I've just passed the 2 month mark of my return to the UK from Spain. In some ways it feels like I have been back ages but really it hasn't been that long at all. I think it is because I have packed so much in over these last couple of months.
People have asked if I miss Spain. Well, I miss the swimming pool, I miss the sea view and I miss being able to sit outside to eat so often. However, there are many things that I am really enjoying about being back in England – for those of you that moan about the place you have to be away to appreciate what we have here. I've also met some great people that I might not have met had I still been over there. I've also got so much more done with my businesses that probably wouldn't have happened or moved as fast.
When I look back it is amazing that I managed to build 2 successful businesses with James Collier the first of which (MuscleTalk) is coming up for 11 years old now – all with very infrequent meetings between us. I really feel that what we have achieved in separate countries is a real testament to my business relationship and friendship with James.
It was odd too visiting an office that the company had for years but I had never even been to. I still don't go in very often but that's because I don't have a desk (HINT HINT) . No scrap that, don't get me a desk ;)
While the moving back to the UK after nearly 12 years is obviously quite a major turning point in itself, there have also been some significant ones since coming back. Not least is my return to training properly and I know where that turning point was too. I'd only been back two weeks and we had a photo shoot for 1 Rep Max at Monster Gym.
Not only were there no decent gyms where I was living but I was so busy with the businesses. Don't think I can't see the irony of running one of the biggest bodybuilding sites when I'd stopped training myself. Anyway, back to the photo shoot. I had a really great day and it was such a great experience to be back with the iron (and the smells) again. I was reminded too of that great spirit and friendship that exists between like-minded people that go to the gym. I guess you could call it the brotherhood of iron. And I even bumped into Eddie Abbew who I hadn't seen for around 16 years – I was pleased he recognised me.
And then there was the shame... the feeling that I shouldn't have stopped training... feeling slightly out of place. Well, I've done something about it and am really starting to feel great again in that respect. Thinking about it, this was perhaps even more significant than the massive change of coming back here. I love mixing with people that train – there is an unspoken understanding there that unless you are in that circle you will never understand. It's much the same for those of us into old Rock ‘n' Roll - perhaps each of these two groups will understand a bit more what the other is about knowing about that commonality.
While we are talking about music there's even a rumour that I might start another band - you never know.
I've hit a really exciting time in my life and hopefully some of you will come along for the ride.
I thought it was time I started a blog. I get plenty of random thoughts during the day and end up popping them on Facebook. This gives me a chance to go into a bit more detail.
There'll be some waffle about bodybuilding, business, a touch of music stuff and, of course, my unique brand of comedy
