rush is on to get everything boxed and ready for when we get the van on Saturday morning. I can tell you, I'm getting stressed now! There's so much to do and even though we don't have that much 'stuff', I still look around and think 'where do I start?!'. I'm going to try and pack up the kitchen tonight and the rest of the clothing that I didn't finish packing yesterday. I say packing using the phrase lightly because I just grabbed a box and put all of my clothes, still on hangers in the box. I haven't got time to pack everything. Jake is doing the bits and bobs like the fittings and fixtures and kindly leaving me to organise everything, box everything and pile it in the hallway ready to go in Dad's car or the van. I'm thinking that we should van up the bedroom furniture, lounge furniture and one of the settees on Saturday and then put as many boxes in as possible. What's left should be the fridge, cooker, washing machine (actually the washing machine could go on Saturday), other settee, microwave and TV's. It's like a military operation trying to co-ordinate everything. That said, the phones are ready to be done on Monday, Sky on Tuesday, the TV license is done, banks done and redirection set so all in all, I think I've done OK so far! I've packed up my work stuff too and handed over what I had here to other people, it feels like someone else's desk now, it's a bit sad. Ian M organised a lunch for me yesterday which was nice. I think he took some photos too so if any are any good, I'll stick them on here and you'll be able to see them all. We went to Revolution in Wolverhampton which is one of my favourite bars and it was nice, even though we must have waited an hour for our food! Anyway, I think about 20 people turned up which was more than I was expecting and we just had a good chat and a drink with some food. I didn't think that many people cared to be honest, they were probably there as a means of saying they're glad to get rid of me! Anyway, it was nice to see everyone. What time I have left here, I have booked up now, meeting people for coffees and saying goodbye, handing over stuff and organising. Today, I have to make sure I pack my hard drive contents up as a backup and make a file of my work email just in case I need something from it. Anyway, I'll keep you posted. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=42 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=165116 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:27:05 GMT Well...were in! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write to you all but as you can imagine, moving house, finding a new job and arranging everything at the same time did not prove very simple, even for me, the anally retentive organiser! Well, the updates are, obviously, were in and were living out of boxes! I've done all I can to get the number of boxes down but there's only so much I can do. While Jake is still working in Wolverhampton and Walsall and driving back and forth, it's not easy to do much but I managed to do a hell of a lot myself, including networking the entire house, lifting the floorboards and relaying them, gardening, unpacking, stripping paper in the bedroom, setting up the office, organising the kitchen, the list is so long I can't even think what I've been doing but there's been a never ending pile of stuff to do and a week seemed to both fly by and yet feel like a year in between finishing at the uni and starting at my new job. I'll keep you posted on the house and our progress with that. At the moment, we've stripped the bedroom, taken off the woodwork in preparation to line the walls and attach new architrave and door frame and Jake is sanding the walls and the filler as I type. Once that's done, we will be able to sleep better, have an escape and also unbox some more stuff so were not living out of boxes so much! As for the new job, it's not bad, I managed to join JJB Fitness Club literally round the corner. That and the swimming is sorted. I'll be gymming and have done every morning from 6:30 before work, then that gets me into work about 8:30 after a good workout and a nice relaxing steam. Its about a 30 second drive from JJB to work and the pool is about the same distance walk as Central Baths in Wolverhampton was from the Uni. It's around the corner and as it happens, they're building a brand new fitness centre behind the existing pool which should be open in December so that's perfect timing. The guys in work all seem to be OK but it's like another language, they could all be speaking Spanish for all I know at the moment. A built like the Police, the place is full of acronyms. I've started to talk a bit more and I've unpacked my coffee and setup the coffee shop drawer at work. I think I'm getting there. Well, tomorrow Jake and I will be driving to the flat in Walsall again to close up and get the last of the stuff from there and then we'll say bye bye to Walsall! Anyway guys, I'm knackered and I'm typing with sore fingers so I'll go and I'll update you all again soon OK?! Check out the www.brunton.name/refurb page again to see the new shower and radiator which should be fitted once I've paid the plumber to install the new combination boiler on the 26th! Watch this space! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=43 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=634575 Sat, 10 May 2008 21:36:36 GMT Finally, the time has come for the old back-boiler to be ripped out and the new swanky combi boiler put in. The lads, Paul and Neil from Harisson Heating came yesterday and started the work. I had no idea there would be so much mess! Having just got the place reasonably clean and tidy too! I'm not complaining though the boiler needed replacing so Neil put the new boiler on the wall in the office (quite small actually and with perfect pipework too) as Paul was gutting and dismembering the old Baxi back boiler in the lounge. We can finally see the demise of the 60's chique fireplace and free up around 6m sq in the lounge of unnecessarily wasted space. Of course, this comes at the price of sheer mess and disruption. Half of the fireplace (where trunking hid pipes for water and heating from the boiler) has been removed leaving a plaster wall and revealing the decades of poor taste in paint and wall paper. The floorboards have all had their tongues removed and are everywhere but where they should be, we have no hot water and no heating and it's bloody cold today, I'm sat here with 3 layers on! Not to mention there is now a gaping great hole in our chimney breast about a meter deep and 50cm wide! At least we can finally close up the air brick in the front wall of the lounge which is more like a hurricane when the wind blows! We've gotten rid of the nasty power shower in the bathroom, revealing a beautiful shade of purple paint below it alongside some brown daisey pattern wall paper! Keep your eyes open on eBay if you want some bits and bobs for heating systems, I'm going to sell what I can to compensate for the three-thousand pound price tag for all this work. At least at the end of it we will have efficient heating on demand, as much hot water as we like, a new power shower without the need for an external pump and a nice dual fuel towel rail. I also get gadgets - The boiler itself has lots of buttons and flashing lights and displays on it and comes complete with a wireless thermostat - how kewl is that?! I'm obviously off work today and tomorrow. Neil and Paul should be done by the end of today but I'll need to clean up tomorrow and need to pop to town (for the first time since we've moved here). The new job is going OK, I'm settling in a bit more now. I'm getting on OK with everyone, it has it's busy times and it's quiet times but generally, in time, I think it will work out OK, a lot is about to change there which I hope I will be involved with. I'll keep you posted. I did manage to recover another chunk of the garden yesterday and my hands are again blistered and telling the tale but it looks a lot better. The weather is a bit shot today so probably wont be doing much more than watching the lads work and tidying up after them. I'll let you know when the heat has been restored...makes you realise how much you take heat for granted! Still, I need it now! