The soundtrack to the summer of 1988 in Chicago. In the pool for training at 6am watching the sun come up, then frozen yoghurt and the beach. One of those summers you didn't want to end.   To be fair, we all loved this too (we were 14, don't be too hard on me)  …

Perfect simplicity.  

It had been quite a week. As I write, my little baby girl is in hospital for the 6th day,with her Mum looking after her (and the NHS' finest). Nothing to worry about, all fine and will be home. Home is an odd word right now. I'm writing this on a sofa, surrounded by boxes,…

Today, not unusual for the UK, it rained a lot. That meant I couldn't play outside with my little boy. No farm up the road to see the moo moo cows and ba bas, no swings in the park.No going swimming either. We're off for his lesson tomorrow. But we have the garden centre. That's…

A new baby a week away Moving house Scary big work things There's still always time to indulge in the good stuff And If there was ever a time to indulge in the extra good stuff, I believe it is now

One of the better aspects of getting older is not having to bother with what other people think. I don't mean mean inconsiderate or ignoring other people's feelings mind, in fact, I can honestly say that's improved with age. I mean not worrying what other people think of your preferences and choices. I really enjoyed…

On the other hand while I love being defined as Dad and all the responsibility that entails, that isn't the whole story. While I feel less defined by what I do at work and more by what I do at home, there wil always be a little rebel inside that refused to accept mediocrity and…

Today is Mrs Northern's last day at work before maternity leave. I could go on about my awe of how she's handled a difficult pregnancy while dealing with an overly energetic toddler, move house (still in progress), look after me through a minor operation and still find the energy to smile and put up with…

The two worst jobs I ever did were both in a call centre. The first was selling insurance for burst water pipes and blocked drains. Phoning people and asking them for money, for something even less interesting and useful than Celebrity Big Brother. People incandescent at having Eastenders interrupted, others hopping mad at me refusing…