tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94270112011-04-22T05:44:27.285+01:00Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1125834337939391122005-09-04T12:40:00.000+01:002005-09-04T12:47:35.366+01:00

Well our house sold very quick, and we should have moved back on the 20th August, but thanks to some quite terrible service from the estate agents, Jones & Chapman (please, everyone never ever use them unless you have a strange attraction to shoddy service, missing paperwork, ignorance and little to no signs of any work being done by them - all for a substantial charge of money), we're still

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1121086487827605492005-07-11T13:49:00.000+01:002005-07-11T13:57:54.036+01:00

Had an offer accepted on a house we want, just got to sell ours now.New House:Internals:LoungeKitchenMaster BedroomOur house: (anyone interested?!)Internals:Master BedroomLounge

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1120033427221990042005-06-29T09:22:00.000+01:002005-06-29T09:23:47.226+01:00

1) Kirsty got new job2) Moving to Lincoln area3) Ordered Astra VXR4) Got mortgage5) 57 mile bike ride on sunday for charityJob done.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1118743171632635592005-06-14T10:54:00.000+01:002005-06-14T11:00:33.130+01:00

Finishing off the house during this week, we'll be glad when it's back to normal!Tiling and painting in kitchen looks excellent, just need to put coving up.Kirsty got a job offer which would have set us up nicely for my move in autumn, but then the boss of the company decided to offer her 2/3rds of the salary advertised and no company car. So we told him to shove it. So we'll keep looking.... ;-)

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1117714642483149372005-06-02T13:13:00.000+01:002005-06-02T13:17:22.486+01:00

Spent the whole bank holiday weekend de-tiling and replastering the kitchen ready for me to fit the new one when it arrives June 16th... At the same time, Kirsty re-decorated the 3rd bedroom. House nearly ready to sell, just need to throw out several tons of junk to de-clutter it.It'll be lovely when it's finished...Kirsty had job interview yesterday, waiting to hear result. Looked round some

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1117015900380345732005-05-25T10:57:00.000+01:002005-05-25T11:14:54.470+01:00

Well, lots going on at the moment....:1) Prepping house for sale, decorated hall, stairs and landing. New kitchen ordered (arrives June 16th). Gonna also re-decorate 3rd bedroom. Once all this is done, the house'll go on the market.2) House searching. Been looking at houses in various locations in the midlands ready for my job move. Job starts 1st October, but hoping to move around the end of

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1116325102969820972005-05-17T11:17:00.000+01:002005-05-17T11:18:22.973+01:00

Got a job!Yippee!Start 1st October 2005.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1115818268796909412005-05-11T14:26:00.000+01:002005-05-11T14:31:08.823+01:00

Well the business venture is slowly starting to take off. Slight problem with the name though, as we found out that Kirstys Kreations had already been taken by someone, and as the quality of the work was pretty poor we decided to steer clear of any association with it. So we've reverted to Kirsty's original plan (although it was originally only intended as a joke I think!):Shop That Sells Nice

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1115642118283709022005-05-09T13:32:00.000+01:002005-05-09T13:36:08.873+01:00

Only one of these three things had to happen:1) We beat Forest2) Brighton lose to Ipswich3) Coventry beat Crewe.Instead, none of these happen, and we get relegated by virtue of two goals. I'm so pissed off. And yes I was at the game. Pos Team Pd W D L F A GD Pts 19 Coventry 46 13 13 20 61 73 -12 52 20 Brighton 46 13 12 21

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1115243084992212232005-05-04T22:43:00.000+01:002005-05-04T22:44:45.000+01:00

Who should I vote for? v2Your expected outcome:ConservativeYour actual outcome:Labour -27 Conservative 27Liberal Democrat 0 UKIP 33 Green 17You should vote: UK Independence PartyUKIP's primary focus is on Europe, where the party is strongly against joining both the EU constitution and the Euro. UKIP is also firmly in favour of limiting immigration. The party does not take a

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1113218001189808562005-04-11T12:08:00.000+01:002005-04-11T12:13:58.723+01:00

Well we're trying a new business venture, Kirstys Kreations.Kirsty is making picture + card sets to sell on e-bay, and also cards to sell in Mick's shops. We're also setting up a web-site for her to sell commissioned work. Fingers crossed it'll be a success...She's sold one card in the shop today.View E-Bay item 1View E-Bay item 2View E-Bay item 3

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1112798849475912812005-04-06T15:13:00.000+01:002005-04-06T15:47:29.476+01:00