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=44 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=14670 Tue, 27 May 2008 09:58:21 GMT Well..how do everyone? What has been going on recently then? To be honest..a shed load! You can see from the progress page (www.brunton.name/refurb) that Jake and I have both been very busy around the house and in the garden. We're almost finished in the bedroom, at least we've moved in! It's nice to be in a room which isn't chaos, somwhere you can wake up and not think 'oh my god, there's so much mess and I don't know where anything is!'. We now know where our clothes are, we've got rid of another 5 boxes and I don't know how but I've managed to acquire more clothes than will fit in my wardrobe so I'm going to have to do what my mum does-take over another one! Unfortunatly Jake doesn't really like the beaurocracy at his new job and is still looking for something else. It's a shame because the pay isn't too bad but it's not enough for him, we need more money so that he can pay his bills and yet still have somthing left over for himself and to help do the house up. At the moment, the bathroom is in pieces and we want to get that done but need to find about a grand to get it done. So far, it looks like it will be me paying for it but I dont know where I'm going to get that money from either. I've suggested we just get it done and have a couple of months to try and find some more money to do the lounge with (the next one to be done). It's a lot of stress and pressure but I think if we don't have a break it will just cause problems. We've got the (what Jake calls) diamond encrusted blinds arriving next week, 2 burnt mahogany venetians for the front bedroom and our bedroom so we can take the bin bags off of the window and have a decent night sleep! My work is going OK. As for everything else, well, we're trying to choose a headstone for my Nan's grave, my sister has bought 2 of the most gorgeous Birman kittens called Romeo and Raskal, I'm still looking for a gym buddy and I have a list of to-do's longer than I can remember! I'll try and write again soon but it's all a blur now so I'll speak soon! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=45 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=243723 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:29:37 GMT Hello everybody. Sorry I've taken so long in replying. Since we last spoke I've booked in to get my PA upsized again in Birmingham. If all goes to plan, that will be done on the 27th of July. Jake is having the day off and we're making a day out of it! I'm looking forward to it, not to the pain but because it means once I go to a 4mm ring, I'll be able to take it out myself and upsize things myself without the need for plyers! On the refurb front, Jake and I have hit a financial wall which has meant work on the house has had to stop until we can either save (I say we, but Jake cannot afford to pay extra at all now that everything is so expensive so it will be me saving what I can) for a couple of months or somehow find more money from elsewhere. I've asked mum and she has said she will lend us some money to get the bathroom done. At the moment, it's all marked out for the tiles, we've seen the furniture we like and think we know what we want to do in there. We've got an electrician coming this weekend, Steve, a colleague of my dad's who has so far been a star! He really has his work cut out for him though, he has a list an A4 peice of paper long, about 18 sockets, light switches, knocking holes in walls, rerouting things, consumer panel work, you name it, but I hope that will mean we're safe in our own house! I think we plan on just really slowing down once the bathroom has been done and recovering for a couple of months. The house is a mess, yes, but it is livable. We had our first friend, Nils come and stay last weekend, it's been so long having anyone stay with us, I forgot how to entertain! We got through though, watching Jumper and then on the sunday we took a walk in Delamere Forest and saw a wild Orchid which was excellent so it was a nice weekend. Tomorrow we've got a Friend, Matt coming for dinner from Wolverhampton, he will be in Chester so I'm looking forward to seeing him too. Otherwise, on the gym front (www.brunton.name/gym), I'm doing pretty well. I've been increasing my weights and want to keep that up, I've started to see some changes in shape in my Chest and Legs, my arms seem to be getting thicker too. Jake is still wonderful but not enjoying his job at all, they seem to patronise all of their staff, treating them like children, burdening them with unnecessary paperwork and beuracracy and it's not paying him enough to meet the bill requirements each month as well as give him some money so he's feeling a bit inadequate and upset but I'm trying to steer him in the more positive directions. We looked after my sister's kittens; Rascal and Romeo for a few days which got us convinced we want kittens too but not yet, we don't have the money and the house is too much of a mess yet. Otherwise, things are OK, just plodding along. When I have more news, I'll let you know. Till then folkes, thats a wrap! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=46 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=416008 Wed, 9 Jul 2008 07:48:14 GMT July the 17th was our 5th anniversary. The time flies so fast you just lose track and I honestly don't know where the time goes! Don't get me wrong, I'm chuffed to bits, th fact that the time is going well and we're both still happy is incredibly important to me and I'm glad I found Jake. We didn't really do much for the event though, I made a card as usual and Jake bought his but as always, both were filled with sentement and it's nice to send each other cards. I don't think people send enough card to each other now a days. We had a bottle of wine and a cuddle before bed which was nice. Simple but nice, we don't have enough money to do anything at the moment. We met some guys on Saturday following that which was great. I've spoken to Kevin for years, since I was about 16 but I've only ever met him once, breifly and never met his other half, Stewart. They were both great, we had a lovely time, went to Chester for lunch at my favourite eatery, Duttons. We have a lot in common and