Mi Media Naranja

Te adoro mi media naranja para siempre con todo mi corazon, alma y cuerpo! Gracias para navidad y esta ano es un aventure para nuestros!! 

Hacienda La Gigantera

Welcome to the Hacienda La Gigantera! This is where Mony and I are holding our reception from 9pm on June 10 2006. It's a beautiful place with perfume, ducks, fountains an enormous hall, great toilets, a lovely bar, places for the kids and such a tranquil and romantic ambience. I can't wait until then and I loved seeing it, I can imagine what it will be like on our big day! 

Sol meets with the Arch Bishop of Guadalajara

Well I´m having a great time here in GDL, the weather is like late spring and this is winter!! The holidays have been amazing and I haven´t left Mony´s side apart from sleeping. The live internet link to the UK on 25/12 was tricky but I´ve had a great time with Mony and her family. They are a lovely family and I am very proud to be part of their family. Anyway today I met with the Arch Bishop of GDL and was interviewed about ALL aspects of my life in Spanish for 2 hours. I can´t begin to explain how hard it was for a student of spanish to understand such obscure topics as to "Why do you believe in God?" but I did my very best the instito cervantes would be very proud of me, Anyway it´s another thing separating mony and I from our wedding day and I´m pleased that this bit is over. Tomorrow is "Las Platicas" and then on Thursday I get to see the reception venue. In the meantime I need my certificate of non impediment and a letter from a catholic bishop with two catholic witnesses to confirm that there is no impediment to my life. If you are catholic and have known me for over 5 years, please get in touch as I need your help!

Greeting froms GDL, I´´m having a ball and don´t want to leave, I feel at home here, probably because Mony is here.

Warm Summer Days...Oh no it's winter

I took this picture of the beautiful Monica to illustrate not only how great she looks in her Embrace t-shirt but just how nice the weather is in Guadalajara, it's like that last weekend in May when you know that summer is just around the corner 

Christmas eve with my brother's wife's family

This is a great shot, after I dressed up as Santa and celebrated with the kids which I've got to say was the most moving experience of my life as the kids went WILD!!!!!!!!!!! I've never seen anything like it I felt so moved to see such emotion in those kids faces and realise that I had given them so much joy by just dressing up. I got a photo with Nena's (My brother's wife) family, it was a surprise for everyone and I think this is a great photo although Vicky is a little tipsy but then no change there.....Borracho!!!!!!! 

My Christmas Dinner

Pozole!!!!!! Que Rico! 

Santa Sol

 

Checklist

Shaved Head = Yes
Presents Packed = Yes
Number of Cases = 2
Free Wifi hotspots identified = OH YES!

I'm trying to stay up as late as I can tonight ready for sleeping on the 7 hour flight "cross the pond" tomorrow as I travel to my baby's arms. First I can't wait to see her face when she sees me it will make my heart sing a very happy tune but the geek in me is thinking oh sure, your going to Mexico where the weather will be 75'f + EVERY DAY but what about your online connection. Ladies & Gentleman I will be staying at the Howard Johnson which has the foresight to provide free wifi access. To the uninitiated, this means that I can use my PDA to make calls for well f*ck all. I can call my Mom & Dad on Xmas day for nothing because my folks are so cool, they have Skype. I can call my fiancee for nothing because again she will have Skype on her PC too! I can log on to MSN messenger to bug my buddies about my location, update my blog, surf the net and generally stay connected for nothing. That's right! Nada!! Para GRATIS!! Anyway bag to the preparations, I've been rushing around all day getting very excited, I can't sleep so I'm staying up to get myself as close to GDL time as possible. There is no snow in Boston and 20 hours of travelling commences in 6 hours time! I can't wait! I have only my washbag to pack now and then I'm off with my matching luggage and brand new leather bag which was my present from my folks. I've 8 pairs of jeans, a zillion t-shirts and 3 pairs of shoes anything else....I can buy from Gigantes! Mony... I'm coming to get you, it's been over 5 months since I held your hand and looked into your eyes and told you how much I love you but tomorrow night my love, I will do just that, albeit that my eyes will be blood shot! Bon Voyage! PS. Alan's keeping an eye on the iPAD and I'll update you when I'm there which won't be too long at all. Vive Mexico, Vive Amor & Vive FREE WIFI!! (GEEEEEEK!)

