When I was 12 I got my first computer – a Commodore 64. I remember talking to my Gran about it and saying how it was easy enough to use, even she could. She shook her said and said, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. In her 80s, she never did, but neither […]
Category archives: Life
My first micro-sabbatical
I recently discussed the idea of a micro-sabbatical – a short time off work where, rather than lay in bed, I use my time for family and self-improvement. Left to my own devices on a day off, I’d probably have a lie-in before watching far too much daytime TV and then even indulging in a […]
It’s official – I’ll be speaking at WordCamp Edinburgh next month
I may have developing on the WordPress platform for 11 years but, as yet, I haven’t been a speaker at a WordCamp. In fact, other than at work, internally, I’ve never given a talk on WordPress at all. So, it’s with some relief that I can announce that I will “pop my cherry” next month, […]
Why Apple’s Giveback scheme isn’t as convenient as you’d think
The brand-new Apple Watch 4 came out yesterday, so users of older models may be considering using Apple’s Giveback scheme to get some money towards the new one. But, certainly in the UK, this doesn’t work quite as well as you’d hope.
Tee-total and vegetarian?
As the world’s (very unofficial) most carnivorous person, it would be a cold day in hell that I’d become vegetarian, right? Well, get the blankets and fire extinguisher out as I’m nearly (but not totally) there. A couple of weeks ago I became tee-total and, starting next week, I’ll be nearly vegetarian. Let me explain…
A Wicked trip to London
It was my wife’s 40th birthday back in June (which I’m sure she won’t appreciate me announcing here) and, as her present, she wanted to see a West End show. We booked tickets to see Wicked in August, which we now just back from. When booking, I decided that a made rush down to London, […]
VIP GM in Montréal, Canada
Automattic has split. Kind of. The VIP team are now working as a separate, autonomous entity, albeit still part of Automattic, and as a result we have the inaugural VIP Grand Meetup. It’s back to Canada again, although the East coast this time.
Talking Support: Following the work of others
So, let’s talk about improving your own support abilities by tracking the work of others.
Packing for business trips: the art of stress-free travel
In a couple of days I head for Montreal for the annual company meetup, the 11th trip I’ve taken with work in the last 18 months. Now, I’m not a seasoned, back-packing traveller but having to regularly head out, for anything from a few days to a week, I’m already getting pretty used to the […]
Killerby Holiday
24 years ago my wife’s family all got together at Killerby Old Hall in Yorkshire for a holiday. Last week it was repeated – same location but a much different family. My wife’s parents have passed on and some of the family couldn’t make it but it’s still obvious that the family has expanded greatly […]