looking forward to seeing more of them. We're supposed to meeting a new lad at the weekend too called Jay, that would be great too, it's been too long since we made some new mates and I'm looking foward to it. Going back to saving money though, we switched to online Utility billing the other day and had confirmation through for our current balance, 84 quid! No way! I couldn't believe it! So, all hands to action stations and last night I put timer sockets on everything I could find and this morning paid the extortionate amount needed to have Economy 7 installed so we can start using things overnight again to save some more cash. On Thursday this week, not only will I beupsizing my PA to a 4mm ring but we're also having our water meter fitted too which will hopefully bring our water bill down and reduce the estimated 450 quid anual bill! We need as much money as we can get though, we have Steve coming back at the weekend to finish off the electrical work so he will need 240 quid for his time and work. Other than money worries, what else is going on? Well, Jakes chipping off the Artex from the bathroom ceiling today, I'll be going swimming at lunch even though I feel like the walking dead because I'm so tired. I'll keep you up to date though, don't worry! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=47 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=576104 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:27:59 GMT I've been reminded that I haven't written much in my blog again this week, so, first thing on a Tuesday morning, I'm here filling you in on what's been going on. The weekend gone was the Bank Holiday weekend and it's August which means it was the Pride festval in Manchester in support of gay boys and girls everywhere. Jake and I were asked if we would take part in the parade with Manchester Fire Service and we did. Jake is a homophobe in many respects so that was somethng interesting to see how he would get on. When it came down to it though, it was great fun. We walked along the streets of Manchester alongside the fire engines handing out locker tokens and fluffy things. As it happened the day was fantastic, hot, sunny and packed with people. Granted, it wasn't anything like Pride in London where it's wall to wall fit guys, there were some right mingers and some scary ones too but what matters is we had a good time and Jake enjoyed himself so much he's already volunteered to do it again next year, I think its the exhibitionist in him! We met up with our friends Stuart and Kevin who kindly asked if we wanted to stay at theirs which was handy because they don't live far from Manchester. Just as well given the stress I had with train tickets and National Rail Enquries (complaint will follow). Jake and I got up at 6am to get the bus into Chester in time for the 8:48 train to Manchester. Got there and met the lads who walked with us down to the briefing at the training centre. By the time we got there, there were already a number of people there. After a short brief though, the lads were smiling after being given 2 free Big Weekend passes to Pride that saved them 25 quid each! So, the march came next then we just went our own ways and met up with the lads again for some drinks and a wander round till it started to chuck it down in classic Mancunian style around half 6. Back to the house and spent the rest of the evening watching a fantastic film called Another Gay Movie, if you haven't seen it, watch it, it's hilarious and as Kevin puts it, you'll see Graham Norton as you've never seen him, it's great! After we got back home on Sunday, we set about installing the new bathroom lights which ended up being done just by Jake. It has to be said, they look great now, even though hunching over in such a confined space in the loft did make Jake physically sick! It was worth it though. I'll take some 'during' photos for the bathroom later so check the refurb progress page for details and pics! In other news....we've finished the bedroom, yes, that's right, the bedroom, is 100% complete now that we've done the lights in there too. Again, photos will follow. Come yesterday, I was knackered! I normally catch up on sleep over the weekend but obviously, I didn't get chance and now I'm paying for it. We went to Tesco and came back and the garden was in dire need of a lawn cut so I did that and asked Jake if he would do the edges for me. That turned into Jake doing the edges followed by a little weeding. Which in turn, made me do some weeding, which then ended up with me pulling a mature hedge out by its roots approximately 15 foot long and about 6 foot tall! I'd been wanting to get rid of it for ages because it spreads with tubular shooter roots and it takes over. Well, I saw to that followed by a rather mature bunch of brambles! If that wasn't enough, making the most of Jakes gardening mood, he carried on by shaping the Holly bush in the front garden. While he was doing that, I took it upon myself to smash some glass and scrape off the paint from the bannister and hand rail to see the wood underneath. Good news is the caps are Oak and the rest of it is Pine so we're going to expose all of that. Bad news is that because of all of that, I'm completely empty. Even after an early night, I am so exhausted I pushed myself to the gym this morning as normal but only managed 2 excersises and had to leave, I feel so miserable and shattered it's untrue. I'll try and force myself to go swimming later but I'm starting to think I won't manage that either. I need another early night tonight and try and catch up some more. I've got a funny scratchy feeling in my throat too which is getting on my nerves! Anyway, I'm off now, I'll write more later to fill you in on the rest of the news! Speak soon all! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=48 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=327074 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:06:56 GMT So, I've started a new gym workout, it'll be on my workouts page soon so have a look if you're interested. Last week I was walking as if I had wooden legs, I couldn't get up stairs and gradients were a nightmare. I was seriously sore, so sore in fact that I woke myself up all night for 3 days because of the pain every time I moved my legs in the night. That's what I get for not stretching enough after having 2 weeks off the gym! Well, today it was chest day and it was an OK day, I thought I looks pretty good when I took my vest off to show my sweaty, round and thick chest underneath, I actually liked what I saw, shame its so fleeting and shrinks away to nothing so quickly! Im running down a bit, I so didn't want to get out of bed this morning but I managed it and got to the gym and had a good workout. Now I'm just lounging around a bit until 12 when Ill go off to the pool and have my swim. We had a nice weekend. Other than the fact that I'm rapidly getting sick of sanding and stripping the banister and hand rails at home. Granted, its starting to look nice and its very tactile but I've got to the point where I've got all of those niggly little corner bits and hard to reach places, anyone want to help me, please, feel free! I was doing that on Saturday while Jake was sealing the walls in the bathroom getting ready for our new tiles. We