We haven’t had a proper break since L.A. last April. So yes, almost exactly a year.
Busy times.

Alright I’ve travelled a fair bit since then but, as much as you might disagree with me, holidays they were not (weekend breaks don’t count).

I’ve got a few posts saved in draft backstage here at my happy place which, all going well, I’ll roll out when I’m back.

But for now no Mac, no phone, no Twitter and no blogs.

See you in a week…

Final score? 28/30

Not bad for my first attempt, wouldn’t you say?

The two that I missed were Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd respectively. The former was my birthday and, while I did actually manage to record and upload a video in time, the quality was so frickin’ bad – I’m refusing to put it up. The latter however, was the day after my birthday and, given that the party guests only started to leave around 7ish on Sunday morning, I think I can let this one pass.

Either way, two other videos were made for the weekend in question and, if the creators don’t mind, I think I’ll submit them as entries for those days. Guest entries if you will. First, my NaVloPoMo partner in crime, Benny Crime, with his ‘Happy Birthday Whatleydude‘ entry and second, creator of all things NaVloPoMo, Rupert Howe, for this awesome ‘Whatley’s evil twin‘ video.

While Benny’s is suitably bonkers, Rupert’s definitely needs some explanation, but you’ll have to wait for another day for that I’m afraid…

In the meantime one upshot from making video every day for a month is the enforced, creative experimentation of it all.

Much has happened over the past couple of months and there is much to catch up on.

The ‘Tales from my Moleskine‘ series is only halfway through (so expect something from there to appear here next), there is a lot of random video content I still want to throw together and of course, there’s just a crap load of normal life stuff I want to share.

So watch this space, I’ll be back soon…

“Changed for good, my output has.
To what end, remains to be seen…”

Aside from being reminded of Superman II all day, we also managed to take some video!

About a month ago I entered into the running to be Lucozade’s Social Media Reporter this Summer, covering each of their ‘Energy Challenges’ as they happen across the globe. Phase one was an initial email pitch that answered the question ‘why should we pick you?’

I threw some words together, detailing some of my social media credentials – or ‘whuffie‘ as my dear friend Vero calls it – and was soon after awarded a place in the next round.

Phase two stepped it up a bit. This time we had to create a ‘multimedia diary’ based around reporting on a physical activity.
The requirements were as follows:

• One two minute video
• Footage of the physical activity
• Interview with the person undertaking the activity
• Piece to camera introducing your diary
• A written blog of no more than 150 – 200 words
• 10 photographs

With that I went off and spent the afternoon at a secret location with my good friend and neighbour, Richard Mills. I think you all know how that turned out.

“James Whatley meets: Richard Mills” got me through into the third and final round; a sit down face to face with the Lucozade team. Two hours later my phone rang.

“Hi James, we’d really like it if you could be the Lucozade Energy Challenge Social Media Reporter…”

That was two weeks ago.

My feet haven’t really touched the ground since.

The Lucozade Challenge is one big competition. You can enter right now. Each week winning a place to on one of the challenges for you and three of your mates.
There are five challenges in total and they are as follows:

1. Sandboarding in Namibia
2. Cattle ranching in Wyoming
3. White water rafting in Zambia
4. Yacht racing in the Caribbean
5. Glacier climbing in the Alps

Over the Summer, I’ll be blogging, tweeting and filming every single one of them… and I cannot wait! 

Thing is, I leave for Namibia on Saturday.

Best pack really…

Whatleydude is off on his holidays!

A well deserved break before I start my new job at SpinVox.
I’m actually going to try and unplug from my mobile the whole time I’m there..

So I guess I’ll see you when I get back!

Bye!

I caught up with some old friends, played some Wii, laughed a hell of a lot and drank a fair bit of wine too!
I know 99% of my readers have never been to Canvey before so I’ve taken the liberty of uploading some photos of the ‘idyllic’ seafront along with the ‘picturesque’ sandy beaches..

All taken with my trusty N95 too!

Once this is uploaded i’ll get to work a little post entitled -

The Mobile Geeks of London

(which I was supposed to write last week!)

But for now… Boats and Beaches!

If you’re reading this and enjoying it – please share with others..

I’m gonna try and upload as much as possible – as a diary for me and as a way in for others who could not make it..

After a nigh on 6mth long self-imposed sabbatical I feel it is finally time to start blogging (properly) again…

I am coming back to the scene.

Watch this space.

UPDATE COMING SOON!

In the meantime however – here’s some pics of me and my bro in Gibraltar!

)

His name is Stephen Arthur James Whatley, he’s six years old, he’s ginger and he means business..

My bro’s gonna be a little heartbreaker..!

One more?

Oh ok then..

)

I love my brother. He’s awesome.

I’ll type up some stuff later – but yeah – Stephen’s one of the main reason’s I go to Gibraltar..

He ROCKS!

Hahah – see what I did there? He Rocks?!
Yeah? ..as in The Rock of Gibraltar?!
I know.. Hahahaha.. Brilliant.

Uncle Travelling Matt reporting in..

I’m in Gibraltar!
It’s alright – weather’s ok and stuff..
Hangin’ out with my folks here and my l’il bro -
(he’s AWESOME – pics to come)

Father’s Day tomorrow – haven’t spent Father’s Day with my Dad in about 20yrs now so that should be good.. and then at about 1750 tomorrow I’ll be jumping on a plane back to London..
Should get home about 10pm tomorrow night I reckon. By ‘Home’ I mean my actual house.. taking into account Sunday trains etc.. I should be alright!

So yeah – I’ll write it all up then I guess.. haven’t got much time online here.
All my time’s taken up entertaining my bro… (he’s six years old see)

Speak soon!

J.

(I’ll be setting up a charity soon in my own name – all donations will be gratefully received and faithfully applied!)

Ciao for now.