Mum's funeral: April 13thOff to Isle of Arran following weekend to sprinkle ashes on Goatfell.With barely anytime to dwell on the past, I had to move on to preparations for A+J's wedding on the 1st April. I was best-man and Kirsty was chief bridesmaid. The wedding was a roaring success, although I was knackered by the end of it from running around organising stuff and sorting problems out

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1112106408200968692005-03-29T15:25:00.000+01:002005-03-29T15:26:48.203+01:00

My mum lost her battle with cancer yesterday morning (28th March).I miss her so much.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1110375400012419772005-03-09T13:32:00.000Z2005-03-09T13:37:54.746Z

So....Went to Rotherham on saturday, watched the Gills win 3-1, carp ground, no fans, etc. Then found out that pretty much everyone else at the bottom of the league won too, so we're still set for relegation this season...And Notts Forest won one of their two games in ahnd last night too, so we're really staring League 1 in the face....ARrgh.Then off to Kent for mother's day (via Burbage to

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1109852331689975072005-03-03T12:12:00.000Z2005-03-03T12:19:34.443Z

Well, not posted for a few days now, lots going on, and not always felt like talking to the world (or the two people that read this anyway...) about everything that's going on.Last weekend I went down to Kent, watched the Gills beat Wigan (top of the league no less) 2-1, which was an absolutely brilliant result. Went to the hospital to see mum, it's very upsetting so I'm not gonna talk about it

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1108572691666716892005-02-16T16:45:00.000Z2005-02-16T16:51:31.666Z

The birthday! Cripes I'm getting old....Got a few presents (ring and cuff-links, new top, more screwpull stuff (drop-rings, bottle stop)), other presents to come (mum & dads, and mick & kays were delayed), plus money and cards, etc.Had to take car in for service first, went to the wrong garage, lost driving licence so Kirsty had to have the courtesy car, didn't start too well.... Got an astra

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1108572326548106582005-02-16T16:34:00.000Z2005-02-16T16:45:26.550Z

Onto Ramson's....Starter: Red Mullet, Celeriac Puree, Saffron SauceMains: Seafood Broth (Mussels, Monkfish, Salmon, etc)Dessert: Pear & Amaretti Cheesecake, Fruit CoulisWines:2 Bottles of an Italian wine (one red, and one white) that I forgot to write down at the time... Both excellent. White was similar to a Chablis, very steely/flinty with a hazelnut aftertaste. Red was just what I like

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1108571677913114522005-02-16T16:31:00.000Z2005-02-16T16:34:37.916Z

Over to Zoe & Glenn's for dinner, Zoe & Kirsty cooked:Starter: Smoked haddock fishcakes, salsa.Mains: Hot Cheshire Pork Pie & veg.Dessert: Chocolate & Amaretti Torte.Wine: 2x M&S white wines (I can't remember what...) Cordier Bordeaux 2000 (I've had it bedded down for a few years)

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1108571399672077202005-02-16T16:24:00.000Z2005-02-16T16:29:59.673Z

Went to Simply Heathcotes (Liverpool) with Amelia & James (+ Kirsty), had a great meal. Forgotten how nice it is there, although the wine generally has some steep mark-ups .I had:Starter: Confit of duck leg frisee & bacon salad, French beans & shallotsMain: Roast rack of Pendle lamb, crushed carrots & peas fondant potato & mint oilDessert: Vanilla bean ice cream, shooter of hot espresso & Pedro

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1107973366730123982005-02-09T18:21:00.000Z2005-02-09T18:22:46.730Z

Warburtons Hot Cross Bun Loaf is superb! It's the tangy-tastiness of hot cross buns coupled with the toaster-loving convenience of a loaf! Sorted.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1107866993971857822005-02-08T13:44:00.000Z2005-02-08T12:49:53.973Z

Completed Half-Life 2 last night, absolutely fantastic game. I'll probably start playing the whole game all over again very soon - I can't believe how much variation there is in one game, and it all gels together so well. Right now, I'm back to playing Warhammer: Dawn of War as it is a great game, and plays much better on the new graphics card too. Dabs.com messed up their pricing on the

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1107522092629670122005-02-04T13:48:00.000Z2005-02-04T13:02:28.240Z

Hmmm.... well I don't intentionally want to turn this blog into something too geeky, but seeing as I don't even know if anyone reads it already, I might as well post some info (for posterity more than anything!). I've got an Athlon64 3200+ which normally runs at 2GHz, but lots of reports on the internet show that these processors (specifically the newer models made using a 90nm process [i.e.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1107264809964174432005-02-01T13:32:00.000Z2005-02-01T13:33:29.963Z

Wow. What a game. I'm addicted (hence the lack of posts).