went to town and bought some bits! Anyway, that done, back home and we've got the first 4 tiles up in the bathroom and they look fantastic! They're big tiles so the problem is that when the surface is uneven which every surface in our house is, you end up with one end being higher than the other so it's a juggling act trying to get the tiles all flush. We got 2 more on the wall on Sunday and they look fantastic but now we need some tile adhesive which we can use with the porous natural stone mosaics on the border. Ill take some more photos when we've got one of the walls done you can see how good it looks. What else is happening? Well we watched Merlin, the new BBC series on Saturday too, that's looking like a pretty good one too, I would recommend it for anyone to watch. Stewart and Kevin have asked us if we would like to go away with them, were looking for somewhere maybe in Devon or something we can go for a long weekend, were looking forward to it but just concerned about the price. Its so nice to actually know people that aren't wankers or time wasters. We met a lad recently who we thought was a nice lad, I had a lot in common with him but he kept messing me about and standing me up so we ditched him he's not even apologised or spoken to us since! Kevin dropped a bombshell though over the weekend saying they may be moving to Switzerland which will be shocking, having just met such a fantastic couple, then what will we do?! Ive started building some web pages for a second income although its suddenly gone quiet on one of the projects that I'm working on I need to chase it up because were so strapped, they won't be getting my time for free, I can tell you! Jakes on Lates tonight which means I have to go to sleep on my own, I don't enjoy that at all but it means I get to play with my toys and watch crappy telly until he gets in but I do miss him. Its funny, for the first time since weve been together, I bought him a bunch of roses and lilies on Friday it was nice to buy him some and he appreciated them but when he commented that I've never done it before, it made me realise, maybe I don't show him how much I love him as often as I should. Ill have to keep a check on that. Anyway, I've prattled long enough, need to get ready for swimming anyway - working here does have some benefits I suppose! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=49 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=997812 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:21:33 GMT I can't believe it, yesterday, Jake called me and was pretty damn upset and justifiedly so, someone took it upon themselves to egg the front of our house! I was not very impressed, we didn't move and change our lifestyle to have someone ruin that new life by vandalising our house! It's all been logged with the police now anyway who were keen to make sure nothing happens again. Jake's been worrying all night about reprises which I don't take kindly to but you never know, it may be that it's just kids. Mum said when Nanny was living there, someone did the same thing 2 or 3 times to my Nan as well. That in itself isn't very nice but kids will be kids. We will see, it may be that if it happens again we will have to invest in CCTV. I just don't have the money to buy that now though, we have too much going on. Anyway, yesterday was not a good day, apart from that, I had my swim.I had to go straight to my mum and dads after work, pick up the jet washer, then blast the egg off of the front of the house, do my dinner and by this time I was thoroughly worked up! I think tonight, I'm going to go home, have dinner and have a bath, dont bother with the PC for long, only do my email and just relax for the evening. Jake's on lates again so he'll be home around 20h45 and I'll just be getting ready for bed. Anyway, I thought I would have a rant about those bloody kids. I was not impressed but in all honesty, I was more upset by the fact they upset my boyfriend, no one has the right to do that. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=50 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=233385 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:29:24 GMT Well. What's new? I always say that don't I? Well, that's because I'm so good at keeping you up to date. OK, so here we go: HOUSE: STILL working on the bathroom but we're getting there now. Jake has been working every weekend for about 3 months putting the tiles up in the new bathroom. The window wall is 95% finished, the right-hand wall 99% finished, left wall 60% finished and now he's decided to start on the back wall which pretty much gave up and decided to kill itself. It has split itself and half of the wall has decided to fall off. Nice! We're off to the DIY shop tonight now to get some more plasterboard (don't you just love how robust houses are now?) to fix that. My dad and I put the new towel rail in last weekend which we've had sat behind the settee for 6 months. The bathroom was so cold, when we showered, water was dripping from the new brushed steel strips! I wasn't having that as you could imagine. My Dad helped all day despite being in permanent pain with the problems he is having with his 5th facial nerve damage. I've said I will help him this weekend. I'm going to strip some paper, do some cutting in or painting to get their kitchen redecorated while he bakes the gingerbread men and women for Fiona's wedding on the 20th. The good news is, the bathroom is coming along. I desperately want to get it finished before christmas, whether or not we will manage it is another matter. WORK: I've launched my business website at www.rossbrunton.co.uk so feel free to check it out and tell me what you think. I've been working with Chester.com as their web designer and have completed my first project with them for Chester Cheese Shop. I'm hoping to have a good work life with them as they're nice people so far even though I haven't been paid yet! I'm hoping that's because Diane has had a hip replacement, doing well though I hear. Unfortunately, I have had a very bad experience with another company who I very much doubt I will be dealing with again based in nearby Tarporley. The owner was very unreasonable and took me for granted and seemed to think it was OK to pay me a measly 150 pounds after 17 hours work. I issued my new hourly rates and have heard nothing from them since! I'm working on some leaflets to drop through letterboxes in the local area and see if I can drum up some work. I'm hoping my new product (Phoenix) will help me. I'm offering a pre-built content managed website solution for under 450 pounds including hosting! Take a look at www.rossbrunton.co.uk/phoenix for more information, all feedback will help my business. Now that I'm invoicing, I've registered with HM Revenues and Customs and I've been booked onto some courses for running a new small business and becomming self employed so I'm hoping it will help me with the basics of running the business. I'm keeping a quarter of all income for tax and then the rest is my wages at the moment. If things take off, I will start to offset VAT and purchases for the business too so wish me luck! Anyone you can point my direction would be great too! I've been getting on well with some people in work. Ian, my boss's boss, Matt and