Wanted dead or Alive - Live on Google Video

Featuring Live on Google video is the video I made for the Amnesty international charity concert in Dec 2002. It's a parody of Bon Jovi's video "Wanted Dead or Alive" and I hope you enjoy it! Click here to view 

95% Percento! Nivel 2 Espanol

I got my exam results for my 2nd level Spanish exam and I got 95% making me top of the class (ooh it's just like being at school again)!

Embrace Audience Manchester Evening News Arena

"All you good good people!" 

Embrace live at the Manchester Evening News

Alan my neighbour and I went to see Embrace at the Manchester Evening News Arena, The band were really pleased to be playing there and that made the night all the more special! 

Introducing Alan

This is Alan my next door neighbour he's a great guy and a great neighbour. It's great to have some with whom I can pop round for a quick beer and a chat, As you can see we're really pleased after our night at Embrace and merry with pre christmas spirit ie Pissed! 

Inspiration day out

These are some pictures taken from our Inspiration day out organised by Mark Haines. It was a great day out in Manchester as tourists, we went to the Manchester Art Gallery and then onto a rock exhibition at Urbis. Lunch at the festive market and then a trip on the big wheel with our Christmas party in the Living Room. 

Marketing Department

This is me and the rest of my colleagues on our day out in Manchester 

Merry Manchester

Some pictures of modern & beautiful Manchester City centre and a handsome chap with his sausage in his hand! All taken from our company day out! 

Urbis - Inspiration!

Gaining inspiration on a work's day out at Urbis Manchester 

Holy Guacamole!

I'm continuing my love affair with my blender, I like to call her "Brenda" (oh dear!) normally I like to make some really piquant salsa I like my food with some oomph and most english food is a tad bland, so to spice it up I stick some fire in it with my homemade salsa. I also have a passion for Advocado, makes my hair all shiny you know and is great for the heart so I pulled out my trusty Mexican Recipe Book and found a recipe for Guacamole and then started to improvise. Brenda was working hard turning Bird's Eye Chillis, Red Onion, Lime, Salt & 6 Advocados into the wonderfully light and fluffy dip you see here. Fantastic on Chilli con carne and because of the chilis used it's got some kick. Overall I'm very pleased with the results and shall be enjoying it for the next few days! Needless to say when Monica gets here the recipe book will be put away in favour of her recipes but it's a handy thing to keep on hand for those nights when I want to surprise with a taste of mexico! 

Finger on the pulse

BlogPulse is an automated trend discovery system for blogs. Blogs, a term that is short for weblogs, represent the fastest-growing medium of personal publishing and the newest method of individual expression and opinion on the Internet. BlogPulse applies machine-learning and natural-language processing techniques to discover trends in the highly dynamic world of blogs. BlogPulse is brought to you by Intelliseek.

What can BlogPulse do for me?
BlogPulse.com is a blog search engine that also analyzes and reports on daily activity in the blogosphere. BlogPulse.com features the following:

* A Search Engine for blogs
* A set of Buzz-Tracking tools that are applied to blog content daily to track blog activity on key issues, people, news stories, news sources, bloggers and more
* A fun look at real-world Trends as reflected through blogs
* Daily blog stats that measure activity in the world of blogging (number of blogs identified, new blogs created, number of blog posts analyzed)
* A Trend Search that allows you to create trend charts comparing buzz in the blogosphere on up to three specific topics
* A Conversation Tracker that follows and captures the discussion, or conversation, that emanates and spreads from individual blogs or individual blog posts
* Blogger Profiles that identify top-ranked blogs and analyze their blog presence, activity and relative influence in the blogging world
* A Showcase, which we think of as a virtual sandbox where our researchers bring you some of the coolest new ideas, tools and gadgets for blogging

This excerpt taken directly from the Blog Pulse website, If you are interested in what they have to offer go visit the site. You could use to see how active the cyberworld has been when talking about your new product, town or company and perhaps this has contributed to more or less people purchasing from your company. Don't take my word for it, try it for free!