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1106747563078353962005-01-26T13:47:00.000Z2005-01-26T15:09:00.763Z

Went to Leicester v. Gills at the Walker Stadium, we lost 2-0. Poor game. No more evidence your honour.... Then off to Kent for my dads birthday, went out for lunch to Rowlands Bistro, food was quite good (lamb was lovely, veg overcooked). Some muppet had a portable DVD player on their table and was watching a movie throughout their meal, honestly who brought them up? Spinning on tuesday

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1106232274731170892005-01-20T14:43:00.000Z2005-01-20T14:50:31.786Z

:-)

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1106133705693587872005-01-19T11:20:00.000Z2005-01-19T11:21:45.693Z

Nearly finished Pete's PC, managed to find a P200MMX for it too, he will be pleased ;-) My Sapphire X850XT PE shipped from komplett yesterday! I will be tracking it throughout today...

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1106045537157273162005-01-18T10:38:00.000Z2005-01-18T10:56:03.626Z

Went spinning again last night, tried a new session at Everton Park - I thought it was rubbish (way too slow, instructor was too placid and lacked motivation) Kirty liked it, probably because she didn't have to put as much effort in ;-) Been 'upgrading' Peters old desktop PC, and I took the time to go through the piles of computer bits that I've horded and see what I'd got that I could put in

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105971083551184582005-01-17T14:08:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:11:23.550Z

Doh! just realised that all the blog entries i emailed weren't set up to be published, so i've just published all of them, it shouldn't happen again though. Louisa has started her round-the-world journey, and corresponding blog, check out the link on the right of the screen - it should make interesting reading. Down at my parent's this weekend for dad's birthday and on the way i'm stopping off

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970925849348892005-01-16T19:04:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:08:45.850Z

Kirsty's suggestion of popping up Taskers for 5 mins resulted in us exiting the shop to find we had a flat tyre on the car. Great I thought. So I changed the wheel and after phoning four garages finally found one with a couple in stock. Took the car in , only to find that all the tyres were illegal and we needed a whole new set: £288. I feel a bit sick thinking about it now. I've started

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970757872369042005-01-10T22:04:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:05:57.873Z

Kirsty's got us going spinning twice a week now, we're gonna get fit, slim and healthy in time for A+J's wedding. Picton's closed down and Garston is always difficult to get a booking so it might be a struggle though.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970679432503172005-01-03T14:03:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:31:26.413Z

Geek Alert: Upgraded to PCI-Express system finally. New specs are listed on right of screen under 'Downstairs PC'. Now just got wait for X850XT PE to come into stock (currently running a lowly X300SE). System is really good for overclocking, should help with the F@H if nothing else ;-) I thought it only fair to make a donation to the Tsunami appeal at the same time as I was spending money on

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970599185257262005-01-01T14:01:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:03:19.186Z

Had a great New Years evening, Aggy+Jab and Glenn+Zoe came over. Drank lots, ate lots, had a good laugh. Glenn managed to get King Solomon confused with King Salmon, we took the piss, a lot. Aggy+Jab are staying over until tomorrow which is superb.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970461408194772004-12-29T20:58:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:01:01.410Z

Well I got home eventually, Kirsty had to pick me up from Warrington - why is our train system so bad?! Argh!! Nanna & Tilly (the dog) are up at the moment, Nanna's cold and the dog is mad. Fun. Went to Chester today, got a replacement DVD player for my supposedly 'super' Sony one that broke despite minimal use. Cheapo one will do for now until recordable+HDD is affordable...

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970321630739442004-12-28T22:56:00.000Z2005-01-17T14:01:19.110Z

Went to see Gills beat Coventry, Cov were terrible especially their goalie. I made sure Jab was well aware of this and the score ;-) *grin* Having a really bad train journey at the moment, despite leaving Euston on time, it's now late and I'm gonna miss my connection at Crewe. No idea how I'm gonna get home tonight...