Caroline have all been great. GYM: I think I'm starting to grow again now which is good, partly because I've been bad, eating biscuits all week this week but I'll be good next week. I've not been able to swim all week because I did my shoulder in by loosing concentration doing laying cable flyes (probably looking at one of the massive, tattooed guys) a couple of weeks ago. As you can imagine I'm extremely ticked off about it but I've ordered some new Aussiebum lifeguard-style, red hot pant swimmming trunks so I had be better by the time they arrive. I need to keep the swimming up. I got up to swimming a mile 5 times a week during my lunch and I was really enjoying it. It helped meeting Ben, the French exchange lad with the council, it makes swimming fast in the lane on my own more enjoyable having someone else fast and fit to talk to and look at. Don't get me wrong, I'd oggle at Jake but he doesn't swim. It's not for lack of trying. LEISURE: What leisure? We don't have much time at all. We haven't seen anyone much recently, we've spent all of our time doing the bathroom and I've been doing rb related stuff. Jake's working this saturday until 1300 though so I'll go to the gym in Bromborough and pop in and see Mark to give him the card to him and his boyfriend Jon. I'm pleased to say though that I've seen Caroline and Matt outside of work. Caroline was a Costco virgin until I fixed that the other week, she's now addicted, as is her fella, Paul. Matt called by breifly on the way home from a course the other day too which was nice so he's had a breif tour too but that didn't last long, he had to get back home to his mum bless him. So, that's about it at the moment people, Ill add more soon. Till then!! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=51 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=530226 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:55:38 GMT Well..there's been a lot happening in the past couple of weeks as you can imagine but I think it's about time I filled you all in on recent events. The most important thing obviously has been MY SISTERS WEDDING. The wedding was on Saturday the 20th at Tarvin Church (see their website - my present to the bride and groom - www.brunton-davies.name) and unfortunately, although it wasn't raining, the day was all drizzly, that annoying fine stuff that sticks to you, it didn't ruin the day though thankfully. I was fine and quite serene up until Saturday. Knowing that I had a reading to do was the bit which started to stress me out, Ill put the reading at the end of this entry for you, it was call 'on your wedding day'. Anyway, being head usher, I had to make sure that everything went OK so starting on Friday, I unpacked the suits, polished the shoes (those really mirror shine Italian ones), unpicked the suit pockets and inserted the 'cadbury purple' handkerchief and got the ruches ready. That evening I decided it was time to tidy myself and Jake up a bit so sorted out the eyebrows, nails and shaved as closely as possible so we both looked our best and didn't have to worry in the morning. I had a list of things which must be done from my sister including the seating plan, a speech to give every guest at the door of the church, I needed to finish dressing the groom and best man and fit the pin hole flowers. First thing on Saturday then I got up and I was fine until about 9:00, the wedding was at 12:00 or at least that's when I needed to be at the church but I started worrying about the reading so just ran through it a couple of times. I called round to my parents house to pick up the flowers for the button holes; two ivory roses for each; the ushers and best man, a single ivory rose for page boy, a silver wand for the junior bridesmaid with a deep purple orchid at the tip, a bunch of ivory, unopened tulips for the bridesmaid, three ivory roses and some starburst for Matt's mum and a huge, deep purple orchid for Matt's lapel. Not forgetting my Nan's handy un-picker I managed to get the flowers pinned successfully as well as sorting out Matt's pocket watch. Anyway, dressing went well, Jake and I looked the part if I don't say so myself (photos to follow on both here and my sisters website) and before we knew it, it was mid day and time to get the car to the church and start setting things up. When we go there, we managed to light the candles, speak to the Vicar and get everything sorted perfectly well on our own but it wasn't long before we were joined by the most annoying Verger in the world. Blimey! Why did she need to repeat everything we said to people? She looked a mess and was just thoroughly irritating, acting like a petty school girl and the bickering between her and the head bell ringer (very strange lad, I remember from school - not the full biscuit) was just pathetic over who's going to give the bell one tug when the bride arrives! The instructions went well anyway and everyone turned up in time, it was very off putting having videographers and photographers everywhere though! Anyway, everyone was in by 13:00 and Fiona pulled up in the classic old, ivory rolls at 13:05. Mum managed to twist her leg putting her tights on so was pretty upset that she was going to ruin the procession but as planned, Jake took one arm, I the other and walked mum down the aisle to her seat, then came Ewen, followed by Alex, Fiona with Dad and Sara holding the train. They all looked stunning and the dress was incredible, the first time I'd seen it it was amazing. Anyway, the service went brilliantly and it was soon time for me to do my reading, in the pulpit too! If I don't say so myself, I managed it very well, Fiona told me afterward that I made her cry which meant a lot to me and many people told me at the reception that they thought I read the passage well. The choir were incredible and we had carols rather than hymns and two female choristers in particular were fantastic and actually blew Jake and I away reaching the top harmony notes. The Vicar allowed Fiona and Matt to both light a christening candle each to represent their two lights as they both light the single Easter candle to represent the joining of their lights in remembrance of Matts late dad and our late Nan at which point I was trying hard not to cry. Anyway, we got everyone out of the church in time to see the Rolls exploding with confetti from the leather roof which was amazing as the cars drove off to head to the reception at Rowton Hall. Jake and I took dads car and our old neighbours from Suffolk; Viv and Dave, neither of which had aged at all! There was loads of people there and it as seriously formal, once the mingling was out of the way, we had a Toastmaster who was calling and gathering the party together, Fiona had created a list of about 200 photo shots which she wanted and Caroline, the photographer was excellent. It must have taken about a hour to get through the photos but although we have to wait for Caroline's to be completed, photos from other people look very encouraging. Eric, the Toastmaster was very loud and commanded people well which was great before he had everyone form a line down the oak-panelled hall to meet and greet the wedding party. Eric announced everyone to the party in turn until Jake and I marked the end of the line of guests. It was then Eric decided