I’m pleased to announce that myself and the beautiful Nicola have got engaged!

I first met her about 8 months ago and we have grown closer and closer ever since, now perfect for each other and really happy.

I gave her the ring (and the surprise of course!) last Saturday (8th) whilst we were on holiday in Dublin, a nice (cold but) sunny afternoon on the arched bridge in St. Stephen’s Green park. Thought it the ideal time to do it, rather there that in the middle of West Orchards or somewhere like that in Coventry.

I know I’m a bit late posting it here, well we were away and didn’t want to use too much international bandwidth on my mobile net dongle (just in case I got charged). Had to make sure all the close family knew first, and I sneaked the news subtly onto Facebook a few days ago.

No wedding date set yet though, there is no rush, it will take time and money to sort it all of course and we have to do something more interesting that the local registry office (although I am told it’s ‘a lovely building…’)! And we both just want to enjoy the engagement for the time being

Yes the time has come to say bye bye to my little Mondeo. A new thermostat fixed the earlier problems at christmas, and now it’s working, but just about. Something isn’t right with the engine, possibly head gasket or something similarly nasty (prob caused by the earlier overheating I reckon), which alongside all the other problems and niggles, it’s not worth the effort fixing it up as I need something better.

Went for a look round Motor Nation in Coventry yesterday, found something I like, had a test drive, put a deposit down, did the paperwork and I should be able to collect it tomorrow!

It’s a Renault Megane 1.6i 16v Privilege, dark metallic blue, lots of goodies, 31k on the clock, great condition, 54 reg plate. I’m all exited now! Will post again after I’ve picked it up.

Today…

…I started doing up my car interior all Christmassy, not too much but just to give it some festive spirit. Mostly done, tinsel is up, a few pretty things are hanging and I just have lights to put in.

…We went into Coventry for the big lights switch on. People from Mercia (local radio station which I rarely listen to cos it plays pop crap all day long over and over again). It was wet and cold. There was a carnival which was pretty good. I got an Ikea balloon! - which I gave to Coco (Nicola’s cat). And doughnuts and candy floss, which is a must at these type of things. There were people everywhere, a bit odd for a Sunday night. Then Sky Blue Sam (CCFC mascot and local hero) did the big switch on. Apparently the Big Brother twins Sam and Amanda were there somewhere but it was getting very cold and not worth the effort to see (playing (or miming? well the Fast Food Rockers mimed pretty terribly at Nuneaton’s do a few years back) in a free pop concert for the rest of the evening).

…It started snooowwiiiiing!! Good end to a Christmassy day.

Also, is it wise to eat candy floss before bed? I don’t mean before as such, I mean munching it IN bed while tapping out a (rare! lol) blog entry moments before going to sleep (I’ve been up since midnight working all morning very early although lovely to get the afternoon off).

There’s nothing more I can say than “wow”!

BBC Report