Taking flight It has been nice to have had my feet firmly rooted here for most of the last month but that all changes tonight when I leave Chicago for two weeks.

Work has been hectic, and I've been living in a mess at home as builders continue to work on the place. It's looking good though and after owning my loft for a year now, I am very happy here. I just hated renting, I really did.

Tonight I fly overnight to London but only to crash at a hotel in Gatwick because the next morning I leave for Reykjavik until Sunday. Then back to London to meet clients for dinner Sunday evening and then with them until Wednesday, when I get my son and drive down to my parents in Eastbourne.

Of course Wednesday night I am completely torn. I could sacrifice seeing my son and travel up to Middlesbrough, but I wouldn't forgive myself. So it will be the 2nd best thing, which is being with my Charlton supporting family in front of BBC1.

The buzz about the replay seems to be exceptional. I heard over the weekend an estimate of 4,000 Addicks anticipated to make the long journey and judging by a couple of phone calls I had this morning from people at The Valley, the tickets and train and plane seats are going like hot cakes. It's going to be quite a turnout and should give the team a real lift.

Easter weekend I am back in town and will meet up with some mates to go to the Fulham game, before ending up in Oxford and then back to Heathrow on the Easter Monday and home.

Well home for only four days before I fly to Honolulu. And let me assure you I would still rather, subject to the obvious, be in Birmingham....  ¶ 09:12