When I was at secondary school I was really into reading. I mean, really into it. I read a book or two a week; mostly sci-fi or fantasy novels (with the family I had I needed a little escapism, after all), but I read a whole range of things. As long as my nose was in... Continue Reading →
The struggle of being a working-class parent with middle-class kids
You may, dear reader, be expecting me to spend this post moaning about class warfare and how hard I had it growing up, but I'm not going to do that. Yes, we struggled; living as a child in a little, three-bed terraced house in East London with two brothers, three sisters, two parents and a... Continue Reading →
My most embarrassing date (so far)
Over the last month or so I've become a little more talkative on Twitter (come say hi @adatingdad if you're on there too!) and have followed some really brilliant and funny people. Some focus on parenting, some dating and a few are like me and talk about both. It's some of those who are exploring... Continue Reading →
Versatile Blogger Award
Before I go further, I know that this isn't a real, proper, stick-it-on-LinkedIn, glass trophy award. But what it is is both very flattering and also a great excuse to write about me. As a big narcissist really I'm never going to pass up that opportunity, so thanks a million times over to the ace She... Continue Reading →
Learning to think differently after divorce
I like to learn new things. The process of discovering things for the first time, enjoying them, delving deeper, understanding and trying them out is fascinating and fun, whether it's painting, dancing, reading or sword fighting. Many moons ago, when I used to run educational courses for young people, I decided to spend a little... Continue Reading →
Vocal disharmony
For the first decade of my working life (and a few years before that as a volunteer), I was a youth worker. I worked with the brightest of the bright kids, who would go on to British Youth Council work, UN representation and more, right the way through to those kids who were at the... Continue Reading →
Decorating at Will
Some things from the late 90's/early 00's were firmly of their time and should've been left there. Had the Spice Girls, Tamegotchies, happy slapping, Beanie Babies and the Macarena all been consigned to the history bin then I, for one, wouldn't have been in the slightest bit upset. Will & Grace, however, does not fall... Continue Reading →
Let’s discuss your intentions
I've recently mentioned that I've joined a local group for single people, and it continues to throw up some real gems. After recently being told that I should effectively read every word of a book before judging whether or not I like it, next up was being told how quickly to test the depth of... Continue Reading →