Autoglass fails to delight customer

After the "Chav steals gymbag" incident, I have been waiting for the glass for my car to come into Autoglass who have been telling me since Thursday that the glass has been ordered and will be available tomorrow. I'ts now Saturday and once again the glass is not there. The challeneges that any supply company faces are one of stock & supplier management and despite massive investment in electronic stock ordering systems, the IT investment is only as good as the service it provides to it's customers which in this case is GARBAGE! Their website says "24/7 mobile vehicle glass repair and replacement service" a core service value. Which they have failed to achieve. As the marketplace is already heavily competitive what helps a company stand out is it's core values and making sure they deliver on them. Exceed the expectation and you have customers telling their friends. Meet the expectation and you have satisfied your raison d'etre. F*ck it up big style. Customers walk and not only tell their freinds to stay away but they tell the whole world through the medium known as the internet. (Case in point) So Autoglass may have a paid for listing on Google but I would recommend that you DON'T use them unless you want to wait and choose any of the following companies : RAC Auto Windscreens - UK, Windscreen Replacement or Nationwide Autoglazing. A brand is only as good as the service it supplies and companies spend millions trying to attract customers through spontaneous awareness and intergrated online campaigns. The branch I used are Regent Rd, Salford and quite clearly.... these guys have problems!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

It might be reasonably drab and chilly out but here in SollyBear's world it's snowing heavily. I would advise you to stay in with a loved one and drink mulled wine. Happy Holidays! Also check out the count down timer until Mony and I are together. I truly am counting down the seconds!!

Chav steals Gymbag!

Last night one of the hood rat masses that I am forced to live with due to f*cking ridiculous house prices took advantage around midnight to smash my window and see what he could rob from my car. Car stereo? No. The chavscum stole my gym bag (soiled) and some books I had stored in my boot to give to a children's charity for Christmas. Insurance company will pay £300 to have broken window replaced, so everyone's premiums will continue to rise. Chavs, chavscum, hood rats, tiny little turds of society what posesses you to steal books from a children's charity? More importantly what on earth crossed your drug addled little mouse sh*t sized brain to steal my gym kit. Dirty little deviant freaks!The mind boggles! In the meantime have purchased earplugs enabling better sleep as Longford Rd West, Reddish Drag Racing is getting worse with several NIGHTLY incidents of 85+ mph racing and 360 degree skids. This is now a nightly occurance since racers were forced off Mount Rd, Gorton due to installation of speed control measures.

Anyone for coffee?

These are my new LSA International Sky blue solo mugs

I got these from Essentially White, I was inspired after my trip to the Lowry hotel spa for a massage and I think this design is timeless & simple. I'm very pleased with my purchase as these mugs are very HARD to find and now have pride of place in my kitchen!

Rick Acker's Birthday

I was out with Rod, Pete and Rick for Rick's birthday and we took a trip into Stockport and visited some of the traditional watering holes. The nelson tavern and the baker's vault on Stockport's historic market place. Great night was had by all.

Gone wireless baby

I am sat in my kitchen with an espresso,lindor choclate and I'm updating my blog using my mobile phone whichis the new Orange SPV M500 smart phone. I'm using the wireless connoection provided by Linksys and ntl and listening to a classic chillout album wafting in from the lounge. Life is good. Went out with Rod and Rick last night as it was Rick's birthday fun was had by all although with the passage of time we seem to moan about the things in our lives. Not me I'm a cheery old "sol" I like to see life for the positive and always try to enjoy every opportunity life can give me. I must say that I adore my kitchen it is such a relaxing space my whole home is very almin ans tranquil but the kitchen has a special energy. I can't wait for Mony to be here, she will love this room I know she will today we spoke on the phone (skype) for 3 hours and very soon we will chat the night away. The challenge of maintaining a long distance relationship is tested nly by how well you communicate. In 3 weks and 6 days we will be together and I cannot wait. I adore mony and spending each day with her for the rest of my life will make me so happy. I can't wait to be married in Guadalajara.

