We're getting closer to General Election time again in the UK and as I'm still a British citizen and eligible to vote, my interest in British politics remains. Don't ask me why, I just can't seem to switch it off. With Twitter, Google Reader and iphone apps providing an ever constant news feed, … read more

I've recently returned from a work trip which included my first ever visits to the Philippines and India. The purpose of the trip was to carry out a PCI DSS audit for one of my clients. As is the way these days my client has outsourced their call centre to a company in Manila, and have also … read more

A couple of weeks ago I went on an Adventure Sailing Day courtesy of a gift experience that Rach bought me for my birthday. The Yacht I went on, which is called Solo, has quite a spectacular history. It has won the Sydney to Hobart race four times and circumnavigated the world 3 times. Also, it was … read more

We've recently returned from a memorable week on the Fraser Coast which included Whale Watching, a day on the world heritage listed Fraser Island and a trip to historic Maryborough. Whale Watching The highlight of the week was definitely our trip out into Hervey Bay itself to see the Humpback … read more

I've never seen anything like it. This was the view from our house this afternoon as the largest dust storm in decades descended upon Brisbane and a large part of the east coast of Australia. Apparently it has been caused by gale force winds in central Australia kicking up tonnes of red dust from … read more

Continuing with the wedding planning, on the 13th April we went away for the weekend (well, just one night actually) as we had a decision to make. After setting the date we wanted to get the invites out in the post as soon as possible so we could give friends and family in the UK plenty of notice. … read more

It has been quite a while since my last post, mainly due to a combination of taking on too much work and being distracted with other things. I'm going to add a few different posts over the next couple of days covering things we've been up to since my last post, rather than combining it all into this … read more

Bad idea to go out for an Indian last night. Delhi belly this morning. Stay clear of me on the train! # It was a bad idea bringing Rach into the city. Too many bridal shops! # Whoever is trying to hack into my Twitter account you're wasting your time. # Playing 'spot the weirdo' on … read more

RT @ev: This is interesting: @change_for_iran # Now on our way to Montville Treehouses in the Glasshouse Mountains. Staying for 1 night to check it out #weddingplanning # On our way to Mooloolaba to check out the river cruises #weddingplanning # Finally opening a bottle of wine and sitting down to a … read more

Finally - Kazakhstan v England World Cup qualifier being shown on ESPN here in Aus tonight. # Happy birthday Queensland - 150 today.. http://tinyurl.com/o9pcj3 # Chaser's WoE suspended for 2 weeks due to http://bit.ly/4SR2c. What's the world coming to. If you don't like satire just don't watch it! # … read more

At Brisbane airport about to fly to Sydney for a 1 day PCI QSA re-cert course. # Come on Everton! Strange thing to say coming from a Liverpool fan I know, but I can't stand Chelsea. # The difference between marketing and sales - http://bit.ly/K9mn6 # RT @bbcsport: A deal to allow England football … read more

Why is it that the word 'Wedding' automatically adds $$$ to the cost of things? This weekend we went up to Noosa for a wedding fayre. Yes, you would be right in thinking that attending a wedding fayre is is not in my top 5 things to do on a Sunday. However, sensing that I would immediately come up … read more

@rileypollard ok cheers for the heads up. That would be just our luck! in reply to rileypollard # Driving towards a rainbow - http://yfrog.com/58br9lj # Stopped off at the North Lakes Tavern for a spot of lunch and a pint of Guiness. http://bit.ly/1rZWV # After 2 years I think we've finally … read more

Traffic chaos and train delays. Glad I'm working from home today! # Up and about surprisingly fresh this morning even though I didn't get to bed 'till 1am last night due to #Liverpool game. Very strange. # Not keen on the UK's entry for #eurovision this year. It's no Bucks Fizz! # Come on Arsenal. … read more

Me and Rachelle have been together over 9 years now and engaged for quite a few of those. We have a 7 year-old daughter, and most people just presume that we're already married. Rachelle often gets called Mrs Haines and never bothers to correct them. She's been nagging me for quite a while to agree … read more

RT Under the Taliban, beards were compulsory, which meant that Afghans couldn't enter international boxing contests. (via @qikipedia) # At the Hyatt Regency Coolum on a work jolly, also brought Rach and Lauren # Into the Wild - remarkable movie http://bit.ly/20DgEs # Job done. On my way back to … read more

Something is seriously wrong with my brain this week. Two incidents give cause for concern that I may have Frank Spencer syndrome: Incident 1 - over the weekend Rach asked me to have a look at the car because it wouldn't start. I got in it, turned the key and I got absolutely nothing from the … read more

All over at Anfield. 3 points but we still need a major fubar from Man Utd. I suppose I ought to go to bed now. Maybe one more JD & Coke... # Lucas makes it 3-0 for #Liverpool. His first premier league goal. He's still shit! # The Kopites singing 'You should have stayed on the tele' to Shearer. … read more

I've just been going through some old papers I've kept, ready to scan them with my flash new scanner/printer/copier thingymajiggy so I can have a paperless office, and I've come across my best man's speech that I gave. Apologies to Mark and Katherine in advance if you read this and have to re-live … read more

My first 'proper' pint in nearly 2 years - http://twitpic.com/410ar # I've found a place that sells John Smiths Extra Smooth. All in the world is right again! # Stayed up to watch LFC. Shit game but it's the 3 points that count. # The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put … read more