Changing Times

A recent status on my facebook account came about when I was updating the personal information section, and it says that - These days I feel as though i'm sat on the outside looking in on something that I never thought would be happening, and thinking, is this really me.
The reason I have mentioned this is because that's how my life seems to have become over the past few years and I have, especially lately, been found sat and thinking as to how things have changed, what's been happening, and why.
For those that don't know, my brother died what will be 9 years ago this November and it hit myself badly, so much so that depression (a word so often used for all the wrong reasons) hit quite badly and for some, unbeknownst reason, I turned to writing for release and salvation.
Fast forward nearly a decade and I find things totaly different now as to what it was then. Even today, I was out walking with the Mrs when the conversation somehow got round to my brother and I happened to say that it was hard to imagine as to what he would be like today. He was 22 when he dies, and would have been 31 this year. It also makes you think about yorself as well, what you have done in life, why and how everything has progressed.
Going back to my initial statement, that is really what's been happening and I cannot explain it but times have changed, and for the better, and I am more than grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Now my life has some meaning to it and it's only took me three decades to get here.

Champions League Draw

Today's draw for the quarter and semi finals of the UEFA Champions League threw up some interesting ties. Spanish giants Real Madrid were the first team drawn in the ceremony in Nyon, France. It's the first time in seven years that Mourinho's Madrid have reached this stage of the competition and 'the Chosen One' will be looking to add to his already glittering resume, having already won the famous trophy with both FC Porto, and last season with Inter Milan (also in the draw). Standing in Mourinho's way are British newcomers, Tottenham Hotspur, who, under the enigmatic Harry Redknapp, are enjoying their first sojourn into the continent's premier club competition.
Next up was an all English tie which, in all honesty, will be a tight affair between Premiership title contenders, Chelsea and Manchester United. The London club are still chasing their first Champions League trophy, whereas Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to add another trophy to his bulging collection as he looks to surpass Merseyside giants Liverpool, both home and abroad. A Battle of Britain, too rights it is!
Hot favourites Barcelona were next out and, although a relatively easy tie on paper, a trip to Ukraine and Shakhtar Donetsk will not be easy as it first sounds, but Barca should progress. Finally, defending champions Inter Milan will play Schalke, both, along with Donetsk, relative underdogs in this season's competition. Although Inter are defending champions, they have been having problems bith home and abroad this season and their German opponents will be hard to break down.
What there won't be is an all-Spanish final as, if they both win their respective quarter final matches, Real and Barca will meet in the semis. Barca with an added incentive of reaching the showpiece final in May, at a ground they have fond memories, having won the old European Cup at the old Wembley back in 1992.
My personal predictions will be a Barcelona v Inter Milan final, although opponents will have plenty to say about that.
Enjoy the remainder of the 2011 Champions League, it's going to be a good one!

First Post!

Hello everyone and welcome to my website.
I would like to make the first post on this site a thankyou to Tristan Burnside and Jon Spry you have helped to get this up an running. Let's just hope it works.
Also, as today is Steve Wraith's Birthday, Happy Birthday mate from your official biographer. The book is going well and look forward to our next meeting.
God Bless one and all. Px