that he would get the party in a 'frenzy' and announce each one of the head table into the room, Jake and I were last in before Fiona and Matt and there were about 100 people there. The meal was amazing, the room with the gems and candelabras looked magical, each table themed on The Chronicles of Narnia, tables named after a character. The only disaster being, mid way through the main course, I could see something move out of the corner of my eye, not able to say anything or move fast enough to catch it, the top two tiers of the wedding cake collapsed and slid off their supports and onto the floor. Unfortunately one tier was completely destroyed but thankfully the photos had already been taken. Eric came to the rescue and we managed to come up with a plan to still enable the cutting of the cake. Jane, who made the cake for my Dad was devastated but it all worked out. After the meal, we danced all night until one in the morning before going to bed. It was an amazing night and I still cant belive my Sister is married and I have two brothers in law and a sister in law! Its mad! After a breakfast and final meet and greet the guests, we left around Mid day on Sunday. It was a fantastic weekend and my Sister and Matt now have two weeks in Sri-lanka to look forward to but theyre spending Christmas with us till the 27th. Ill write more about other stuff shortly...The reading is up next!............Today is a day you will always remember, The greatest in anyone's life. You'll start off the day just two people in love, and end it as Husband and Wife. It's a brand new beginning the start of a journey with moments to cherish and treasure, and although there'll be times when you both disagree, these will surely be outweighed by pleasure . You'll have heard many words of advice in the past when the secrets of marriage were spoken, but you know that the answers lie hidden inside where the bond of true love lies unbroken. So live happy forever as lovers and friends it's the dawn of a new life for you, as you stand there together with love in your eyes from the moment you whisper 'I do'. And with luck, all your hopes, and your dreams can be real, may success find it's way to your hearts. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys but today is the day it all starts. http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=52 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=165307 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:17:58 GMT Well, I know, I know, a long time again, stop leaving it so long Ross I know I'm bad! Well, to be honest, I've not been in the mood to write anything even though a lot has been going on. I suppose the biggest thing that happened was the wedding but you know about hat one. When my sister and brother-in-law came back back from Sri-lanker we had a meal with mum and dad in Chester which was nice but more revelations were to follow. Firstly dad just dropped into the conversation, very nonchalantly that he is going to retire in March! My dad has always worked, all my life and work has been very time consuming to him and recently has been stressing him out and not helping him health-wise at all. Although its great news for his health and that he and mum and spend more time together, it didn't have come as a surprise! Then Fiona and Matt arrived and we did the usual chat about holiday and admiring the tan and jewellery that they bought then along came another bombshell explanation as to why Fiona felt a bit queasy, she's ********! I'm going to be an *****! I cant wait! It looks like she is about ** *****into it so thats great news and already a small **** is showing. I'm trying not to get too excited just in case anything ( hope to god it doesn't) goes wrong. I'm looking forward to that so much so Ill keep you posted. Otherwise, at the moments I'm sick, I've got a chest infection/cold thing which isn't great at all, in fact, its ticking me off: I've been off the gym for 2 weeks now and swimming! I only just started my new gym programme and I'm trying to get ready for the Swimathon in April (please sponsor me: http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=879178) I'm trying to raise 300 pounds at least for Marie Curie cancer care but so far I'm not even half way! So being off swim training is not doing any good to me at all..not when I need to be able to swim 8.8KM! As you can imagine that's not making me feel too hot. I've successfully fought off flu, colds and everything for over a year until now and I was well impressed with myself until now. Aside from that though, some great news is that we have pretty much finished the bathroom at long last! Ill add more photos soon but check it out at www.brunton.name/refurb and see what you think. We're so chuffed to get that done, just a couple of niggly bits to fix like touching up grout, fixing a leak and worktop but all good really. The next project will be the lounge but not for a couple of months, we need to save up some cash if we can, I don't know how though, times are VERY tough on us. I'm not having much luck with my web business, despite my efforts (www.rossbrunton.co.uk) but I have a great new version of my CMS system more or less ready to go and looking for volunteers to test it for a half price offer. Also good news is that I'm going up a size (well, I hope I can) on my PA to a 6mm ball closure ring on the 11th of March. I hope I can, I want a thick chunky one but have to see how much room there is when I see Dee in Metalmorphosis in a week or so 's time. Anyway, that's about it for me for now..at least you know where I'm up to. Speak soon all! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=53 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=608718 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:45:38 GMT Well, I made a decision, I'm getting rid of Facebook. I don't see the point of keeping a blog on my own website with an RSS feed if I have to copy it all and all of my photos to my Facebook page. I have greater control over who sees what on my site so, if you want to keep up to date with what's going on with me, see the latest photos, news on the house refurb, updates and other useful (and some inane) stuff, watch this space! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=54 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=296535 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:54:02 GMT Well, hello there! :) Sorry it's been so long since we last spoke, there's been a lot going on, most of which I'm not going to go into, if you want to know any more, you'll have to ask me personally, that's what I've got a contact page for! I suppose the first thing to do is tell you about the new version of the website, well, you're looking at it! I've made a new style of it, amended some of the back-end stuff and made it easier to find the pages you want. I've also made the blogs easier to read when you view it on the site at the same time as still being a valid RSS feed. There's new galleries, new photos, new content all over the place and you can now order copies of my photos too! I'm thrilled to say that my sister only has a couple of weeks left until my niece or nephew are due to arrive. She's pretty big now and it's bizarre to sit and watch an elbow or leg move across someones stomach, but at the same time it's blood amazing! I can't wait, I hope everything goes well for them both, I'll keep you posted when I know any more. Jake and I are both well and doing OK, we're decorating the dining room at the moment, you can see how we're getting on by visiting the dining room page to see the before, during and after shots. Once we're done there we will start the mammoth task of the lounge! I start a new job soon based in Chester so I have made arrangements to leave JJB/DW sports in Winsford and start going to Total Fitness in Chester again. It makes much more sense because it will cut my basic daily round trip by about 14 miles so that cant be bad can it? Plus, I will save 7 quid a month on membership fees. I'll be sad to leave the new pool at Winsford Lifestyle Centre though, it's become like a second home, the place is great, it's just a shame most local inhabitants don't know how to respect and appreciate anything they're given, especially when money has been diverted from elsewhere! Anyway, I'm consequently looking for a new gym buddy who can help me grow again, I've done OK on my own but would love a gym bud again. My Flummoxedbusiness has started to pick up a bit, I've been doing PC repairs and fault fixing for people in the area and that's been doing OK but could do with more clients just to help pay the way for the refurb on the house and more advertising. Anyone you know who could use my help, please, pass on the details! You can download the advert for Flummoxed, here. You know what, I can't think of anything else to say right now but now I've added the ability to update my blog entries, I'll be able to add more to this when I think of it...till then, see ya! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=55 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=54047 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:46:57 GMT As per usual, its been far too long since my last post. I'm getting round to it today though because today has been a very stressful one and it will give me opportunity to keep you all up to date. I have no doubt the most important and good news is I am now an uncle. Lewis is gorgeous and both he and my sister are doing very well. Although trying to feed his insatiable appetite is proving quite a challenge to my sister but all is going well and he's growing almost visibly now! Something which has been putting a little dampenr on things was the fact that a few weeks ago, I found a lump on one of my balls. It bothered me a lot so thought best not to mess about and got up the doctors, got it seen to and waited for an appointment at the hospital. In all fairness, I was impressed, I think I saw the doctor on the Friday, the following Wednesday I got an appointment for the following Monday for an ultrasound. That Monday being today. On top of the worry of that, today in particular has been very hectic emotionally. I've been driving a Citroen Saxo now for about 19 months, bought from my friend at the Uni but its started to cost me money to get things done to it and so against all my beliefs up until now, Ive plumped to buying a newer car. I think it's time I had something newer, a bit less boy racer and a bit more 29-30 year old. So, I've had to spend my life savings to pay for an '04 Toyota Yaris which has cost me just over 4000 pounds. Hopefully though it should last me a few years yet and if all goes well I can sell my Saxo and put the money I get from that back into the building society. So, I had to sign the paper work for that today on top of everything else, think you can start to see why I was getting a bit stressed of late! I've also been plateauing at the gym now for a few years and not going very far so the other day, I took a deep breath and spoke t the biggest guy who goes to my gym and asked him for advice. The long and short of it is, I'm going to have a few sessions with him and hes going to help kick start my progress again. Today, just before my ultrasound, we did chest and biceps. Completely took a different tac and bloody hell, it felt amazing! I was so swollen I was stood looking in the mirror thinking this is a different person! He showed me a few different ways to do things which would really impact and help me grow and change and it really felt good. Granted, he basically said my form was shite but I need to know this to go back to basics and get it right and work on my form and push myself again. Having gotten all sweaty and big, it was a race to get to the hospital in time but fortunately, I made it and it was worth rushing for because the good news is, the ultrasound operator said he's sure the lump is not cancerous, he said, it could just be a section of thickening skin and not to worry. That's one thing off my mind. Once Ive got my new car and sold my old one Ill be happier still. Jake has been working like mad in the lounge, hopefully we're on target to be in there and relaxing in our new lounge for Christmas. It'll be so amazing to have the biggest room in the house done, there's been a lot of work as always and we've had to strip it all back and start again, its not over yet by far but its certainly getting there. The photos are in the refurb pages so have a look and see how far we've come. On that note and seeing as my arms are still like jelly from what was a quick (40 mins) but serisouly intense workout, Im going to bid you adieu! Speak soon guys! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=56 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=305001 Mon, 9 Nov 2009 20:36:31 GMT Yes, it is...Its Christmas week and here I am thinking there's been a lot going on which I haven't written anything about so here we go... The main thing that's been taking up my time (and Jake's) is the lounge. We've been doing it for what feels like months but it hasn't been, I think its probably been about 3 months. We've had a lot to do which in a way is a shame but you wont see the majority of the work like fixing the walls, replacing plaster, repairing the fireplace and all that sort of stuff. I'm more than a bit disappointed that I don't think it will all be done for Christmas, we've got a matter of days left and there's a lot left to do. Ive finished the woodwork but the windowsill needs another 2 coats of paint but will have to use a roller for a better finish on that. The architrave and skirting is all done and the coving is painted. Jake's done a coat of the ceiling and hopefully another tonight and I'm going to try and do the cutting in so we can start painting tomorrow. We've chosen to do the chimney breast in a deep purple to match the photo I had printed on canvas for the dining room and hoping to get a thick, chunky wooden oak beam across the fireplace. Other than that, we've been seeing Lewis as often as we can and he is gorgeous. He's started smiling now and grins a lot of the time, its nice to get a grin when you say hello to him. Ive just realised, I have got the biggest spot on the side of my next, its HUGE and could this have come in a worse week? Its Christmas! Ive got my Christmas hair cut on Wednesday too which I'm looking forward to. I don't like feeling a scruff and it'll be nice to be all trimmed and smart for the Festive Season. Ive been thinking about getting a spray tan again. Ive managed to