Hey. How you doing?

My 2025, so far so good. Well, here I am again, missed me? Of course you have, you naughty taughty. What a show that was, best thing in comedy I have seen in a long time. I love Judi and Harriet dancing in the background 💃 #bobmortimer #bob... | last one laughing | TikTok How did she survive this??? #bobmortimer #bobmortimerclips #britcom #b... | TikTok Where to start with 2025? I have a new job. Well, hopefully I do. The third party company doing the background checks on me are being so obstructive that I am struggling to keep my composure and you know I am normally very level headed... Honest, I am. They are quibbling over the legitimacy of a City and Guilds certificate I was awarded in1991, a certificate that is likely older than the parents of the pedant compiling the report on me. They even asked me, three effing times, if C&G is an education certificate and my highest level awarded, I may have been a little condescending in my responses. My new employer could not give a flying fuck if I have a C&G in t-shirt printing or quantum physics, they did not hire me based on my thirty plus years old apprenticeship, tell them I am an educational retard if you must, just send the fucking report! I know it will be fine, but I could do without the added hassle of chasing incompetence. The Job. In February I was approached by what is considered to be the largest company in the Loss Adjusting world after, and you'll love this, their Talent Acquisition Team found my CV. Yep, they read it and still called! Long story short, as long as this background report finds it's way to my new employer I am going to be a Major and Complex Loss Surveyor/Adjuster starting May1st. Sounds fancy huh? I am at the point in my career where this move feels right and correct, I am working for an International company and essentially the world is open'ish. I must admit, just writing that brings a smile to my face. Resigning from the company I am currently with after a near eight relationship was tough, the director and I are very close and have developed a bond over the last few years as I stepped my role up. Sometimes you have to be selfish. It was like shooting a puppy in the face. Horrific.

I have already ridden my bike(s) more times this year than I did in total last year and I still adore that sport so much. Heading out again Easter Saturday with some of the Pinkies and I have booked Dyfi for the first May bank holiday. Dyfi Bike Park designed and built by the Atherton's and arguably the most challenging bike park in the UK, where injuries are common, three days after starting a new job. https://www.dyfibikepark.co.uk/

Oh. My gym training is now a habit and whilst I am not obsessive, I do get grumpy if I miss a session that was planned. You only regret the workouts you don't do. The mirror is still not my friend though. I have been abroad already, grabbing an all inclusive week in Egypt in early March with the full intention of being a grumpy old bugger sitting in a corner by the pool with my books and headphones for the duration and simply relaxing. Well, that didn't happen. Arriving late on my first night I found a shop, bought a bottle of vodka and coke for the room, walked past some people sat in the bar, realised they were Brits and was invited to join, finally getting to bed around 3am throwing the empty bottle of vodka in the bin on the way. Bumping into Mich and Rachel the following day on the way to breakfast they offered to sort a sun lounger out for me and then for the rest of the holiday I was with them constantly. I was playing darts (Killer), joining in the Aqua Gym, egged on by the lovely Jemila, I know, me doing hotel activities, shocking, and going on horse and camel riding trips. I even put a skirt on and span around in a circle in front of all the guests one evening.

After the ladies left for home I went on a trip to Cairo, by coach.

I have been before in 2004, but we flew that time. I thought seeing the Museum of Cairo the Pyramids and Sphinx again after so many years made sense, when in Rome and all that. I had checked the route and it is is circa 230 miles each way, I do that journey often for work, so didn't think it would be too bad.

I spent 25 hours on a coach.

A coach with poor air conditioning, having to sit next to a small strange man from the UK who liked to manspread, (we were both wearing shorts) and who explained he travels to Thailand, solo, very often. And loud Russians

Draw your own conclusions.

It was a superb trip all in all and I filled my heart with memories and made good friends. We are well into spring, May is just around the corner, the nights are lengthening and I have a real positive outlook. April saw me and Lucy at Ladies Day, Aintree with a couple of Army buddies and their clients and customers, superb day, but my wallet and liver were not happy the following day. I have so much booked already, starting with a BBQ at an old Army mates on Easter Sunday and including squadron reunions, military rugby, plays and gigs. Maybe this manifesting thing has some plausibility. Sorry, what was that ever faithful reader? Am I dating or seeing anyone? Do be serious...