Day 33: Forms and more forms, insurance and passport photos...

I now have two new constant companions. Diary 2007 is for my blog notes and Diary 2008 is for lists.

Apart from the occasional wag who just has to ask if I know I’m writing in a 2007/8 diary, I am finding these are the best tools for the job.

Lucky I have a big bag to cart them around and broad shoulders!

I electronically send off my 10% deposit to show my commitment as the application form is taking longer to complete than I thought.

I have to include a recent passport type photo so have had to wait until today before I could have a hair-cut. I want to look as best I can in this unsmiling pose. Despite my best efforts, I look tired and cross. Oh well, once they see me in person, they’ll know how much the camera lies!

I have to say how fit I am. That’s a tricky one to answer. I sit at my desk all day working at a computer. I don’t go to a gym. I weigh more than I should for my height and age. I’m probably really unfit.

But I do walk just over a mile to and from work rather than get Park and Ride. I do gardening. Does that make me fit? Possibly not.

On the form I say I’m averagely fit, then cross it out and change it to just under average! Mental note to self – need to start an exercise regime: get the bike out and start training after work and weekends...and DIET!

I have one of these “free” annual travel insurance policies the bank gives as an incentive to keep customer loyalty but I am persuaded that due to the nature of this trip I really should consider using their specialist insurance.

I briefly think about it - I recall a previous experience involving a sharp knife and an attempt at grafting a cherry branch to another cherry tree and feel sick thinking about my poor scarred finger. As I’m likely to be using a machete whilst clearing vegetation, I decide to pay the premium.

They may not like it that I have a dodgy knee and occasional back pain but I expect they’ll up the premium if they need to!