find a local place which does them in a portable unit or in the shop in Chester. I used to have a fantastic spray tan in Manchester which was done by a machine in a booth but Ive never been able to find it anywhere else. I don't like the idea of going to a shop where a person sprays you, not the same. So I think Ill go and have a skin test done in Chester soon. Hopefully, it will help my body look a bit better too. Ive been working with a bodybuilder called Lukas Gabris recently, a really nice, knowledgeable guy and hes suggested a few ways to help get better gains. At the moment, I'm working on really explosive, high rep training to make the muscles more firm. After Christmas, Ill switch to doing some more heavy work to hopefully grow a bit more. The bonus from the technique I'm using now is that my heart rate stays up so I burn more calories. Lukas thinks Ive lost some more body fat and looking a bit leaner. Ive also changed my swimming routine. Rather than swimming a miles a day after my workout, I now swim over 2 miles on a wednesday and saturday. Im really enjoying that, basically Im trying to gear up to start training a bit more for the Great North Swim. The idea is that I want to get to the swim and find it easy so the more I can do in one go byt he time the swim comes, it should be easier for the actual swim. Ive found a lad at the gym I use who is going to do the swim too and he will come training with me at some point hopefully. My friend Matt is going to be doing the swim as well, he's booked in for the Saturday at 15:30, I'm swimming at 13:30 on the Saturday the 4th of September. Take a look at my website for it: http://www.gns.my-challenge.co.uk please help me raise sponsorship money for the day too. Ive begun tapering my PA with an 8mm taper so hopefully, I will be working up to an 8mm ring soon. I sat with the taper in last night and managed to get it all the way through so a couple more stretching sessions and Ill be ready for a new ring I think so Im really pleased about that too. Apart from work, training in the gym and swimming, doing the lounge as well, not much else has been able to be fit in! Ive been working on a new website for gay guys but otherwise, pretty much the same old thing has been going on. Someone smashed the PIR detector for our infrared cat scrarer off of the wall at the front of our house too last week, we found it ripped off on the floor on Thursday. We think the postman did it but we have no proof so we cant say. I'm all ready for Christmas but my cards have been late. Because of the lounge IU haven't finished them, I need to do mum and dads, Fiona and Matt's and Jake's as soon as I can I only have 4 days left! I need to also wrap ribbon around the presents then Ill be done. Its Secret Santa at work tomorrow too and I haven't finished my present but its too late now. I got everyone to chip in and we bought as Christmas tree for the office, I decorated it with gold baubles and a nice red and gold ribbon and I even made a star for the top, I was very pleased and by all accounts so is everyone else in the building. It really showed up the effort in Reception! Anyway, enough for now...Ill keep you posted. Have a look at the lounge refurb pages to keep an eye on the progress and please, help me raise some money for Marie Curie in my Great North Swim Challenge. Speak soon and Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year! http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=57 http://www.brunton.name/index.php?p=123442&guid=114610 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:05:22 GMT Hello everyone....Jesus, I know...Ive been very bad at not replying. I just havent found the time to sit down and let you all know what has been going on but a fair bit has to be honest. Were still working on the house, its taking longer than we had hoped but weve almost done all of the rooms upstairs, once thats done, we will be on the winning side of the operation with just the hall and landing, kitchen and utility area to do after that - the most expensive part! Hopefully, now that the mortgage has dropped to a tracker, we should be able to save the excess up so that we can pay off some of our arrangement fees, pay a little extra each month and have a bit more money to actually get the work done. Thats the plan though, whether we manage it, time will tell. At the moment, were just finishing off my office. Its a mess at the moment but were getting there, once thats done, I can stop being displaced and moved back into my office and get things done. Ive not actually done much this time other than the prep and electrics, Jakes done most of the hard work. Thats great though because it allowed me to get on with my training. I needed the time to get on and ready for the Great Salford Swim and the Great north Swim this year. Now I know that Ive done both, that I will only be doing the Salford Swim next year. Whilst Windermere is nice, it took ages to get to, there was no where for spectators to actually see the swimmers and its very inaccessible, you dont want to nearly die only to find you then need to walk 2 miles to get back to the car. I did an OK time for both, both around 29 minutes which was slower than last year but Im OK with it, Ill have to get better though, still I succeeded and did them both so Im pretty pleased with myself. Now that the swims are out of the way Im back in the gym trying to get back what I lost from the swim. Ive started my new training programme again and hopefully it has started to ake things firm up, Ill see how I am in a couple of weeks. Ill upload some new photos when thats done if Im happy with it. Other than that, my nephew is talking, runnig everytwhere and keeping my sister very busy, hes wonderful, such a little star and were gtetting to see him as much as we can, its just coordinating it when hes at mum and dads so we can nip round and say hello. He still cries sometimes when he sees Jake though, I think its the lack of hair! Its our 9th anniversary this weekend which is amazing. I honestly dont know where the time ges but 9 years eh...thats fantastic even if I dont say so myself. I think it has a lot to do with the honesty and enjoyment we have in the relationship, we tell each other everything and we say if we like someone else and thats great because we can flirt and chat and still come home to each other. Oh yeah...Ive gone Android! I sold my HD2 on eBay last night for a fantastic £170 which Im over the moon about, especially as the reserve was only £80. They got a good deal though, its in perfect condition but Im happier now Ive got apps, I even have apps to have a crafty perv at gyus online, well I could until I exceeded my data allowance :), Julie and I are off to Swansea for another team meeting in a week or so, Ive managed to arranage corporate rates with the Village hotels which look very nice, even a sea view! Well, it needs to be, its 4.5 hours for us to travel down there! Ill let you know what its like, I think they have free broadband so Ill take my laptop and try and write again! For now though, thats its compadres....Ill catch you soon OK? http://www.brunton.name/index.php?ref_id=3&e_id=58 http://www.bassavilla.co.uk/index.php?ref_id=3&guid=149304 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:56:11 GMT