Matthew Knott - Blog

This lowly slab of concrete represents so much to us as a family, and I think it's saved my marriage.

People die all the time, it's no secret, but morbid curiosity is now easily satisfied with more and more people using facebook, twitter and the like. For some reason or other, death is something that I often think about, and having what may be called a bountiful online presence makes me wonder about what would happen if I were to die suddenly.

The greatest pain, not physically, but emotionally, must be when you're unable to realise the grand ideas you conjure up. Okay, maybe a tad dramatic, and I guess the answer is fairly simple.

This week I've read three really inspirational stories centred around Rugby. They're not about the dazzling wingers or the mighty props, but about people who've overcome adversity in an amazing fashion.

Until recently, I knew very little about Parkinson's Disease. I thought it was the case that you had "the shakes" and a dodgy memory.

I've put off writing this because it's really upsetting, but here's what I know now and what it means to me.

Here's a fact for you, February is only the shortest month if you get some sleep, otherwise, it's infinitely long, and painful.

It's been eventful from the outset so here's how my month is going so far.

Introducing the latest addition to my menagerie, Charlotte Elizabeth, my first daughter.

Born 01/02/2010, which is a palindrome, neat. Unfortunately, her coming into this world didn't happen the way we planned.

With the birth of my second child imminent I'm starting to take a little more charge of my life, but still keep getting knocked back as I go.

I've been reading about Star Trek Online, and wondering if it'll be the game to fill a void that I've felt since playing "Space Rogue"

New Years resolutions are a tad cliché so I didn't make any. With no goals comes the inability to fail. I am however setting down some general guidelines I hope to abide by, soft goals, aspirational targets, call them what you will.

My story of 2009 continues with the very worst of the years events, it's a long list, but remember you're only reading this, I've had to live with it!

Personally, the worst year I've had in the last 15, but despite all the adversity I've faced, so much has been positive.

I want to recount it for myself rather than to preserve it for future generations. This year has pushed me to the limit and I want to remember that I beat it, just.

Part 1 looks at the positive experiences and memories of the year.

Why do we still need guns in this country?

It's a simple question with a simple answer, we don't.

Did you have crazy ideas about things it would be great to have or do, that are clearly fantastical but as a child seem strangely achievable?

I had a seriously over active imagination, and built up amazing adventures around these elaborate day dreams. Here's 5 that I can remember...

When life has you floored, and is using your face for kicking practice, every once in a while there's a ray of light that lets you get up, and hoof life in the balls, before taking it's wallet and legging it.

These are tough times for me, emotionally, mentally and financially. I've been on the ropes for several weeks now.

After undoubtedly the hardest week so far, I find myself starting to go looking for positives where none present themselves.

On Wedesday 14th October, Therapy? played Sin City in Swansea. As a band I've been listening to since I was 14, I was desperate to catch them while they were still touring, but was worried I'd set the bar too high.

It's been an odd week of up's and down's, I'm starting to think Karma may not be all hoodoo after all.

Every time I do something bad like swearing at someone in the car, something bad is just around the corner waiting for me.

Read about how blogging has helped me keep it together.