Venetian blinds!!!

I'm so pleased with my new venetian blinds supplied and fitted by Hillarys Blinds they've finally brought an element of privacy to my kitchen whereas before I was seriously overlooked I am now free to enjoy the privacy of my home! I'm very pleased and they match the colour of my kitchen cabinets and really set the room off lovely! I'm very proud! 

Wedding reception food preview!!

Last Night Mony went to the Hacienda La Gigantera to test out the food for our wedding. She had 4 differnent types of food to try and as the peach she is she took photos each one for me to see so I'm involved in the process. Without telling me which one she liked the best we picked the same one. This is Chicken in a spinach sauce with Cheese, Ham & Spinach inside the chicken with Vegetables & Mashed Potato! Muy Rico!!

Danhey Bonfire

Derek Livingstone (my oldest friend) and I went to the Danehey bonfire out in the country to see some old friends and enjoy the festivities. I was driving that night and derek and I had a merry old time there. The fire was roaring and there were loads of fireworks and much merriment was had by all. Derek took some great pictures. I spent most of the night talking with Will, Sarah & Neil and Derek. Such fun! 

Amor Mio

Hora tras hora, día tras día,
Entre el cielo y la tierra que quedan
Eternos vigías,
Como torrente que se despeña
Pasa la vida.

Devolvedle a la flor su perfume
Después de marchita;
De las ondas que besan la playa
Y que una tras otra besándola expiran
Recoged los rumores, las quejas,
Y en planchas de bronce grabad su armonía.

Tiempos que fueron, llantos y risas,
Negros tormentos, dulces mentiras,
¡Ay!, ¿en dónde su rastro dejaron,
En dónde, alma mía?. 

Sólo tú

Sólo tú le das brillo y Amor a mi Corazón.
Sólo tú me miras con tanta pureza y belleza interior.
Sólo tú llenas de Alegría a mi Alma.
Sólo tú conoces mis secretos, deseos y anhelos.
Sólo tú me transmites calor con tus manos.
Sólo tú me das fuerzas para seguir viviendo.
Sólo tú me hablas con tanta dulzura.
Sólo tú me escuchas con tanta paciencia.
Sólo tú me acaricias con tanta delicadeza.
Sólo tú me besas con tanta ternura.
Sólo tú me comprendes con tanta sutileza.
Sólo tú haces que me sienta el Ser más Feliz del Universo.
Sólo tú me das tanta seguridad en mí misma.
Sólo tú me calmas y tranquilizas cuando estoy mal.
Sólo tú eres el que puede entrar en mi Corazón y en mi Ser.
Sólo tú me abrigas cuando tengo frío.
Sólo tú eres y serás el Dueño de mi Corazón.
Sólo tú eres mi Sueño hecho realidad.
Sólo tú eres y serás el que me ama y me amará siempre.
Sólo tú eres al que amo y amaré eternamente! 

Juntos para navidad

Muy pronto estoy con mi prometida para navidad. Falto mi mony mucho!! Solo es 9 fin de semanas mas!!!

Styal Quarry Bank Mill woods near to Manchester Airport

Today I took an autumnal walk through the trees with my friend Derek. It was great to enjoy one of the last great days of 2005. 

Me and the Future Mrs Flamberg!!

I had such an amazing time in GDLand I cannot wait to be back there! It was a tremendous feeling to be welcomedinto Monica's family and to see life in Guadalajara the way that a local does.Thinking about the times we shared we spent each and every day with each othertalking and walking and loving every moment of it. The time cannot pass quickenough for my return at christmas. In the meantime here are some great picturesof Sol and his prometida!. Te amo amor, con todo mi corazon para siempre!! Ourwedding is on June 10th 2006 in Guadalajara and I cannot wait for that day tocome!

Mony visits the Hacienda La Gigantera. We've decided upon the Hacienda La Gigantera for our reception. It's a beautiful place with many candles at night. There is a place for children to play and it is a very romantic place with a great menu.