Books – SteveWhittythoughts1965

July 7, 2024

Embracing Life’s Twists: Retirement Plans, Record Shop Days, and Football Emotions

It has been a strange week. The one word that springs to mind when you describe it is change. Be it a change of habits or government.

Monday 1st July

I woke up to find myself in the second half of the year. The first six months have flown by. This is something that happens when you get older. Time is something you take for granted until you realise when it starts to run out.

Glastonbury has been and gone. Not that I watch any of it on the telly. I find it difficult to enjoy events held on a dairy farm. Having said that, I have attended Bearded Theory over the last three years which is held on a farm. You cannot have it both ways.

It is good to be able to reward people who do a good job. I include my team in that.

Tuesday 2nd July

There has been talk of retirement at work. Chris who I have worked with for almost ten years is due to leave in a couple of weeks. I will miss her as she was a calming influence when I joined the civil service. It has got me thinking about my retirement. This is due to happen in 2032. My aim is to make my life simpler. The first step is to combine all my old work pensions into one. This is not just for me but also for my family just in case I were to pass away before I retire. The whole process was straight forward.

I wish the trains were the same. It seems whenever summer arrives the trains become delayed. It is frustrating given the lack of information given. New trains, the same old shitty service.

Wednesday 3rd July

The best gifts are the unexpected ones. I received a £20 voucher as a thank you for my work with data quality. I will spend that on cups of coffee over the coming days.

Seeing Mark Cavendish break the Tour de France record for stage wins brought a lump to my throat. I have been following his career over the years. He is a true British sporting legend.

I was given a reminder about becoming old. I had to help my neighbour to his feet. He had fallen while trying to clean himself after an accident. He looked all bewildered by what had gone on. I felt sad for him as I suspect these problems have been going on for a long time.

Thursday 4th July

It was General Election Day. I went to vote early in the morning. I wanted to get it out of the way as I was going to be busy. It was encouraging to stand in a big queue at 7:15 in the morning. Hopefully, this is a sign of a big turnout.

Today was the start of spending three days in the record shop helping out my friend while he was attending a festival. Outside of my home, this is my favourite place to spend time. Being able to talk music is pure joy as I am always learning something new.

Friday 5th July

As expected Labour won the election by a landslide.

Saturday 6th July

I have always held a love-hate relationship with the England football team. They promise so much yet they always let you down. The match against Switzerland was going that way as well. Somehow they clawed their way back into the game. The penalty shootout was a masterclass in taking the spot kick. So we move on to Wednesday where we face the Netherlands for a place in the final of Euro 2024. Could it finally be our year?

Sunday 7th July

I woke feeling run down. I have developed a cough and a blocked nose. Normally, I would have gone and done the laundry but could not face it. I will stop off by the chemist and purchase some covid tests. You cannot be too careful.

Until the next post, keep on smiling.

September 5, 2013September 5, 2013

Photo of the Week – Birmingham Central Library

This is the third photo I have posted of the new Birmingham Central Library.

Costing £189m the library was opened on Tuesday by Malala Yousafazi. She was the schoolgirl shot by the Taliban for speaking for education for girls in her native Pakistan. She was treated in Birmingham and her family have made the city their home.

In her speech Malala said “A city without books in a city without a library is like a graveyard.” She also added that books were precious and they were the weapons to beat terrorism. Wise words from one so young.

There are nine floors to the library of which three are closed to the public. There are also two viewing platforms which were proving popular with people enjoying the good weather. This building could become an icon for Birmingham.

Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve

Posted with Blogsy

May 17, 2013May 17, 2013

Guidebooks – Physical or Digital?

Guidebooks are an essential tool for travellers. Whether it be for planning, using on your visit or just for reading your guidebook becomes your bible.

Once upon a time you just go into your local bookshop to purchase your guidebook, now we can go online for guidebooks to view on smartphones, e-readers and tablets. Which one is best?

I have tried both over the years. Recently, I had moved over to digital but I do have a problem with them. I am loathed to be walking around with my iPad on view. It must make a magnet for the opportunist thief. Can never understand why people use the iPad as a camera. When I used a guidebook on my iPhone I found that it quickly drained my battery. Overall a frustrating experience.

This is why for my Balkans trip I will be reverting back to the physical guidebook. Armed with my Lonely Planet guide to Eastern Europe I will be wending my merry way. It might take up some weight in my rucksack but there is something satisfying about looking at maps on paper. It is easier to highlight and read too. Sure I love my Kindle and iPad to read books and magazines but for guidebooks the physical book will always be the best experience.