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1105970190315433972004-12-26T21:02:00.000Z2005-01-17T16:21:23.143Z

Xmas day was great. Lots of superb presents including: Scalextric cars (oh yes, I'm a kid still really) Screwpull Star Screwpull Champagne bucket Sir Mix-a-lot DVD Ice-cream machine Slate Cheese-board Peter Kay DVD Airfix kits Brain Strain Game Cranium Game Stephen King Dark Tower VII (the last one) Money, vouchers, etc. and some more stuff Went to pub before lunch with Dad and Glenn, met up

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1103038955018948392004-12-14T15:42:00.000Z2004-12-14T17:29:27.350Z

Final episode of Series 3 was last night. Whilst a few episodes this series have been a bit weak, this final one was excellent.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102954623412455082004-12-13T16:17:00.000Z2004-12-13T16:17:03.413Z

Spent most of Saturday cleaning/painting bits of the house.Sunday, Jab came over and we played loads of FIFA'03 and watched thefootball.Bought the new illy dark roast espresso coffee. Man that stuff is strong!Fairly reminiscent of the strength you get in Starbucks.Can't wait for Xmas!!! We've got a few fun bits and pieces for the rest ofthe family...Oh, and it's freezing cold today.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102694313574823882004-12-10T15:56:00.000Z2004-12-13T12:29:22.210Z

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102693274523469402004-12-10T15:41:00.000Z2004-12-10T15:41:14.523Z

2Mbit from tomorrow morning!

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102692719485824922004-12-10T15:31:00.000Z2004-12-10T15:34:32.980Z

Googling for Phantom69 (my online identity in many internet forums) I've scored the first five links that Google returns! Nice. Yeah, I know, geek. [trouble is the seventh is for some dating agency, and no it isn't me] edit: And I've got most of the second page of results too.

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102672120338408192004-12-10T09:48:00.000Z2004-12-10T12:22:28.170Z

Wow! A 7' lego pendulum clock, that works: (!) Clock Perhaps I should get all my lego back out and have a go...

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102594511498492892004-12-09T12:15:00.000Z2004-12-09T12:15:11.496Z

All done.Woohoo!

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102338389899623972004-12-06T13:06:00.000Z2004-12-07T10:31:16.430Z

Had Louisa up from Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. Had a good laugh, I cooked: Starter Deep-fried Beer Batter Prawns with home-made Marie-Rose Sauce Main Pan-fried Pheasant with Root Vegetables, Game Chips and a Red-Wine Reduction Dessert Selection of house desserts including: Orange Pannacotta with Orange Confit Banoffee Bavarois Crema Catalana Summer Pudding Stacks Rasperry

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102084527558274532004-12-03T14:35:00.000Z2004-12-03T14:39:03.796Z

Top 3: (no particular order) El Rosser Dos Café Navilli Els Pescadors

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102084094546486772004-12-03T14:28:00.000Z2004-12-03T14:39:59.110Z

Such a funny program. David Walliams and Matt Lucas were on Chris Moyles this morning. Series 2 starts on BBC1 tonight (9.30pm).

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102071188276051222004-12-03T10:51:00.000Z2004-12-03T10:53:08.276Z

Hmmm....Kirsty decided we should go Xmas shopping last night because M&S had a 20% off (virtually) everything night, plus they were open to 1am. We didn't stay that long though! Driving there was fun as the temperature was -1 according to the car thermometer and there was thick fog. Yeah great...

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102000418060585922004-12-02T15:12:00.000Z2004-12-02T15:13:38.073Z

Type Smirnoff into predictive text and get 'poisoned'...Hmmmm.....

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1102000316154314822004-12-02T15:09:00.000Z2004-12-02T15:11:56.153Z

Quality stuff: Theakston Old Peculier Shepherd Neame Spitfire Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger Cobra (with a curry) Muck: That peach stuff Jab bought once That whisky stuff Jab likes Isle of Arran Dark Beer Thorntons Chocolate Beer (yes it actually has melted choc in it...)

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1101999711037268962004-12-02T14:54:00.000Z2004-12-02T15:01:51.036Z

Good Stuff: Applied for our broadband to be regraded from 1Mbps to 2Mbps, which is nice. BBC Radio-on-demand is fantastic, currently listening to this mornings Chris Moyles show. Bad Stuff: Pat O'Connell died last night, he'll be missed big time by everyone. Zoe is really upset, can't get hold of Ryan I assume he knows. Gills have no manager at the moment, there's some mad stuff on the website

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9427011.post-1101997714029165712004-12-02T14:27:00.000Z2004-12-02T15:02:28.493Z

Woohoo my first post...

Ben Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284601491804655741noreply@blogger.com